Denver & Ethel Raines Smith Memorial Fund
This fund honors the legacy of Denver and Ethel Raines Smith by supporting the ongoing ministry and mission of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Parsons, WV.
TYPE OF FUND: Designated
DATE ESTABLISHED: 1996
PURPOSE: To honor the memory of their parents, the 8 children established this fund for the continuation of the Lord’s work through the St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Parsons, WV.
DISTRIBUTION: To St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Parsons, WV, upon the recommendation of the Grants Committee, and approval by the Board of Directors of TCF. Funds will be distributed when the trustees of the Church have a need for financial assistance that cannot be met by other means. The use of the fund must have majority support of the Administrative Board of the named church. Should St. Paul’s cease to exist, the fund will go to the benefit of Flanagan Hill United Methodist Church of Red Creek, WV.
VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.
FUNDING: $5,000.00 donated equally by the eight children of Denver and Ethel Raines Smith.
BACKGROUND: Denver Lee Smith was born on Rich Mountain in Randolph County, WV on January 8, 1899, to Albert C. and Susan Mallow Smith. He later moved to Flanagan Hill in Tucker County, graduating from Rich Mountain School. He worked as a farmer and well-known carpenter throughout Tucker County. Ethel Raines Smith was born in Red Creek, WV on August 27, 1911, to Dow and Carrie Raines Raines. She graduated from Parsons High School in 1932 and dedicated her life to her home and community. They married on March 3, 1943, in Baltimore, MD, and became long-time residents of Holly Meadows. Both were devoted members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, where they served as Sunday School teachers and church leaders. The couple also supported many community efforts, including the band parents’ organization and the weekly cake walks on the courthouse square. They raised a large and loving family, including Norma L. Parsons, Warren E. Smith, Frank R. Smith, James B. Smith, Anne Rebecca Smith, L. Hugh DeMotto, John M. Smith, Wayne C. Smith, and two deceased infants, Dorothy Louise and Jerry Dean Smith. Denver passed away on November 24, 1976, and Ethel on October 27, 1995.
