The First One Hundred Years

Chicago, Illinois 1994

UNIVERSITY UDIJRCH S FIRST ONE

The Story of The Wonderful Strands That Make Up This Congregation

Authors and Compilers Editors Charles Harvey Arnold Carol LeFevre Eleanor A. Campbell John Modschiedler William D. Carpe Diane L. Herrmann Production and Layout May Sweet Lord Jay Wilcoxen Irvin E. Lunger John H. Sherman

Chicago, Illinois 1994 CopjTight 1994 by University Church (Disciples of Christ and United Church of Christ), 5655 South University A^•enue. Chicago, Illinois 60637

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

First Edition CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF SHARING IN GOD’S LOVE AND WONDER, SEEKING TO LIVE OUT GOD'S PLAN FOR OUR LIVES, CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER, AND WORKING FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE

from the masthead of the Messenger, 1994

This book is dedicated to all the thousands of men, women, and children who have walked the halls, worshipped and played within the walls, and added much to the enrichment of the history of this congregation.

Ill "In days o f rapid cfianges tfie present, it is a notaSCe tfiing tfiat a cHurch s/iouCd6e ce(e6rating its ... anniversary. In earRer times tfie cHurcfi was part o f td efb^d order. (But w ith the amazing social modifications o f recent times, the churches have tended to share in the modifications through which communities pass w ith such swiftness. So that it is something o f an achievement to 6e aSCe to pass a milestone o f this order, and with sofin e a re co rd ” —Herbert Lochjvood ‘HhOett October 7, 1919 TABLE OF COIVTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

ACKNOWLEMENENl'S VI

INI'RODUtTION VII

1 THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH CONES TO CHICAGO 1

2 THE FOUNDING OF THE HYDE PARK CHURCH AND ITS nRST MINISTER, HERBERT UICKWOOD WILLETT, 1894-1897 7

3 ERRETT GATES, 1897-1900 10

4 EDWARD SCRIBNER ANES, 1900-1940 22

5 IRVIN EUGENE LUNGER, 1 940-1955 72

6 JOSEPH J. VAN BOSKIRK, INTERIM,1955-1956; DAVID N. BRYAN, 1956-1900 94

7 JOHN HIGGINS SHERMAN, 1901-1905 103

8 CLARK N. WILLIAMSON, INTERIM,1 9 0 5 -1 9 0 0 ; BRIAN W. GRANT, INTERIM,1900-1907 123

9 TURNING AROUND: CHARLES H. BAYER, 1907-1973 137

10 CHARLES HARVEY LORD, 1970-1989 100

11 GEORGE P . POLK, INTERN, 1989-1991 2 2 4

ANN MARIE AND ARTHUR DONALD COLEMAN, 1991- 2 3 7

AHEKWORD 2 5 0

BIBLIOGRAPHY 2 5 7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

hen this project began in 1988 it was expected to progress smoothly wito final copy ready early in 1994. This did not W happen due to unforseen events, but with the support of members and former members of this congregation the book was completed for the centennial celebration. The History Task Force wishes to thank all toose who have contributed time, expertise, writing skills, and knowledge so that the history of University Church could be finished on time. The Task Force is especially indebted to all the writers and compilers, the editors who painstakingly read copy and made helpful suggestions, and Jay Wilcoxen for his gift of final layout and production skills. The committee wishes to thank members and former ministers who were helpful by contributing their reminiscences of the period they were with University Church. The committee is greatly in debt to Don Coleman, our present senior co-minister, who helped with interviews of some of the older members of the church, and for his wise and comforting counsel during the past three years. The committee is also grateful to Ann Marie Coleman, senior co-minister, for her help in organizing the final chapter and for her additions. And finally, the task force wishes to thank the congregation whose continual encouragement made this project worthwhile.

Eleanor A. Campbell Co-chair, History Task Force . Chicago, Dlinois September 1,1994 INTRODUCTION

e are delighted to be able to write the introduction to the many strands of the history of University Church. It is clear that this W congregation has chosen to become more as other congregations have joined their histories and understandings with University Church. While this book celebrates the centennial founding of the church which was originally called "The Hyde Park Church of Christ,” the strands of the histories of Memorial Church, a merged congregation of Disciples and Baptists, which joined with University Church in 1927 and the South Congregational Church, Community Christian Church, South Community Church which joined with University Church in 1980 to create a "new” University Church are an important and rich part of the tapestry that University Church has become. We are grateful to all the people who have participated in writing this intriguing history. They are named on the title page. All of us are indebted to Eleanor Campbell for her vision of this history and her willingness to keep the project going and on time. The story of University Church is an incredible record of people who have continually sought to be open to God's movement They have been rarely satisfied with the status quo and believe that God calls them to witness to the world with a religion of heart and mind. A Strategic Plan has been adopted which will lead us into the year 2000. A Second Century Fund has been established to help provide the resources for the future. Funding will be sought for: • making the church completely accessible, • keeping the building up, • renewing the organ, • growing the leadership of the church, and • enlarging the social justice fund.

There are many challenges which face us as a congregation as we dance into the future. We begin this fall using the new United Church of Christ lectionary- based church school curriculum for all ages called ”The Word for Us.” We are excited about the possibilities that this multi-racial, arts based curriculum offers to us as we seek to grow in faithfulness as a congregation.

vu We know ourselves to be 'surrounded by the cloud of witnesses' who have gone before—living, growing, struggling, seeking to be responsive to God's movement in tiieir day and time. We dance confidently into the future rooted in their witness, challenged by their faithfulness and open to God's movement in our midst

Ann Marie Coleman A, Donald Coleman Chicago, Illinois September 15,1994

vm University Church:

The First One Hundred Years

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH CONES TO CHICAGO

chapel was constructed at West Monroe he Christian Church and Rucker Streets (about 1200 west). /Disciples of Christ was Cooley eventually returned to Cleve­ T widely known as a land where he accumulated a small "frontier" people, emerging in the first fortune and before his death estab­ decade of the nineteenth century and lished missions at several places moving along the widening frontier. around the world. It was reported that Mainly ensconced in the Midwest and he preached regularly until he was past South, especially in Ohio, Indiana, eighty years of age. Kentucky, Tennessee, Iowa, Missouri, and Oklahoma, they eventually Ongoing Struggles In Chicago reached all the way to Texas and For the next twenty years the Dis­ southern California. When the de­ ciples struggled to have ongoing con­ nomination first came to Chicago in gregations in Chicago. During that time 1849, the city was populated with rooms were rented in the Crosby Opera about 50,000 people. In 1890 the Dis­ House and at St. James Episcopal ciples were still predominantly rural Church. In 1868 they purchased an old and small town folk, far from "the church from the Episcopalians at the madding crowd's ignoble strife." By corner of Wabash and 16th Street. But 1900 they would rise to a million in 1869 the church divided with about members and become the fifth largest forty members forming a new congre­ denomination in the nation, but they gation and meeting temporarily in the were always uneasy away from the chapel of the Orphan Asylum at Michi­ farms and small towns of America. gan Avenue and 22nd Street. "A com­ The first Christian Church in Chi­ modious, well-appointed, frame cago met in a rented upper room of a church, with high basement and attrac­ building at the intersection of Lake and tive auditorium above, was shortly Clark Streets vmder the leadership of erected, comer Indiana Avenue and Lathrop Cooley. He arrived in the 25th Street"^ This building, like the autumn of 1849 from Cleveland, Ohio. one at West Monroe and Rucker The membership list of that first con­ Streets, was never cleared of debt and gregation shows a number of people was eventually sold. who later became prominent in the life of the city. About 1853 or 1854, while * W P. Keeler, The Christian Messenger, Cooley was still their pastor, a frame July 1907. In 1874, shortly after the Great come to be known as higher Chicago Fire of October 1871, the two criticism.^ congregations reunited, occupying the 25th and Indiana building, under the A Setback for Progressivism name of the First Christian Church. Both of the ministers resigned, and the Unfortunately, when Errett died, church continued for six to eight years TIk Standard was taken over by reac­ with a series of short pastorates includ­ tionary forces, some in Errett's own ing a six-month period under Isaac Er- family. The Standard fought progressiv­ rett, a progressive among the Disciples. ism among the Disciples for fifty, al­ During this time probably the most fa­ most sixty, years of "Attack and Con­ mous members were the Henry troversy" (the late Stephen Corey's title Honores, whose daughter, Bertha, later of his book on this subject). 77ie Stan­ married Potter Palmer. dard now continued the battle that be­ As minister Errett devoted four- gan in 1849 over the founding of the fifths of his time to the church, reserv­ American Christian Missionary Society. ing the remainder for his duties as Subsequent to that, conflict was over editor of TJie Christian Standard, the instrumental music, calling local evan­ leading Disciple journal founded in gelists "reverend" and "pastor", "open 1866. The new magazine succeeded the membership," and cooperation with older Millennial Harbinger. James Gar­ those outside the "true church." Thus field, who would one day become the Disciples were really embattled for president of the United States, and the better part of a century. himself a progressive, was a member of The debate became hotter and the founding committee. Both Errett more violent when in the 1880s the and Garfield were sympathetic to questions arose about evolution and higher criticism, had open minds on higher criticism, etc. Late in the 1870s, evolution, and were generally coopera­ the Chicago church again divided over- tive in the growing unity movement differences. W. P. Keeler wrote: Errett was considered the natural At the final business session leader of the Disciples in the direct line of the membership at a Sun­ of Alexander Campbell, who had died day morning service, the in March 1866. "separation" proposition be­ For both [Alexander] Camp­ ing before us, ...the esteemed bell and [John] Locke, Chris­ Enghsh brother, Timothy tianity was a layman's faith Coop, chanced to be in the and was not dependent upon city and was with us that ecclesiastical authority. It morning, and ... he took [the] was democratic, reasonable, occasion to deliver an appro­ tolerant, and subject to revi­ priate exhortation, expressive sion and reinterpretation. Both accepted and employed the principles of biblical in­ Edward Scribner Ames, Beyond Theol­ terpretation which have ogy, 1957, pp 46-47. of his surprise and distress of outside, such as the mission­ mind.^ ary societies.^

(Timothy Coop was the father of later So, for the better part of a century long-time member of University the Disciples, here and throughout the Church, Frank D. Coop, 1893-1976.) country, were embattled between those Until 1894 there were only five who held to the beliefs and traditions organized Disciples churches in Chi­ of frontier Disciples Christianity and cago. Dr. Edward Scribner Ames, the those who espoused a newer, more lib­ third minister of the Hyde Park eral theology and practice responsive to Church, wrote about the early history the scientific and intellectual changes of the Disciples in 1902: occurring in the Western World. This new movement was known as Mod­ This pathetic record can ernity, and it posed a sharp challenge scarce be duplicated in any to the dogmatic beliefs of Christians of other city where conditions many denominations. have been as favorable. During all these years the Modernity and Contemporary city was growing at a tre­ Movements within the Church mendous rate and multi­ tudes of Disciples arrived What was this Challenge? Our here to engage in business concern here is with modernity as it and professional pursuits. embodied itself in the then contempo­ The failure to accomplish rary theological movements of the De­ better things can not be at­ mocratization of Deity, the Dedogmati- tributed to lack of effort zation of Christology, the rise of the Many of the strongest pastors Higher Historical and Biblical Criticism and evangelists of the broth­ and the impact of the social gospel on erhood worked here....Yet in the churches. Professor Merle Curtis [the first] nine years there said: were but 120 mem­ bers....Some causes of weak­ ness, however, are apparent ...the most striking fact in the in the records. Perhaps the intellectual history of the last chief of these was the strife third of the nineteenth cen­ which divided [the churches] tury was the blow to the one after another....Other cir­ historic doctrine of super­ cumstances contributing to naturalism by new develop­ inefficiency were the short ments in the biological and pastorates, the entire lack of physical sciences. The his­ co-operation between the torical doctrine assumed that various congregations, and a Divine Creator not only the absence of any aid from stands above the laws of na- '* Ames, The Christian Messenger, April The Christian Messenger, July 1907. 1912. ture but directly intervenes Christ. Was Jesus divine? Did he pos­ in natural events and the af­ sess deity? The impact of modernity on fairs of men through miracles the status of Jesus in the Christian relig­ and the granting of grace.® ion led to an emphasis on Jesus' hu­ manity and a dethronement from his The new findings and theories of status as God incarnate. In the words science were challenging the old three­ of Gerald Bimey Smith, one of the ma­ layered heaven, earth, and hell, the jor Chicago theologians in the early creation of all life in seven days, and twentieth century, Jesus came to be many other traditional beliefs. The viewed as a "citizen of this world" publication of Darwin's theory of evo­ rather than a dweller in a transcenden­ lution in 1859 with its vastly increased tal realm. Dr. E. S. Ames said that the time frame revealing humans as part of humanity of Jesus is his divinity and the natural world, the discoveries vice versa. The modern liberal has just through the advances in telescopy of about reduced Jesus Christ to his full the nature and immensity of the uni­ manhood. verse with its billions of stars and in­ The insfrument by which this de- finite light year distances had an enor­ dogmatization was brought about was mous impact on religion and led to a the new historical and biblical criticism. half century or more of controversy Everything, every subject became open within the Disciples denomination. to investigation. There were no sacred The first item on the agenda of precincts or preserves where the hght liberahsm/modernism was the libera­ of investigation could not shine. When tion of the Protestantism of America the last word is said, history must say it from the long bondage of John Calvin's and tell the truth. These disciplines of doctrine of an autocratic, arbitrary, and criticism had tremendous impact on the "angry" God who disposes as he wills churches, especially the so-called "free of a totally depraved humanity. Slowly, churches." The spread of rationality surely, Americans moved away from should handle all problems, even the this stem, merciless theology and came problem of God and his/her relation to to think of God in democratic terms the world and humankind. The Disci­ and images. And a democratic God ples struggled with these issues for means a finite God. nearly a century. The debate over a finite God was A fourth component of the impact perhaps too abstruse for the average of modernity on the Protestant mind in lay person, or perhaps for their pastors, Europe and America was the social who were not always learned in theol­ gospel—the attempt by a small band of ogy and metaphysics. The question that dedicated preachers and laity to relate really concerned most people— the Gospel to the impact of industrial­ Christian people—was the more urgent ism and urbanism after the American question about the nature of Jesus * Civil War. The era of the 1880s and the 1890s was the time of the big magnates and tycoons—the Goulds, the Vander­ * The Growth o f American Thought, Chap. bilts, the Rockefellers, the Armours, the XXI J. P. Morgans—the new-made billion­ for the great World's Columbian Ex­ aires. Industrial encroachments were position. Unlike the school, everyone changing the face of America from a knew about the Fair. Building contin­ once rural nation to an urban way of ued, side by side, and by the time the life. In the last decades of the nine­ Fair opened in the spring of 1893, the teenth century the nation was strug­ University of Chicago, though still gling with issues posed by the rise of relatively unknown, had already been big business, the struggle of labor for in existence for a year. A story has better wages and conditions, rapid ur­ been told that a letter was received ad­ banization with its slums, lack of sani­ dressed "Prof. Jones, The University of tation, and all the attendant problems, Chicago, near the Ferris Wheel"! The and the plight of beleaguered farmers. reverse is more likely to be heard to­ It was the worst era for the African- day. That Ferris Wheel, much enjoyed American since Emancipation in 1865. and marveled at, no longer stands on A Republican era extended from U. S. the Midway, but the University is still Grant to the election of Woodrow Wil­ here and widely recognized.*’ son in 1912, and it was a time of great contrasts between the wealth and os­ Setting the Stage for the Hyde tentatious displays of the rich and the Park Church struggles and desperate circumstances of the poor. The churches, contrary to The Columbian Exposition, E. S. the behest of their Master, showed little Ames later noted, was a "tremendous concern for the lost, the last, and the stimulus" to much of what was then least It was in this context that the so­ happening in this midwest city. The cial gospel emphasis developed. Fair with its presentation of the scien­ tific, technological, and cultural prog­ Hyde Park Comes Alive ress since our nation's beginnings, and the founding of the University pro­ After the Chicago Fire of 1871, the vided the immediate context in which south side of the city began to come University Church was established. alive. What had once been swamp and Shortly the Disciples organized the City farm land now blossomed into influen­ Missionary Society. Where earlier their tial villages which later became part of churches were cited for sensationalism the city. In 1892 a winding dirt road and preachers in swallow-tailed coats connected Washington and Jackson and diamond shirt studs, now there Parks between 59th and 60th Streets, appeared less individualism and more even then known as the "Midway Plai- cooperation among the congregations. sance." About half-way along this The Hyde Park Church of Christ route and just north of the road, near a (now University Church) will be frog-pond, a pile of Bedford stone be­ marked early and late as a social gospel* gan to mound up. Any who were curi­ ous were told that some kind of a * Nathaniel Butler, professor of education school was to be built on the site. and assistant to the president of the Uni­ At the same time, in the same part versity of Chicago, Radio Talk Show, Oc­ of Chicago, preparations were begun tober 3, 1923. . church, especially of the reformed va­ riety as distinguished from the radical, though Dr. E. S. Ames thought of him­ self as a "radical Protestant" One thing is certain: the members of University Church have been especially identified with the social gospel movement Though the source of some tensions through the years, the social gospel has never created a schism among the Dis­ ciples as it has in some other "main line" denominations. THE FOUNDING OF THE HYDE PARK CHURCH AND ITS IIRST MINISTER, HERRERT U)CKW(H)D WILLETT, 1804-1807

haps because Willett was named the first minister, but Willett called Mac­ hen William Rainey Clintock, "the father of the enterprise, Harper, a professor of [who] with unfailing patience and wis­ Hebrew at Yale Divinity W dom...helped in the shaping of its mod­ School, was appointed president of the est plans, and often preached. University of Chicago, he set about to bring here professors of note in all the Dr. MacClintock told about the various fields. He also encouraged discontentment of many people in the young scholars, some who had stud­ Christian Church which they were then ied with him at Yale, to continue their attending. work in Chicago. Our young membership was The MacClintocks—William Dar- filled with intense dissatis­ nall and Samuel S. (his much younger faction with the type of relig­ brother)—and Herbert Lockwood Wil­ ious theme and practice of lett were among those who came. W. the old Central Church—our D.'s job was to teach English. Sam was only Church [at that time] on a member of the first class and Willett, the South Side and the one to who had studied with Harper at Yale, which most of us belonged. followed him here to finish his gradu­ Here we found nothing but ate work. All were members of the the old conventional, oratori­ Christian Church/Disciples of Christ cal, debating, rationalistic denomination. (Harper was a Baptist) type of mid-nineteenth cen­ It was not known then how important tury theology—formal, un­ these men would be to the founding of touched by tfie modem in­ the Hyde Park Church. terpretations of religion. We The establishment of the church felt we could establish a was mainly due to the foresight of W. group whose interpretations D. MacClintock and Willett, although of the spirit and teachings of each in his own modest way would give all the credit to the other. Mac­ Clintock gave the credit to Willett, per­ Christ would satisfy intelli­ The Chicago City Missionary So­ gent students. It was just at ciety, recently organized, was con­ that moment in the religious cerned about Chicago, which they world when all men were called "this big irreligious society." remaking their interpreta­ They felt that the denomination had tions of tile Scriptures by sci­ been tardy in evangelizing the big cit­ entific study, remaking their ies. And after Harper was settled in philosophies of the world by Chicago, he developed the Graduate the new sciences of nature, Divinity School with a full professional and beginning the new soci­ program which conferred the B. D. de­ ology. We felt blindly, or at gree and a Master of Arts in all of the least vaguely, but vitally and theological disciplines. Harper visual­ eagerly, for the best in what ized a plan for "Houses" in the hope we were calling the "New that the University could attract more Theology. "2 divinity students by "helping them to maintain an intelligent allegiance to their own [denomination] while using the wider resources of the University."®

