A story from Ralph Smith about his grandfather:
My grandfather, Bishop Randall was well known and loved for many years in the city of Chicago. He not only represented the Episcopal Church but to me he represented all that was holy and sacred.
I often attended church when he conducted the service and presided over communion. During those times I learned the importance of breaking bread together and the specialness of doing it with him.
Each summer my family and I went to Long Lake in Phelps, Wisconsin. We would spend nearly three months in the woods where we enjoyed boating, playing baseball, eating at the lodge, and reuniting with friends.
Each Wednesday at 7 a.m. our neighbors were invited to attend a simple communion service of bread and wine on our screen porch that overlooked the lake. Often I was the only one breaking bread with my grandfather. I really did not like getting up that early but as time went on I developed a bond with my grandfather that others did not have with him.
On Sunday mornings the community of Long Lake friends gathered in the little chapel on the hill that seated 35 people. There was a pump organ and all ages sang and took communion together. During those services we all appreciated our longtime friendships. We all looked forward to showing God our love during those humble moments when we were on our knees together in the North Woods.
On Sunday mornings when I was in high school, my grandfather, Bishop Randall, would visit and conduct Episcopal services all over Chicago. I became his designated driver and I enjoyed driving his maroon Packard and proud to have him as my passenger. Those were special times for both of us. Our conversation in the car and our contentment with each other proved to be a time of growth for me. He taught me to understand and appreciate the meaning of “The bread of life and the cup of salvation” from those days forward.