It’s been said Iras Chapin is a very special person who has made giving of herself a life long habit.

Even at 88 years young, she continues to pour out her life in service to others.

Iras has been a very active member of the United Methodist Church in Motley for many years, which included raising funds with bi-annual Mission Dinners which began in the early 1980’s with her late husband Bernard.

Mrs. Chapin regularly invites and schedules people to serve as greeters, ushers, communion servers, and other hospitality workers for Sunday worship celebrations. The monthly communion celebrations are wonderfully enhanced by her freshly baked bread.

She has served in many capacities such as the Sunday School Superintendent, President of the United Methodist Women, District Officer, choir member, Church Women United, office volunteer and visitor to the sick and lonely.

But Iras heart for missions has gone far beyond the walls of the Motley Church. The Motley Food Shelf was reopened back in the mid 90’s and Iras served as its director for nearly 21 years. In the Motley World Reporter, Iras was interviewed about working at the Food Shelf. Having grown up in the Depression era, Iras said she knows what hard times are. “It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve been blessed in this life; and it makes me feel good to help people in some small way.”

Iras and her late husband’s heart for vulnerable children was demonstrated across many years in their willingness to be foster parents. Many a child found a place of safety and refuge on their Poplar township farm. To this day, she is in touch with many of these children and frequently provides child care for her “great grandson.” 

Iras Chapin is a very special person; she is a woman of class with many admirable qualities. Her years of selfless service have earned her the deep admiration and affection of her church family and community.