January 01, 1998 | by Pamela Jensen
For 22 years (since 1998), we have been blessed to have Cathy’s presence among us as a full-time member of our church staff. Her job title of chief custodian does not begin to encompass the many roles she fills.
Through the tenure of at least 14 pastors, associate pastors, and interim pastors; the terms of dozens of classes of elders and deacons; and scores of classes of Sunday School children, Ms. Cathy Chandler has been a constant at Wayne Presbyterian Church. For 22 years, we have been blessed to have Cathy’s presence among us as a full-time member of our church staff. Her job title of chief custodian does not begin to encompass the many roles she fills.
Cathy was born and raised in Chester, PA, the third of eight children. When her mother died at age 28, Cathy stepped in to help raise and nurture her younger sisters. From this early age, Cathy has never stopped nurturing – her two sons, twelve grandchildren, and many extended family members, who live from Chester to Tennessee to Georgia. She has lived in Chester all her life, except for a brief period in her twenties when she moved to Rhode Island with her husband.
In 1998, while Cathy was employed as an executive housekeeper for a local residential facility, one of the contractors with whom she had been working mentioned a job opening at WPC and recommended her for the position. The construction of our Connector had just been finished, significantly expanding the interior of our church facility. Several male custodians were already on staff, but as Cathy tells it, “they needed a woman” to really get the cleaning done right. After interviews with several staff members, Cathy was hired, and our venerable, beloved church building has been the beneficiary of Cathy’s passion for cleaning ever since. Rather quickly, it became clear that not just the building but also the people of WPC were the beneficiaries of Cathy’s care and concern. For her part, Cathy is grateful that the members and staff of WPC have consistently been concerned for her as a person, aware of her value to the church, and appreciative of her many contributions to our life together as a church family.
Cathy was raised in the Baptist tradition, still begins each day with a reading from the Bible, and maintains fellowship with her other church family in Chester. Nonetheless, Cathy can be found working at WPC most Sunday mornings, clear in her recognition that “God and Jesus Christ are at any church.”
Sunday mornings in WPC’s kitchen may offer the best opportunity to appreciate the personal and organizational skills, as well as the deep knowledge of the church, that Cathy brings to her position with us. The following is just a sampling of the questions/comments/problems that one is likely to hear directed Cathy’s way on any given Sunday morning: “Cathy, the Sanctuary (or Chapel or Sunday School room) is too hot (or too cold). Cathy, one of the candles on the altar has gone out. Cathy, there aren’t enough cookies for fellowship. Cathy, the coffee urn (or cream pitcher) is empty. Cathy, the plumbing has overflowed on the second floor. Cathy, the dishwasher is leaking. Cathy, the audio in the Chapel isn’t working and 30 people are waiting to hear the adult education speaker. Cathy, what’s wrong with the projection in the Fireside room? Cathy, do you have a key to the mission room? (of course she does).” While some Sundays require triage, Cathy somehow manages to keep it all together.
Cathy would like the members of WPC to know that she enjoys being around the people at WPC and treats us like family. She keeps a poem above her desk which she believes captures her spirit well. Written by Chuck Saber, who worked briefly on the church staff, the poem describes Cathy as follows:
Thank you, Cathy, for your many years of service to the church of Christ in this place. WPC is more faithful, more beautiful, more welcoming and caring because of your efforts among us, and we are very grateful.
