An invitation to Honor

Rev. Ralph York

Ralph York, pastor at North Andover UMC, had a special ministry to young people.  One of the youth in his group was the son of the caretaker of Rolling Ridge and when Ralph discovered the place was for sale, he envisioned the mansion becoming a center for youth ministry.  Organizing a group of United Methodist business people, in only his second year of ministry in North Andover, Ralph prodded the Conference and encouraged the purchase of Rolling Ridge for $55,000 in 1948.  

At the suggestion of Dick Banks, one of the youth nurtured in the Christian faith in that North Andover youth group and a life-long friend of Ralph, we have initiated a memorial at Rolling Ridge in honor and memory of Rev. Dr. Ralph York.  Ralph was not only one of the founders, but also one of the early teachers and leaders in the youth institutes at Rolling Ridge.

We are seeking memorial gifts in honor of  Ralph York, who died in August, 2007 in California, having served both in the New England Conference and in the California Nevada Conference.

While many universities seek funding to create a “faculty chair”, Rolling Ridge is seeking to fund “many chairs” in honor of Ralph York.  One of the first changes made to the Rolling Ridge estate was the addition of a large dining room.  The dining room chairs are now nearly 60 years old and in great need of replacement.  Plus the chairs in the smaller breakout rooms are threadbare and uncomfortable.

You are invited to contribute a new chair (or two) in honor of one of our founders. Donations of any size are welcome, though purchase of individual chairs is encouraged. A plaque in honor of Ralph York will be placed at Rolling Ridge and donors will be acknowledged and thanked at the 60th Anniversary celebration, September 20, 2008.  We hope you will join us for the celebration!

Thank you for helping us honor one who helped birth Rolling Ridge.  Thank you for endowing “many chairs” for future generations.

God’s Blessings   

Donation form