Plans for a Disciples House Presented W. D. MacClintock and Herbert L. Willett presented this plan to the local Missionary Board on April 2,1894. The Board endorsed the idea wholeheart­ edly as did the Acting Board of the General Christian Missionary Conven­ tion when it met in Cincinnati later that month. At that meeting the following action was taken: Realizing the necessity of having the Disciples repre­ sented in that portion of the city of Chicago in the vicinity of the University, the Board agrees to pay $1,000 toward the inauguration of this movement for the coming W. D. MacOintock year, provided a congrega- About 1919

W E. Garrison, Through a H alf Century, ^ MacClintock, Twenty-fifth Anniversary. 1944. 8 tion of Disciples is organized McNeal, Walter Colby, W. C. in Hyde Park.^ Sayrs, Mrs. W. C. Sayrs, Frank P. Stone, Mrs. G. E. Hyde Park Church of Christ is Scranton, Mrs. H. S. Chap­ man, Mrs. Cora Baldwin- formed Haston, S. S. MacClintock, From the Official Record of the Mrs. J. F. Hill, Mrs. H. A. Missionary Convention we also learn Stafford.5 that in addition to establishing a church, the $1,000 was contingent upon Willett preached both at a morn­ the Rev. H. L. Willett's appointment as ing and an evening service on that Oc­ pastor. This was confirmed at a meet­ tober day. Later during the meeting a ing of the General Christian Missionary committee, composed of J. D. Forrest, Convention in Richmond, Virginia in C. J. Atwater, and Charles N. Kinney, October 1894. was appointed to nominate officers; they made their report on the 14th of In accordance with these October and the election took place on facts, a meeting was called to the 21st The following names were establish the Church on Oc­ submitted for official positions: Elder, tober 7, 1894. About fifty W. D. MacClintock; Deacons, W. C. p>eople assembled in Masonic Sayrs, Charles Kinney, C. J. Atwater; Hall, Fifty-seventh Street and Clerk and Treasurer, S. S. MacClintock. Rosalie Court [now Harper By the end of the month the church's Avenue]. Mr. Willett financial policy was outlined, and a preached and the commun­ Sunday &hool was organized with ion service was conducted. about twenty present Charles Kinney Those who would unite to was named superintendent and Miss form a Church were asked to Minnie McNeal, secretary. hand their names in and the following responded. H. L. So the church began, a little Willett, Mrs. H. L. Willett, band meeting in a hall, with W, D. MacClintock, Dr. practically no resources, with Howard Crutcher, Mrs. a pastor of unique power Howard Crutcher, Lewis and charm paid by a mis­ Crutcher, Mrs. Lenny sionary society to minister to Crutcher, Miss India Burke, the church in his spare time, Miss Cora Allen, Miss Loa E. but with pioneers' sense of Scott, Mrs. Albertina Allen adventure....Every Sunday Forrest, E. W. Knight, Miss brought new excitement, in­ Ellen B. Atwater, C. J. Atwa­ cluding the excitement of not ter, E. S. Ames, Mrs. E. S. knowing who was to preach, Ames, Charles N. Kinney, for Dr. Willett had many en­ Miss Minnie McNeal, Mrs. B. gagements and was often ab- sent Dr. Ames first nation of the higher and biblical criti­ preached for the church on cism movement Born on May 5, 1864 Dec. 9, 1894, and again on in Ionia, Michigan, a small town near Dec. 23 and 30. New mem­ Grand Rapids, Willett was the oldest of bers were added, notably O. four boys of Gordon Arthur and Mary B. Holloway [president of Elizabeth (Yates) Willett The family The Quaker Oats Co.] on members were devoted Disciples of Dec. 2,1894.^ Christ He may have heard from his parents about the great moment in their The church began not only with lives when as a young preacher, the missionary funds and as a mission future president James A. Garfield, church but with a great interest in came and preached. Isaac Errett, Gar­ helping others. Before the organization field's mentor, had once been minister was a month old, when its weekly of­ of the local congregation and had left ferings averaged less than $5.00, it gave an indelible impression among those $10.91 to the Board of Negro Evangeli­ good people. Both were progressives zation. At the end of its first three among the Disciples. months with total receipts of $106.41 Willett was not educated in the and after adopting a weekly budget of public schools; rather he was taught by $12.00 for rent and other expenses (plus his mother until he entered Alexander a little extra for hymn books and Campbell's school, Bethany, West Vir­ chairs) the officers suggested a collec­ ginia, founded in 1840. Following his tion be taken to help support the Bible graduation with an A. B. degree in Chair at the University of Michigan at 1886, he became minister of a Disciples Ann Arbor and for foreign missions. church in North Eaton, Ohio, and a By the end of the first year mem­ year later, a church in Dayton, Ohio. In bership had grown from thirty-two to the latter part of this second ministry fifty-one with total collections he attended a biblical conference at amounting to $721.86. Of this, $179.43 Lake Forest College where he met "the had been sent for missions. By the end great man" William Rainey Harper, of the second year, the membership who at that time held three professor­ was reported as seventy. The budget ships at Yale University. This meeting was balanced with a surplus of $13.20 w i^ Harper was fateful for the future after turning over $200.84 to missions of this young preacher. and paying $154.00 to Dr. Willett, his father Gordon A. Willett as assistant Willett Goes to Graduate School pastor, and Sam MacClintock, clerk. Sometime after his marriage on Herbert L. Willett January 4, 1888, to Emma Augusta "Gus" Price of Kenton, Ohio, Willett Dr. Herbert L. Willett was the decided to go to graduate school. His Disciples' first professional scholar of congregation granted him a leave of the Bible and a pioneer in the denomi- absence in the fall of 1890 (following his ordination) in order for him to ^ Garrison, Through a H alf Century. 10 study with Harper at Yale Divinity ple who wanted a church in the com­ School. Although he had planned to munity and had "the desire for a con­ take the regular tiieological course. Pro­ genial church home...." fessor Harper persuaded him to con­ We were not thinking at that centrate on Hebrew. He had studied time that we were actually Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek while at organizing a congregation Bethany—prophetic of his career to that should have a long fu­ come in biblical languages. ture. It was rather the re­ Willett asked Harper about pros­ sponse to a present need and pects for a B. D. at Yale. Harper said, the realization of an imme­ "You have talent for Semitic languages. diate satisfaction. ^ Take the Ph. D." Young Willett, con­ sidering himself a minister and a Willett Resigns in 1897 teacher, accepted the challenge. When Harper left Yale to become president of Finally in the summer of 1897 Dr. the University of Chicago, Willett re­ Willett resigned, citing the pressures of turned to his Dayton church but, with a other responsibilities, among these as strong conviction that his calling was in Bible lecturer in the University's exten­ teaching, soon resigned his pastorate to sion department He retained his posi­ pursue his graduate studies at the Uni­ tion as Dean of the Disciples Divinity versity of Chicago. He received his Ph. House until 1921 and as professor in D. in 1896, the pioneer proJessionaJ bibli­ the department of Oriental Languages cal scholar among the Disciples of and Literature imtil 1929. And he Christ. While at the University, Wil­ spent a year of study at the University lett's work was in Semitics with the of Berlin in 1898-1899. hope that he would receive an ap­ But Willett was never far from the pointment on the faculty when he ob­ Hyde Park Church, in spirit if not in tained his Ph. D. During this same pe­ body. He was recalled to preach riod he served several terms as Bible whenever available and often acted as instructor in Ann Arbor. When he re­ toastmaster at its social functions. He turned to Chicago in the spring of 1894, helped to lay the cornerstone of the he discovered that Harper was promot­ present building on November 4, 1922. ing the idea of denominational He was a participant in its dedication "Houses" which also led to the foimd- services, preaching the first sermon on ing of the Hyde Park Church. "Beauty and Strength" on October 7, Willett guided the young congre­ 1923. Dr. Willett gave the dedicatory gation in what he later called "its inti­ address at the opening of the Divinity mate and affectionate fellowship...." House on October 21, 1928 where its The services focused on interpretations library is named for him. A portrait by of the gospel in terms of current situa­ New York artist Charles W. Haw- tions. The first members came partly from the ranks of faculty and students of the University and partly from peo­ thome, which cost $5,000, was hung menist before that word became popu­ there on January 17,1930. lar. Dr. Willett thought of his work at the Hyde Park Church and in the community as that of a Bible teacher. In conjunction with that he conceived of his ministry as an irenic ecumenist, one who approached all people as ei­ ther Christian or potential Christian. Any other position would be sectarian denominationalism and thus have the potential of dividing instead of uniting. Dr. Willett spent a lot of time "on the road" of the Bible Study Movement, speaking at Chautauquas, giving local lectures and fostering the Unity move­ ment; he was the Evangelist of Ecumen­ ism. Fortunately there were many competent leaders who could carry on the work of the Hyde Park congrega­ tion during those three years when Willett was their minister. Herbert L. Willett About 1919 Willett along with Peter Ainslie later became the apostles of Christian unity and union. They both believed in His Later Work an organic union, though their liberal movement of that time and since has At the base of his concern for the been divided as to whether there shall Bible and teaching it was Willett's deep be a cooperative or organic unity, i. e., a passion for Christian unity: not a uni­ unity of Christian people but an or­ formity of book or text, but a genuine ganic movement toward the union o f attempt to get at the "mind of Christ" institutions, etc. Acting on this belief, and the leading of the Holy Spirit To while pastor of the First Christian Dr. Willett, union/unity were not theo­ Church, 47th and Grand Boulevard retical concerns but were practically (1905-1920), he led that congregation to embodied and institutionalized in the unite with Memorial Baptist Church, Church Federation of Greater Chicago, later renamed Memorial Church. From which he headed, the Disciples Unity 1926-1944 he was the pastor of Union movement, and the old Federal Council Church, Kenilworth, Illinois. On the of Churches of Christ in America international front, Willett was a 1937 where he worked as founding officer delegate to the ecumenical conferences and leader. He was a genuine ecu­ in Oxford and Edinburgh. Willett was described as a cism to the Bible, which he "courtly" gentleman of the "old school" regarded as an inspired by Edgar DeWitt Jones, Charles C. work, not in the sense of su­ Morrison, and later by Barnett pernatural dictation, but in Blakemore, Jr. He was diligent and the sense that the spirit of tireless in all things, whether writing, God had motivated the sa­ preaching, teaching or lecturing on the cred authors and the lives of Bible and contemporary themes. In the the people about whom they classroom he was considered a very wrote.® competent scholar, never a technical scholar, although he fulfilled his office Dr. Willett chose to be a poptilar- faithfully. He treated his Jewish con­ izer of religious themes. This populari­ temporaries with affection and consid­ zation was very pervasive in the Di­ eration; there was no taint of anti- vinity School and the University Semitism as was found in some of the departments. Dean Shailer Mathews German teachers of that time. called it the democratization of scholar­ ship. He was a popularizer in most of Dr. Willetf s scholarship was his works, especially after 1906; and so recognized beyond the was Dean Willett of the House and the bounds of Protestantism. church. There were constant meetings Jewish scholars sought his and lectures on Biblical exposition and counsel as a noted Tal­ interpretation. Blakemore described mudist. At a dinner at the Willett as a superb teacher and Covenant Club a decade ago preacher. Instead of preaching or [ca. 1930s] he was affection­ writing for scholars. Dr. Willett ad­ ately introduced as "an hon­ dressed the intelligent people of his time. orary rabbi, whose knowl­ He was excellent at exposition of texts. edge of our people, their He had people all over this nation language and traditions reading the text and the assigned matches our ablest teach­ readings. According to Blakemore and "8 ers Jones, he had a simple eloquence and elegant style that gave him instant His Scholarship communication of word and image. WiUiam Tucker continues; It is interesting to note that the first competent or professional scholar Willett's major importance of the Disciples, so much a New Tes­ was as a popularizer of lib­ tament people, was an Old Testament eral biblical scholarship, both scholar. within his own denomina­ tion, where he assisted and An authority on the Old strengthened its liberal wing, Testament, he applied the and beyond it He wrote methods of historical criti- ® William E. Tucker, Dictionary o f Ameri­ New York Times, March 29, 1944, can Biography. many expository articles for pie. A third volume, published in 1912, denominational weeklies and rounded out the trilogy on Tlte Call o f served for some years as as­ the Christ. The call was to accept the sociate editor of Tlte Christian Christ of experience rather than the Century. He was perhaps Christ of dogma, in short the liberal most widely known as a Christ or the "essential" Christ of lecturer. A speaker of quiet emerging time. eloquence and power, he ad­ Nearly forty years separated Wil­ dressed interdenominational lett's first plea for union and unity in groups across the country. 1901 and his chapter entitled "The To Willett, no task was more Ecumenical Ideal" written in 1940 as important than that of inter­ part of the volume in honor of Dr. E. S. preting the Bible to the Ames's forty year pastorate at Univer­ Christian layman.^” sity Church. Both works develop the Disciples' plea for the restoration of the Between 1898 and 1931 Willett ancient church and its relevance for to­ produced fourteen volumes of note. day. Just about every Christian move­ Between 1901 and 1904 he published ment is a restoration movement for an several books on various themes per­ ancient ideal, some bordering on uto­ taining to Disciples history and thought His most famous and lasting pia. work of this period was Our Plea and Such was the quest of Herbert L. the Present Crisis. It was a critical ex­ Willett. His "Ecumenical Ideal" is amination of the "Brotherhood," its classic like everything he wrote. He stand on immersion, open membership, deals with these complex subjects with sectarianism and denominationalism. compassion and kindness for all of the This was an update of the Declaration denominations, quite unlike the typical and Address of Thomas Campbell (1809) Disciples of his time. His attempt was in his plea for unity and union beyond to be fair and balanced. He gave his the content of doctrine and an accep­ opponents the benefit of the doubt. His tance of the "idea" of a restoration of is a liberal gospel that had its source in New Testament Christianity, a restora­ Alexander Campbell, Isaac Errett, tion of the Apostolic Age rather than James H. Garrison and others, plus his that of the Apostolic Fathers, the Me­ mentors at Yale Divinity School. Dr. dieval church or even the Church of the Willett, by serving parishes most of his Reformation, though he was a dedi­ life, believed in unity first at the local cated Protestant level, dien out from there to the whole earth—ecumene. Another volume was on Basic Truths of the Christian Faith. It was a A Saint of Our Time kind of systematic theology for the Disciples, though the Disciples avowed Dr. Willett had maintained a themselves to be an untheological peo- heavy schedule all of his life, but in later years a heart ailment curtailed his Ibid. activities. The family had a home at Pentwater, Michigan, on the shores of the causes to which he so Lake Michigan, in the compound wisely and generously de­ where many University Church minis­ voted himself. His life ters and members had homes. The proves the truth of a state­ family spent many summers there. His ment he frequently made retirement from the Kenilworth church and believed steadfastly, was motivated by his health so that he "Love is stronger than could spend winters in Florida. His death." In his love for the death came in Lakeland, Florida on things of the Christian relig­ March 28, 1944, just two months short ion, he shares their immor­ of his eightieth birthday. In addition to tality.” his wife, he left three sons: Herbert Jr. (originally named Floyd), Robert Les­ lie, and Paul Yates, Memorial services were held in University Church on April 23,1944. Although his death prevented his attendance at the 50th anniversary of University Church, Mrs. Willett was an honored guest The program ended with remarks based on an earlier statement of Dr. Willett, "Happy shall we be if in the new time of opportunity we shall prove worthy...." Herbert Lockwood Willett ... was the first minister of this church. But he was more than that It was primarily his initiative which called it into being and his spirit which determined its direc­ tion and the plan of its spiritual life. Loved by all who knew him. Dr. Willett contributed greatly not only to the life and spirit of Uni­ versity Church, but to every area of the Christian com­ munity in which he served. He was one of the great saints of our time. His rich and gracious life will con­ tinue to strengthen and bless II The Messenger, Ajpn\ 1944. ERRETT GATES, 1897-1900

n the summer of 1897 after national leader and spokesman. It Dr. Willett resigned, Errett was inevitable that this child should Gates, who had been sug­ be named "Errett" after the great I mentor of the second generation of gested by Willett, was called to the ministry of the Hyde Park Church. Disciples of Christ. During the years while Willett was at Gates was well educated, so it the Hyde Park Church Gates served a was not surprising that the Hyde Disciples church in Grand Rapids, Park Church selected him as their Michigan. Gates was the second second minister. The young Gates "critical" historian among the Disci­ had shown potential as a teacher and ples, Dr. Winfred E. Garrison being was sent at fifteen to Ohio Normal the first with a Ph. D. in 1897. University at Ada, Ohio (which was Errett Gates sprang from the soil then not much more than a high of the Western Reserve, "a section of school). Errett received the B. A. de­ land in northeastern Ohio which gree in 1887. By the end of that dec­ Connecticut reserved to grant her ade young Gates had decided on the veterans when she ceded her western ministry of the Disciples of Christ, lands to the federal government in but where would he train for this 1786."^ Born in Cortland on March 2, ministry? The Disciples had no 1870, he was the son of Orrin and Ra­ theological schools above the B. A. chel Louisa (King) Gates. Disciples level. A trickle of young men had called that area "Garfield and Isaac gone to Yale Divinity School and an Errett country," for it was there that even smaller contingent to Harvard. the devout president James Abram A few ventured to attend Union Garfield had grown up and spent his Seminary in New York City where, early life; it was there that the succes­ while in school, they could sit under sor of Alexander Campbell, Isaac Er­ the preaching of the renowned rett, had served so long and success­ preacher and Disciple historian. Dr. fully as preacher, college president, Benjamin B. Tyler. One such was teacher, administrator and denomi- * Errett Gates, who studied at Union from 1891 to 1894. While there he met and married Dr. Tyler's daugh­ * Val D, Greenwood, The Researcher’s ter, the creative and vivacious LuLu. Guide to American Genealogy, 1973, p. Gates, now twenty-four, was called 273. to the Disciple church in Grand secretary of the Disciples Divinity Rapids where he served from 1894- House, 1897. Although his student work must have made it difficult to adequately serve the church as its pastor, Gates's three-year ministry produced an in­ crease in the memtership and, ac­ cording to W, E, Garrison, writing in Through a Half Century, resulted in two other important advances. The church outgrew its dependence upon the mis­ sionary society, which was still giving it $700 a year when he began, and be­ came self-supporting; and it got out of the hall and into its own building, the "old church" which was to be its home for twenty-four years.

The Disciples Divinity House, still without its own building, had purchased a lot at the comer of 57th Dr, Errett Gates Street and University Avenue. The young church did not have the Gates Begins his Pastorate at money to buy land in Hyde Park, the Hyde Park Church which even then had expensive real estate. Besides, they thought this was From Grand Rapids he came to the most advantageous location for the recently founded Hyde Park their church. An agreement was Church of Christ in Chicago which brought to the annual meeting of the he served until 1900. We know very trustees of the Disciples Divinity little of his ministry in those early House in 1899 "by which the former days. A brochure commemorating will be relieved of an indebtedness the twenty-fifth aimiversary of the on its lot and the latter [trustees of founding of the Church barely men­ the church] will become owners of a tions the fact of his ministry. In the part of same on which they are to sununer of 1900 he resigned to finish erect a chapel for the use of the his B. D. (1900) and a Ph. D. in church." church history (1902), He was made Although the final arrangements an elder in the church and appointed did not work out just that way, the Divinity House retaining the deed to the entire lot until much later, the His dissertation on the early re­ church built its little brick building lationships and separation of the on the southwest comer of the prop­ Baptists and Disciples, was published erty. "Thus the church got a place for in 1904. His critical, though popular. its building and the House got tax History of the Disciples of Christ was exemption for its lot since it was now published in 1905. In 1901 Gates used for 'religious purposes.'"^ pled for the Disciples to begin to col­ lect materials for preservation, lest Congregation Moves into its the passage of time annihilate them. First Church In short, he was pleading for a his­ torical society that would do this The building was a "curious systematically and comprehensively. stmcture" which did not look like The dream took forty years to frui­ any typical church ediface, but this tion in the Disciples of Christ Histori­ made it ideal for experimental relig­ cal Society. ious practices. It cost $7,000 and, when dedicated on the last day of There has always been an inti­ December, 1899, there was a debt of mate, almost organic relation among $2,000 on it. Garrison notes that the the church, the House, and the Uni­ day "was furiously cold according to versity. Errett Gates was part of this the weather records, but it was bright complex situation from 1900 on. And with promise for the six-year old Gates got entangled in these ecclesi- church which was just then getting its astico-academic relations, and he and own roof over its head, even though others suffered as a result On No­ it did not own the soil under its feet." vember 8, 1900, Gates signed a "Memorandum of Agreement," with Gates Resigns in 1900 Disciples Divinity House that made him virtually the fund-raiser for the Gates resigned in June 1900, and House. He was to be Associate Dean the pulpit was supplied during the beginning July 1, 1900, and if Willett summer by Herbert L. Willett and retired from his position as dean. Charles Clayton Morrison. Gates's Gates would succeed without ques­ connections with the church, the Di­ tion or contest After eight years of vinity House and the University con­ this arrangement another tinued until the beginning of the first "Memorandum of Agreement," al­ World War. His secretarial respon­ most identical to the first, was called sibilities at the House ran from 1900 for. The terms of effectiveness were to 1917. He was named assistant pro­ for five years, from 1908-1913. Al­ fessor of church history there in 1910 though in a later accusation Gates and instructor in the history depart­ charged that the Brethren of Disciples ment of the University in 1911, al­ Divinity House began to undermine though these were not totally amiable him, including depriving him of his relationships. salary, he still accepted the terms of the contract

^ Garrison, Through a H alf Century. 18 -"vr,

The first building, Hyde Park Church of Christ, located at 57th and University, dedicated on December 31,1899. From Twenty-fifth Anniversary. Hyde Park Church of Christ, pamphlet, 1919, p. 2.

