Bethany Reformed Church
705 Cajon Street, Redlands CA 92373 (909)793-1966
Getting to Know…
Ralph and Eleanor Meyering
As was announced in the last Now and Then we are beginning a new column with the goal of familiarizing everyone in the Bethany family. For my first interview I chose two of my dear friends for two good reasons, and one selfish one: 1. They have been at Bethany longer than most anyone else, with a few exceptions, 2. I want everyone to know them so they will love them as much as I do, and 3. I know they are easy to talk with and would be very patient with me as I learn the ropes, so to speak.
I have found that it’s usually best to begin at the beginning when telling a story, so ladies first…..
Eleanor Dowd was born in Oregon, the youngest of four children, but it wasn’t long before her family headed to Fontana, California for her father’s health. As a child she enjoyed writing poems, something she still take pleasure in. In fact, she has had over 30 of her poems published so far with a book now making the rounds of publishers.
Ralph Meyering was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he was the second oldest of six children. He lived on Leonard Street, about a block away from my grandma! (Yep, it’s sure a small world.) He loved doing all the things that most boys do including playing baseball and fishing. In 1942 he came to Redlands, California to live with his aunt and uncle, Henry and Barbara Meyering, to improve his asthma. Henry and Barbara were members of Bethany and that is how Ralph began coming here.
In 1947 they met at the University of Redlands. (Eleanor says it was Ralph’s blue eyes that caught her eye!) While they were dating Eleanor began attending Bethany with Ralph. After dating for a couple of years and graduating from the university they tied the knot and became Mr. And Mrs. Ralph Meyering. (After 55 years you know that knot is very secure!) Rev. Harold DeRoo married them in the old Bethany Church on Clark St.
In due time they were blessed with little ones: Neil, who is single and living in Yorba Linda now, Necia, who is married with two children and lives in Yucaipa, and Harold who lives with his wife and two children in Reno, Nevada.
Ralph is a man of many talents. He began his working career selling apples at age six and progressed to being a food salesman in a large western area as a young man. His interests are broad though and he became a teacher at Juvenile Hall and an administrator for the ROP. However, he soon realized his true calling was as a salesman after all and he became a realtor and held that position for 30 years, helping many families to realize the dream of owning a home.
Eleanor also had several jobs over the years; chief among them was being Mom to her kids. She was also a secretary for the Registrars Office at the University of Redlands, and she was in customer service for several cable companies.
When they want to have fun Ralph used to enjoy golfing and he works out at the Redlands YMCA. Eleanor still enjoys writing poems, stories and devotions. Both of them said that they would like to travel more and would enjoy going thru the New England states, Canada, and Ireland.
Both Eleanor and Ralph were brought up with God at the center of their homes. They attended Sunday services, catechism, youth groups and Sunday School. Eleanor made confession of faith at age 9 and Ralph at age 10. They have been wonderful examples of a Christian walk ever since then. Throughout their years here at Bethany they have served in many capacities. Eleanor has taught Sunday School, participated in church services, headed the Women’s Circle (a small group Bible study), and various other positions. Ralph has also taught Sunday School, served as a Deacon and an Elder, and he headed up the Men’s Prayer Breakfast for many years.
I asked them if they had a favorite Bible passage or verse and Eleanor said her favorite was Psalm 84:3-4. She said that these verses really helped strengthen her faith when they were having problems with moving a house onto new property. “Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young- a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.” Ralph’s much loved passage is Psalm 23. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
In answer to the question “Do you have anything special you would like to say to your Bethany family?” Ralph replied, “Don’t give up!” Eleanor said, “ We really appreciate all the wonderful people at Bethany.” Ralph and Eleanor, we really appreciate and love you too!
As we joined hands and closed in prayer I was reassured once again how blessed we are to enjoy the closeness and love of our Bethany family.
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