For 38 years Evelyn Allensworth served as a religion teacher at the All Faiths Chapel at the Life Styles and Transition Center in Grafton. During those 38 years the center was called the Grafton State School, then the State Developmental Center, and now the Life Skills and Transition Center. Not only were there name changes, there were changes in population, emphasis, and attitudes toward religion instruction. A few years back there was an argument about whether of not we could sing “Jesus Loves Me” in chapel because it was age inappropriate. The arguments were made and “Jesus Loves Me” is still sung.
One unchanging feature was the use of Arch Books and the concept that they were not just for children. They were used for Christmas pageants and Easter devotions. They were used as Bible study tools with volunteers before they went off and taught classes in living areas. They were guarded and catalogued and cared for and given as gifts on special occasions. If you don’t know what they are check out https://www.cph.org/c-246-arch-books.aspx
As a part of her recognition Evelyn was given her own Arch Book cover featuring her caricature teaching a class. Thanks to the talented folks at CPH.
