n e w c h u r c h l i f e : m ay / j u n e 2 0 1 5
In the letters that followed Victor’s dismissal from the ministry, from
which the author quotes, Bishop de Charms comes across as unsympathetic
and even harsh. No doubt he did not mean to be so wounding, but the words
were heart wrenching to Victor’s daughter. In writing about the incident she is
perhaps more judgmental than she should have been, but the facts are there.
The words and tone are de Charms’ own, and Naomi certainly experienced
first-hand the traumatic effect it had on her father and the family.
Forced to find secular work to house and feed his family, Victor took a job
at a munitions factory – dangerous work, long hours and low pay. Later, his
wife Lucy, not in good health herself, took part-time jobs to supplement the
family income, leaving the oldest daughter at home to keep an eye on the other
children after school, and to mind the baby.
Despite all the physical hardship, the marriage remained firm. Family ties
were loving and strong. The children were not raised with bitterness, as the
parents did not discuss the bleak situation with them. Naomi tells of happy
summers spent in Linden Hills (Michigan) with her Gladish grandparents.
She recalls funny incidents with a light touch. Books and education took
precedence in the home. By scrimping and saving every child had the
opportunity to attend the Academy of the New Church in Bryn Athyn.
Some people may have seen Victor as a failure. At times he may have seen
himself that way, but there are qualities of more lasting value than worldly
success. His life story is a testimony to that. His dream of being a minister did
not crumble to dust. In his heart he remained a loyal New Church minister,
never giving up, always seeking opportunities to preach and study doctrine to
the end of his days.
This written tribute from his daughter, Naomi Gladish Smith, is summed
up in the title she chose for the book: V as in Victor.
(V as in Victor is published by eLectio Publishing, Little Elm, Texas. It
is available from the New Church Bookstore, www.newchurchbooks.com.)
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