*****************************************

Anniversary Profile: Edwin (Ed) Hancock

Ed Hancock has been involved with the Camp Wyoming ministry over its entire 50 year history.  Ed was a member of the Presbytery Committee that assessed the property in 1957 to identify its ability to facilitate a church camp program. In August 1960, as pastor of the Union Presbyterian Church in Lost Nation, Iowa, he led a youth work camp that built the first facility on the property, the Arts & Crafts Shelter. In fact, Ed’s oldest daughter, Susan, was a member of this work camp. The youth and adults of the work camp each signed their name on a beam in the shelter under the quote “We are all here; Because we are not all there!” The quote expressed the work camp’s feeling that their life of faith was exhibited in their belief in the future of camp ministry.

Ed grew up in San Juan, Texas. He met his wife, Margaret Theresa Wright, during their time at Park University in Kansas City, Missouri. Margaret was born in Africa while her parents were serving as missionaries. Ed and Margaret had five children: Hugh Hancock, Susan Noth, Sarah Hancock, Eileen Mabee, and Mary Wirch. Each of their children were active participants in the Camp Wyoming ministry.

Ed graduated from the Omaha Theological Seminary in 1937. He served Presbyterian churches in El Paso and Gainesville, Texas before he worked at the Presbyterian Children’s Home in Monticello, Arkansas for 8 years. At the conclusion of his time at the Children’s Home, Ed and Margaret moved to Lost Nation, Iowa where Ed served the Union Presbyterian Church for 10 years. It was his time at Lost Nation where he helped the ministry at Camp Wyoming become an active resource in the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). “The churches in the Presbytery have always been supportive of the Camp. First Presbyterian Church in Wyoming and Union Presbyterian Church in Lost Nation were very integral in starting the camp and getting the camp program off the ground.”

In 1980, the Camp was in transition as its previous Director had moved onto other work. Duane Rutenbeck from Lost Nation was on the Board of Directors at that time and was a member of the Presbyterian Church when Ed was pastor. Duane contacted Ed who was serving in an interim role in Columbia, Missouri to see if he would come to Camp and serve as Interim Director. Ed agreed and served as Camp Director for that summer and subsequently served in numerous terms as a Board member. Ed has remained supportive of Camp by being a member of the Annual Giving Club since its inception in 1998.

Ed will celebrate his 100th birthday on August 19th. 2010 will be a celebratory event for both Ed and Camp. Camp Wyoming has been blessed by Ed’s participation and support over its 50 years. “I’m a big believer in the value of Camp. I’ve enjoyed my time and am excited with what Camp Wyoming has become for the youth of the church.” Thank you, Ed!