In The Spotlight: Miriam Harris

Miriam Harris joined the UMC of Hempstead in 1989 and is a proud member of our church for the past 26 years. Prior to joining the church community, she belonged to the Greenport United Methodist Church.

Miriam Harris and Janice LaLumia

Greenport was Miriam’s home for many years; it’s the town where she grew up with her three brothers and two sisters. She fondly remembers her childhood—her mother was a Native American from the Shinnecock tribe in Long Island, and her father was born in Puerto Rico. The family made their home in Long Island. Miriam, who is 91 years young (and proud of it!), has lived her entire life in Long Island. In 1950, she married Edwin, her husband of 39 years. They were together until he died in 1989.

Her interest in dressmaking led her to the Traphagen School for fashion design in New York City where she studied all facets of dressmaking and design. “I made all my clothes, my family’s clothes, and my friends’ clothes,” said Miriam. “I was always interested in arts and crafts, and painting too.”

Eventually, Miriam began working for the U.S. Postal Service where she remained until her retirement in 1984.

Leading a full and active life, Miriam naturally became involved in some of the committees at the UMC of Hempstead. She was a member of the Social Concerns Committee, and then joined the UMW in 1990, a few years after she found this church. She was the Chair of the Esther Circle for five years, and remains active in this group.

One of Miriam’s favorite memories at the UMC of Hempstead brings a smile to her face: “I really enjoyed being the Chairperson of the bake table at the annual Church Fair,” she said. During this annual fundraising event, she managed sales, requested donations from people, and sold baked items on the day of the Fair.