Two losses sadden Oberlin community

Emeritus Professor of Botony George Jones
Reverend Fred Steen

by Melody R. Waller

Every Sunday for the past 15 years at 2 p.m. sharp, those interested in enjoying nature could depend on George Jones to guide them through nature walks of plants, trees and bird walks throughout the city of Oberlin.

This Sunday there will be no walk.

On March 3, the Oberlin community lost a great observer, friend and scientist. Jones died at age 100 in his home after a short battle with illness.

"George would lead 15-20 people to different areas every week to explore river bottoms, bog, the woods and the interesting habitations of plants. He was a very rapid walker and it was fun to have to keep up with him. Some of his walks would last up to three hours." said David Miller, professor of biology.

Jones was born in Oberlin and graduated from Oberlin High School. In 1920, he earned his bachelors degree from Oberlin College. Jones received his masters in 1922 from the University of Nebraska.

Jones was a professor of botany at Oberlin College before retiring and becoming a professor emeritus. He was a member of the First Church of Oberlin, where he was treasurer for many years. Jones also served as a board member of the Co-op bookstore for several years.

The annual commencement Tappan Square tree tour was also given by Jones.

"Professor Jones would always befriend people who were commoners of his walks. If there was some information of species of plants that had been covered in a previous walk, he would ask them questions to challenge them," said Miller.

At the end of his life, the total number of nature walks that he gave was 4,800. However, Jones only counted the walks that had student participation. The actual total of walks that he led far surpassed that number.

"Jones lived such a long life. He lived in Oberlin since 1916 and knew this area well. He added a sense of history to the community and would recollect memories from areas where change had occurred. "I remember one walk where we were walking past some foliage and he told us about a house that used to be on that same spot. That added an extra dimension to the walk," said Miller

Another quality that set George Jones apart was his willingness to share his love for nature with those around him. "Jones had an acre of land behind his house that he would allow his friends to plant vegetables in the garden. It was a community garden. People would grow their own vegetables. This was an important addition to the community and meant a lot to people. He did this for many years," Miller said.

"All of his gardening was done by hand. He didn't believe in machines. This shows a lot about his character. He didn't think that machines should do the work for you," said Miller.

Much of the produce that was grown in the garden was donated to the Community Services Center. They would then distribute the fresh produce in the food bags for the hungry.

Jones is survived by his wife Mary, daughters Frances J. Youatt of Seattle and Margaret J. Doyle of Oberlin, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

by Hanna Miller

The first time Bishop Andy Lewter, OC '76, saw the Rev. Fred Steen, OC '55, he was standing before him in the lobby of the Oberlin Inn.

Lewter and his father had spent the day in the Office of Admissions, learning about Oberlin College. Steen had come to tell them about the community.

"My decision to come to Oberlin was due to the home atmosphere Dr. Steen offered," Lewter said.

Years later, after Lewter had graduated, Steen stood beside him.

"When I was named bishop, he was standing by my side," Lewter said. "He was a great model of the ministry for all of us."

Steen, 68, died Wednesday afternoon at the Cleveland Clinic. He had served as pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church for 47 years.

"I was just stunned," said Elder Laurence Nevels of Christ Temple Apostolic Church. "He will be greatly missed. He was an astute and profound preacher and a terrific orator. He really loved the Lord and knew how to communicate the Word."

First-year Adisa Chaney heard Steen introduce the Fisk Jubilee Singers at this year's Convocation. Steen, a graduate of Fisk University, was especially proud that night; his eldest son and namesake is a member of the choir.

"For an old guy, this guy seemed to be full of life," Chaney said. "He seemed to be trying to go after folks."

Chaney began attending services at Mount Zion. Steen welcomed students to his congregation with enormous warmth, encouraging them to stand and introduce themselves. Sometimes when Steen was not delivering powerful sermons, he took a seat at the piano.

"He was a great musician," Nevels said.

In an interview with the Plain Dealer last month Steen said,"They call me the all-purpose pastor. If the organist doesn't show up, we don't have to sing a capella. I go over to the organ and play."

Steen devoted himself to his church. In 1950, Steen took a bus from Texas to Oberlin armed with his acceptance to the Oberlin School of Theology. Steen thought he'd eventually continue east to New York, but Mount Zion helped change his mind.

Steen was one of a string of theology students to be named pastor of Mount Zion. Unlike his predecessors, Steen didn't leave after graduation. He stayed with the 250-member congregation for the rest of his life.

Steen had announced plans to retire at the end of the year. He had hoped to spend his retirement writing his autobiography.

"He inspired so many students," Lewter said. "All were touched by his ministry."

Lewter said Steen always had time for students, no matter how late.

"He always gave students hope, he always encouraged them," Lewter said.

"The engaging personality of Dr. Steen and his lively example of faith drew many students who intended to wander away from the church."

Steen was instrumental in the creation of the host family program which paired college students with community members.

In an interview with the Review last Fall, Steen said, "A student's education is incomplete if they get a degree from Oberlin College and have not had a chance to become part of the community. They're missing so much if they do not get to know the people in their community."

Steen said he was saddened to see fewer students in church in recent years.

"At Commencement, I am shocked to see black students graduate that I have never seen," Steen said. "That was unheard of years ago. Where have these kids been?"

"The College and the community was his heart," Nevels said.

Steen died awaiting surgery. The congregation will hold a memorial service Sunday. According to College Secretary Bob Haslun, Oberlin College will organize a remembrance after Spring Break.

Chaney said, "I think he went doing the Lord's work, so I think it's going to be alright."

Centennial Birthday: George Jones, right, celebrated his 100th birthday Aug. 27 with Biology Professor David Benzing and Jones' great-granddaughter Talia Doucett. (photo courtesy of Linda Grashoff)