HIGH POINT— A rainy day did not stop the Pennybyrn community from celebrating and dedicating its newest space June 23 - the courtyard outside the Melvin and Ruth Witcher Adult Day Center.
During the dedication Father Pat Hoare, chaplain of Pennybyrn, joked, “There is enough water coming down outside, maybe I shouldn’t sprinkle it with more.”
The courtyard is a memorial to former Pennybyrn residents, Melvin and Ruth Witcher.
Their son Doug Witcher was the benefactor who made the courtyard a reality.
“I remember just how much Melvin loved being outdoors during his time (here). He and I would sit together and visit the outdoor spaces each location offered, and it was clear how much joy it brought him to be in those courtyard settings,” said Director of Development and Community Relations Sarah Barker.
As a landscaper, Melvin understood how to thoughtfully plant and care for landscapes. Melvin appreciated the simple gifts of nature — the beauty of flowers, the tranquility of being outside, and especially the peaceful sounds of water moving, trickling and bubbling.
Barker, Father Hoare, and the rest of the Pennybyrn community look forward to planting flowers, listening to birdsong, enjoying nature and making space to hear God’s quiet invitation in their souls for many years to come.
“All of these moments will become part of Melvin and Ruth’s continuing legacy,” Barker said. “We are so deeply grateful for these additions that have enhanced our ministry.”
— Lisa M. Geraci, photos provided by Pennybyrn
