Organ - Level 3 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.1307164
Composed by James M. Guthrie. 21st Century,Chamber,Contemporary,Contest,Festival,Historic. Score. 3 pages. Jmsgu3 #896418. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1307164).
Lili of St. Luke's
by
Fran Olsen
In 1990, a small black and white spotted dog, who had been found wandering, abused and sick in Surry County, Virginia, was scheduled to be put down by the Surry SPCA as unadoptable. Â Three placements had failed because the young female was too afraid of the people. Â Her last chance was Richard Lee Austin, curator of Historic St. Luke's Church in Smithfield, Virginia. Â Austin had reluctantly agreed to look at the small spoodle. Â He had just lost a beloved Pekingese of 18 years and did not want to go through the pain of another loss. Â Lili, however, immediately seemed to know that this was her person, came directly to him and won his heart. Â It was a mutual love affair.
Lili went eagerly to work with Dick at the Gift Shop of Historic St. Luke's Church in Smithfield, Virginia, for the next 11 years. Â She was gracious and never intrusive with the visitors. Â Small children were able to approach Lili without fear. Â She seemed to understand that she needed to be quite still with them.
In 2000, Lili became the star of her own book, Lili of St. Luke's: Â The Blessing of the Animals. Â Written by Fran Olsen, a volunteer at the church, and illustrated by Buttons Boggs, the charming book tells the story of Lili's desire to go to church. Â The animals in the church yard scoff at her. Â She finally succeeds in going to church for the annual Blessing of the Animals service which commemorates the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. Â Since the book was published many children have come to the church to have their picture taken with Lili.
Mrs. Olsen, who is also the publisher, has donated a dollar from the sale of each book to be shared with Historic St. Luke's Church and three area humane societies with which Lili has been associated. Â Contributions in the first six months of publication were $1200.
Lili died on June 7, 2001, from cancer. Â A week before she died, she made a personal appearance at a local elementary school. Â As always, she was gracious and gentle, even though later it was apparent that she was deathly ill. Â A bronze statute is planned to honor the gentle spoodle and will be placed at the church so children can continue to have their picture taken with her. Â This elegy was commissioned for performance at the annual Blessing service.
