Louise Sullivan Rowe

"My mother loved Alleluia," Ann Marie Rowe said in announcing the first Louise Rowe Memorial Scholarship at the June 1, 2001, high school honors banquet.

Helen Almeter was the winner of the inaugural $1,000 stipend, which will be awarded annually to a student who plans to attend Christendom College in Virginia or Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, or has plans to pursue the Catholic priesthood. Louise would have been so pleased with the first recipient as the Almeter family had faithfully served her needs in her last years when her health and strength were failing.

Louise died 11 months ago, Anne Marie recalled, "and I wanted to do something in her name. Alleluia was her life. This is a way to share our mother's legacy with the community."

"God loved my mother so much. I truly believe that God had His hand in this."

She explained that if no one qualifies for the scholarship next year, Helen would be eligible to receive it again. Normally, however, the award will be for one year.

The kind of love Louise had for Alleluia, the kind of love her daughter spoke of, was reflected in her testimony:

"I loved worshipping God with a group of people who really enjoy worshipping God. When we are really worshipping, I say, 'This is my people. I need them.'"

And now her legacy will continue to support her people.



Louise's Testimony:

Although it occurred many years ago, I can remember receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as if it was yesterday. I reluctantly went to my first prayer meeting to please my niece, and then only because a priest was part of this activity. I sat near the back door so I could make a quick exit (in the event I was turned off). It was not bad, so I thought I would give them another chance. It only took a short time for me to feel the “Presence” there. It felt good, but I knew I would not let them get me out of that chair. (I didn’t want to be foolish like others, you understand.)

I came home and God let me go into the kitchen to finish my usual duties. When I went into my bedroom for my evening prayers I got down on my knees. It did not take long before I felt as if all of heaven was coming down. Why, I would have stood on my head if He had asked me to!

He led me to the Bible and I started to read. I stayed awake until I came to “Be still and know that I am God.” I didn’t sleep for six months. I spent every evening reading Scripture.

Scripture came alive to me. Mass became different. The words of the Mass came alive to me. I understood the mystery and readings of the Mass. I loved my faith. Becoming alive in Christ—that’s what the Baptism in the Holy Spirit has meant to me. It is what God has done for me, not what I have done for God. Thinking back on my experience, I realize how tightly I was holding onto that chair the night I was prayed for. It would have taken an explosion to get me out of that chair. I was not going to be one of those “Holy Rollers” on the floor. No, I was too dignified for that. But, I now understand how Saul felt being knocked of his horse.

I have heard that people sometimes receive the gift of laughter. I didn’t laugh or cry. I asked God one night what it would be like if…. I knelt down for my night prayers and began to laugh. I couldn’t read the Scripture; I was laughing too much. I was still laughing the next morning as I was driving to work. I was still laughing in the parking lot. I said, “God, this can’t go on, I have to go into work.” I stopped laughing but still felt the joy of His presence during the entire day.

I loved worshipping God with a group of people who really enjoy worshipping God. When we are really worshipping I say, “This is my people. I need them.” I never used to cry. But God has given me the gift of tears. That’s why whenever I’m with His people, praising Him, worshipping Him, I turn into a river.

What has the Baptism of the Holy Spirit meant to me? Well, it’s the difference between night and day. I see everything differently now. My eyes have been opened. I see God differently. I know Him personally. Jesus became personal to me. I know and experience the Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity is personal to me. It is what God has done for me, not because of what I have done for others—but because He loves me.


Louise may have been small in stature, but she was a dynamo of energy and determination which she put to good use for the Lord. She was quick to pray for anyone in need of prayer and was a tremendous and faithful prayer warrior over the years, keeping a basket on her table with prayer petitions as a reminder to pray for others in need. She participated in many Life in the Spirit Seminars, prayer groups and Bible study groups over the years and attended many Charismatic Conferences and pilgrimages with her daughter and friends. Louise loved the Lord and was ready to witness to His power and what

He had done in her life at a moment’s notice. She had a daily prayer partner for many years and made her profession of promises to the Lay Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel the month before she died.

One of our Alleluia families had many children but their grandparents lived out of town. Louise allowed them to adopt her as their grandmother. She looked forward to sharing in their many family celebrations over the years, from birthdays and baptisms to recitals and outings, and eventually lived with them in her final days before going to the Lord. The Hartney children will forever remember the impact Grandma Louise had on their lives.

She had many friends and family members throughout the South who continue to miss her joyful presence. We are all richer for knowing and loving Louise.