The Methodist Home for Children has honored its retiring chairman by renaming the chapel in the main building the Robert Olin Niles Chapel of the Four Orphans. John-John-Gideon-John-Patience-Algernon-Alice-Algernon-Charles-Robert "Bob" Olin NILES has been chairman of MHC since 2001. Before that, he was chairman of what is now Methodist Services for Children and Families, one of MHC’s affiliated organizations.
In naming the chapel in his honor, the board adopted a citation saluting Bob for his service. The citation read in part:
“You have dedicated yourself to ensuring the good health and growth of this organization for over 20 years. With a singular blend of plain speaking, depth of analysis, perception and personal warmth, you have led Methodist Home for Children into a strong and positive future. …
“You are recognized and respected as a person of unparalleled honesty and integrity; as one who guides his life by the highest ethical standards. You show respect for the dignity of all those with whom you have worked.
“You are a dedicated volunteer and philanthropist who has given generously of your time, expertise, and financial resources to make a difference in the lives of families and children in Eastern Pennsylvania.
“As a dedicated practitioner of John Wesley’s beliefs, you have lived and led by the code, ‘Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.’
“For showing us, always with the smile of an old friend, not only how to see the possibilities, but also how to make them a reality, we proudly honor you … .”
The Methodist Episcopal Orphanage was founded in 1879 by women of faith to care for children orphaned as a result of the Civil War. Today, Methodist Home for Children is a nonprofit child service and advocacy organization serving more than 2,500 people in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Northampton, Carbon and Monroe Counties. MHC provides services through two corporations: Methodist Services for Children and Families (MSCF) and Methodist Family Services of Philadelphia (MFSP).
Dr. Angele Parker, chief executive officer of Methodist Home for Children, said, “In addition to being a steadfast supporter of Methodist Home for Children, Bob Niles has been a personal mentor and friend. His leadership style is thoughtful and inspiring, and his ability to carefully analyze opportunities and challenges has been an invaluable resource to our agency. With his guidance, Methodist Home for Children has become a leader in the social service industry in Philadelphia, providing top-quality services to women, children and families in need. We have truly been blessed by his leadership and friendship.”
http://www.berwynumc.org/lc/OCTOBER%202008.pdf
Video of the naming ceremony.
