Illinois—Maude Larson led a long but simple life. She passed up many of the extravagances available to her, choosing instead to live a life centered on her faith in God and service to others. Before her death last year, at the age of 97, she decided to give something back to the congregation where she had been an active member for so long.

On October 23, Illinois Conference officials were present to tell members of the North Shore Seventh-day Adventist Church in Chicago, Illinois, about Maude Larson’s final gift. Following a thirty-minute ceremony highlighting reflections on Larson's life, Paul Saint-Villiers, Illinois Conference trust services director, presented a check for $283,851 to Reuel Bacchus, North Shore pastor, and Helen Bacchus, North Shore Junior Academy principal.

Larson directed that the money be used for the school in any way the leadership sees fit. Helen Bacchus thanked Larson and God for the generous donation. “The young people of North Shore Junior Academy (NSJA) will benefit from this gift,” she said after accepting the check. “May God continue to bless NSJA and all the young people God has given us.”

Before the check was presented, Duane Rollins, Illinois Conference treasurer, gave the congregation an overview of how the process works. The North American Division has been in the trust business for forty years. An individual may use a will or a trust to distribute their assets. Trusts can be restricted or unrestricted. Larson’s donation was a restricted trust intended to go specifically for North Shore Junior Academy.

Jim Martz, Illinois Conference educational superintendent, brought the ceremony to a conclusion with a prayer of blessing on the school’s faculty, staff, and school board.

Michael Denslow, Illinois Conference news writer