Richard & Mary J. Raines Harr Fund
This fund provides ongoing support for the Buena Chapel United Methodist Church, reflecting Richard and Mary Harr’s lifelong dedication to their faith community in Canaan Valley.
TYPE OF FUND: Designated
DATE ESTABLISHED: 2002
PURPOSE: To provide funding for the Buena Chapel United Methodist Church in Canaan Valley.
DISTRIBUTION: Upon request by the trustees of the church, and upon the recommendation of the Grants Committee and approval by the Board of Directors of TCF.
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: Initial donation of $5,000.00 from Richard and Mary J. Raines Harr. Approved by the Board of Directors Jan. 10, 2002.
BACKGROUND: Richard Milton Harr was born in Canaan Valley on April 14, 1924, a son of James Merick and Idella Harr. Mary Jocelyn Raines Harr was born at Flanagan Hill on April 10, 1917, a daughter of Dow and Carrie Raines. Richard and Mary were married March 3, 1943, in Oakland, MD. They are the parents of Barbara Harr Alford, Lloyd Carl Harr, Phyllis Elaine Garcia, and James Milton Harr. They have seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Shortly after their marriage, Richard was sent overseas and served in the European Theatre of Operation during WWII. After discharge, the couple returned to the Harr farm in Canaan. In addition to farming, Richard worked as a school bus driver for 28 years and also did carpentry. Mary dedicated her life to being a homemaker and mother.
They became members of Buena Chapel in 1957. Richard served as superintendent from 1964 to 1997 and taught the adult Sunday School class for over 40 years. Mary was the church’s financial secretary from 1966 until her health declined. Their devotion to Buena Chapel inspired this fund’s creation with the hope that the church continues to thrive for future generations.
Richard has also been deeply involved in community service. He was president of the Tucker County School Service Personnel Association for 16 years, leading important efforts in pension and health insurance reform. He served as President of the Tucker County Parks & Recreation Committee and the Flanagan Hill Senior Citizens Outpost. He was a past grand master of Davis Odd Fellows Lodge 103 and served 16 years as district deputy grand master. Mary passed away in 2003. Richard continues to reside on Cortland Road in Canaan Valley.
