St. John’s Memories: Vestry elite and Frances Hunter

When I arrived in 1973, our parish was ruled by wealthy, older males. Jim Lewis soon became rector and a dear friend and encouraged me to run for vestry. One of the “elders” confided in me that, as a newcomer, I could not be elected.

So Jim appointed me keyman, giving me a seat and voice but not a vote on vestry. The keyman also helped raise funds for Peterkin Camp and Conference Center. As the sexist term was soon deemed obsolete, I was probably the last keyman St. John’s had, but it later helped me to be elected to three full terms on vestry.

The senior warden was expected to host a dinner party at his home. I say “his” because women had yet to break the stained-glass ceiling. Except for one. Her name was Frances Hunter.

Frances was obviously a pioneer. As senior warden, she was quite active in almost every aspect of the parish. St. John’s participated in the Gay Pride Parade, and Frances wanted to be in it. She wasn’t able to walk far, but Covenant House directors Pat Hussey and Barb Ferraro volunteered to push her wheelchair in the parade. That’s who Frances was.

Following her death, what we had known as our parish house auditorium was named Hunter Hall. For those of you who didn’t have the privilege of knowing Frances, I hope you will think of her legacy whenever you enter the hall that bears her name.