In Memory of Muriel- The Preacher's Wife

In looking through a little book I have of anonymous poems this morning I found a handwritten poem by Muriel. This poem she had composed for a shower where she spoke. It was for Marion Kirk, who was engaged to a young preacher. She always found something appropriate for every occasion. I already sent a copy of it to Marion.

Thought you all would be interested in this and remembering Muriel this Christmas. It was seven years ago this week that she left us and went to her own mansion with the God she loved. Who knows what she is busy doing now, but whatever it is she will not be hindered by the frailties she left behind.

Greetings,
Don, Dad, Opa

Here is a scan of her own poem that I found. Very likely it was composed specially for the honoree and added to the other poem.

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The Preacher's Wife

A preacher's wife to be ideal

Must be a woman who is real;

Not too large and not too small,

Not too short and not too tall;

Her face and form must be just fair,

She must not be at all too rare;

In dress she must be considered sane,

And yet not altogether plain.

Her house must be in perfect grace,

With everything in proper place;

Her family must not be large or small;

'Tis wrong to have no child at all,

But six or eight will never do, 

'Tis just as bad to have too few;

And folks will expect, of all things,

Her children to have angel wings.

She must lead in all the women's work

And from no task will she ever shirk;

To the Church's task she must be true;

Although to her no salary's ever due;

Oh, the wedding fees are hers perhaps,

If her husband's memory does not lapse,

But if her husband gave her all, 

Her salary, alas, would be quite small.

If God in Heaven has prepared a place,

Above the average of the race,

A mansion built in Heaven's centre,

Into which no one else can ever enter,

It is for the devoted preacher's wife

When she is done with this world of strife;

A place of quiet helpful rest,

A mansion that's the very best.