The July/August 1994 issue of our magazine, Family Scrapbook: the Magazine For, By, and About Christian Families featured a story about George and Katherine Beiter in our Family Portrait column. Our visit to their farm in Chautauqua County for the interview was delightful but after the issue posted we lost track of George and Katherine.

On our recent trip to New York our friend who had introduced us to the Beiters put me in touch with Katherine once again. You can read the post from my recent interview with Katherine.

George and Katherine Beiter

“I’ve been planting trees since my freshman year in high school,” says 76-year-old George Beiter. His eyes twinkle as he relates how a biology assignment, in which students were asked to bring seeds to class, got him interested in planting. He’s been doing it ever since. George estimates he’s planted over 3000 trees in his life.

Grapond Farm, 68 acres in Chautauqua County, Western New York, is evidence of his handiwork. From April till October, George spends most of his days and some of his nights at the cottage his family is building on the property.  Just 15 minute from their home in Fredonia, his wife, Katherine, also spends as much time as she can at the farm.

For the Love of Trees and Grapes

It was 22 years ago that George purchased the farm and began to develop it into the haven it is today. But his first wife’s ill health and subsequent death, and the responsibilities of raising an 11-year-old son (the youngest of Georg’s six children), kept him from devoting himself to the property until just the last few years.Retiring from his job as an industrial engineer in Buffalo has also freed up his time.

Besides trees, George Beiter loves grapes. His 2-acre vineyard has been known to yield 16 tons of grapes in a good season! Though the grapes are professionally harvested, George delights in working his vineyard, as well as tending his trees.

Katherine, his wife of ten years, is warm, kind, hospitable. As a public health nurse, she is an instructor at State University of New York at Fredonia, and has been involved in Hospice. Her first husband was killed in a plane crash when she was 30, leaving her with two small children. Parenting and professional involvements filled her life.

Enter George

It was George and Katherine’s mutual love of classical music that first brought them together. They soon discovered that they both loved Chautauqua County, the outdoors, sailing, and being together. But George was Catholic and Katherine was Protestant—a factor too big for either of them to ignore. As they discussed their problem, Katherine told him that her personal relationship with Jesus Christ was the most important thing in her life. George responded, “I think that’s what’s missing in my own life.” He began seeking to know the Lord and seriously studying the Bible. Gorge now has a wonderful grasp of God’s love and a gentle, sincere faith. Together they have many opportunities to share their faith with others.

The Beiters use their acerage for providing refreshment for family and friends. At family gatherings children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews camp in tents around the farm. With swimming and fishing in the pond, hills and trails to hike, and a gully to explore, there’s always plenty to do.

Hospitality and Fellowship

Early on George and Katherine dedicated the land to the Lord. As a result, they often invite small groups to the farm for spiritual renewal. A highlight for them is the Emmaus Walk. Starting with a hymn and a reading from the passage in Luke 24, where the resurrected Christ walked along with two of His followers, they go from point to point, reading and singing at each stop. Questions they discuss along the way include, “Would your recognize Jesus if He came and walked with you today?” The walk ends with an “agape”  meal, breaking bread together.

Family Portrait column from Family Scrapbook Magazine

They know the land belongs to the Lord. They realize, too, it is heritage for their children and grandchildren. They are caretakers of the land the Lord has allowed them to have.

George finds life at the farm deeply satisfying. He never begrudges the time he spends working the land. Seeing the Lord work His way in nature is a wonder he’d like to have others experience too, and he encourages anyone with leanings toward planting trees to pursue the interest.

Katherine’s love for the land stems from the renewal she has experienced on the farm. When turmoil, confusion, and a hectic pace threaten to overtake her, the farm has been a refuge. She encourages others to spend even a few hours in nature, where God can renew our spirits through His creation.

Ginger