W. Leslie Douglas
1913-2010
by Nancy Gibson, History Committee
In the January 2010 Bethel Meetinghouse News there was an article written by Leslie Douglas. I had spoken to him only once to ask if he would write an article about his memories of Bethel. He was so gracious, and said he would be delighted to recall some memories of “my Bethel”. He would send the article in the mail. The following is just a portion of what he shared; “My Dad was an elder in the church and I was always very proud of him when he served communion. I was also proud of my mother because she had a lovely voice and sat in the front row of the choir. Bethel has always meant a great deal to me and I feel very comfortable being a member. I still feel that way.”
I was saddened to hear shortly after publishing his article in the Jan. 2010 newsletter, he was diagnosed with cancer. He went home to be with his Lord November 6, 2010. The Washington Post obituary written by Lauren Wiseman reports: he passed away peacefully at his home in Washington D.C. surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Enon Valley. He received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa. in 1935 and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard in 1937. He served in the navy during World War II. He served as Executive Vice President at the investment firm of Folger Nolan Fleming Douglas and up until a week before his death was still proudly at his desk as he had been for 64 years.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Jean Wallace Douglas of Washington, who is the only daughter of Henry A. Wallace, who was a vice president under Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Progressive Party candidate in the 1948 presidential election. Other survivors include three children, David W. Douglas of Santa Fe, N.M., Ann D. Cornell of Bethesda and Joan D. Murray of Washington and six grandchildren. He lived each day with joy and hope, loving his family and treasuring his friends. Interment will be private. A service in celebration of his life will be held at a later date.” The complete article can be read at http://www.washingtonpost.com/.
I contacted Janet Downing and asked if she would write a few words about her Uncle Les. This was her reply, “I looked through a book Uncle Les had written for his family about his life and there were many things I could have copied, but the most important thing I think he would like people to know is that he felt Bethel Church and his parents gave him the foundation for his faith .He was a humble man who loved his family and friends. The obituaries were humble, like the life he led. Les’s son David lead the Celebration of Life service which was packed with standing room only. Quite a testament to the love of a 96 year old gentleman. Don Dixon, Mary Douglas Dixon’s son. read the 23rd Psalm from his mother’s Bible. His Grandson David Murray spoke about his grandfather. Sandra Day O'Connor, a good friend of Aunt Jean and Uncle Les, gave the eulogy”
Bethel Highlights about Mr. Douglas from the January 2010 article-----
“Les” was baptized by Rev. John Dice July 5, 1914 and became a member June 27, 1925 while Rev. Robert Montgomery was pastor. All his siblings have a bond with Bethel.
Mary Elizabeth baptized 9-29-1904 joined 7-1-1916,
Lawrence McAnlis – baptized 10-19-1907 joined 10-5-1918,
Robert Sterritt – baptized 6-5-1909 joined 10-18-1920,
Charles Floyd – baptized 3-3-1918 joined 10-19-1928.
Hanging in the cloakroom is an “Honor Roll of Those Serving” and Leslie Douglas is among those serving in WW2.
The church records also show his father Robert ( who was called Bert) joined Bethel January 27, 1894 and became an elder May 29, 1915. His mother Maud joined October 7, 1904 by transfer from Reformed Presbyterian Congregation of Little Beaver.
