Eleanor Ruth Grant moved to Longwood in 1945 with her husband, James Russell Grant, and their 3 children, Shirley, Sybil, and Frederick. Later, Richard and Patsy were added to the family.
Before marriage, Ruth Ansley Grant was active in church work, and her abiding faith led her into the ministry. A trailblazer for women in this field, Mrs. Grant became one of the earliest female ministers in the United Pentecostal Church in 1947. She was active in forming Pentecostal churches in Cassia, Belleview, Apopka, Orlando, and Longwood.
Conducting prayer meetings in her home and neighbors’ homes, she started the First United Pentecostal Church of Longwood. On Sunday afternoons between regular church services, she held Sunday school for Longwood’s neighborhood children when she pastored the Pentecostal Church in Apopka.
By 1958, the first sanctuary for the Longwood church was built at 561 E. Orange Avenue. Mrs. Grant continued to pastor and shepherded the church through congregational growth and the enlarging of the facility. A larger sanctuary was completed in 1968.
Members of her congregation and many of Longwood’s youth affectionately knew her as Sis Grant. Believing in the next generation, she poured time and love into working with young people. Weekly and monthly activities and special events throughout the year were planned for these adults-to-be.
Being a former teacher, she was eager to share her skills and talents without cost. Mrs. Grant would often tutor adults and children in academics, give Bible studies, teach music, and share her ability to play the guitar, accordion and piano. After 26 years, the Rev. Ruth Grant retired as pastor but remained active for another 20 years as Pastor Emeritus.
Her communication and organizational skills were used for a broad spectrum of services.
She served as a PTA officer and the Homeroom mother who could be counted on for cupcakes and field trips. As the leader of a 4-H club, she taught sewing, crafts, and cooking. The club members were often winners at county fairs and other competitions.
She acted as a taxi driver for the Little League games and Vacation Bible School. She served on city and county committees in various capacities. She was often asked to give a dedicatory prayer at new Longwood businesses and other community functions.
Mrs. Grant managed her husband’s political campaigns and often wrote campaign literature. She was the bookkeeper and secretary for Grant’s Crawler Parts and Service, Inc., her husband’s thriving business for many years. During those 44 years, she dressed Santa Claus (Mr. Grant) for Longwood’s annual Christmas party.
This gregarious and energetic lady loved people and Longwood. She earned the unofficial title of Fundraising Queen, always available for school, band, city, church, and other worthy causes.
In 1986, Ruth Grant began researching the history of the Ansley family. Her research took her to England twice and resulted in the publication of the book “Hills of Ansley.” Quick to smile and offer southern-style hospitality, she made everyone welcome. Her coffee pot was always on, and the door was always open—no appointment necessary. She was there for you to share your joy or sorrow.
After living in her beloved Longwood for 60 years, in 2005, she moved to a higher location.
Originally published in the Footprints of Longwood book
She is buried at Highland Memorial Gardens in Forest City (FindAGrave).
Husband: James Russell Grant