A Tribute To
Eileen
Nellie Garrod Roberts
By. Rev. Simeon Stefanidakis
As soon as Rev. Stephen Fulton and I shook hands with this woman, at the airport, we knew, without question, that we had made a lifelong friend. This woman is Eileen Roberts.
At first glance, Eileen appeared to be a typical British lady, with a lovely peaches-and-cream complexion and a most delightful accent (although Eileen always insisted that it is we who have the accent). But underneath that lovely exterior lay the Spirit of a woman who tirelessly devoted most of her earthly life to the investigation of mediumship and the promulgation of sound ethics in the work.
It was her obvious love and commitment to the work of Spirit that spoke to us, with profound clarity, that first year, and it is that same love and commitment which caused us to invite her, year in and year out, as a regular guest. In this, she became far more than a guest; she became a most cherished friend and companion of the Spirit.
Eileen Roberts loved Spirit. In her work, she exuded a natural joy and enthusiasm every time she stepped forward to lend herself as a voice and escort for the Spirit people. For over 60 years, Eileen studied, and studied hard, always endeavoring to understand more and more of what lies at the foundation of this most wondrously elusive gift of the Spirit. She never seemed to be satisfied remaining settled where she was in her understanding of mediumship and always challenged herself to take another step. Yet, in her continuous pursuit of understanding and knowledge, she remained eternally anchored in her faith that where she may have been lacking, God and Spirit would fill the void.
True to her style, she passed to Spirit -- May 10, 2009, at 8:20 PM, London Time -- exactly as she had wanted: in her home; facing her garden; at peace; and with her daughter, Anita, at her side. Earlier this year, I flew to spend some time with my devoted friend, colleague and sister of the Spirit. Both she and I knew it would be a sorrowful farewell visit, and, indeed it was. But, behind the obviously frail exterior, Eileen remained strong and ever optimistic for the future. We talked and recalled 30 years of wonderful memories and experiences.
The sorrow of Eileen Robert's passing to Spirit is really quite simple. She represents the end of an era in Spiritualism and mediumship: an era where hard work, study, and patience became cobblestones which marked the road to mediumship; an era where the straight and narrow was preferable to the easy way; where fame, publicity, and money did not outshine the genuine work of Spirit. Who of us, today, would walk through a blitz, in order to attend a circle meeting or a church service? Who of us, today, would work for over TWENTY years before publicly professing that we are, in fact, a working medium? Who of us, today, would travel hours by train to serve a church, to be remunerated by only a quick cup of tea and an even quicker "good-bye"? Not many!
For over 40 years, Eileen Roberts devoted her energies as President of the Institute of Spiritualist Mediums. She traveled the globe, sharing her wisdom, experience, charm, grace, and obvious love for Spirit. As a teacher of mediumship, she was one of -- if not the -- best. She relied heavily upon Spirit guidance, while tapping into her own wealth of insight and experience.
Above all, Eileen stood for ethics, integrity, and respect when it came to mediumship. I know, only too well, what it is to be criticized for trying to uphold sound ethics and responsibility in this work. She, too, was scoffed by some of her peers for being too firm and responsible in her approach to mediumship. We each know from where the other comes, and we have learned from each other's trial and tribulation.
Despite her demanding and, sometimes, determined demeanor, there was a tender -- yea, almost innocent -- side to Eileen, and one could see this when she taught, lectured, and offered communication. Jesus taught us that we should all be as children; not childish, but child-like. We should have, within us, a purity of faith and trust in God and the Spirit. Eileen followed this command in the simple purity with which it was given to us 2,000 years ago.
Eileen's physical blindness and ailing body caused her to face many challenges, all of which tempered her faith even more. But, she did so with grace and dignity; a fighter to the end.
I surmise . . . no, I know . . . Eileen will continue in her work, as she adjusts to the Spirit life, sometimes with the roar of a lion, but always with the gentleness of a lamb, following wherever God may lead her.
On May 10, 2009, at 8:20 AM, London time, Eileen Roberts experienced the Great Adventure and now resides with her family, her Spirit guides and helpers, and the countless colleagues and workers with whom she served the Spirit.
I celebrate her life and her legacy. I celebrate her resurrection in Spirit. I rejoice in the freedom she must be feeling. I shall always cherish her friendship. But, I shall miss her terribly.
We love you, Eileen. You did your work well; indeed, very well!