Rev. Matilda G. Chase, daughter of Paris Haggard Glidewell and Mary (Barton) Glidewell passed away October 10, 2023 after a lengthy illness.

Rev. Chase, known as Tillie, was born in Humboldt, Tennessee on October 12, 1949. She grew up in Gary, Indiana where her family moved in the early 1950's for work in the steel industry. Tillie attended schools in Northwest Indiana and graduated from Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois. She earned an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and worked for North Carolina National Bank (now Bank of America) as a credit analyst. Positions of increased responsibility followed her in positions at Coca Cola Bottling, Charlotte, NC, McDonald Douglas (now Boeing) in Lyndhurst, NJ, and Union Bank of Switzerland, New York, NY. Tillie worked 20 years as an International Banker specializing in Information Technology and travelled frequently in Europe as a Business Analyst.

While working full-time in New York City, Tillie felt a spiritual calling to engage in a career of a new direction. Working by day, and attending New York Theological Seminary by night, she earned a Master of Divinity degree. She was ordained as the Associate Executive, Presbytery of the Palisades, NJ, eventually serving as an Interim, and later, the installed minister of First Presbyterian Church of Moonachie, NJ. In 2004, Tillie was called by The Community Presbyterian Church of Mount Bethel, PA where she became the first female pastor in the church's history. She was a valuable member of the Lehigh Presbytery, and her contributions were essential in assisting committees and churches seeking to understand transformational leadership. Tillie concluded her career as pastor of Olivet Presbyterian Church Easton, PA. In retirement, she threw pottery on her kick wheel, worked for the Iona Community of Scotland in the US, and was a Spiritual Director.

Tillie was an accomplished knitter and produced wonderful hats, scarves, socks, and intricately styled sweaters. She was a violinist, in the Pocono Community Orchestra. She enjoyed Bible Group discussions, and her ministry was felt in many areas. People will remember Tillie as an intellectual, philosophical, and understanding individual who cared for justice for all.

Survivors include husband, James G. Chase, and brother Joe Glidewell, Hobart, IN., along with nieces and a nephew.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, November 4, in the First Presbyterian Church of Stroudsburg, 575 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Luke's Hospice, Visiting Nurses Association, Development Office, 801 Ostrum Street, Bethlehem, Pa 18015.