Remembrance by the Rev. Anne Clarke
The first in our series of “Knowing Our Roots,” we share the story of Inez Wisdom and Gertrude Griffith, who were the primary founders of St. Clare’s and whose donation first made our building possible.
Gabriel Villasurda, a parishioner who met Inez Wisdom and Gertrude Griffith in person, recalls that “Dr. Wisdom was pointed out as the congregation’s pioneer. I heard the story of her generosity to many families in the area inspired these locals to erect the St. Francis chapel, a token of their appreciation for medical services she rendered in the era long before Medicare, Medicaid and widespread health insurance.”