Anditorium of the first building. In the summer of 1910 all time of turmoil and tribulation en­ seemed to be going well, and plans sued. Records seem to indicate a were made for the Willetts, the "conflict over several personalities."^ Morrisons, and the Gateses to attend the World Missionary Conference in Gates Continues his Teaching Edinburgh, Scotland. Gates was Gates continued to teach church asked to study Disciples origins and histoiy at the University until 1915, to take time to study at the Univer­ and he had a contract with Disciples sity of Berlin (1910-1911). He was Divinity House. During this period also instructed to purchase volumes he wrote a sermon for a collective for the Divinity House library, but volume by faculty members, a just before the trip (May 21, 1910) chapter on "The Development of Gates wrote to E. S. Ames, a member Modem Christianity,” and one on of the Board of Trustees of the "Roman Catholic Modernism.” This House, asking last, in 1917, for the 20th Anniver­ that they pay me in full sary of the Campbell Institute, was the amount due me by his last scholarly work for the Dis­ June 1st, both the sums ciples. due me from last year's His patience had run out. collections now in posses­ Gates felt the Board of the Divinity sion of the treasurer, and House was callous and unchristian the amount due on salary in their treatment of him. Following since Jan. 1st That they the expiration of his contract Gates arrange to pay me regu­ sent the Board an ultimatum, and larly after June 1st, either despite his ardent plea nothing hap­ thirty or sixty days apart. pened except that a new contract It will prove pretty embar­ was made for two years. But this rassing in a strange land time Gates demanded a showdown not to know when I am on the issues—the nature and destiny going to get any money to of Disciples Divinity House itself meet expenses.... and his future with the enterprise. It is clear from the records that there Gates went on to say that he was a difference of philosophy had to borrow money constantly and among those involved. Gates's final that it was getting to be an embar­ break with the House and Disciples rassment to him. The note is slightly came in April 1917. truculent and challenging. We as­ sume he got the needed funds. He Gates and his Wife Leave the got back from Scotland and Ger­ Hyde Park Church many bringing rare volumes needed On Sunday April 8, 1917, Gates for his research; a part of the dream and his second wife, Nell, joined the* of 1900 had come true for Gates. But soon the dream turned into a night­ mare. Accounts came due and a * W. B Blakemore, The Quest for Intel­ ligence in Ministry, 1970, University Congregational Church that showed a hint of bitterness. (now part of The United Church of Gates had originally suggested the Hyde Park). By this act Dr. Gates idea of a historical society in 1901. repudiated the Disciples of Christ, Such are the ironies of history. the Disciples Divinity House, the Gates was married three times, Hyde Park Church of Christ, and a first to LuLu Tyler from whom he promising career in church history was divorced about 1904. On March and the Disciples in particular. 5, 1905 he married Nell Seass of Ar­ He had gotten nowhere in aca­ thur, Illinois. This too ended in di­ demia, remaining in the instructoral vorce about 1925, and later he mar­ and assistant ranks, and there ried Lucille Baule, who died in 1974. seemed no hope of his advancement Two children, one each from the first to tenure, though he had all the cre­ two wives, were Tyler and Elizabeth dentials constituted by degrees and Errett For one year, in 1912, Tyler is publications. He was forty-seven shown as a member of University years old, and had hoped to do a Church. After the breakup of the major study of the unity movements second marriage, Nell relocated to in history. Gates could claim that he Boston but eventually returned to had done yeoman's work and de­ Chicago and rejoined University served recognition, at least among Church in 1930. This second mar­ the Disciples, but recognition was riage was a stormy one; they lived not to come. Errett Gates never apart several times during the 1920s. again produced anything that Perhaps the marital problems did looked like scholarship. Instead, he not bode well for Gates within the became a lawyer for Armour and religious community. A relative of Company for the next seventeen Lucille Baule has described Gates as years, dealing with Workmen's formal and rigid; he almost always Compensation and unemployment wore three-piece suits. investigations. Though he joined the Errett Gates died on May 31, Congregationalists, he showed no 1951 in Evangelical Hospital and lies interest in the life of the local con­ buried in Fairmont Cemetery on a gregation; he served on no commit­ lovely hillside in western Cook tees and taught no classes, and had County at Willow Springs. May nothing to do with administration. God grant him rest and peace at Neither was there participation on last.^ * the part of his wife Nell. In 1929 Gates withdrew from the church, and three years later his wife did likewise. We do not know what his religious status was after 1929. Only once more did he speak to the Disciples. At the time of the * Portions of this chapter were origi­ founding of the Disciples Historical nally published in the Disciple's Society in 1943 he wrote a brief piece journal, Discipliana. EDWARD SCRIBNER AMES, 190CM940

dward Scribner Ames that his two jobs restricted his effec­ and his wife were among tiveness; rather they found that his E the thirty-two original association with the University members of the Hyde Park Church. "contributed a flow of intellectual Then following the granting of his life into the church which paralleled Ph. D. at the University, an instruc- and enriched its religious activi- torship in both the Disciples Divinity ties."2 House and in the philosophy de­ Edward Ames was born in Eau partment of the University, he ac­ Qaire, Wisconsin, on April 21, 1870, cepted a professorship in the de­ the youngest of four children of Lu­ partment of philosophy and peda­ cius Bowles and Adahne (Scribner) gogy at Butler College, Indianapolis, Ames. His father, originally from Indiana in 1897. When he returned New England, a shoemaker and to Chicago to teach during the sum­ singing teacher, moved frequently mer of 1900, he had no notion that he and while in West Rupert, Vermont, would be offered the pastorate of the became acquainted with the Disci­ church and a permanent position ples of Christ denomination. After with the University. joining that congregation he became their pastor. My interests naturally led to specialization in the He found in the views of psychology and philoso­ Alexander Campbell and phy of religion while also other Disciple leaders a re­ giving courses in psychol­ freshing freedom from ogy, ethics, logic and the creeds and sectarianism, history of philosophy.^ and he caught the passion for union among all E. S. Ames Named Third Christians. He welcomed the idea of understanding Minister the Bible in a common- But his primary position was sense way, without the with the church, and it was not long need of an emotional con- before a new era for the church be­ version.3 gan. The congregation did not feel

’ E. S. Ames, "Theoiy in Practice," Contempo­ ^ W. E. Garrison, Through a H alf Century. rary American Theology, 1933, vol. 2. ^ E. S. Ames, Beyond Theology. The family moved frequently couldn't decide whether to go to while Lucius Ames preached for Harvard or to Yale. He finally chose short periods. Midwestern relatives Yale because he thought it was less encouraged the move to Wisconsin radical than Harvard. A B. D. was following the end of the Civil War. earned at Yale in 1892 where he There were also relatives in Chicago continued as a graduate student in where the family visited from time its philosophy department another to time. Edward Ames became a two years. member of a Disciples church after In July of 1891 he had become his twelfth birthday in the little vil­ engaged "to the slip of a girl [he] had lage where his father was the minis­ met three years before when solicit­ ter. When he was fifteen the family ing her mother to become a member moved to Des Moines, Iowa, so that of the circulating library associa­ he and his sister could attend Drake tion." He and Mabel Van Meter, a University. In five years he finished fellow student at Drake, were mar­ the college courses and had spent ried on July 6, 1893. Eventually one year in the graduate program there were four children: Van Me­ receiving the B. A. degree in 1889 ter, Damaris, Adelaide, and Miriam, and the M. A. in 1891. His decision who was later called "Polly." to pursue some form of religious vo­ In the summer of 1894 Dr. cation was made following a visit to Harper, president of the University his father in Prairie City, Iowa, of Chicago, offered Ames a fellow­ where he had taken a church posi­ ship in tiie department of philoso­ tion. Finding his father ill he agreed phy. He accepted and finished his to preach for him the following day. doctoral thesis in 1895. Following This experience led to other requests his associations in Chicago and his from churches nearby, and in June teaching in Indianapolis, Dr. Ames 1890 he was ordained by his father. was invited to teach some courses in "Yet it was not until ten years later," philosophy at the University of Chi­ he said, that he "thought of himself cago. This was the summer of 1900 as a minister, and many events in­ and at the time he had planned to ter vened."^ return to Butler College in the fall. It Ames Goes to Graduate came as a great surprise to him when the Hyde Park Church offered School him the position as their pastor. He Edward Ames decided to fur­ accepted in the hope that there ther his theological training in the would be an opportunity for him to east At Drake he had taken courses continue his teaching at the Uni­ in church history, Greek and He­ versity. brew with the thought of a career in either teaching or the ministry. He

'' Ibid. Dr. Ames Begins a Forty Year sisted that the money for it should Ministry be raised first And so this new ministry began in their own building And so Dr. Ames began his but on property owned by the Dis­ ministry with the Hyde Park Church ciples Divinity House. on October 1, 1900, and it was not long before a series of experiments commenced. The curiously shaped building was ideally situated near the University and constructed in such a way as to invite new ideas. People called it a "pill-box," a "cheese-box," the "mousetrap," and even a "doghouse." W. E. Garrison noted later that The little church had an unconventional charm of its own. People did not laugh at it; they smiled, and wondered. An archi­ tectural kinship has been noted between it and the tiny 6th century church (original tomb) of Galla Placidia in Ravenna, but Edward Scribner Ames this, one suspects, may be About 1919 ex post facto discovery. Actually, there was more A Broad Concept of Religion resemblance externally to Alexander Ounpbell's oc­ is Introduced tagonal study at Bethany, W. E. Garrison, in his report in and more spiritual kin­ 1944, noted that "Various cultural ship, too.^ and social interests related to a broadly inclusive concept of religion That little building had been found a place in the church's pro­ dedicated on the last day of Decem­ gram." In January of 1901 W. D. ber in 1899 at a cost of $7,000 with a MacClintock began a series of ten debt of $2,000. That situation was a lectures on "Literature and Religion." warning to the congregation, be­ There were many kinds of classes cause as the history of the church un­ and clubs which prospered: a dra­ folded, it became clear that whatever matic club, a women's society, a they wanted—be it an organ, a new yoxmg people's club, and a library of building, whatever—Dr. Ames in-* "carefully selected books." The Wranglers—an outgrowth of the * W. E. Garrison, Through H alf a Century. Christian Endeavor Society- senger was made available by a organized on June 6, 1904 to pro­ church publishing house with a few mote the social and religious inter­ pages at the beginning about the lo­ ests of the youth of the church, was cal congregation. The rest of the the earliest established group in the pages contained information regard­ church. ing other Disciples churches, relig­ The curriculum of the ious bodies in general, and ads from Sunday school was re­ local merchants. The cost to the ad­ vertisers paid for the publication, studied and reconstructed but the local congregation was lim­ to include a wide range of ited in the space available to them. materials basic to an un­ It would, however, be many years derstanding of religion as before this arrangement was discon­ well as a study of the Bi­ tinued. ble in the light of modern scholarship—and all this First called the Hyde Park when the now familiar Church of Christ, it changed its developments of name in 1905 to the Hyde Park "religious education" were Church of the Disciples and in 1911 still in the future.^ to the Hyde Park Church of the Dis­ ciples of Christ The early organiza­ In fact, during this time a criti­ tion of the church showed the use of cal examination was made of all elders, deacons, and (later) deacon­ early religious customs. If they did esses. Elders were elected for life or not meet their current need, they until they removed from the com­ were thrown out or revised. Many munity. The first was W. D. Mac- Protestant churches at that time held Clintock. By 1905 Herbert L. Willett, both a Sunday morning and a Sun­ Errett Gates (the first two ministers), day evening service as well as a and Oliver W. Stewart had been Wednesday night prayer meeting. added. Early records list Miss Dr. Ames found that most of his Emma V. Miller as organist and congregation simply stayed away choir director; they had neither an from the extra meetings so he insti­ organ nor a choir at that time al­ tuted instead a 5:30 p. m. vesper though in the initial years there had service on Sundays while Wednes­ been a volunteer choir. Miss Miller day prayer meetings gave way to an played the piano and a male quar­ evening event of a social, musical, or tette provided the special music. educational nature. The tenor, Kinter Berkebile, who had joined the church in 1904, had aspi­ The Christian Messenger be­ rations to sing with the opera. gins in 1905 In October 1905 the first issue of the Hie Hyde Park Christian Mes­

® Ibid. Church Begins Admitting Finally in May of 1919, at Dr. Members from Other De­ Ames's suggestion, with the unani­ nominations mous approval of the Official Board, a resolution was passed (it was re­ In 1903, the church, in its plea ported, "with enthusiasm") recogniz­ for church union, quietly began ing those unimmersed members of admitting members of other de­ the congregation as members of the nominations. These unimmersed church. p>ersons were hsted in the directories It also provided that as "members of the congregation." hereafter persons from In a technical sense only those who other churches and those had been baptized by immersion coming on confession of were members of the church, but faith might be received as there was seldom any mention of the members of the church difference. Dr. Ames, writing in the with or without baptism, Twen ty-fifth Ann iversary booklet, according to their per­ noted: sonal conviction and pref­ Probably the most signifi­ erence. Baptism is not cant achievement of the discarded by this action, church has been its pro­ but it is made optional.^ motion of Christian Union in the local congregation. Always on the Edge of Con­ The Disciples of Christ troversy came into being as a relig­ ious body in a great From its beginning the Hyde movement for religious Park Church was always on the edge liberty and union at the of controversy. Dr. Ames was be­ beginning of the nine­ coming known as a philosopher and teenth century....The a pragmatist whose idea of God was practical results were most different from that of conservatives. satisfactory. Persons from The church's reputation among crit­ various religious denomi­ ics as well as admirers would fur­ nations united here. nish material for a book, for articles Families heretofore sepa­ and for discussions at conventions. rated over religion came The matter of "open membership" together in this fellowship. was one of the issues. And many persons dis­ "Fortunately," Dr.Ames said in covered in this church an his sermon on "The Mission of the opportunity to live intel­ Disciples of Christ" delivered in the lectually in the modem church on September 7, 1902, "the world and to be consis­ communion service has never been tently religious. involved in controversy, and it has been conspicuous chiefly because [it

^ Ames, Twenty-fifth Anniversary. is] observed every Sunday." He goes sweep. Creeds are not just on to say: theological doctrines, but The Disciples have never they are doctrines to which conformity is re­ practiced closed commun­ ion, but have encouraged quired. Loose pieces of members of all churches the old creeds floated to participate with them. along with the Disciples, In this service more than but they were held as pri­ anywhere else they culti­ vate opinions and were vate the attitude of mind not prejudicial to church and heart, through which membership.... The great variation of opinions alone the true union of among Disciples is signifi­ Christians is possible. cant of the wide break But even while holding weekly they made with traditional communion services the Hyde Park Protestantism. Church, recognizing that not all of their constituency came from a Dis­ W. E. Garrison, in writing ciples background, offered commun­ about the first fifty years of the ion at the end of the service after a church, connected its generousity to musical interlude so that those who its interest in "the making of a did not want to participate could wholesome life for an individual or leave. In 1905 cormnunion was a community." Out of this process moved to 10:30 a. m. with the came the famous statement attrib­ "sermon service" at eleven and Sun­ uted to Dr. Ames: day School at 12:15. This practice This church practices un­ continued throughout Dr. Ames's ion; has no creed; seeks to ministry and into the later pastorates make religion as intelli­ until 1967, when Charles Bayer sug­ gent as science, as appeal­ gested that it be made part of the ing as art, as vital as the service, even if not held every week. day's work, as intimate as Early records show that conununion home, as inspiring as love. was never fully attended by the con­ gregation—usually not more than twenty-five percent participated, no The Sarvises are the Church's matter how it was arranged. First Missionaries Dr.Ames published an article Missions, from the first years of on "Disciples, Baptism, and Union" the church, were always considered in the Christian Evangelist, May 26, an important part of the work of the 1938, in which he talked about be­ Hyde Park Church. From 1899 it liefs and dogmas. had led all the Chicago Disciples The Disciples set out to churches in missionary offerings. In discard creeds, but they 1919 the church, which at that time did not make a clean had 300 members, raised a total budget of $8,000 with almost half involved with these ques­ going to outside causes. Foreign tionable things by accept­ missions were given high priority; ing this arrangement?^ even this stance caused contention with the Disciple denomination. Old Controversies Are Still Sixteen "living links" or "missionary Alive members," most in the Orient-- China, Japan, the Philippines, and The basis for their objections India, were supported in 1923. The was their old quarrel about the first of the church's missionary part­ church practicing "open member­ ners, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Sarvis,were ship." But now that it appeared that members of the church and inter­ the Missionary Society was in league ested in going to China to teach. with the church, new worries arose. After the Boxer Rebellion of 1900, a The Society depended on contribu­ new China was born and "an exten­ tions from all its member congrega­ sive modern system of public in­ tions, most of whom could not con­ struction was inaugurated....The done the acceptance of unimmersed young Chinese turned their faces jjeople as members. The objections, toward the West and its culture."* after being aired in the conservative The church raised $1,200 in Christian Standard, published in Cin­ 1911 to support this work in a year cinnati, were taken to the National when its total budget was not $3,000. Convention meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, in October 1911. One fac­ Following the Sarvises' depar­ tion moved that the Sarvises be re­ ture and the commencement of their moved from their living-link status work in Nanking, the debates began with the Chicago church. In support since the Sarvises had gone to the of this motion other heretical state­ Orient under the auspices of the ments by Dr. Ames were presented. Disciples Foreign Missionary Soci­ Quotes from Ames's book. The Divin­ ety, although paid by the Hyde Park ity of Christ, especially the chapter Church as its "living link." "The Empirical View of Jesus," were Conservative Disciple pa­ attacked. (There were many orders pers and individuals be­ for this book after that harangue.) gan to lift their eyebrows The motion was ruled out of order. as soon as this living link In the end the church withdrew its plan was announced. Was "living-link" connection with Mr. not Mr. Sarvis a member and Mrs. Sarvis while continuing to of the church in Hyde support them. The reactionary Stan­ Park? Would he not be dard, however, would not drop the tainted with the unsound issue and several weeks latter pub­ ideas and practices of this lished the statement "that another church? Did not the Mis­ sinister victory had been won by the sionary Society become Hyde Park Church, since the only

