10/19/2026
What is in a name? My name is Rhonda Betterly and I am a Board member here at the John Woolman Memorial. I came to the Memorial 9 years ago this month. I had driven by this old house for many years and was told that I was related to it somehow. So on a beautiful crisp fall day I was driving to a friend’s house out towards Mount Holly and as I drove by, I saw a man outside cleaning the gutters. This was the first time I had ever seen anyone there, and so I pulled over and became acquainted with the Director Charles Bruder. In that moment I knew I was in the right place and that this was a very special man taking care of a property that again, I was connected too. Over the last 9 years Charles has taken me on a journey so unexpected as to the history of my family and what the Woolman name now means to me.
Many Saturday’s have gone by in 9 years, where we have welcomed visitors and through that I have met so many cousins. One family member even made the journey from Australia and it was such a beautiful visit. As I watch each relative gaze upon the house and the signatures on the wall of our descendants, it is always interesting for me to watch. Some touch the rocker with a soft rub; some put their hand on the picture frames of the indentures that are signed. I often wonder what they are thinking and is it similar to my first thoughts.
So what is in a name? Charles Bruder in my opinion knows more about John Woolman than anyone we have met along the road of the last 9 years. He has shown me what a beautiful soul John Woolman had and how he cared for all living things. I have discovered that my 8th grandfather Abner, John’s younger brother, had the same beautiful spirit and that same concern for all living things and above all wanted to share Gods grace, love and mercy. Through my cousins, I have discovered that my grandfather Abner left a letter for his children. As I read the letter for the first time, I realized it was a letter for posterity. I remember weeping as I read it; it was so sincere and heartfelt. I now treasure this letter and have given it to my son and family members. Charles has shown me letters from the Quaker meetings minutes that speak of John Woolman’s mother, my grandmother. She is spoken of as being strong but loving and very dedicated. Many places I have traveled with Charles to share John Woolman’s message are locations he visited on foot. It amazes me his level of commitment to his beliefs and his willingness to serve God as he walked great distances. I have discovered the sacrifice he made to travel to England to continue sharing his concerns about the horrors of slavery and later passing away there, never to see his family again.
I have thought about what an amazing family this must have been and how truly committed to the Lord they were. After I read my grandfather Abners letter and realizing the charge he had left his family, I feel I should strive more to be like my family before me and continue the legacy they created and the one I am so proud to belong too.
So today, on John Woolman’s 306th birthday, I hope you will join me in celebration of an amazing godly man who we could all be better off following his example. I am proud to call him uncle and proud to be part of the Woolman Family.
