Nan Parsons Presbyterian Church Fund
The Nan Parsons Presbyterian Church Fund, established in 1997 with contributions from Harold Parsons and later supplemented by the estate of Eilene M. Hersman, provides perpetual funding for the Parsons Presbyterian Church to support its ongoing needs and mission.
TYPE OF FUND: Designated
DATE ESTABLISHED: 1997
PURPOSE: Perpetual funding for Parsons Presbyterian Church.
DISTRIBUTION: Upon the recommendation of the Grants Committee of TCF and as requested by the Clerk of the Session.
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: A contribution of $1,000 from Harold Parsons, a lifelong member of Parsons Presbyterian Church, was made in 1992 following the death of his mother, Nan Lee Long Parsons, with future donations from church members and friends. The fund reached its required $5,000 when the estate of Eilene M. Hersman of Kingwood provided money for the church in late 1997, and the church’s Session voted to deposit $4,000 of that amount into this fund.
BACKGROUND: Nan Lee Long Parsons was born on August 11, 1895, one of four children of Lacey and Anna May Wamsley Long. She attended school in Holly Meadows before transferring to Parsons, where she completed the eighth grade and later a two-year teacher training course. However, she married before beginning a teaching career.
Nan married James William Parsons on July 3, 1912, and they moved to Parsons, where she was actively involved in community organizations. She helped establish the local chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in 1921-22, organized the first 4-H club in Tucker County, and participated in the Women’s Club. She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, art, and hand-painting china.
Her husband, James, served as supervisor of the County Poor Farm and was elected mayor of Parsons multiple times. Together, they had a son, Harold, born on April 14, 1914, and two grandchildren, James Millard Parsons and Carolyn Jane, who passed away as a child.
Nan Lee Long Parsons passed away on August 15, 1991, at the age of 96.