* Ames, Beyond Theology. ® Ibid change, after all the excitement, was The Place of Women in the the elimination of the words 'living Early Church link.'" During those early days few Local Mission Work women were given positions in ei­ ther the church or denominational But eighty percent of the mis­ organization and only unmarried sionary funds went to work in the ladies were listed with their given United States. Perhaps the first names in the church directories and mission work which the congrega­ newsletters. One exception was Al­ tion conducted was in the Wood- bertina Allen Forrest, charter mem­ lawn community south of the Mid­ ber of the church and a University way. In April 1904 a program was woman. She was a charter member begun at the Ryder Memorial and secretary-treasurer of The Church, 64th Street and Kimbark Campbell Institute for four decades. Avenue, Sunday afternoons, with a Chartered in 1896 the Institute school followed by a vesper service. had three purposes; A month later fifty people were par­ ticipating and it was decided to con­ 1. To encourage and tinue this service on a permanent keep alive a scholarly basis. spirit and to enable its Other money matters were of­ members to help each ten on the minds of the congrega­ other to a riper scholar­ tion. During the annual meeting in ship by the free discussion 1905 the church voted to raise $4,000 of vital problems; to pay off its indebtedness on the 2. To promote quiet church building and to contribute self-culture and the devel­ $2,000 to the Disciples Divinity opment of a higher spiri­ House. In less than a month $5,000 tuality among the mem­ had been contributed. In March of bers and among the 1906 offerings were no longer re­ churches with which they ceived by "passing the plates." In­ shall come in contact; stead, a collection box was placed in 3. To encourage posi­ the vestibule for a trial period of tive productive work with three months. It has been reported a view to making contri­ that Dr. Ames felt the noise and butions of permanent commotion accompaning this act value to the literature and was disruptive to the sense of wor­ thought of the Disciples of ship, which he hoped to convey. By Christ^o the end of the summer the congre­ One other church member, Mrs. gation voted to continue this method Oliver W. Stewart, was always listed of receiving monies. Later a visitor's book was also placed at the entrance to the sanctuary. Samuel C.Pearson, "The Campbell Institute," The Disciples Divinity House o f the University o f Chicago (Spring, 1994, Vol. 64, No. 1). as Ella Seass Stewart She was very rooms which lent them­ active with women's suffrage issues selves to a marvelous va­ and went around the country deliv­ riety of uses as class­ ering speeches on the subject In rooms, or as dressing 1908 she was president, for the third rooms for baptisms or time, of the Illinois Equal Suffrage dramatics. One was also a Association and 1907 named a trus­ kitchen, and the larger one tee of Eureka College. One of her at the back, shut off on oc­ sisters was Nell, married to Errett casion by folding doors, Gates. From 1924-1926 Ella was the was the library, committee administrator of the Church House room, and meeting place (the educational building north of for the women's societies, the sanctuary) where she managed the Society of Christian its activities and the weekly Sunday Endeavor, and the mid­ noon and Friday night dinners. week prayer meeting. But With its varied activities and its most surprising of all was pronouncements regarding unity, its the way in which the main form for communion, and in other part of the church could matters, the church worked toward a be transformed for church larger identification with the neigh­ dinners, bazaars, and par­ borhood and the city. Wednesday ties. The chairs were piled evening lectures were devoted to high in the wings, and for community problems. In December dinners the long plain 1907, Dr. Ames challenged the con­ board tables were brought gregation to become more active in out of storage from the civic affairs. basement, their homeli­ ness covered up with bor­ Dr. Ames Describes the First rowed tablecloths and Church flowers. The whole pro­ cedure made occasion for The membership continued to friendly co-operation, es­ grow. As early as July 1908 there pecially the use of the op­ was a need for a larger building. era chairs at dinners. The The little brick church could ac­ art of sitting straight up to comodate 250 people. Dr. Ames, a table in a chair that writing in his autobiography. Beyond slants back is something in Theology, described the interior of the itself, but there was also structure this way: fun in getting several per­ Though equipped with sons to learn to adjust opera chairs, it had a themselves in a row of warmth and attractiveness such chairs fastened greatly appreciated by the firmly together. If one small congregation. There person wanted to get in or were three little side out of his seat, all the oth­ ers had to do the same. These things were condu­ nes Lapham was secured to play the cive to democracy and to piano and organ—all in the hope that good fellowship. Rich good music would attract more and poor, wise and sim­ people. ple, met on a common Dr. Ames continued, in his level on weekday occa­ autobiography, to note that sions as well as on Sunday morning. Of course some It was difficult to develop people couldn't "take it," an entirely satisfactory or­ and therefore that build­ der of service in the cir­ ing, as well as the cumstances in which we preaching, had a selective had to work in that little function and was a real building. We had an old- test of devotion and loy­ fashioned reed organ, but alty to the cause. Al­ we usually had an organ­ though there was some ist sufficiently superior to initiative towards the the instrument to compen­ matter of a new building, sate greatly. The names of others felt it was the singers in the mixed "important to proceed quartet changed often in carefully and wisely"” the first years, but they were alwavs•/ the best we even as they acknowledged that a could get Sunday after­ larger structure was necessasary and noons were often given should be built within the coming over to musicals. On No­ five years or less. Every member vember 22, 1914, Miss was encouraged to interest their Lapham borrowed a friends and neighbors to attend the Steinway grand piano, services and meetings. By 1912, 203 and an attractive program persons had become members—a was planned. The gain of twenty-eight during the MacBumeys and Lon P. previous year. At that time Dr. Payne sang solos and Ames promised that he would pur­ numbers together from sue the matter if the congregation Verdi, Kahn, and Mac- would fill the church for six con­ Dowell. It was reported secutive Sundays. that a fuU house was en­ joying the performance The Music of the Church when in the middle of the program, while Mrs. Lou­ In order to keep the momentum ise Harrison Slade was going, Thomas N. MacBumey was singing Campion's "The hired as soloist with Mrs. MacBur- Ninety and Nine," the ney, a soprano, also singing duets floor began to settle. Her with her husband. In 1913 Miss Ag­ rich contralto voice was new to the audience and all were in wrapt atten­ the divinity of Christ, the religious tion. Then something nature of humanity, and the per­ happened. It wasn't much plexities of faith. His sermons were but it was one of those lit­ delivered in an easy to understand tle things which sends a manner, without dramatics. When shudder through you and he came to the Hyde Park Church it gives you a creepy feeling. was "with the conviction that relig­ The floor...seemed to give ion should be intelligent and that it and sink and then find its was important to have ideas about foundation again. Fortu­ important religious matters which nately Mrs. Slade contin­ could be clearly stated and circu- ued to sing and the good lated."i3 self-control of the audi­ He once wrote that sermons ence prevented a panic. were probably more important to the Only a few left but after a preacher than to anyone else. It was hasty examination of the in preparing a sermon that he could building it seemed best to "formulate his ideas and convictions dismiss the audience. about religion into a working set of Mrs. Slade most gra­ principles to guide his own thought ciously agreed to come at and work..., and however important a later date for a similar the sermons are to the preacher him­ program and everyone self, he is likely to exaggerate their went away with enthusi­ value for the life of the church"^^ He asm for the numbers they stressed that just as important were had heard but disap­ the friendships formed, the educa­ pointed over the interrup­ tion of children, and personal con­ tion of the program.^2 tacts made. Workmen were called to in­ In 1914, plans for three pro­ spect the building on Monday posed buildings for both the Disci­ morning and found that some added ples Divinity House and the church supports could make the floor se­ were drawn up by the Architectural cure. The repairs were ordered to be firm of Holzman and Hunt Origi­ done immediately so that the build­ nally, the group was all to face 57th ing could be ready for use the fol­ Street with the sanctuary at the west lowing Sunday. end and a lecture hall on the east The need for a new building for the Dr. Ames's Sermon Topics congregation became more obvious as each month went by. But with Dr. Ames's sermons reflected World War I beginning to draw on his interest in what he called "the resources, the cost of building mate­ nature of religion." Some theological rials rose, and plans for construction questions he explored dealt with the subjects of God, prayer, salvation, Ames, Beyond Theology. Ibid. were abandoned. By September in Hyde Park. "Oh, that's 1919, however, the roof leaked, the too bad," he said, "for carpets were badly worn, the opera there's no Christian seats were loose, and the Sunday Church in that neighbor­ school's alloted space was inade­ hood. You'll have to go to quate. Dr. Kindred's church in Englewood," adding, "of The Church Loses Two Young course there's Dr. Ames's Men in the War little church in Hyde Park, but you wouldn't like The war in Europe ended but that" ...My sister, who not without the loss of the lives of traveled for a living, came two of the church's young men: to spend [a] week-end John Rogers, who had served with with me [in the fall] and I the Y. M. C. A., and Fryar Hutchin­ told her of my decision [to son. Fryar had grown up in the join the Baptist Church]. church, the younger son of Edward She said, "Of course you'll and Annie (Fryar) Hutchinson. Af­ do as you please, but I'm ter the U. S. entered the War he en­ going to join Dr. Ames's listed in the Marine Corps as soon as church." ...I had seen the he turned seventeen. Following little church on my way to months in training he was sent to work, on the corner of France in June 1918 and was killed 57th Street and University in the final month of the war during Avenue (where the pres­ the Meuse-Argonne offensive. The ent church stands), but I windows over the south chancel are hadn't given it a thought. in his memory. But my sister insisted that I go with her the follow­ Gladys Finn Remembers ing Sunday. Many years later Gladys Finn, I went, and was I im­ who had been a member of the pressed! We were met at church since 1917, was asked to talk the front steps by a man in about her memories of that earlier a frock coat [This was time in the little church. It is best Kinter Berkebile.] ... In­ told by Gladys herself. side I was amazed, not only at the compactness, I arrived in Chicago May but by the furniture. In­ 29, 1917....Before I left stead of church pews home the minister of our there were folding seats, so-called "Christian as in a movie theatre. But Church"... asked me up front was the most im­ where we'd be living in pressive minister I had Chicago. I told him we'd ever seen, also in a frock live near my aunt in the coat! By the side of the University neighborhood. pulpit was a small table with a slender vase and in church we had ever it a single calla lily. I known, in fact Maybe don’t remember a single that gave it a closeness word that was said, but I that it would not other­ joined the church the next wise have had. Also, Sunday.^® what it lacked in numbers [295 members] it made up Fred and lone Wise Arrive in in intellect and special in­ Hyde Park terests. Dr.Ames was different B. Fred and lone Wise first vis­ from any minister we had ited the church in the fall of 1919 and known. He spoke simply later they accepted positions on the and directly and never in staff. In 1985, lone was asked to put any way dramatically. It down her memories of that early was more like a classroom day. lecture than the kind of Fred's experience from preaching we were used childhood had been in a to, and we enjoyed the Presbyterian church, and fact that no subject was mine was in a Baptist taboo, but always there church, to which my fam­ was a religious emphasis. ily was very loyal. People His sermons were both from Hyde Park Baptist intellectual and inspiring. Church and from the The music was provided Presbyterian Church were by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas wonderfully cordial to us Noble MacBurney, usu­ and eager for us to join ally a duet and a solo. them, but Fred had come There were church school to know Dr. Ames and classes meeting in differ­ University Church, at least ent comers of the room by hearsay, and he and an addition beyond wanted us to go there for folding doors for begin­ a little while-just for ac­ ning children. Before long quaintance sake. That I was in charge of that short visit resulted in group, and I continued fifty-five years of devoted that job for years on end. interest, work and play. University Church came Church Celebrates First to play the most important Twenty-five Years part in our lives. The church was so lone Wise continued by telling small—smaller than any about the anniversary dinner in Oc­ tober 1919, which was held in the Gladys Finn, Anniversary- Dinner, October Cooper-Carlton Hotel (where the 1984. Del Prado now stands). When the which were controlled by electro­ Wises arrived they discovered that magnets. Invented in 1889 by everyone was dressed in formal or Melvin L. Severy in collaboration semi-formal dinner dress, and the with George B. Sinclair, it received newest people in the congregation further development by Wilbur E. were seated the farthest from the Farrington in 1905. When it was fi­ podium. To them it was most re­ nally in place, it added a quality to vealing. lone continued. the services which the Baldwin pi­ ano could not produce. A gift to the We could see, though not congregation by Mrs. George Her­ feel, the closeness of the bert Jones (Myrtilla Colbert), it was friendship in the group. the first church in the Chicago area We marvelled at the level to make use of this instrument. In of their interest. The the beginning it was played by Ag­ printed program, com­ nes Lapham, who had been the pian­ plete with a history of the ist, but by 1922 Hazel Atherton old church, the list of ac­ Quinney was hired and continued as tivities and individual organist, par excellence for fifty-four pictures of the officers, years, retiring in 1976. was provided through the kindness of Mr. [O. B.] Church Makes Plans for New Holloway." Building It soon became clear, as the In the meantime the architects church began its second twenty-five continued to work on the plans for years, that Dr. Ames wanted a the new building for the Divinity quartette to take the place of the House and the Church. An agree­ MacBumeys. Mr. Berkebile, who ment had been reached in 1917 be­ was chairman of the music commit­ tween the House and the Church. tee, dismissed the couple and made The House would lease the corner arrangements to hire a quartette. lot for ninety-nine years at a dollar a Fred Wise became the tenor and the year with the stipulation that the director and continued to direct the church would provide at least music program of the church for $50,000 for its building by 1923 and forty years. allow the Divinity House to use it as Church Installs a Choralcelo a Chapel. In 1920 a drive began to raise $200,000; by the middle of that After several delays, a remark­ year it had collected $154,700 in able new musical instrument, the pledges with the funds to be paid choralcelo, was installed in the out between 1921 and 1924. By the church in February of 1920, at a cost fall of 1920 tiiey were still short A of $6,500. Described as having a special drive during the last two console resembling that of a pipe or­ months of the year included printing gan, its tones were produced by vi­ the names of those who had sub­ brations of strings, rods, and pipes scribed in the Messenger and sending letters to everyone for a pledge or a fifty feet with the church on the cor­ larger pledge. With $30,000 still ner of 57th and University. Bids for needed. Dr. Ames w^rote that if that contractors were sent out in May amount was not received by year's 1922. Since 1908 Dr. Ames and his end, all pledges would be voided. family had been spending many He did not intend to resort to pubUc summers in their cabin in Pentwater, appeals or theatricals. As the last Michigan, on the shores of Lake hours of the drive concluded the fi­ Michigan. Called "Campbell Park" nal dollars were guaranteed. The after Alexander Campbell, one of the church celebrated at its New Year's early founders of the denomination, eve party by renaming itself The it attracted other members of the University Church of Disciples of church who built summer homes Christ W. D. MacClintock sug­ there, including the first three minis­ gested this was a better designation ters of the church. Often Dr. Ames of its location (many Disciple would write letters to "his flock" churches are given the name of the while on vacation which were street upon which they reside) and printed in TJte Messenger. The one he its relation with the Divinity House wrote in August 1922 dealt with and the University. building plans for the new church. We are about to begin Church has a New Name and building the new church, Hires New Architects but it will still be "little" Early in 1921 a building com­ for most of us....It will mittee was appointed and new ar­ seat five hundred com­ chitects engaged. Howard Van fortably and six hundred Doren Shaw designed the building by crowding....If it should with the assistance of another emi­ prove to be as some think nent architect, Henry K. Holsman, a likely, that the new member of the church. The building building will be filled would have a dining room with from the day it is dedi­ classrooms and offices on the first cated, that would only be floor and an assembly hall on the a kind of comforting com­ second floor. An ample library, pensation for all the years complete with fireplace to be used when many persons also as a club room, would be in­ passed us by and left cluded. some seats vacant...[The old church] will always be The Divinity House agreed to dear to us. We feel a real transfer the west ninety feet of its lot affection for it and we do on 57th Street and 150 feet along not want to lose that sense University Avenue to the church of its intimacy and hospi­ following the church's payment of tality. $25,000. The Church House for the Sunday school and social rooms would be constructed on the north Church Sets Final Plans for with experience as Secretary of Re­ New Building ligious Work at the Hyde Park Y. M. C A. He was a graduate of Parsons With the final plans in place the College in Iowa and had studied to­ Official Board decided to go ahead wards his Master's degree at the and build the sanctuary first in the University of Chicago. Wise had hope that an extra $25,000 or $30,000 been a voice pupil of Thomas could be raised to cover additional MacBumey. Since 1920 he had also expenses to construct the "Church served as Superintendent of the House" or Sunday school building in Simday school. the spring. While construction was going on, the old church would be Cornerstone Is Laid moved to the east end of the lot for use until the new building was On Sunday afternoon, ready. The final costs for everything November 4, the corner­ showed that the lot cost $25,000; the stone of the new Church architects' fees were $15,000; the was laid with a very im­ sanctuary building about $100,000; pressive service. Those on and the Church House about the program were: Dr. $90,000. The Official Board felt that [W. E.] Garrison, Dr. the sanctuary (they called it the [Charles] Gilkey of the "Chapel") should be constructed first Baptist Church, Professor because its cost was within the [W. D.] MacQintock, Dr. amount already subscribed, it makes [Herbert L.] Willett and a good architectural component and Dr. [E. S.] Ames. Miss is prominently located on the corner, Helena Gavin wrote a it will reach more people allowing beautiful poem for the oc- the congregation to develop its casion.^^ membership, and the upkeep will Miss Gavin's poem: probably be less than for the educa­ tional wing. Triumphant builders, shaping steel and stone B. Fred Wise Begins work Along the highroads of Trade's with the Church restless piles. Raise nobler walls, where At the Anniversity Dinner, held other pathways go. again in the Cooper-Carlton Hotel, The trails still gleam where Fred Wise was in charge of the pro­ myriad feet have won gram. He had begun his work with To some clear upland of un­ the church in September as the Di­ failing life; rector of Social Work (the fellowship A far-off radiant city glimmers programs of the church). Half his still. time was devoted to this while the rest was given over to music. He had come to the church position Where Joy may triumph, Mrs. Jones was the daughter of leaving care and strife. Elias Colbert, born in England and Unfathomed Love, whose brought to the United States in 1857 saving sweetness shone as an infant after the death of her In fullest splendor, once, in mother. Colbert was a journalist human eyes. who wrote a good history of Chi­ How many thousand naves cago's early days. Mrs. Jones shared and spires have sung her father's interests in science and To Thee! To Thee the newer astronomy. The $120,000 gift was temples rise. from her own fortune inherited from Grave priests who guarded her father, not from her husband's ancient altar fires. association with the Inland Steel And knights of Truth, adven­ Corporation. turing undismayed. She was introduced to the Waylaying evil and releasing church by a friend who brought her life,— to a series of lectures by Dr. Ames. Our fathers! In your name a Although an Anglican she sought in stone is laid. theosophy something to more ade­ O brothers yet unborn, whose quately meet both her practical mind hearts shall read and a deeply religious spirit. Joining The word our faith has the church in 1919 she soon pledged wrought in lasting stone. her money to help in its building Treasure this message of our campaign, and she purchased the soaring dreams. choralcelo too. Mrs. Jones lived to And build a greater temple see the congregation established in with your own! its new facilities and its plans for the Helena Gavin.^^ installation of the Skinner organ. After her death on February 3, 1928, Professor MacQintock ad­ Dr. Ames said of her: dressed the group and announced She had a great capacity that an additional $25,000 had been for friendship with those promised, making it possible to pro­ whom she chose for the ceed with the construction of the inner circle of her compan­ Church House. Mrs. Myrtilla Col­ ionship. It made little dif­ bert Jones was the largest single do­ ference to her what were nor of the building fund, a fact the outward circum­ which had been made known in stances of their life. October at the Anniversary Dinner. This announcement "was greeted by Whatever their station, she was sensitive to the inner the whole company standing and life of the mind and soul cheering [her] with gratitude and of her friends and met appreciation."^* them at that level so natu­ rally and sincerely that The Messenger, December 1922. The Messenger, October 1922. they felt no sense of any ings in the Church House. There superficial differences.^^ was a need for several thousands of dollars more which the congregation The Church Looks at Social hoped to have by the time of dedi­ cation. By summer, it was decided Service Projects not to purchase a p>ermanent pipe As the new year of 1923 began, organ immediately but to install in­ the Social Service Council was reac­ stead a smaller instrument As the tivated as a means for gathering and day of die dedication grew closer a distributing information concerning Gratian organ with a beautiful tone social agencies on the south side. was ordered; more stops could be This came as an outgrowth of some added later. work which had been done the pre­ Excitement was high as final vious Thanksgiving when the Sun­ plans were formed around the dedi­ day school sent baskets of food to cation of the new building, set for families served by Fellowship the first Sunday in October. As it House, West 33rd Place. Mrs. Sallie turned out this was also the twenty- Allen Davis, member of the church ninth anniversary of the founding of and its Woman's Club, was head the Hyde Park Church. Coinciden­ resident of this settlement house. tally, Rosalie Hall at 57th and The church had been supporting this Harper Avenue, which had been one agency for some time. The church of the congregation's early homes, also supported the local Hyde Park was tom down that year, and the Neighborhood Qub whose first di­ little brick church would soon be rector of activities for girls was demolished too. That "squat gothic," Zelma Davidson, a member of the as Sam MacClintock called it, had church since 1901. In 1912 Miss served them for twenty-four years. Davidson had given such a convinc­ An article in the July 1923 Mes­ ing accoimt of the work of the center senger wondered, "It would be inter­ that a number of people not only esting to be able to look into the fu­ gave their money but also volun­ ture and see how long the new teered their time to assist her in its building will stand. The walls are work. two and a half feet thick and of stone By March the congregation and all the way through...." Former the neighborhood could begin to members were already making plans envision what the new church to attend the dedication, and it was structure was going to look like. The further noted in the July Messenger outer walls had reached about full that "Not a few of them feel a pecu­ height, and the roof was to go on liar satisfaction in the fact that the within the next two to three weeks. chrurh has succeeded so well and is However, no provision had been able now to give very substantial made to install a musical instrument evidence of the vitality of its mes­ nor were there plans for the fumish- sage and its spirit" The Official Board and the first minister), and William Darnall membership felt that it was the be­ MacQintock (an English professor at ginning of what they hop>ed would the University of Chicago and one of be a splendid era of development in the founders of the church), were on the religious life of the church. Of the platform. course they were hoping for new Dr. Edward Scribner Ames, the members; after all the sanctuary present minister, presided at the ta­ would seat twice as many as the lit­ ble. Following communion the con­ tle church. Every department was gregation processed to the new encouraged to begin thinking about building, singing as they went A an enlargement of their program and little after 11 a. m., when the new a deeper spirit to its work. They sanctuary was filled and many suggested that education for adults turned away. Dr. Ames conducted would not be limited to one hour be­ the first service including the dedi­ fore the worship service and there­ cation of this building. It was re­ fore that department should right­ ported that "Dr. Willett preached an fully be called "the church school." impressive sermon on 'Beauty and They talked about dances, Strength.'"2° Appropriate music was "theoretically convinced that religion furnished by Fred Wise and his has been too somber," and about group of singers, and Hazel Quinney dramatics. They planned for a was at the organ. It was a great sat­ greater number of children in the isfaction to the congregation that the education program. church was consecrated with no debt and no appeal for funds on that The Dedication of the New special day. Church Building Two other services had been People came from New York, planned for the remainder of the Cleveland, and Los Angeles plus a day: President of the University, E. number of closer places to partici­ D. Burton, spoke Sunday afternoon pate in the dedication of the new to another full house on the subject building on Sunday October 7, 1923 of "The Church and Education" and and continuing through that week. Mrs. Louise Harrison Slade sang. The congregation, now called "The An evening service with Lorado University Church of Disciples of Taft, the sculptor, had to be post­ Christ," celebrated a new beginning. poned because the installation of the "A memorable day in the life of the lights had not been completed. Church" began at 10:15 a. m. with the Communion Service in the little brick church for the last time. The meeting room was full, and Dr, James Harvey Garrison (W. E. Garri­ son's father and part of the liberal wing of the Christian Church), Her­ bert Lockwood Willett (the church's University Church, dedicated October 7,1923

