Leading up to St. Paul’s 150th anniversary, let’s take a look at some of the former church members. Looking around the church we see many plaques that name former members of the congregation who are memorialized by their gifts to the glory of God and in remembrance of loved ones.
In 1955 Mr and Mrs. Berrien Anderson celebrated the dedication of the stained glass window at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church honoring the lives of Mr. And Mrs. Frank B. Anderson with a family party at their home at 226 Magnolia Dr. In San Rafael. Mr and Mrs. Frank B. Anderson were the subject of last month’s History Corner.
Mrs Berrian Anderson (Corona), their daughter in law, is the subject of this month’s History Corner. She and her husband were active members of Marin society. Corona was very important in the cultural life of Marin County. She was one of the founding members and President of the Marin Music Chest (an organization dedicated to raising funds for scholarships for young music students). She also led the Symphony Guild of Marin. Her strong interest in music was formed as a youth studying the piano.
Corona was also interested in politics and was an active member of the Democratic Party. She hosted a luncheon for the governor’s wife, Mrs. Edmund G. Brown at her home. She also supported the building of the Frank Lloyd Wright Civic Center.
When the new education building at St. Paul’s was built (now home to Marin Day School), friends and family donated funding for The Corona Anderson Music Room.
This room on the lower floor of the building had a parquet floor, a small stage and a grand piano. The room was suitable for choir practice, auditions for Marin County music groups and even theater productions. Amal and the Night Visitors was performed there. The room was completely renovated when the Marin Day School moved in and all that remains is the brass plaque:
The Corona Anderson Music Room
Given to the glory of God
In loving memory of Corona Anderson
By her family and friends
Corona Anderson died in 1963. A local newspaper declared ”A dynamic figure has gone”.Her funeral was held at St. Paul’s January 29th, 1963. Her portrait hangs in Duncan Hall.
~ Joy Moss