Our Stories: Jo Sloan

Written by Jo Sloan, Published on July 16, 2018

In 1972, my husband Chet and I moved to Des Moines from Fort Madison, Ia. We were accompanied by our two daughters and three dogs. Upon arrival, we had two important goals to accomplish: First -- to fence the backyard to contain our three Schnauzers, and second— to find our Episcopal church.

Our first Sunday in town, we attended St. Luke’s. The second Sunday to St. Paul’s, and that ended our church quest. We loved it.

Father William (Bill) Jacobs was the priest at that time. Our daughters were both at University of Iowa, so it was up to us to make our friends and start a new life.

In time, Chet was on the vestry and various committees and was the original “instigator” for the Columbarium, located in the chapel.

I sang in choir for many years, and served a couple of terms on the vestry/chapter, women of St. Paul’s and altar guild.

We established many friendships at St. Paul’s and still consider that and neighborhood as the basis for our social life. Both daughters were married at St. Paul’s (the first time) and Father Jacobs celebrated at each.

Chet died in 1997 and is buried in the Columbarium next door to Kay Meginnis. For the past 13 years, I have had the joy of sharing life with Paul Meginnis. Both of us love St. Paul’s and will be there for eternity!