January 10, 1903 – April 24, 1991

by Barbara Sue Oglesby Nicholl, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Erwin, NC, 2016

The life of Maude Graham Bost is inextricably intertwined with the history of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. St. Stephen’s was built in 1905 under the leadership of W. A. Erwin, on land he contributed. Mr. Erwin, the founder of Erwin Cotton Mills Company, is still a benefactor of St. Stephen’s through a legacy in his will. The wooden church burned on New Year’s Day in 1922. Senior Warden Edwin Heathman Bost led the church in the construction of a brick structure, consecrated by Bishop Cheshire on October 14, 1923. This building is still in use as a living historic church of the diocese.

Edwin H. Bost was the plant manager of Erwin Mills from 1919 to 1955. His first wife, Grace Coley Bost, is memorialized in the stained glass window above the altar of St. Stephen’s. Grace and Edwin had three sons, Henry Bost, James “Buck” Bost, and Edwin McLeod Bost. After Grace’s death, Mr. Bost married Maude Elizabeth Graham in 1940, and the couple had two sons, Robert Bost and Samuel Fraley Bost. Edwin H. Bost died in 1956, and Maude continued rearing their family in the church.

Maude quietly, yet purposefully, thoughtfully, and capably, devoted her entire life to her family, the Town of Erwin, and St. Stephen’s. The St. Stephen’s Church Directory, published in 1991, contained this tribute in memory of Maude. The author is Martha Smith.

The parishioners of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church lovingly dedicate this directory to the memory of Maude Elizabeth (Graham) Bost, who for five decades epitomized for the people of St. Stephen’s and the citizens of Harnett County the love of God demonstrated in service to others.

Residents of Erwin and Harnett County – especially those whom she taught to read – honor Maude, Erwin’s first “Woman of the Year,” for her service to the Harnett County Literacy Council, the Erwin School Board, the Good Hope Hospital, and the Red Cross.

Her fellow parishioners knew the strong leadership that she offered the vestry, the Episcopal Women of the Church, the Episcopal Young Churchmen, and the women of the convocation, whom she served as treasurer.

All fondly recall her wit, the depth of her friendship, and the courage, commitment, and good humor with which she enriched all our lives.

Maude was born in Jonesville, Virginia, and taught school for many years, prior to her marriage. Her interest in education led to her being the first woman ever elected Chairman of the Erwin School Board. She helped pilot the Erwin Friendship Club for senior citizens retired from the mill. Maude was a genuine friend and always welcomed newcomers by visiting in their homes.

Maude’s husband was instrumental in founding St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and served on its vestry for many years, but it is because of Maude’s service throughout the years and her wonderful and gracious wit that she is fondly remembered today by older church members. Fittingly, tower chimes given in her memory ring out every Sunday from St. Stephen’s as a call to worship.