March 2003

A Visit to Des Moines

by The Rev. C. William Frampton, III, Immediate Past Co-Chair

The third weekend in January found me in Des Moines, Iowa—not exactly the place most people would make a destination in the middle of winter. But I had a special reason to be there, in the form of a special person. I was there to present Esther Walter with the Washburn-Tull award that she had been unable to come to Austin to accept in October.

Esther has a long history of being a teacher and leader in the church and the entire community. Because of her invaluable assistance to NEAC over many years, it was the unanimous decision of the Board of Directors to give her the Washburn-Tull Award. Although she had told me on the phone to “just mail it,” I said in no uncertain terms that wasn’t an option. I wanted to present it to her personally.

Bill Frampton presents the Washburn-Tull award to Esther Walter.

Bill Frampton presents the Washburn-Tull award to Esther Walter.

That was not to happen in the ceremonial way I had hoped. That weekend Richard, Esther’s husband of more than Þfty years, was again admitted to the hospital, where he died. Although I was able to spend an hour with her, the Sunday awards service went on without her. It was my pleasure to preach and take part in the service. Afterwards parishioners shared there personal stories of knowing Esther and how special she was to that community. It was important that she had received national attention for her work and was honored for her years of dedication and service.

Esther had arranged for me to meet several people involved in HIV/AIDS ministry, and like myself they admire her work. She is truly a special gift to the church and to all those who need to hear her message. I don’t know of anyone who has not been touched by her quiet yet effective voice and commitment.