Dear Tom,

It was with surprise as well as regret that I learned of your indisposition.¹ It was difficult to associate your robust, energetic, strenuous, almost indispensable self with illness and a hospital. I hope that the enforced inactivity will not last long, but even that for one with your intellectual and spiritual grip on the vital verities, will not be without some lasting profit.

You have sown bountifully and reaped bountifully. Very few men can point to so many public benefits of enduring value. Like Christopher Wren's your monuments are beauty spots

You have not been appreciated as you should have been but what can one expect with the average intelligence what it is?

You have meant a great deal to me. I could only put your unfailing loyalty down to a wonderful generosity. I do not like to think of the day when MacNab Street [Presbyterian Church] will not have your faithful support and the inspiration of your regular attendance. But I trust that that time is far distant. You should have twenty more useful constructive years for the exercise of your artistic enthusiasm and enterprise.

You have my best wishes and prayers for a steady recovery.

Yours sincerely,

Beverley Kitchen

¹ Thomas Baker McQuesten died on Jan 13, 1948, in Hamilton General Hospital after several month's illness. See his biographical sketch by clicking on "Family" and then on his picture.