Largest single contribution in the history of church
Antoinette Brown, affectionately referred to as “Brownie,” was not a member of Tryon Presbyterian Church, but, just recently, she became its largest single contributor.
While “Brownie” did not belong to our church, her daughter, Johanna Lynch, did. Lynch was a gifted musician: an instrumentalist, vocalist and composer. For many years, she provided the special music for the 8:30 a.m. services on Sunday and also sang in the choir.
When Lynch passed on after a brief illness, “Brownie” wanted to do something for the church in her daughter’s memory. In the course of determining what that might be, “Brownie” said she appreciated the church’s concern that she be able to afford what she wanted to do. The Johanna Lynch Choir Room was her memorial.
Then, when “Brownie” passed on, Tryon Presbyterian found that her estate included direction for still another gift.
With that gift, “Brownie” became the largest single contributor in the history of Tryon Presbyterian Church, leaving the church a total of more than $450,000.
Although she was known to only a few of the church officials and members, “Brownie” made an indelible contribution to the work of the church.
– article submitted by Bill Wuehrmann