This article appeared in The Madras Messenger newsletter of Madras, Ore., United Methodist Church, Sept. 2013 edition. History Corner featuring Margaret Lever Dement
Margaret Lever Dement came to Madras in the fall of 1964 with her two children, Thomas Stanford U. Jr. and Marian T. Jr. Her father, Henry, had room in his sizable home south of town known as the Joe Hall property where Joe also had his cattle exchange roundabout and a business office. Mr. Lever had a real estate office in the main house.
There was little for college age kids to work at except mint hoeing, so Marian and Tom had most unflattering nicknames for these two jobs... “hoeing that nasty mint and the awful smell of cattle trucks.” However it would be only a short time before school would be starting; Margaret got busy answering phones, etc. for Henry, and Marian moved happily into Madras High, and the Miss Touchdown excitement.
Margaret who had grown up in Myrtle Point, Ore. United Methodist Church being organist, S.S. Teacher, choir leader, etc., etc. during her early years.
One Easter time, Willamette University music student, Jim Wright came to town and offered to prepare the choir for Easter presentation, of Stainer’s “Crucifixion” Cantata. This was great music and the choir loved working on it. Margaret had a slight knowledge of the music from her college choir days, but the choir as a group found it a challenge... Margaret states “I can't remember how it came off”.
Marie Shepherd was the church book keeper and Margaret was recording board secretary. Jesse Linch always sat in the second row, doodling on the church bulletin, same chair each Sunday. He was a clever cartoonist so Marie and Margaret looked forward to his interesting doodling, always flattering.In the mid 70's she learned that one of sons was going to enter the ministry.
He had connections with the Episcopal church both here and in England so he decided to take advantage of the opportunity. In time Margaret moved into that church to please him. Today she has moved further, into the Madras Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd where they sing many of the same hymns, read the same Scripture and worship the same God.
Geneva Wright was instrumental in getting the pipe organ built. During the long period when the new sanctuary was being built, there was no organ except a small electric organ loaned by someone. Margaret did the best she could on that until the new pipe organ was installed. Margaret says, “I do not remember who played the opening concert....Geneva, I would have hoped”.
Margaret sang in choir, and was active in Women's Society at the Madras United Methodist Church from 1965 to 1978.
This article was written on March 20, 2013 by Margaret who is 101 years old.
Photo of Margaret Lever Dement by Wildcatville taken in 2009