View from the East On Tuesday, October 9th, the We who with restless hands keep Anniversary Dinner was again held raising in the Cooper-Carlton Hotel. It was Frail walls and first strong wind a wonderful evening complete with lavs low. music, readings, and speeches. Miss Seek one firm tower from whose Helena Gavin, who had written a high windows poem for the dedication of the cor­ We see the centuries come and go. nerstone, read another for the Touched with the charm of ancient church's opening. fervors, A far-sent message seems to say. Guard still the ark of the eternal; OLD HOUSES AND NEW Be yours to speed God's conquer­ Spirit of Life, forever moving ing way! The God who knows not ruined Out of time's dusk new days to altars bring. On which time's silvering moon­ Hallowed the hours we watch in light falls. triumph Nor tombs on desert sands that The flying shadow of thy wing! Out from the dear familiar places whiten. Sheltered in love and memory. Nor homeless ghosts, nor crum­ Builders of homes sHll pass, high­ bling walls. In living hearts his fires were kin­ hearted. To halls astir with things to be. dled; To the last age abides their glow; Over all hearths another magic Works with the sun's on vine and And while life bleeds with ancient stone; sorrows The wonder of his power shall Filling the world with shadow and grow. mansions. The unseen future builds its own. How shall he conquer? Winds of evening Wavering mists above the moun­ tains Sigh above wastes where swords Gather at last in mighty streams; have failed. So runs the story of endless striv- Tell and retell the haunting leg­ ings,- ends: The house of Life transformed by Truth was the sword where Christ dreams. prevailed. Who shall assess our dream's great House that has yielded up our passing Into the light where all may see,— treasure. Though visions and prayers and Autumn a benediction gives; toils go over Emblem of Change and loves that And climb to immortalitv? perish. Emblem of love that, changing, lives. Thoughts of this hour resist dim Patrick Hutchinson who was a futures; casualty of the first World War. Locked in each heart some mo­ Produced by Charles J. Connick in ment dwells Boston, they represented Joan of Arc Silent and perfect and unreturn­ and St George, partly because they ing. symbolized the relationship of Memories sigh in all farewells. France and England with America Spirit of Love, forever moving during that war. Into the stir of days to be. Keep the fair shrine our hands When the Church House was have fashioned completed, workmen began wreck­ ing the little building on December Home for our hearts, and home for 17th. Those cumbersome opera thee!^^ chairs were given to the Urban League. The choralcelo, which had been in storage since the old church was moved to the east end of the lot, The invocation was given by was stored in the basement of the Dr. J. H. Garrison followed by din­ educational wing; they planned to ner. "Then the fun began." Charles make use of its piano and chimes. F. McElroy read "an interesting pro­ What became of this instrument no logue" which was followed by the one seems to know; there is no fur­ music and speeches. William Hom- ther mention of it baker spoke on "Filling the Niches" of the sanctuary in which he placed In January 1924 the church's a "nice row of imaginary figures in first telephone was installed in the those spaces." church office and a pay phone in the adjacent coat room. The number, Prof. W. D. MacClintock then and now, was D03-8142. then performed the most Eleven months later the editor of the brilliant feat of his career Messenger complained that people by making a facetious were using slugs in the pay phone speech on "The Place of which meant the church treasurv Criticism in a Church's was cheated out of about $2.00 Life" in which he dressed monthly! up and trimmed down the minister in a most gleeful As reported before, Ella Seass and unrestrained manner Stewart was hired as "the Hostess, which made everyone or the Head, or the Abbess, or the weary—with laughter.^ Mother Superior, or all these in one."23 Actually she was employed, Before the year ended plans beginning on November 1st, to man­ were being made for the windows age the activities of the educational over the chancel; in memory of Fryar wing as well as the Sunday dinners. She was well known to those who The Messenger, October 1923, Ibid had been members of the church for to the seating capacity. some time but not to those who had The choir and organ joined in recent years. She was also [pipes] are in the balcony the church's representative at outside over the minister's room. events. ...On the University Ave­ People enjoyed the new build­ nue side, three broad, ings. For the first time in the high bays with mullioned church's history there seemed to be windows, add to the wel­ adequate space in which many come of the fireplace. The forms of worship, education, and high deeply recessed and fellowship could take place. How­ traceried windows [on the ard Van Doren Shaw, the principal 57th Street side] frame the architect, described the space in this only memorial glass in the manner: church. [Later, another smaller memorial was set The simple plan of this in the west wall of the church is suggested by the chancel.] old Moot halls of England Technically the build­ rather than by any recog­ ing is in perpendicular nized ecclesiastical form. Gothic, of warm cream, The great hall of West­ grey and yellow limestone minster, adjoining the with Bedford stone trim. Houses of Parliament, is The oak timbered ceiling perhaps the best known with some color on the example, but this Church beams and bedmolds and more nearly resembles the the oblique walls of the old Hall at Coventry. bays offer an opportunity Simply a rectangular for mural painting and room, with a raised plat­ rich color. form at one end; there is The Educational no cruciform plan, no Building houses the transept, no chancel arch. church offices, class The chancel is distin­ rooms, Sunday School and guished by its Levanto includes a dining-room marble steps and floor, and kitchen. Architec­ and painted ceiling. Sepa­ turally it harmonizes with rated from the auditorium and balances the chapel. by tail columns and Between the two is the arches, is a long gallery stone porch leading to the with its great fireplace, narthex. This vestibule visible from every part of opens to the Church, the the chapel. This will be a meeting place for the con­ gregation and, filled with chairs, will add materially library and the Sunday ers were helping with the school. In School.2^ addition there was a Girls' Qub and a Boys' Qub; the girls assisted in the Originally the architect had nursery during worship while the planned an extreme English Gothic boys monitored the cloak room. building with high pulpit Dr. Ames rejected this because it didn't suit the The First Christmas Pageant, interests of either the minister or the 1924 congregation. Ames felt the pulpit should be nearer to the people; the Making good use of the new windows should be clear to let in space, the first Christmas pageant plenty of light, and there should be a was performed in the sanctuary De­ fireplace to symbolize hospitality. cember 1924. Beginning in mid- After listening to what the minister October, when the play was decided had to say Shaw attended a church upon, a large proportion of the con­ service, read the church literature gregation became busy with prepa­ including Ames's The New OrtJw- rations—costumes, staging, and mu­ doxy, and the final design was a sic. Fred Wise trained a volunteer building he considered to be one of choir which eventually sang be­ his greatest achievements. tween Advent and Easter but first The next year showed that new began as the chorus for the pageants. programs were making use of the Equipment for the production enlarged quarters. Since January was supplied by W. I. Schermerhorn 1924, Wednesday night and Sunday and others including the lighting for dinners were served following the the stage and the three arches high service for the nominal fee of fifty in the south wall. The five foot cents. Manv of the members waited space beneath the great Gothic win­ on tables and assisted in other ways dows in the south wall was an ideal to make these events a success. In place for the angels in the pageant. order to serve these meals economi­ Often the productions were medie­ cally it was found that reservations val in content although later The needed to be made in advance. The Mexican Posadas-^ and other influ­ mid-week dinners were followed by ences were used. The pageant be­ group singing and a short program came a highlight of the year's pro­ of "show and tell" by those in atten­ grams. dance. So that children could be in­ lone Wise was the director for volved this main part of the evening many of these plays and all were was over by eight o'clock after which preceeded by an elaborate dinner anyone was free to remain to play with many people in costumes— games or to talk. Two new groups often Old English. Like those in were begun in the Church school--a history, the meal was set in the home junior high school girls' class and a nursery department Twenty teach­ “ The custom of a candlelit procession ending with the innkeeper offering shelter to Joseph and Mary. of a nobleman with the pageant as rums and Friday nights. No one entertainment for his guests. The ever heard him complain. Of course noblemen and their ladies were in­ lone, his wife, served as his assistant, troduced as they entered the dining without pay, for much of the work. hall. Every year this event drew In addition he was frequently asked large crowds of people including, to direct all city combined choirs or according to lone Wise, representa­ music at the Disciples conventions. tives from all the music magazines. He was the editor of the Christian When all could not be served in the Hymnal published in 1940 by the dining room, the library was used Disciples and the American Baptists. and extra tables were set up in the One advantage to Wise's association second floor assembly hall for the with the American Conservatory chidren. was that many of his students came to sing with the choir for the experi­ Wednesday Night Dinners ence. These trained voices added a Moved to Friday Night wonderful dimension to the pag­ eants and to the Sunday services. When the next year began, the mid-week dinners were moved to In a desire to become more Friday nights with improvements in productive Dr. Ames, in May 1925, the recreation afterwards. Dances suggested limiting the membership. were held in the assembly hall and This proposal was given games in the library. Over the years with a view of directing Fred Wise was in charge of not only attention to the possibility the music but had other duties as­ of more intensive work. signed to him. As one looks over the There are now about five Messenger articles and the minutes of hundred members. This the board meetings, it is clear that does not mean that the this congregation, with a variety of church will not continue groups, classes, and events, was to help people to b^ome managed largely by the staff. Dur­ Christians or that it will ing the building's first two years Ella set up any rules of exclu­ Seass Stewart managed the house sion or arbitrary selection. activities; after that these became the It does seem desirable to responsibility of Wise. In the fall of make the church more ef­ 1925 he became the director of the fective for its members church school. He handled all of and for the activities they this in addition to his duties at the may carry on rather than American Conservatory where he to strive to become as was a full-time teacher giving sixty- large as possible. The five to seventy lessons each week. traditional type of church His work at the church in­ has about the same num­ cluded helping with the programs ber of really ’’active" for the special days and finding members regardless of the speakers for the weekly Sunday Fo­ size of the total member- ship. At present in our assembly hall. A half hour junior church there is not a single worship was led by Dr. Ames and member who knows all Fred Wise followed by classes until the other members by 11 a. m. The year before the church sight much less having school had experimented with a any real acquaintance two-hour session-sixty minutes of with them.26 free dramatization of biblical stories, a fifteen minute worship service and The chimes and the echo from the remainder of the time for classes. the choralcelo were installed during Apparently this plan was not suc­ the summer in the third floor cham­ cessful. However, the use of a new ber at the north end of the sanctuary. curriculum begun in 1924 had been Here also, if one looks closely, is a well received. Its content was based sinister figure about which Dr. Ames on actual life experiences of the chil­ had this to say; dren—home, school, the city, etc. It is Satan himself, about One of the new influences in whom in this place many the church school was William rationalizations have been Qayton Bower who had joined the made. It may be taken to faculty of the Divinity School at the stand for a motif in tradi­ University as Professor of religious tional Gothic ecclesiastical education. He had taught and acted architecture, which is dis­ as dean in Transylvania College in posed to have the evil Lexington, Kentucky, before his ar­ forces of life suggested rival in Chicago. around the roof and edges Continuing the practice begun of the building by gar­ several years before, one hundred goyles, imps, and demons. members of the congregation enter­ To my mind this figure tained the church with the presenta­ expresses my own convic­ tion of the Christmas pageant in De­ tion that the church ought cember 1926. This year's was built to be open to everyone, to around five Fra Angelico works sinners as well as saints, which were reproduced in tableaux and to the devil himself as in the three chancel arches. The five well as to the angels.^^ pictures were Herod's Court, the Nativity, the Adoration of the Shep­ Changes in the Church herds, the Wise Men, and the An­ School gels. A choir of forty voices came in singing and processed with candles When the church school opened up the side aisles and then recessed in October 1926 the hour was down the center aisle to the back of changed to 9:30 a. m. and began the sanctuary. Except for the spot with a processional upstairs to the lights on the choristers, the hall was in complete darkness. A children's Messenger, May 1925. chorus was a fitting climax to the Ames, Beyond Theology. entire evening witnessed by 340 that 460 attended services on Palm people. Sunday and 642 on Easter. Also during that month Dr. W. Special Day Programs are E. Garrison, the dean of the Divinity Added to the Church Year House, announced the completion of With more space in the new their building drive for $100,000. buildings a variety of special times About $65,000 was raised from the was planned for the congregation. church membership if one included In addition to the pageants there the $25,000 for the price of the lot were dinners both on Christmas Eve This news must have been received and New Year's Eve. January first with great relief since the Disciples began with open house from three to Divinity House had existed in name six and a party in the evening— only for thirty-three years. Finally sometimes a carnival. Friday eve­ they would have their "House", the nings attracted from eighty to a physical plant which had been rec­ hundred for dinner and forty more ommended by the General Christian for dancing on the second floor. It Missionary Convention in 1894. became the practice of the church to When 139 additions were made hold open house on all holidays. to the membership of the congrega­ All-day parties were part of the In­ tion between 1926-1927, they felt it dependence Day celebration with was time to consider purchasing a both dinner and supper served. more adequate pipe organ. The av­ erage attendance on Sunday morn­ Memorial Church Members ings in April stood at 460 with the Join University Church capacity reached on Easter. With an active resident membership of 552 Twenty-five people united with plus another forty-eight non-resident the church in February 1927. They they said, "It is time." Letters were came from the Memorial Church, a sent out to all proposing that a fund merged congregation of Disciples of $25,000 be raised for the organ and Baptists, which had disbanded. and some furnishings for the church Dr. Willett had been their pastor house. The response was rapid. In a from 1905-1920 and was instrumen­ month $17,000 had been promised. tal in assisting the merger between a Baptist and a Disciples church. Church Hires Organ Architect In March the Messenger im­ By July an organ architect had plored the membership to attend the been hired to present specifications church services at least once during after which bids were received from the Lenten season. The topic of the various companies. When it was sermons was announced as "all discovered that it would take six about the Soul and the Self." This months to build and install the type nudge may have had some effect on of instrument the church wanted, it the congregation as it was reported became apparent that another fiscal year would be involved and more installation and Dedication of pledges might be hoped for. About Skinner Organ half the membership had answered the call by the end of the year and The old pipe organ was re­ each month found another article in moved from the sanctuary on March the Messenger noting the progress 20, 1928 and sold to the new Irving toward the purchase and installation Park Christian Church for $1,250. In of the new organ. Arthur Dunham, the meantime a reed organ was noted organist of the Methodist again used with the hope that the Temple, assisted the committee after new pipe organ would be in place the Skinner Organ Company was by Easter Sunday. As often happens decided upon. Dunham was most in building and installations, this did helpful in determining the specifics not occur. The new Skinner organ of this instrument in a church set­ was not dedicated until Sunday af­ ting. ternoon, the third of June. Mr. Dun­ ham, who had been so helpful to the While the specifications committee and was considered one [are] predominantly of the leading organists in the churchly in character, it United States, presented the dedica­ has sufficient orchestral tory recital to an over capacity coloring to meet the de­ crowd estimated at 650 people. (A mands of a recital of mod­ review of the program did not sug­ ern music. In planning gest it was a virtuoso performance.) this specification, the The male quartette sang and Dr. conditions of the audito­ Ames spoke. The final cost of the rium were very carefully organ witti installation amounted to studied, and the instru­ $27,000. Although there was enough ment designed to fit the money subscribed to meet the total building and our particu­ cost, not all the payments, had come lar needs.... in. This was an embarrassment to The Skinner Organ the minister who had prided himself Company is one of the and his church in not faulting on any few great organ builders payments for such additions. An­ of the world, and Mr. other article noting these facts and Skinner's genius for tone extolling the wonders of the organ quality, mechanical per­ was printed after the dedication fection, and artistry has service. made him the acknowl­ edged leader in the organ­ The organ adds very building industry.^ much to the service, and many who were doubtful whether we needed a new organ confess that they are convinced it was a good investment The audience 28 Kinler Berkd>ile, Januar}’ 1928. which came for the dedi­ gregation and in the city cation was the largest ever outside.^ gathered in the church. One boy told his father he In her first month on the job did not want to go that Mrs. Bro made sixty calls on the afternoon, but his father members of the church and spoke persuaded him to go and before fourteen missionary commit­ told him he could leave in tees. On November 12 her work was half an hour. But the boy interrupted when she was injured in remained through the two an automobile accident while mak­ hours without a wish to ing church calls and was a patient in leave. the hospital for at least a month. At Dr. Ames's recommendation Disciples Divinity House Mrs. Marguerite (Harmon) Bro was Dedicated hired as the minister's assistant. Her main duties were in the area of call­ The Disciples Divinity House ing on the church membership and was dedicated on October 21-22, speaking at missionary events. In 1928 after thirty-four years without asking for this additional staff. Dr. their own "home." Dr. W. E. Garri­ Ames assured the board that money son, while dean of the House, se­ for this person would be raised out­ cured nearly $75,000. A final gift of side of the budget and presented her $12,500 from W. H. Hoover, presi­ qualifications: dent of the Hoover Vacuum Com­ pany, made it possible to begin [Mrs. Bro is] specially well building early in the year. The fur­ qualified to perform many nishings were given by Mrs. Ger­ kinds of service in the trude Gary Sutcliffe. Dr. Willett, the position of minister's as­ first dean, gave the dedicatory ad­ sistant, ... [she is] a woman dress on Sunday afternoon followed of great ability, and un­ by tea and inspection of the House. usual personality. Her On Monday a conference was held enthusiasm for the church, on the training of the ministry. The her ability as a speaker, trustees named the library in rec­ her resourcefulness in ognition of the first dean, Herbert many situations, and the Lockwood Willett. interest attaching to her This fall also saw the opening expression of her own ex­ of the University's Rockefeller perience, would make her Chapel, and the church noticed their service of the greatest Sunday attendance drop. At that value in helping to inter­ time there were 600 members with pret the work of the 340-400 in attendance at any regular Church, both in the con- Sunday. Special events such as the

