Events & Activities

The Willows Foundation, Inc.
Annual Meeting

CHESTNUT BOOTH C.S. | Being faithful over the few things

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Chestnut Booth is a Journal-listed Christian Science practitioner who has delivered inspirational talks and addressed Christian Science Associations across the United States, as well as in Great Britain and India, for decades. She has taught Sunday School almost every week for the past 50 years, except when serving as a First Reader. Her favorite church roles also include assistant Committee on Publication and Institutional Services Chaplain. Chestnut dedicated 33 years to Principia College, where she spent 14 years as Dean of Students, and she currently serves as a Principia Trustee.

Beyond her passion for moral and spiritual education, Chestnut has a deep commitment to supporting Christian Science nursing. Before college, she trained as a nurse’s aide at the Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association, where she cared for Mary Baker Eddy’s last living student, who affectionately nicknamed her “Chestnut.” More recently, she served nine years on the board of Peace Haven, a Christian Science nursing facility in St. Louis.

Chestnut holds an undergraduate degree in geology and education from Principia College and a master’s in counseling from Southern Illinois University, both earned with highest honors. She is married to Richard Booth, former Chief Technology Officer at Principia, and their son, Michael, a Principia graduate, taught at the college and held a Ph.D. in forest restoration and biodiversity from Yale University.

Chestnut enjoys cooking, spending time outdoors, and—perhaps most tellingly—loves folding laundry.

Candlelight Dinner 2024

Thinking Forward

Past Thinking Forward Interviews — REPLAYS AVAILABLE by clicking HERE

Calendar of Willows Events & Activities

Concerts

A Cello & Piano Concert | March 16, 2025

You are invited to hear a short program of music from Baroque to Romantic, presented by Virginia Burward-Hoy and Natalia Gubenko. Virginia is a professional cellist and Willows resident, and Natalia is a well-known pianist who performs and teaches in the southern California area; including the Willows.