First Alum Celebrates 90th Birthday
Edithorah (“Babe” Owen) Glew was the first student accepted at Northwest. She came from Spokane to join the first class of the Pioneers, on October 1, 1934. She was handed the first graduating diploma from Northwest Bible Institute (NBI). The 1937 yearbook says of her, “A glad countenance revealing a merry heart.” Her favorite scripture was Ps 37:4, “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Her desire: “That my words and thoughts may be acceptable in His sight. Ps 19:14” She played saxophone in the orchestra, did weekend ministry while at NBI, and graduated in 1937. In 1995, she was honored as Alumnus of the Year. Edith married Rev. Merle Glew. Together they pastored throughout Washington, in Dayton, Seattle (White Center); Kennewick, and Aberdeen, With Edith’s support, Merle introduced the Seniors Ministry and Christ’s Ambassadors (CA, Youth Ministries) to the Northwest AG District. They traveled as head of Senior Ministry on leadership tours of the District. While Merle served at the District Office, Edith befriended Bernice Flattery, the Women’s Ministry Director. Edith loved to drive, so she chauffeured Bernice across the state on district business. Merle also taught one of his passions – Evangelism – at Northwest. Merle and Edith pastored Seniors with son-in-law Rev. Dick Strum (’57 alum) and daughter Merleen (’61 alum) at Redmond Assembly. The couple shared a nursing home ministry until Merle passed away in 1992. Edith continued the ministry to seniors in Redmond under Pastor Jennings through Pastor Robroy Ranger (‘01 alum). Edith has traveled widely. She celebrated her 80th bday in Honduras with her missionary grandson, Kevin Strum (’83 alum). Four years ago, Edith moved to Bellingham to be closer to her daughter’s family. Merleen reports that she has hardly slowed down. “Mom filled her car with people to go to church until the church acquired a van to transport them. She has not quit ministry, and knits and crochets lap robes for convalescents. Since she arrived in Bellingham, every child born at King Mountain Church (formerly Calvary Temple), Bellingham, has received a hand-knit or crocheted baby shawl.” Many family members have attended or served Northwest through the years. Dick Strum served as Alumni Association President, as well as Alumni VP, in 1970s. 120 guests from across the state were invited to honor Edith’s 90th birthday on Saturday, January 15. She wore a tiara as the lady of the day. “Warmest Congratulations!” on this milestone, Edith. You have been a blessing to many, within Northwest’s walls and beyond. May God continue to give you health and strength in the coming years. |