29 Messenger, June 1928. 30 QfiBcial Board minutes, April 1928. dedication of the organ and the be shared with each other and they Christmas pageants drew larger could be made aware of activities in crowds but not the worship services. the church. Thus was born another Reports showed a small but steady group within the fellowship, one cancellation of pledges in 1929, and which lasted several decades and the Board began to wonder what ef­ became a vital part of the church. fect the new Chapel had on this de­ cline. Church Hires Wayne A. R. During October 1929 the aver­ Leys as Assistant Pastor age attendance on Sundays had In the spring of 1930 both Dr. dropped to 235 with only fifty-seven Ames and Fred Wise were reported at the communion services. Earlier, in poor health, although by April the in April, it was reported that 402 minister said his physical condition pledging units promised to give had improved. The Board recom­ $20,725.54 plus 221 pledges for the mended that both should take what­ missionary budget equaling ever rest they needed, and Dr. Ames $6,370.80. Average attendance fig­ should decide when and for how ures from 1926 to 1929 showed an long he should take his vacation. It increase from 250 in 1926 to 360 in was clear the congregation did not 1927, then a decline in 1928 to 300 want to lose Ames, who had been and a further slump back to the 1926 their pastor for nearly thirty years. figure. Dr. Ames noted that there Dr. Ames recommended hiring an was a "need to do something." assistant pastor due to his health While the membership during this problems and suggested the name of past four years had increased due to Wayne A. R. Leys who had recently the new building and Skinner organ, passed his examinations for the Ph. the services did not attract regular D. in the philosophy department and attendance. W. I. Schermerhorn completed his thesis on "Religious suggested that the people were more Needs and Values." A graduate of interested in a social life than in re­ Illinois Wesleyan University at ligion. And the church discovered Bloomington, Illinois, he had been a that "...the changes in our member­ members of the church since 1927 ship, due chiefly to the moving where he had distinguished himself population of the city, make it diffi­ in friendship and usefulness, par­ cult to build up a stable and de­ ticularly with students. pendable constituency."^^ After the Board accepted Dr. New Women's Group Formed Ames's recommendation he wrote a letter to the church which was In November 1929 all business printed in the June 1930 Messenger: and professional women of the You have granted me an church were invited to dinner. It extended release from was hoped that their interests could some of the duties of the pastorate at the end of Messenger, October 1929. these thirty years of serv­ do his administrative work as dean ice. You have been very at the Divinity House. Determined generous and considerate to continue as many of his respon­ in your expressions of ap­ sibilities as he was able, he returned preciation of the work of to his classes in the summer and fall. these years. You have also At the same time, by the recommen­ added to the working staff dation of the church board. Dr. of the church for the Ames was relieved of his responsi­ coining year an assistant bilities for preaching, pastoral care, minister, Mr. Wayne Leys, and administrative duties for the who has been active church until January 1,1931, and be­ among your young people yond, if it seemed necessary. The for the past three years congregation was urged to assume while pursuing graduate more responsibility for the work of study in the University. the church as each could contribute He has now completed time and expertise. work for the doctor's de­ The Anniversary Dinner and gree which he received on program in October celebrated Dr. June 10th. Before coming Ames’s thirty years with the church. to the University he was A pageant reviewed the history of assistant pastor in the the church from 1900 to 1930 and a great church at Blooming­ huge portrait of Dr. Ames was un­ ton, Illinois, and has had veiled in the library over the fire­ an unusually extended place. It was painted by Ernest L. experience for one so Ipsen of New York City, whose young, both in preaching works included many academic men and pastoral work. He of Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and has supplied our pulpit Dartmouth. He had received many many times, and already prizes and was in Who's W7io o f has a wide acquaintance America. Professor A. Eustace Hay- and a deep hold in our don, then chairman of the Univer­ membership.^2 sity's department of comparative re­ Dr. Ames had been suffering ligion, noted, in speaking about Dr. since the previous fall when he had Ames's contribution to tiie field of an infection in his left foot In Feb­ religion, "Dr. Ames was one of the ruary 1930, trouble developed in his men who had been largely respon­ left knee making it imperative that sible in helping to bring the re­ he stay off his feet as much as pos­ sources of science and intelligent sible. The University relieved him thinking to bear upon the great from class assignments during the problem of religion." spring quarter, but he continued to fulfill his other obligations there and

Ames. Messenger, June 1930. Dr. Ames Resigns as Pastor work will be the occasion of the Church of renewed and continued loyalty on the part of Still all was not resolved re­ every member and friend garding Ames's tenure at the church. of this Church. On November 9, 1930 he presented his resignation to University Church, After the reading of this letter effective at the end of the year. Un­ the meeting was "thrown open" for known to anyone but a few of the discussion, but the board members Board, he outlined his feeling: were too deeply moved to speak. "The silence which followed ex­ My reason for resigning is pressed more feelingly than words that the combined duties the sense of personal loss and shock of the three positions that accompanied this announce­ which I hold are increas­ ment"^ Dr. Ames continued to ex­ ingly exacting and it is no plain that his main reason for resign­ longer possible for me to ing was due to his continued physi­ carry them and do justice cal condition, which was eventually to all the interests in­ diagnosed as Paget's disease, a volved. My belief in the chronic ailment in which the bones opportunities and signifi­ become enlarged, weak, and de­ cance of the modem lib­ formed. He felt that he could con­ eral church and its minis­ tinue teaching and training young try has increased through ministers in the Divinity School, these thirty years, and it where he hoped to remain another has grown upon me that five years. Finally, the manifold duties of the pastorate require a minis­ He asked that the Board ter's undivided time and members and the church devotion. It is my hope members accept with that the work I may yet do good spirit what in his as a lay member may be of judgment was the right some value in the relig­ thing to do at this time, ious life of this congrega­ explaining that it is not tion. I trust that every mathematically or hu­ member will realize that I manly possible for him to would not take this step if give two thirds of his time the circumstances did not to the church, two thirds make it seem obligatory, to the work of his classes and if the present devel­ in the University, and an­ opment of our work did other third to his work at not promise continued the Divinity School. growth and increasing ef­ ficiency. I hope that this necessary change in our Official Board minutes. November 10. 1930. William Qayton Bower, chair­ Be it resolved that in re­ man of the congregation, then talked questing Dr. Ames to ac­ about the serious nature of this un­ cept the service herein expected situation. O. B. Holloway indicated and in releasing moved the matter be "laid upon the him from those personal table" until the membership had and pastoral ministries time to think over the problem. which he has long per­ Following this meeting a special formed with such con­ board meeting was convened at the summate skill and notable end of the month, at which time a success, this Board record resolution was prepared. It recog­ its profound sense of the nized his decision "while at the same loss which the church is time it [felt it could not accept] the sustaining, its gratitude complete severance of a relationship for the blessing which it which has been so fruitful..." and has enjoyed in the con­ asked Dr. Ames to reconsider his tinuance of the relation of action. pastor and people for thirty years, and its confi­ New Terms are Outlined for dence that an enterprise the Ministry which has thus far been so nobly led will honor that The terms which were outlined leadership by going for­ stated that Dr. Ames would remain ward with even greater the Senior Minister, with no duties energy in a greater pro­ other than that of preaching on Sun­ gram, in loyalty to the day mornings with a continuation of same ideals, under the the salary arrangements made dur­ conditions of the redistri­ ing his leave of absence. The church bution of functions among elected Dr. Wayne A. R. Leys as the members of an en­ their Junior Minister for nine larged staff. At a congre­ months, January - October 1931, at gational meeting called his present salary. His responsibili­ for December 7, 1930, the ties would include pastoral work resolution was approved and assistance in preaching and by unanimous vote. The conducting worship services at Dr. chairman of the congre­ Ames's request B. Fred Wise was to gation "expressed his con­ continue as Director of Education fidence in the arrange­ and Music as before and an Execu­ ment and the belief that it tive Committee, consisting of three would result in not merely members, one being the Chairman of holding the institution to the Board, was given the authority to its former standards but make more specific duty and admin­ also in gaining progress." istrative assignments as necessary. Following the vote. Dr. And furthermore: Ames was called into the assembly to hear the re­ to accept the invitation to port continue.^ With his usual good humor he pointed out the Dr. Ames Agrees to Continue fact that the church was as their Pastor calling a lame duck, al­ though, as he went on to By this action the church mem­ explain, his ailment is not bers felt they had received a won­ painful and only calls for derful early Christmas present It caution. He also re­ was clear there was much high re­ minded the congregation gard for the man who had been their of his thirty year old pastor for three decades and they resolution to resign from wanted to keep him at any price. this church but once, so Dr. Ames reminded them of these that the adoption of the changes in his Pastoral Letter. resolution has implica­ You have been very gra­ tions which few perhaps cious to me always, but had anticipated. After never more than in these these facetious remarks, recent weeks when we however, he called atten­ faced a reorganization of tion to the necessity for in­ our relations and work. creased participation on While I have consented to the part of the member­ go on...I trust every one ship in the vital work of understands the difference the church.^ between this and the con­ The congregation heard Dr. ventional function of the Ames call for more participation on pastorate under which I the part of the membership and served for thirty years....I enough financial support to continue understand that my new the work of the church. Onlv if as- duties are mainly with sured of these commitments would reference to the conduct of he continue as their minister. the Sunday morning services, and that in these, The congregation sensing I shall not be expected to the reasonableness of preach every Sunday.... I these remarks, rose to now see an opportunity to their feet and pledged ...make myself a kind of themselves to the fulfill­ director of the pulpit, se­ ment of these conditions, curing the co-operation of whereupon the pastor for a number of the members the last thirty years agreed of the church who are equipped to aid in inter- preting religious matters pervisor of dinners, and general of­ in terms of their studies fice work. and experience....36 The work of the church contin­ ued. Calls to members and prospec­ Dr. Ames Suggests Some tive members were made by Dr. New Directions Leys and members of the congrega­ tion. Christian work outside the Ames suggested that there were church was of interest to some. The many talented people in the congre­ country was into a deep depression gation-sociologists, doctors, law­ and twice during March 1931 groups yers, theologians, writers, artists, from the church traveled to Lower and business people—who could be Wacker Drive to provide food for invited to lead the church in new di­ the 700 unemployed who lived rections. He called this bringing "the there. Those volunteering to serve pew into the pulpit and the pulpit the men stew and bread were the into the pew." He suggested dia­ Quinneys, Mrs. C. E. Moore, Zelma logues and debates, dramatic pro­ Davidson Harza, the Angerts, the ductions, and more musical presen­ Leys, Gladys Finn, Belle Springer, tations. And so another ten years and Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Finney. with Dr. Ames as Senior Minister Though their aid was only tempo­ began. rary, never the less it was important to all involved. Elizabeth Keen Williams Be­ gins as Church Secretary The 28 Club is Organized In the meantime, when the fall Also during March a second work began, Miss Clarinda Brower, young married couples club was or­ who had served as church secretary ganized under the name of "The 28 since 1925, resigned to become pro­ Qub." (The first one was "The Part­ fessor of the Bible, dietician, and ners," of which little is known to­ Assistant Dean of Women at North­ day.) Largely the brain child of Fred land College in Ashland, Wisconsin. and lone Wise who invited the Fred Mrs. Elizabeth Keen Williams was Hendersons, the Donald Stewards hired as her replacement beginning and several others to their home to in September. This was a full-time discuss the formation of such a position, and Mrs. Williams came to group, it received its name because a the church job well equipped for the number of the group had been mar­ three-pronged post Her responsi­ ried about 1928. lone Wise remem­ bilities as church secretary included bered that about a third of the men being assistant to the financial offi­ had been together as students at cers of the church and keeper of George Williams College, then lo­ their confidential records, acting as cated in Hyde Park. This group, hostess to church meetings and su- which later expanded to include the 38 Qub, was one of the most active Ibid. in the church and consisted of men and women who could always be tain. Ames had long encouraged the "counted upon" to help with what­ church to celebrate the great holi­ ever needed to be done. days of the year, not just the holy In April 1931 Mrs. Gertrude days. Parties and open houses had Gary Sutcliffe, a member since 1927, centered not only around Christmas, paid to have the Kindergarten (room New Year's Eve and Day, and the 21) refurbished. Who remembers Fourth of July but also Washington's the painted murals of nature studies and Lincoln's birthdays. Ames often executed by a Miss Sturtzenegger? preached on those subjects. He had They were still on the walls in 1957 a special affinity to Lincoln upon but are now covered with several whose life he preached eleven times. coats of bright paint A plaque bearing Lincoln's likeness and the Gettysburg Address, the Dr. Ames accepted an ap­ work of Elizabeth Tuttle Holsman, pointment as chairman of the Phi­ was hung in the library. (It now losophy Department at the Univer­ hangs on the east wall on the second sity in April 1931. At that time he floor.) And on February 10, 1924 was the senior member of this de­ Lincoln was posthumously received partment and "the living link with into church membership. Ames, in the early days of the department his autobiography, told why he had when [John] Dewey and his associ­ done this. ates made famous [the] 'Chicago School'. "37 I spoke of his deep relig­ ious nature, of his faith in Memorial Items Noted a ruling providence, of his unaffected habit of prayer From time to time bronze and his dependence upon plaques, memorial windows, and prayer in the great crises other items were placed in the of his life. I quoted par­ church halls and walls in honor or ticularly his declaration in memory of people who had been answer to the question significant in the lives of the congre­ why he was not a member gation. Sometimes the item was a of a church: "When any gift from family members, other church will inscribe over times it came from the church mem­ its altar as its sole qualifi­ bership. Mrs. George Herbert cations for membership, Jones's financial gift to tite building the Savior's condensed fund, the Hutchinson window, and statement of the substance the huge painting of Ames honoring of both law and gospel, his thirty year ministry, have al­ 'Thou shalt love the Lord ready been noted. thy God with all thy heart, Two other items should be and with all thy soul, and mentioned now—the Abraham Lin­ with all thy mind, and thy coln plaque and the drinking foun­ neighbor as thyself; that church will I join with all my heart and all my soul." Over the preceding thirty years there We placed a bronze bust had been a steady decline from 64% of Lincoln beside the of the membership who had lived in pulpit and I turned to him Hyde Park in 1901 to 45% in 1931, and welcomed him into while the proportion of members our fellowship on that living south of Woodlawn rose from declaration of faith, as I 5% in 1901 to 23% in 1931. The local would have welcomed the expense budget for the fiscal year man himself, had he ac­ just ending was $24,000 which in­ tually been present in the cluded a $5,000 item for dinners. flesh.^ The Associate Minister, Wayne Leys, pointed out that the new On May 24, 1931 the drinking church was less a neighborhood fountain, at the foot of the stairs, was church since it had changed its name dedicated in memory of Miss to the University Church of the Dis­ Dorothy Roehlk who died Septem­ ciples of Christ in 1921. Though the ber 15, 1927. A member of the membership was shifting toward the church only a few years, she was a south, 64% still lived within walking teacher in the Roosevelt School in distance of the church. Ironically East Chicago. The fountain was the some who lived in Beverly Hills, gift of her sister, Mrs. L. H. Baker South Shore and Oak Park were and like the Lincoln plaque was the more regular in attendance than work of Elizabeth Tuttle Holsman. those in Hyde Park-Woodlawn. It depicts Jesus in conversation at Jacob's Well with the Samarian Leys continued by asking the woman. Dr. Ames's sermon at the question, "Why should a family five dedication was based on that story. miles from Hyde Park pass ten churches on their way to ours?" He Some Interesting Statistics also wondered why people travel. over a Thirty Year Period Sometimes great distances, to shop, attend a theater, or go to work? When the 1931 church year was nearing its end some interesting sta­ The answer to all these tistics showed the growth of the questions is the same. congregation. From 1901 to 1931 You do not hesitate to use membership had risen from 124 to the city's transportation 557 with 19% having joined between because you want what its founding and 1915, 30% between you want You desire to 1916 and 1925, and 51% after 1926. associate with those who Of those who had joined during the have something in com­ previous five-year period 40% lived mon with you. You wish in Hyde Park, 22% in Woodlawn, the goods that suit your 24% south of Woodlawn, 6% in taste. You crave the enter­ Kenwood and 8% on the north side. tainment that appeals to you. Likewise, you do not Ames, Beyond Theology. hesitate to "walk a mile" or ride several miles to the not only end the fiscal year with all church that satisfies you. budgeted items paid but have This mobility of our peo­ enough to cover $900 in bills carried ple is one of the great over from the previous year. This emancipating influences method, once more, seemed to work. of modem life. It makes The year ended with $157.10 in re­ the individual independ­ ceipts over expenses! As the new ent of his immediate cir­ program year began in October, cumstances ... [and] he is Wayne Leys armounced his resigna­ more critical of what is of­ tion from the post he had held for fered him....The mobility nine months citing the return of Dr. and relative independence Ames's health. Part of his letter to of individuals will in time the congregation follows: kill unworthy societies The year just closed was a and improve worthy difficult one, both for the ones.^^ congregation and for the Dr. Ames, and other leaders of staff. The turmoil of the the church were proud of the fact secular world was accen­ that no plates were passed during tuated by the necessity for the worship service. However, this numerous make-shifts and did not mean that finances were temporary arrangements never discussed. They were omni­ within the church. The present in all Board meetings and cooperation of the mem­ frequently articles were printed in bership was such, how­ the newsletter. Occasionally the ever, that the year was not facts were presented with a bit of without genuine spiritual levity as when in the fall of 1931 the value.^^ secretary and a Mr. Thiele (probably the janitor) found $3,95 while Ames Asks Members to Show cleaning the third floor cupboards. Their Loyalty Since all of their reserve funds had been spent "this tidy sum comes to Perhaps having forgotten his the rescue."^® 1925 statement to limit membership, or thinking that it had been written However, this was not nearly only in jest. Dr. Ames resumed his enough to cover the $2,300 deficit full responsibilities as minister by The notice in the Messenger appar­ asserting that he wanted new mem­ ently helped because on September bers and lots of them. He wanted 21st some improvement was shown help from the membership to get although they were still $1,000 short new ones. "And also I want those It was suggested that if all members who are now members to come to paid up their pledges they would

