Ruth McFarland was born in New South Wales, Australia, and took an adventurous route to becoming a Landis Homes resident.


RUTH FORGED W


hen she was almost 21, her father passed away. One of the special legacies he left her was the chance to travel to Britain. It was there that she applied and ended up working for the Australian government in the embassy. Ruth shared one of her most memorable moments


in this position: “I was in London when South Africa decided to leave the British Commonwealth.” Tis is just one of many experiences that influenced her.


“Eventually, I was asked to go to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. While there, I was offered and accepted a five-year position working for the United Nations.” Ruth’s travels with the UN took her all over but it was one particular meeting in the former Yugoslavia that changed her life direction. “I met Carl Henry, an Eastern Baptist Seminary professor. He encouraged me to interview for a position at Eastern Baptist Seminary, now known as Palmer Teological Seminary, located near Philadelphia, PA.”


Ruth was offered a position as the International Advisor for students and she accepted, prompting a move to the United States. She wasn’t there long when the position of registrar opened up. A woman had never held this office, but Ruth applied, knowing she might encounter some resistance. She got the position! “I was the first woman to ever serve in the administration. Tere were some barriers, but I did have support from professors who looked after me,” Ruth shared.


“One of my most exciting experiences was speaking at the First Baptist Church in Moscow while setting up the registrar’s offices there. I was one of the first women granted the opportunity to do that.” In her role she traveled to Estonia, Latvia, Russia and all over Europe. “I really enjoyed it,” she recalls.


Ruth spent 35 years in the Registrar’s Office at Palmer while also remaining the International Advisor for students. During this time she met several Lancaster County natives and became more familiar with Mennonites and their faith practices. She also gained her American citizenship, holding a dual citizenship with Australia.


Ruth moved from Philadelphia to Lancaster and then from Lancaster to Landis Homes, where she maintains some of her closest friendships with those she met while at Palmer. “My friends here at Landis Homes whom I met throughout my journeys are like adopted family to me,” she said.


Ruth travels home to Australia once every two years and keeps up with her friends and other alumna from Palmer Teological Seminary. She also volunteers at her church in downtown Lancaster. Community service continues to be important to her. Ruth has always forged her own path and shines a light for others to do the same!


12 • Landis.org | FLOURISH | Spring 2025


CULTIVATING MEANINGFUL LIVING


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