Columbia Union Executive Committee Honors Peggy Lee

Columbia Union Executive Committee Honors Peggy Lee

Story by Grace Virtue and V. Michelle Bernard

The Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee honored Peggy Louise Stevens Lee, secretary/treasurer of the Columbia Union Revolving Fund (CURF), today at their quarterly meeting. Lee is departing her position after 35 years of yeoman service, including helping grow the fund from $3 million to $168 million (as of December 31, 2014). Lee also guided the fund through a complex registration process in 1993, and helped plan the first North American Division-wide meeting of revolving fund personnel in 2006.

“What has happened there [CURF] is a result of the vision that God gave to this lady and the team she put together to make it happen,” said Dave Weigley, Columbia Union president. “Praise God for what he has done through Peggy Lee.”

Rob Vandeman, Columbia Union executive secretary, shared that through her work and desire to bless the church, she has helped conferences to build church schools, and renovate, build and buy churches. “We’ve all been blessed through her careful stewardship of the dollars that people have put into the CURF program,” he added.

Lee doesn’t take credit for CURF’s success. “I have been so blessed throughout my life. I lost a son at 17 years of age in an automobile accident, my husband died 20 years ago from brain cancer, but I have two wonderful daughters and two great grandchildren,” she added.

“I want to give credit to the CURF staff, we have a fabulous staff that can do just fine without me, and things will progress I’m sure also.” One of my greatest blessings is that the Columbia Union has allowed me to work as an old, old lady. I’m thankful that they’ve allowed me to work this long.”

Lee started her career with the union in 1949 as a secretary in the education department. She left in 1952 but returned in 1980 as secretary to Don Russell, then union treasurer. Russell also put her in charge of CURF. Lee became treasurer and assistant secretary in 1992, and secretary/treasurer in January 1997, when Russell retired. In 1993 she led the effort to have the fund registered as a security. Administrators say she accomplished spectacular growth through her management ability.

Read more in the April Visitor!