Levs, Messenger, June 1931. M essenger, September 1931. church every Sunday morning, rain the paid quartette was replaced by a or shine. "^2 year-round volunteer choir. Ames was not asking for this as a personal favor; he felt it was most Sunday Forums after Serv­ important that the members show ices their loyalty by regular attendance.. The Forums after Sunday serv­ Apparently he had discovered that ices continued to be well attended. some of his flock had been going to The general theme for the spring had Rockefeller Chapel to hear nationally centered around various religions. known preachers speak. He was Dr. Sam Kincheloe (who had made a very serious when he reminded the study of the Hyde Park community) congregation of their commitment found that in this area more people A year ago, when I was followed spiritualism, theosophy, p>ersuaded to continue in palmistry, and numerology than in the pastorate, it was with any other neighborhood of the city. the unanimous promise of The Friday night dinners and pro­ those present that day to grams during the spring featured cooperate in every possi­ such exceptional attractions as Mexi­ ble way in the work of the can musicians. A cotillion planned church. The church is and directed by Gladys Finn now on trial on that brought out many members and promise and I am noting friends. Each year a surprise play from week to week those was given to enthusiastic crowds. who are meeting that re­ The Annual Meeting ended the sponsibility, and those year's church programs. who are not.^^ When the new church year be­ gan in October 1932 there was a se­ As winter turned to spring the rious financial problem. The situa­ choir was nearing the end of its an­ tion was taken to the congregation nual presentations and would not be again with an article in the Messen­ called to practice again until fall ger. when it would begin to prepare for its part in the Christmas pageant A heavy "cut" in the sala­ For several years this was followed ries of the staff of the by a spring performance of a cantata church has been proposed or oratorio—in 1932 they sang by the staff itself in the Haydn's "The Creation." It was be­ hope that if other mem­ coming clear that the congregation bers co-operate in the was enjoying the anthems and spe­ same spirit the finances cial music and regretted the choir's for the year beginning departure from services, but it Oct. 1st will come out with would be another nine years before a balanced budget. The present situation is a very M essenger, December 1931. Ames, A/ej5e«ge/", December 1931. searching test of the loy­ This change did not eliminate alty of all members.^ the need for money to finance the church. There were now twenty The Church Has Financial members on the visitation commit­ tee, and since the first of October 125 Problems calls had been made. Discussions By December the church was continued regarding the use of more still in trouble in spite of the fact that collection boxes--inside the sanctu­ the budget had been reduced. Dr. ary as well as outside the doors. By Ames had voluntarily decreased his the fall of 1933 a lead article with fi­ salary from $5,000 to $3,000. All nancial statements appeared other staff members' wages had been monthly in the Messenger. Reports reduced by 10%. Several of the larg­ showed that weekly payments were est contributors had made extra gifts about $65.00 short of expenses and and operating expenses had been by October more than $3,000 was curtailed. Yet all of this did not al­ needed to balance the budget At low the church to keep abreast of the same time the church was at­ current bills. It appeared that the tempting to keep up its funding for national depression had hit Uni­ missions and benevolences. "Our versity Church. The finance commit­ church has a good record in these tee visited all who had not pledged matters in spite of the fact that many and all who were behind in pay­ individuals are not interested [in ments so none could say they did supporting] them....To cease mis­ not understand the seriousness of sionary and benevolent work is one the situation. Some suggested that of the surest means of death and de­ Ames should speak about finances cay to a church."^® from the pulpit; others suggested In the spring of 1933 two stu­ passing the plate. Still others agreed dent assistants, Donald Klaiss and with Dr. Ames that the best ap­ Sterling Brown, had been added to proach was through visitations and the church staff. Over the years direct conversations. Beginning in there had been, from time to time, January 1933 the Messenger was students who were employed to as­ mimeographed at the church with a sist with calling or worked with the new format and name. Since its in­ Sunday school and youth of the ception in 1905 the newsletter had church. It is not clear from the rec­ first been called The Christian Mes­ ords which of the earlier ones had senger, then TJk Disciple Messenger; it been paid and which came as minis­ now became simply The Messenger. terial volunteers. More news could now be printed This was the year of the Cen­ and the church was freed of adver­ tury of Progress, ^ e 1933 World's tising and other material. Fair, and a city-wide plan was pro­ moted among churches to have Fair visitors as "paying guests" in homes personal acquaintance, of their denominations at reasonable intellectual affinity, and rates. Members of University religious ideals. ...They Church who were interested were cannot hear better church asked to register in the church office. music anywhere. They cannot share in a more The Church Makes it Easy to satisfying religious serv­ Join ice. They cannot help a better nor a larger When in 1934 attendance and cause.... membership continued a downward trend, people were invited to join the Each fall brought another call church simply by signing their for pledges. Lead articles on fi­ names on the Weekly Calendar nances appeared in every issue of (bulletin) during Lent. As of the the church paper, the reasons were middle of March, sixteen people had always the same: University Church indicated their affiliation including was one of the few churches which Marian Huff (now Klings). This did not pass the plate, hold bazaars, procedure continued after Lent and rummage sales or concerts, or have for the next two decades. assessments. They promoted a uni­ When the summer months ar­ fied budget (one budget which in­ rived in 1935 Ames reminded the cluded both moneys for operating congregation that services would be expenses and benevolences). held every Sunday. He suggested some innovative changes to be made Self-solicitation Plan Begun in the fall in order to more fully use Now a new approach began. In their space. the hope that more finances could be We might cultivate the secured a plan of voluntary "self­ idea in the minds of solicitation" was started. Each members and friends that member was asked to assume per­ our parish is now to be sonal responsibility for soliciting his considered in terms of or her own household in behalf of time instead of distance. the church. Pledges were under­ In the old days people stood to be in effect on a permanent went to church an hour basis, or until the Financial Secretary from home. That meant was notified of any changes. A about four miles, or eight small brochure was available ex­ by street car. Now it plaining all of this and included the seems easily twenty miles pledge blank to be signed and re­ in the city. There are turned to the church office. This many persons within plan was in effect about twenty thirty or forty minutes of years. our corner who feel at home with us through At the end of 1935 Dr. Ames, and working in this spirit still attempting to encourage better we shall have a better and Sunday attendance, tried another a happier New Year!^^ idea. The breakdown of the budget I have decided to stress showed the operating expenses were the fact that the church is a heavy on staff; only 21% was used means to the cultivation of for utilities and office supplies. the religious spirit in all Twenty-four percent went to Ames, the ways of life. The 21% to Wise, 18% to Mrs.Quinney, church hour is intended to 11% to the secretary, and 5% to the remind us of the wider custodian. Whether it was the relations in which we live, monthly comments and the financial to give us perspective, to statements printed in the Messenger, lift our eyes to the hills, to the plan of self-solicitation, or mellow our hearts toward something else, the financial picture high ideals, to quicken our was brighter by the spring of 1936 fellow feeling for those when a small surplus was recorded. around us and toward all The Finance Committee wrote: "Our human beings whom we success in balancing the budget may touch directly or by demonstrates what can be done the indirect influence of when everyone works harmoniously organized good will. By with a desire and determination to making a strong, intelli­ do his part"^® gent, and sympathetic church we can radiate the Death of W. D. MacCiintock spirit of Christ to many hearts that are lonely and The congregation was greatly hungry and tempted to saddened when word was received despair and pessimism. It that one of the founders of the Hyde is for this that we try to Park Church had died. W. D. have a beautiful church, MacCiintock, retired professor of the best music possible, English, died in his home in Bloom­ the happiest social life, ington, Indiana, on April 19, 1936. and the friendliest asso­ He had never fully recovered from a ciation among ourselves. stroke he had several years before. Every member may help He and Dr. Willett had also led in or hinder this undertak­ the founding of the Disciples Divin­ ing. It is for this that we ity House with Willett named Dean contribute money, attend and MacQintock president of its services, speak to our Board of Trustees. At the time of his friends, inform ourselves death he was seventy-eight years of about ideas and plans, age and had lived a remarkably use- and do whatever we do 47 for the church. Thinking Ames, M essenger, December 1935. 48 M essenger, April 1936. ful and beautiful life. His wife and pers had been present even on such four children all survived him. a holy day. With success in balancing the budget, the congregation now Church Begins May Festivals launched a new plan for financing Building on the successes of the the church. Believing that regular Christmas pageants, Mrs. Ethel Van attendance was fundamental to the Schaick and Gladys Finn, with help progress of church activities, mem­ from others, planned a May Festival bers were encouraged to come even on the 21st Using practices from when it was not convenient to do so. England, the program began with a At that time less than half the mem­ procession followed by the crowning bership could be seen on Sunday of the May Queen by Robin Hood, a mornings, while half of those at musical contest, Morris dancing, a services were not members. Robin Hood play, and a May Pole During the Depression the Dance. W. E. Garrison played Anniversary Dinners were held in Henry VIII, Donald Steward was the the church, but by October 1936, this Herald, and W. Barnett Blakemore annual event returned to a local ho­ was Robin Hood. This became an­ tel with dancing following the pro­ other annual event. gram. Many new members were re­ When the Christmas pageants corded by December and attendance were performed, each one was de­ was up. The Forums had a good re­ clared to be the best of all. In 1937 sponse and the groups within the the performance was said to be "the church fellowship moved forward. loveliest the most artistic, and the The new plan of self-solicitation smoothest flowing of all the pag­ seemed to be proving a good one. eants...." This year's, as several in Ames thought it was the most im­ the past had been staged around the portant experiment ever taken in the poetry of Dr. Garrison. His readings history of the church. called for King Herod's Court the A new roof over the sanctuary Annunciation, the Nativity, the was installed in March 1937 at a cost Shepherds, the Adoration of the of $1,600. When the board voted its Magi, and an Angel scene. The tab­ approval the question came up as to leaux were accompanied by choir how the church should pay for this. and quartette music. The decision to ask each member to "solicit himself was met with Death of Miss Agnes Lapham agreement on the part of the church. Memorial services were held in Six hundred and one people the church on Sunday afternoon, were in attendance on Easter Sun- February 6, 1938, for Miss Agnes day—500 in the pews and 100 on Lapham, one of the first pianists of folding chairs in the east aisle and the church. A native of Columbia, around the edges. It had been sev­ Missouri, she had joined the church eral years since that many worship­ in 1908 and had brought some ex­ ceptional musical programs to the an additional three to four hundred church. Miss Lapham taught piano, dollars. Dr. Ames asked the congre­ gave concert recitals and was well- gation to "give something special known in Chicago music circles. this month" in order that the books When the choralcelo was purchased, could be closed on September 30th she played it for a short period be­ with no bills outstanding. "What we fore Hazel Atherton Quinney was give to the church should be love hired, later remaining as church or­ gifts, not bargain dickerings. It is ganist money spent for the joy of it, for Although the church seemed to love, and beauty, and good will."^^ be having better success with its support for the budget, still there Irvin Lunger Named Associ­ were articles every few months to ate Pastor "nudge" the congregation. In May In January 1939, Irvin Lunger, a and June 1938 Mrs. O. A. Rosboro graduate of the Divinity House, who wrote two uplifting articles designed had been associated with the church to motivate the church membership for four years, became Associate to action. First, she mentioned the Pastor. He had received the Ph. D. plan of self-solicitation as "the most degree from the University in De­ common sense, business-like proce­ cember 1938 and had earlier served dure of any about which we know." the church as a student assistant. She likened the congregation to a His work in the church began as he large family with each member as­ made calls on the membership. suming their share of its support Building on that theme the second On February 2, 1939, Mrs. month, Mrs. Rosboro reminded the Cornelia Waite passed away. She p>eople of the many methods used by had been a member of the church other churches and other denomina­ nearly forty years and was ninety- tions. And she ended by declaring, five years of age. A faithful member "Aren't we proud to belong to a described as "a real mother to us church family which is guided by all," she had been honored by the intelligent love, whose financial congregation in May 1935 when they support by 'self-solicitation' is uto­ helped her celebrate her birthday. pian...?" Dr. Ames, when he introduced her that evening, asked her to make a Utopian or not, the Financial speech. Secretary, Donald H. Steward, in a companion report pushed for con­ She asked me before the tinued support in the four remaining company to give her a months of the fiscal year. Two subject I said, "O I do not weeks before the end of September need to give you a subject the total deficit would be as much as You never gave me a sub­ $2,000 if pledges were not paid. ject for a sermon." They were still pushing for the self­ Whereupon she replied, "I solicitation idea and now asking for often wished I had." Eve­ lar attendance at the worship serv­ ryone appreciated that the ices. joke was on me and Continuing the practice of laughed merrily.^ nearly ten years, special music was Dr. Ames continued to presented on the four Sundays fol­ describe her, not as a de­ lowing Easter, these services, includ­ crepit old lady...[but one ing the sermons, always followed a who] reads without theme. In 1939 the subjects were: glasses, hears without an "The Emotions of the Religious Life: ear trumj>et, walks about Longing, Hof>e and Exultation," "The like a woman of fifty, and Movement of Religious Experience: attends church every Sun­ Perplexity, Search and Discovery," day. Her wit is keen and "Nature," and "The Utopian Com­ her laughter hearty.... If munity." we all...had her spirit and In retrospect the 1938-1939 her happy 'natural piety', church year was marked by less and what a church we would less calling, preaching, and the other be.51 usual work of the ministry being done by Ames. For instance. Dr. 558 Resident Members in Lunger preached all of the series 1939 following Easter and usually deliv­ ered the sermon on half of the other A survey of the church finances Sundays. Records show that his full­ and attendance record as of the time position was many-faceted. middle of March 1939 noted that Special attention was given to pas­ there were 558 resident members toral work and to assisting the many plus eighty non-resident members. organizations related to the fellow­ An attendance check from December ship. During the same time Dr. 1938 to February 1939 revealed that Ames, as Dean, was busy visiting about 60% of the resident members churches and colleges in the interest were present at least one of the Sun­ of Disciples Divinity House. days during that twelve-week pe­ riod. Less than 25% worshipped At the end of September 1939 half of those Sundays and 225 were there were 189 continuing pledges not at the chiu-ch, even once. The representing over 300 families or average attendance over that period units of the church. In addition to was 197 and of that number 70% these regular subscribers, there were were members, 30% visitors. These about 17% of the membership who statistics indicated that even with the contributed through self-solicitation total membership continuing over or special gifts.“ the 500 mark they were not in regu­

50 \1essenger. May 1935. 51 Ibid. 52 The Yearbook, 1939-1940. Church Plans to Celebrate sent and former members of the Ames's Forty-Year Ministry church, was a symbol of the contri­ bution of the church's members to Early in 1940 plans were begun the wider fields of ideas in politics, to celebrate the forty-year ministry education, theology, philosophy, of Dr. Edward Scribner Ames. The social studies, missions, literature, lead article in the January Messenger art, music, journalism, economics, by William Qayton Bower, chair­ agriculture, and several sciences. man of the event, outlined the schedule. Dr. Ames was asked to Dr. Ames Resigns complete his autobiography, which he had begun several years previ­ While committees were being ously. formed to take responsibility for the various events planned for the cele­ Other ideas included re­ bration, Dr. Ames was giving seri­ thinking the work of the church in ous thought to retiring. Finally on terms of its history and its possibili­ April 14th he presented his letter to ties, beginning a study of what relig­ the Official Board. ion means to each member, encour­ aging a study of the relationship of The long silence which the church to the city and particu­ followed the reading of larly to the Hyde Park community, Dr. Ames' letter was a studying the human resources in the dramatic expression of the church in order to find a creative deep emotions that were place for each one, and getting the aroused in the members of active participation of each member. the Board by the realiza­ And finally it projected "a group of tion that they were facing consummatory activities during the a change in a long, inti­ week culminating in the first Sunday mate, and fruitful relation in October."®^ as pastor and people.^ Each month the Messenger This was deja vu, the same re­ printed the progress of plans toward sponse the Board had made nearly a this celebration honoring both Dr. decade before. In his letter Dr. and Mrs. Ames. Each Sunday Ames indicated that his decision had morning. Dr. Ames helped the con­ not been reached overnight but ac­ gregation relive its history by read­ tually had been made several ing from chapters of his autobiogra­ months previously. He cited his phy. Organizations of the church age—he would be seventy on April began to re-think their objectives 21st He wished to reduce his and explore the possibility of prepar­ schedule but would expect to con­ ing a volume of essays for the Ames. tinue as Dean of the Disciples Di­ This collection, later called Faith o f vinity House. The Board, after de­ the Free, written by twenty-three pre­ liberation, reluctantly accepted his

54 ss M essenger, Januarj’ 1940. M essenger, j^ril 1940. resignation effective at the end of the anniversary weekend, now set September. for October 4-6,1940. The Board appointed a commit­ tee consisting of Dr. W. E. Garrison, Anniversary Celebration, 1940 chairman, John S. Campbell, Mrs. Actually, the program began on Irving Chenoweth, Donald H. Stew­ Sunday, September 29, when Dr. ard, and Dr. William C. Bower to Kincheloe, Professor of the sociology recommend appropriate expressions of religion, Chicago Theological relating to Dr. Ames' retirement Seminary, and a member of the These included naming him Pastor church since 1916, preached on "I Emeritus and placing a bronze tablet Believe in Churches." At that time on the east wall of the sanctuary car­ he gave an interpretation of the di­ rying a bas-relief of Dr. Ames and rective he had given the membership the text of his statement of the ideals when he asked their feelings about of the church. the church under Dr. Ames. On And so the plans for Dr. Ames's Tuesday the Woman's Qub gave a fortieth anniversary now became a celebration luncheon. celebration of his four decades as This was followed by the anni­ their minister. versary dinner in the main dining Reluctant as the church room of the Sherry Hotel on East [was] to accept the termi­ 53rd Street on Friday, October 4th. nation of Dr. Ames' active Dr. Herbert L. Willett presided in his leadership, it [would] re­ usual gracious manner, and Dr. Ed­ joice with him and Mrs. gar DeWitt Jones, former president Ames in the rounding out of the Federal Council of Churches of one of the longest and of Christ in America and a life-long most distinguished pas­ friend of Dr. Ames, delivered the torates in the history of the address. Greetings from the Chicago Disciples.^® Disciples Union were brought by Robert E. Lemon, their Executive The work of the Fortieth Anni­ Secretary, and from Dr. Von Ogden versary Committee moved ahead on Vogt, minister of the First Unitarian schedule. Dr. Ames finished his Society, who spoke for the commu­ autobiography. Twenty-three peo­ nity. Special music was provided by ple agreed to write pieces for the B. Fred Wise and the book. Faith o f testimonial volume. Dr. Sam the Free, was presented to Dr. Ames Kincheloe sent letters to all the by its editor. Dr. Garrison, literary membership asking them for state­ editor of the Christian Century. ments on "What religion has meant An 8 p.m. reception was held to me under the leadership of Dr. on Saturday, the 5th of October, in Ames." These would be presented the church library. Charter members by Kincheloe in digest form during of the church were in the receiving line with Dr. and Mrs. Ames. This ” Ibid. informal gathering for members and and his contribution to modem relig­ friends of the church was followed ious thought by a dramatic presentation, "Musical W. C. Bower, professor of relig­ Album," under the direction of Gla­ ious education. Divinity School, dys Finn. The parts of Dr. and Mrs. University of Chicago, and chairman Ames were taken by their son and of the Anniversary Committee, pre­ daughter. Van Meter Ames and sided at this service. Fred Wise and Damaris Schmitt. Scenes from the the church choir sang, and the tablet church's history were played out in honor of Dr. Ames's ministry was ending with "The Church Marches unveiled. On" when the various organizations in the church passed in review. A Thus the Celebration as an social hour completed the evening. expression of affection and esteem was not only Sunday, October 6, began with retrospective, but a joyful the 11 o'clock service in the sanctuary. commitment of a group of Dr. Ames preached on "What Next?" f>eople who face the future It was a stirring prophetic with conviction, hope, and message of one who has enthusiasm. It is one of lived in the midst of the the glories of Dr. Ames' rapid and fundamental ministry that it has created intellectual and social a gifted and trained lead­ changes of our time, who ership for the future in the has penetrated the mean­ person of Dr. Lunger, who ing of events with unusual with Mrs. Lunger is al­ clarity of insight, and who ready deep in the affection grasps their implications and loyalty of the church for the years that lie and who together will ahead.5* carry on the cause that now passes, undimin­ At 4 p.m. another reception in ished, to their hands. The the church library provided an op­ Church Mardxes Onl^^ portunity for friends from ail over the city to greet Dr. and Mrs. Ames. An afternoon service followed at 5 The Pulpit Committee p.m. when Dr. George A. Coe, pro­ Chooses Irvin Lunger as next fessor emeritus of moral and intellec­ Minister tual philosophy, Northwestern Uni­ After Ames announced his re­ versity and a long-time friend of Dr. tirement a pulpit committee began Ames, spoke. He brought from the looking for his replacement but soon larger community of religious discovered the person they wanted thought "a most discriminating and was in their midst Irvin Lunger, appreciative appraisal of Dr. Ames

