Missioner Fall 2019

WHY I
GIVE
Until I was asked to share why I have stayed around so
long supporting Nashotah House, I had no idea that I had
been active for 33 years. I am now 90 years old. When
I first became an Episcopalian at about age 30, I had
several opportunities made possible by my then-priest to
visit Nashotah as I lived in suburban Milwaukee. I loved
what I heard and saw.
I support the House because I love the House. And I love
it because I am a traditionalist. I live for three months
of the year in a summer cottage that was built for my
great-grandfather. I still cook on his cookstove and wash
the dishes in a dishpan and pour boiling water over them,
just as my mother did. When I first came to an Episcopal
church, we had the old prayer book, and Morning Prayer
was the service used most Sundays, very much like
the service at the Congregational church where I had
worshiped since Sunday school, and I felt at home. I found
many religious innovations over the years were too radical
for me until I came to Nashotah. What had been good for
Christians for nearly two thousand years, what the plain
words in the Bible said, was what I believed. There were
times when Nashotah considered going with new ideas,
but as the Board struggled for direction, long-established
theology always prevailed. In my current capacity as an
Honorary Trustee of the House, I still try to speak for the
understandings of the ages, and I pray that the House will
continue its important mission.
Mary Kohler
Nashotah House Honorary Degree recipient -
Doctor of Humane Letters ‘02, Honorary Trustee
“I had several
opportunities to visit
Nashotah as I lived in
suburban Milwaukee.
I loved what I heard
and saw.”
Mrs. Kohler with fellow Nashotah House
Board Members
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