Eileen Roberts passes on
Eileen Roberts
One of Britain’s best-loved and most influential mediums, Eileen Roberts, died peacefully at her home in Essex, just a few days before her 93rd birthday on Sunday, 10 May.
A gifted medium, she dedicated much of her life to teaching mediumship as well as working to improve standards.
Eileen was president and education officer of the Institute of Spiritualist Mediums (ISM) for over 40 years and her huge contribution to its work was recognised, on her retirement at the age of 90, when the title “president emeritus” was bestowed on her.
Her influence went far beyond Britain’s shores and she travelled extensively at one time, establishing close links with various churches, but particularly to the First Spiritual Temple in Boston, United States, where she became an annual visitor and demonstrator.
Its website makes this observation: “Eileen represents a dying era in Spiritualism and mediumship: an era where hard work, study and patience became cobblestones which marked the road to mediumship; an era where the straight and narrow was preferable to the easy way; where fame, publicity and money did not outshine the genuine work of spirit.”
Eileen Roberts’ knowledge and understanding of mediumship reached a wide audience through her books, Investigating Mediumship, Misconceptions in Mediumship and Subtle Studies of the Mediumistic Faculty.
She had suffered poor health in recent years and had lost her sight. ISM president Graham Jones will conduct the service at the South Essex Crematorium on Friday 22 May at 2.40pm.
The ISM began life as the Union of Spiritualist Mediums at the instigation of Bertha Harris and a handful of other London mediums. Its purpose was “the training of prospective workers – young or old – in the principles of the religious philosophy of Spiritualism”.
That objective covered speakers and healers but the organisation was recognised most for encouraging the development of new mediums with “Fledgling Meetings” at which they showed what they could do and, if they met with approval, were awarded a probationer’s certificate.
That was the foundation for a successful career for many who went on to become well-known public mediums. Today, its members who are working mediums of experience, may apply for Registration as an Approved Medium (ISM/RAM), creditation which reflects a high standard of ability and a detailed knowledge of Spiritualism and mediumship.
The union changed its name to the Institute of Spiritualist Mediums in 1981 – its Silver Jubilee year – when it also launched the ISM Home Circle Link. It was Eileen Roberts who produced a tutorial package for this new initiative.
Eileen Roberts at home in Essex
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I have known Eileen Roberts since she first visited the First Spiritual Temple, in 1978. She and I have worked together, both in the US and the UK, for many years. She was, bar none, THE finest teaching mediums of the twentieth century . The real loss we all suffer in her passing is this: her death marks the end of an era in Spiritualism and mediumship. She comes from a generation of English mediums who, literally, helped save a grieving nation in the throws of war. Godspeed, my beloved friend, colleague, and sister in Spirit.
Rev. Simeon Stefanidakis,
Eileen & I were colleagues & good friends for over 22 years. She came to Baltimore many times (often at Halloween!!!) to do readings, workshops & lectures, as well as being part of week-long conferences presented by Spiritual Frontiers Fellowship in Pennsylvania. A wonderful medium, a stalwart friend, a great sense of humor, & we shared a deep curiosity about life (we were both a “5″), which led to a lot of unexpected experiences. I mustn’t forget that she loved to dance; and she was able to share a cruise with me on the QEII, which we both thoroughly enjoyed. When I couldn’t reach her on the phone for my annual birthday call, I suspected she had taken leave of this world and was having a great time greeting all her old friends who were there to meet her. Lots of love & I’ll see you, sometime. Lynne
eillleen was influential in my own development and understanding of spiritual gifts bestowed to me by the great spirit. eilleen should be remembered for her tireless efforts in promoting spiritualism in our modern age. probably the last medium of a generation that worked not for financial gain, or topack large theartres, but to spread the truth of the spirit. god bless you sister, you are home in spirit and i am sure you will communicate again to prove your personal spirit survival.
I knew Eileen when I was editor of the ISM journal in 1999. Although she could be formidable at times you always knew where you stood with her. She was passionate about her work as a Medium and the high standards expected. She didn’t suffer fools gladly!
I feel privileged to have known her and am sure she is enjoying her new life in spirit.
God bless you Eileen.
Warmest
Rob