Old-timer brought joy to the world

As Christmas lights go up, and rehearsals are under way for various local holiday-related functions, this is the time of year when I always remember a long-gone friend and neighbor, Rowena Preuit.

Every small community needs an igniter, a person who makes sure traditions are observed and that events get on the calendar and actually happen.

In the south Roosevelt County community of Milnesand, Rowena Preuit was that person for much of my life.

She and her husband, Top, were already Milnesand old-timers by the time I was born. If an event was scheduled for the old community building — a repurposed Army barracks that was freezing cold in the winter, and sweltering hot and abuzz with wasps in the summer — you could count on Rowena to be there.

More often than not, she was the person who called to invite you to attend.

She was also the mainstay (never missed a service, pianist, treasurer … you get the point) of the small but loyal congregation that met each Sunday at the Milnesand Baptist Church.

Some of my most vivid early memories happened at Christmas in that small wooden building.

On more than one December of my youth, Rowena put out the word that all of the kids in at least a 20-mile radius of Milnesand were needed to help out with the Christmas pageant at Milnesand Baptist.

I think these were somewhat hastily assembled programs, and I don’t recall that there were any lines to learn. Perhaps the pastor at the time read the Christmas story aloud while we pint-sized angels and kings and shepherds and sheep acted it all out. Older kids got the sought-after roles of Mary and Joseph; Jesus was a baby doll.

Rowena directed from the bench of the old upright piano, where she led us in “Away in a Manger,” “We Three Kings,” “Silent Night,” and “Joy to the World.”

Afterward, we gathered in a Sunday school classroom, adults and children alike sitting in tiny chairs by short tables, drinking hot chocolate and eating cookies (probably made by Rowena).

I am guessing that anticipation of a visit from Santa was part of the lure to get us non-Baptists to participate, because the appearance of a jolly old elf in an ill-fitting red suit and cowboy boots was part of the ritual.

Santa was loaded down with paper lunch bags for each of us. Inside each were an orange, a red Delicious apple, three or four unshelled walnuts, and a handful of fancy ribbon candy.

At least one time, Santa also brought presents. I remember a tiny doll in a clear round case. I don’t know that Rowena packed those lunch sacks or bought the gifts, but I have a sneaking suspicion she did.

Rowena moved from Milnesand a good many years ago, and she passed away in the end of 2012. Those of us who grew up in her circle of love will never forget her.

When I hear those old carols, Rowena will always be the one whose fingers are on the ivory keys, playing by heart and bringing her very own joy to the world.

Betty Williamson grew up in a good place. You may reach her at: [email protected]