Contributing to a Legacy of Love

“I think Thornwell will be thriving in the next 150 years in a way none of us can imagine.” – Harris Murray
As a retired Librarian, Harris Murray has always had a knack for research. As a 30-year-donor to Thornwell, her advice about why someone should give Thornwell begins with the reading of two books – the Bible and the diary of Thornwell’s founder, Dr. William Plumer Jacobs.
“When I read Dr. Jacob’s diary, I remember a quote that alluded to the fact that if God allowed him to be a minister, he would like to serve in a small, sociable, friendly town. Of course, God answered, and from that prayer, a tiny seed of faith was planted,” said Harris on a warm day in early June while touring Thornwell’s campus. “We study the mustard seed in the Bible. I think Dr. Jacobs had that mustard seed of faith, and he gave what he had, though it was not millions. He built something lasting.”
Harris first learned about Thornwell more than 40 years ago when her college roommate got a job here as a social worker. Forty-four years later, that former roommate, Lindy Scott, is Executive Vice President. She and Harris are still the best of friends.
“[One year], she invited all our college friends to experience [Thornwell],” said Harris. “I saw at Thornwell children who did not have the advantages that I had. Some of their disadvantages were severe. I was able to observe how the adults at Thornwell prepared these children for life in the future.”
Soon after, Harris and her husband decided to give to Thornwell for the first time.
“My husband and I talked about it, and we agreed to a set amount each month, and that was probably 30 years ago. And consistently, every month, I send my contribution. I often make it in honor or in memory of someone so that the word about Thornwell spreads to others who perhaps are not familiar with it.”
As the years have passed, Harris is especially proud of Thornwell’s growth and adaptation to the changing needs of children and families.
“There is a vision at Thornwell. It is a vision of ministry, and however that ministry is expressed, it is expressed with love, compassion, and strength,” said Harris. “The Bible commands us to look after the children – the widows and the orphans. And although not all children at Thornwell today are classical orphans, many are orphans of the living. I’ve long felt a compelling impulse to support the work of an institution and people who would give those children the tools they need to progress in life.”
She hopes others will be inspired to give freely as she has upon the inspiration of the Bible, a diary, and a fruitful vision that she feels will leave a legacy of love.