“Strength and dignity are her clothing …. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”   - Proverbs 31: 25-26

Emilie Guignard

It is impossible to meet Emilie Guignard’s gaze without smiling. You can see the warmth and kindness in her eyes that immediately make you feel comfortable in her presence. It is no wonder. Her story is one of fond memories and family love.

Born to Sanders and Blanding Guignard in their house in Cayce, Emilie was, quite literally, a “cradle Episcopalian.” She was baptized at Trinity, grew up at Trinity, was married there, and, after 20 years away, returned to become fully involved in the life of the parish, including as a Trinity Foundation Legacy Builder.

As a child she came often to visit her aunts, or “the sisters,” named Susan, Caroline, and Jane, in their stately home called “Still Hopes.” There she and her brothers Jim, Allen, and Bruce could enjoy playing in the stream of what is now Guignard Park, belonging then to “The Misses at Still Hopes,” as the sisters were called. Emilie’s role was to watch after her youngest brother, Bruce, and she recalls a big weeping willow tree where they all could play “inside” under the branches. In one of life’s strange circles, she now lives at Still Hopes as a very active resident who serves on the Employee Appreciation Fund Committee and the Food Committee. Obviously happy there, Emilie comments that “the staff – to a person – are fabulous! There’s a spirit about them that is contagious.”

Two of the original 12 founders of Trinity were relatives of Emilie. She recalls that her parents, especially her father, greatly influenced her spiritual growth and were always active at Trinity. She has her grandmother’s diary that shares stories of life as the wife of an Episcopal priest, The Rev'd Sanders R. Guignard, Sr. Of growing up going to church at Trinity, Emilie remembers “Mr. Mengedoht” and “Ms. Roberta,” as well as her confirmation teacher Gray Temple (later to become Bishop Gray Temple).

In college, Emilie started helping with pre-schoolers at church, and her service continued to grow. She shares that at Trinity she has worn “multiple hats at a time,” including kitchen volunteer, money counter, lay Eucharistic minister, Daughters of the Holy Cross board member, bazaar treasurer, altar guild member, and flower deliverer. Her best recollection, though, is a true “loves and fishes” story.

For three-and-a-half years after her daughters Caroline and Emilie were grown and she lived alone, she hosted a high school Bible study at 7:00 a.m. every Wednesday at her house. Always well attended, Emilie never knew for sure exactly how many Trinity young people and their friends would show up. Nevertheless, she cooked a wholesome breakfast for all of them! She fondly recalled that, as the program grew, Betty Humphries began sending her $100/month in gratitude, and others pitched in as well. Just imagine the impact that this effort had on the spiritual growth of many, many young people.

Emilie’s youngest brother Bruce says it well: “It has been said that the more one puts into something, the more he or she gets out of it. My sister, Emilie, personifies this axiom. While she and I, plus Jim and Allen, are direct descendants of one of the founding families of Trinity, Emilie has fully embraced that heritage through her worship, service and support. I am proud to call her sister.”

To hear Emilie’s story is like listening to a chapter in the history of Trinity Cathedral. Her love of the parish and hopes for its future leave no doubt of her gratitude for its place in her life and the life of her family. When asked about her hopes for Trinity Cathedral’s future, Emilie responded that she would like to see the church continue to grow and to serve the community. Becoming a Legacy Builder, simply by remembering Trinity in your will, is a wonderful way to ensure that happens. The Trinity Foundation continues to be grateful to all Legacy Builders, past, present and future.
 

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