Ibid. Ibid. who had been their Associate Pastor aisle to represent the hearth as a since January 1939, was their choice. symbol of family and home. It was And Lunger, in writing about his traditional, following the Sunday own ministry with the church, chose morning service, for members and to begin by paying tribute to his visitors to gather in the east aisle to mentor. Dr. Ames. enjoy fellowship and the warm inti­ macy of home. Lunger's Tribute to Dr. Ames An important part of the Ames Dr. Ames's scholarly and legacy was his pulpit ministry. His pragmatic approach to religion, sermons were always conversational Lunger wrote, resulted in the publi­ and direct as befits a teacher and cation of a number of books which pastor. His prayers were windows won acclaim and prompted vigorous through which worshippers were criticism. Hostility to his ideas and brought in tune with the pastor's practices was met by frank and personal faith and sensitive insight friendly discussion in which he re­ into the nature and love of God. vealed himself as a reasonable and Members found their every-day honest thinker whose loyalties to the needs satisfied in Dr. Ames's prayers essential Christian faith and the and sermons. mission of the church were beyond Communion became a separate question. He earned the respect of service immediately before the his p>eers and was recognized as a service of worship. By separating it pioneer in his field. from the usual service. Dr. Ames felt He proclaimed that University it .was enhanced and made a more Church had no creed and was important experience. A printed or­ committed to the practice of unity. der of service for Communion was He welcomed into membership per­ included in the hymnal and later sons of differing perspectives and bound separately and placed in the beliefs believing that diversity in p>ews. To provide opportunities for fellowship enriched the religious ex­ discussion of the Sunday sermon or periences of all. He viewed the to deal with relevant social issues of church as a family whose members especial concern, a forum was elected to belong. He pointed out scheduled each Sunday in the As­ that individuals become part of a sembly Hall after the Sunday serv­ birth-family through no choice of ice. Furthermore, in keeping with their own but become members of the concept of the church as family, the spiritual fannily—the church—on dinner was served in the dining hall their own terms and upon their own each Sunday at one o'clock. Another volition. Thus, he contended, the expression of the inclusive family church family should be stronger concept were the Friday evening and more meaningful than the birtih- dinners in the dining hall, followed family. In designing the church by recreational activities for all ages. structure for University Church, Dr. Other significant aspects of Ames placed a fireplace in the east Ames legacy was his strong sense of fiscal responsibility and his dislike a monthly Disciples magazine of the of conventional methods of church Campbell Institute, from 1925-1951. financing. Dr. Ames believed that Mrs. Ames died on June 21, church members would respond 1953 and Dr. Ames passed away on voluntarily to the needs of the con­ June 29, 1958. The autumn 1958 is­ gregation if properly informed. Ac­ sue of the Scroll was a memorial to cordingly he eliminated the offering Dr. Ames. W. Marshon DePoister, plates and annual canvas for editor, noted that "the final curtain pledges. Dr. Ames stressed his faith was lowered on one of the most that under the plan of self­ significant and beautiful life-dramas solicitation each member would give in the long history of the Disciples of according to his or her resources and Christ" dedication. Dr. Ames appreciated good music and recognized its im­ For more than sixty years, portance in the life of the church. Edward Scribner Ames Not only was a fine organ purchased served the causes of relig­ but an outstanding organist. Hazel ion and education for the Atherton Quinney, was employed Disciples of Christ as no and B. Fred Wise was hired as Min­ other Disciple has done ister of Music. since the time of Alexan­ der Campbell. During Many other distinctive aspects this period he literally be­ of the Ames contributions could be came the symbol for a lib­ listed but these may suffice to indi­ eral approach to religion cate the quality of the legacy which among the Disciples of his successor received when he en­ Christ. He also became a tered the ministry entrusted to him symbol of a classic fusion by the church in 1940. of high religion and im­ portant education.5^ The Last Years of Dr. Ames's Life Memorial services for Dr. Ames were held in University Church on The Ameses stayed in Hyde July 3, 1958. Those participating, in Park and Dr. Ames continued as addition to the current minister of Dean of the Divinity House until the church, its organist and music 1945 when he retired. He had re­ director, were J. J. Van Boskirk, Ex­ tired from the University faculty in ecutive Secretary, Chicago Disciples 1935 and received emeritus status in Union, Charles Morris, professor of all of these positions. Between 1910 philosophy. University of Chicago, and 1933 he published six books. Harold E. Fey, editor. The Christian His autobiography was not pub­ Century, and W. Barnett Blakemore, lished until after his death. He was dean. Disciples Divinity House. the co-author of two volumes in 1936 and a contributor to several theo­ logical journals. He edited the Scroll, DePoister, S croll, Vol.XLIV, No.2, Autumn, 1958. IRYIN EUGENE LUNGER, 1940-1955

ow the church looked Disciples of Christ. He to new leadership comes to this leadership N which it would need on out of the tradition of Uni­ October 1st Irvin Lunger, who had versity Church. He brings been associated with the church as a the best training that the member since 1935, had been Asso­ University and travel ciate Pastor since January 1939. His abroad can give to an al­ appointment was due to expire at the ready gifted mind and end of September 1940. It was his heart In so brief a time expressed wish, when Ames's retire­ among us Mrs. Lunger has ment was announced, that the church greatly endeared herself to should have complete freedom to all the members of the choose his successor without being church. With such leader­ influenced in any way by the fact that ship in the past and with he had had the second position on such leadership before it the staff. University Church faces the future with gratitude, The pulpit committee was asked expectation, and enthusi- to study the possibilities and recom­ asm.1 mend a successor. It was reported that they gave equal consideration to Irvin Eugene Lunger was bom the traditions of University Church in Williamsport Pennsylvania, on leadership and to persons throughout June 28, 1912, the son of George Lee the Disciples of Christ who might be and Mabel Qara (Griggs) Lunger. available. The committee tmani- After graduating from the local mously and wholeheartedly recom­ school he studied at Bethany College, mended that Dr. Limger be named Bethany, West Virginia, graduating Acting Pastor for the year 1940-1941. tnagna cum laude in 1934. While there In recommending Dr. he was ordained in the Old Bethany Lunger as Acting Pastor Church in 1932 and served churches ttie Board believes that in in Morristown and Tappan, Ohio. In him the church will have 1934 he came to the Divinity School as its leader one of the of the University of Chicago as a most able and promising Disciples House Fellow. He received young men among the his M.A. in 1935 and a B.D. in 1936. Awarded the first Travelling Fellow­ ship by the Disciples House in 1936, he spent the 1936-1937 academic year as a student at the University of Mu­ nich. He was an associate of George Santayana in Rome, an associate at the American CThurch in Paris, and a youth delegate to the Life and Work Conference in Oxford. Upon his return to the United States, Limger first served the Austin Boulevard Christian Church, Oak Park, Illinois, as student assistant and then University Church in the same capacity while completing his Ph.D. in December 1938. At that time he was named associate minister. Dr. Lunger was married on February 11, 1939 to Eleanor Jeanne Zink of Steubenville, Ohio. Two daughters were bom to the Lungers, Susan Ann Dr. Irvin E. Limger on August 27, 1941, and Kathryn It was pointed out that during Elizabeth on August 28,1944. the time since Dr. Ames's retirement During the past seven months and the annual meeting attendance at Dr. Lunger had been acting minister, church services had increased, both a position due to end on September old and new members indicated that 30, 1941. At the annual meeting of pastoral care was sincere and effi­ file congregation on May 9, 1941 he cient, organizational work iflourished, was unanimously elected minister of finances of the church were stable, the church, making his appointment and there was high morale in the without a time limit congregation. In the light of all these Church Programs Continue in facts, it is not strange that Ames's Moid the church took action to Dr. Lunger continued in Ames's make this ministry perma­ mold. The programs and orders of nent, and that it did so worship continued as Ames had out­ with no hesitation, mental lined them over the years. Commun­ reservation or purpose of ion continued as a separate service evasion. And it is only immediately before the service of right to add that Mrs. worship. Lunger's gracious qualities made it all the easier for the church to take this step with satisfaction and con- ments after a guest speaker had ad­ fidence.2 dressed the world mission of the church in wartime. Dr. Robert M. World War II Disrupts the Life Hopkins, president of the United Christian Missionary Society, was the of the Church preacher at the morning services on Dr. Lunger wrote that forces December 7, 1941. He reported on released by the war in Europe and the efforts being made by churches in the South Pacific caused disruptions tiiose critical days to meet increasing in the life of University Church and responsibilities at home and abroad. the community. Very strong emo­ Experiments taking place across Uni­ tions were generated as society ad­ versity Avenue, which led to the nu­ justed to changing manpower de­ clear bomb, were conducted in se­ mands—with men [and women] en­ crecy but later disturbed members of tering military service and women University Church. moving into positions formerly filled But the work of the church went by men or created by requirements of on. The annual Christmas pageant war. was held on December 19th. An en­ The war was coming closer to tirely new one, it was a dramatized home and in May the Pageant of version by lone Wise of Jay Stock­ Democracy was presented. ings's medieval story. The Shepherd Who Did Not Go. Proceeding the pro­ This unique production, gram 270 sat down to dinner and 400 written and presented by attended the pageant The volunteer members of the church, church choir now had a full-time was a challenging re­ place in the services. B. Fred Wise minder of the manner in was in charge of the music at the In­ which the democratic way ternational Convention of the Disci­ of life became clarified ples of Christ Although she had through centuries of cou­ been organist for University Church rageous faith and struggle. for twenty years, it was not until the Over 100 members of the November 1941 issue of the Messenger church participated in this that Hazel Atherton Quinney was production which was pre­ listed on the masthead. sented on successive Fri­ day nights during May. It University Church Plays Host proved to be one of the most successful ventures in to 300 Local Youth dramatic production in the On February 22,1942 University history of our church.^ Church was host to more than 300 youth from the churches and syna­ News of the attack on Pearl gogues of Hyde Park and Kenwood. Harbor reached the church just mo- A play, based on acts of intolerance ^ W. E. Garrison, M essenger, May 1941. observed in this conununity, was ^ Yearbook 1941-1942. presented after which the young people heard Dr. Arthur H. Comp­ Church Year Changed from ton, Protestant Chairman of the Na­ October to July tional Council of Christians and Jews and Rabbi Jacob J. Weinstein of In 1943 the beginning of the Temple K. A. M. speak. A successful church year was changed from Octo­ experiment in youth cooperation, it ber to July. Still being financed by a was hoped tiiat it would followed plan of self-solicitation, the church by similar projects in the future. faced some problems but maintained its work. No money was raised by The William Eppens Murals entertainments or dinners and no collection was taken during the wor­ In October 1942 three large mu­ ship service. The church still relied rals, one depicting the first church on each member to accept his or her building and two exterior views of own financial responsibility to the the present structure, were unveiled church. during the anniversary dinner. They were the work of William Eppens, an The Church Looks Toward Its artist of unusual ability, and a mem­ 50th Anniversary ber of the church since 1927. For years his line drawings added to the Beginning with the November Sunday bulletins and from these a 1943 issue of the Messenger a series of collection of postal cards was made. articles appeared by representative In spite of the war the usual or­ members of the church who had been ganizations continued. The weekly invited to share their reflections re­ sewing group, project of the garding the church as it looked to­ Woman's Club, was making gar­ ward its fiftieth anniversary. It might ments for welfare recipients. A new be interesting to quote from each of order for the communion services these in light of their thinking about was adopted in October 1942. At the the church and its historical place in suggestion of the membership the Christian community. Charles R. committee, and after careful discus­ Wakely and his wife joined the sion by the Official Board, a special church during the first year of its life. service to mark the reception of new In his message to the congregation he members was introduced in 1943. spoke first of the leadership of the early church and then sent a chal­ Changes brought on by the war lenge for the future: included the use of ration books and not even the Church was immune This church was bom in a from the ration board rules. Early in period of great intellectual 1943 the Church was told that Aey and religious change. would no longer receive coupons for ...The early leaders of this the purchase of coffee and sugar so church were eager not only the congregation was asked to donate to eliminate out-worn out of their own supplie. modes of thought and practice in religion but to put in their place virile and valid ideas and modes of But, she concludes: "Out of such religious living. ... glimpses of the historical faith...some A new day is now worshippers suspect that saints in all dawning. New and al­ ages have come by very diverse tered demands are clamor­ roads to holiness or wisdom." And ing for attention....We en­ she asks: "What of our debt to the ter our fiftieth year with a pioneers whose labors...set the stage world full of distress and for all the accomplishments we cele­ need. An understanding brate?...How can they rest until we of new problems and a all have seen their vision of a great new way of meeting them role for the Disciples of the future?" must emerge. The spirit Edward Scribner Ames con­ which won for our church tributed the third article. In review­ its freedom from out-worn ing the history of the church he came creeds and theologies is to some of the seune conclusions needed now to guide it as voiced by Miss Gavin. "Different it confronts its new situa­ persons wiU think of various phases, tion. and each one, at different times, will In December 1943 Miss Helena recall things which made deep im­ Gavin, a member since 1919, who pressions." He spoke of practical was known for her poems written things like organization, finances, during the church's historical occa­ and social life, but he also talked of sions, pictured what she saw as the dedication and how the church dif­ cause for celebration in the eyes of fers from a business or a club. various members: A church must have One group would rate as something else. It is a immensely important the dedicated institution. It departure from the ground has greater depth, per­ of long-accepted doctrines. spectives, and horizons. ...For others, the Church TTie meaning, aspiration, has been above all a center and destiny of human life of rewarding friendships. are its real concern. From ...Most vital to its deepest these profound, and purpose, many would somewhat imponderable hold, are the impressive qualities, the church de­ ways in which the Church rives its real importance employs the forms and and sanctity.... symbols of religion, new And at the end Ames paid trib­ and old, to reinforce the ute to Herbert L. Willett, tiie first insights of the Christian minister, whose "sincerity and life by some stirring of the charm" with his messages of the will. ... prophets and Jesus built the founda­ tions of the Hyde Park Church. Miss Caroline Crouch, a mem­ ready fully provided with ber of the Official Board and active Protestant churches— on both the education and mission Baptist, Presbyterian, Con­ committees, became a member of the gregational, Methodist and church in 1931. She began her article Episcopalian. And it was with the procession from the old audacious because it was church to tiie new, an event she only founded right under the read about To her, this was sym­ shadow of a great institu­ bolic of the "procession of Christians tion of learning.... seeking greater freedom for the hu­ man spirit..." The present and the MacClintock goes on to remind future of the church is dependant on the people that that early congrega­ the past with its traditions. She con­ tion was not learned."...we were just cludes: simple ordinary folk." It was his be­ lief that for the most part, the contro­ Our goal should be an ever versial criticisms waging around lib­ increasing awareness of eralism were too erudite for the con­ our opportunities for serv­ gregation. "But," he says, "we had ice in spiritual develop­ faith in our leaders and were content ment in the rehgious way to let them carry on the learned bat­ of life. By our contribu­ tles." tions to the widening stream of religious experi­ What, then, was it that en­ ence we become a part of abled this little Church to the divine pattern fully get started under these realized in the brotherhood conditions and to grow of man. Our heritage, our through the years in num­ contributions, our aspira­ bers and strength? The an­ tions are worthy of cele­ swer, it seems to me, was bration. in getting away from dry church formalism and em­ One of the most provocative ar­ phasizing the living ex­ ticles was written by Samuel Mac- pressions of religion: Qintock, charter member of the Truth, Wisdom, Justice, church and for a long time its clerk Beauty, and Love. These and a graduate of the first class of the fundamentals attracted, University of Chicago. MacClintock held and satisfied, then as wrote that the foimding of the church now. "was an act of audacity." William Qayton Bower had The first [reason] was be­ been a member of the church since cause we were in the 1926 and was chairman of the con­ depths of severe economic gregation. A member of the faculty depression and suffer­ of the Divinity School of the Uni­ ing.... It was audacious be­ versity of Chicago, he was shortly to cause Hyde Park was al­ retire from that position to return to Lexington, Kentucky. Asked to give And he made it clear tfiat he did his thoughts on "What We Celebrate," not mean traditions that could not Bower, Like most of the earlier con­ change but those which could grow tributors, mentions the early eventful out of creative expression keeping years of the church in which it pace with new developments in "achieved a vital and creative inter­ "science, knowledge, and under­ pretation of religion in relation to standing." these movements in contemporary In June 1944 the last of d\ese ar­ culture." But then he goes on to say: ticles apf>eared in the Messenger, this But, the Fiftieth Anniver­ one written by Samuel C. Kincheloe. sary is not wholly, or Dr. Sam, as he was known to so chiefly, a celebration of many, had been a member of the past achievement It is, church since 1916. He was a profes­ even more, a celebration of sor of sociology of religion at Chicago the potential growth, op­ Theological Seminary and in the Di­ portunity, and responsibil­ vinity School of the University. ity that are resident in Kincheloe chose fellowship as his University Church as it theme. faces the future in the The greatest fellowship is modern world. that of loyalty to a great cause. This loyalty cuts Fred Henderson, member since across all party lines and 1928, was the author of the seventh welds together members of article in the series. Like so many of different families into a the others, he celebrated sense of unity and those mortal beings who in strength. Our group has their devotion to the had loyalty to a cause and Christian way of life to a personality—the cause founded the church; those and the personality of who through the years Christ... we celebrate a have served as its leaders; very special fellowship and those who were and with many significant per­ are yet its strength, the sonalities whose lives have congregation.... We cele­ enriched each other and brate the religious fellow­ where fruitful interaction ship of a free j>eople who has produced creativity in share a common loyalty to music, drama, poetry, pag­ a way of life through eantry, conversation, Christ...W e celebrate the speaking, and even traditions that have grown thought out of the life of the church itself.... The Church Celebrates Fifty lowed in the dining hall, and at 4 Years p.m. a tea and reception took place in the church library. This occasion, These articles were an introduc­ honoring those who had been mem­ tion to the church's celebration of its bers of the church throughout the first fifty years. On October 6, 1944, fifty years, was hosted by the 231 people sat down at the anniver­ Woman's Qub and was open to sary dinner held in the Sherry Hotel friends from the community and on East 53rd Street Speakers repre­ from other churches in the city. senting the various decades in the The celebration was a success. history of the church were Dr. W. E. "Memories which it awakened, Garrison, Miss Corinne Rice, Dr. friendships which it strengthened, Samuel C. Kincheloe, Dr. Charles C. dedication for years to come which it Morrison, and Dr. Roy G, Ross. All called forth—these will remain to give except Miss Rice, who was an attor­ new meaning and promise to the ney, were well known in larger relig­ church as it enters its second half ious circles. Dr. E. S. Ames was the century...."^ toastmaster while Dr. Irvin E. Lunger, the present minister, gave Establishment of Permanent the address. Music was sung by the Funds church choir under the direction of B. Fred Wise, minister of music and Although the fiftieth anniver­ education for twenty-five years. sary celebration was over, a decision A souvenir booklet. Through a had been taken that year which H alf Century, written by W. E. Garri­ would be hailed through the years as son, was presented to each person. S. one of the most important steps taken M. Jasper, chairman of the committee by the church. The Board voted at its on Permanent Funds, reported on the March 1944 meeting to establish good response to the anniversary Permanent Funds and approved rec­ project, the Parsonage Fund. Al­ ommending the policy governing though Dr. Herbert L. Willett had those funds to the congregation at the died on March 28, 1944, the program May annual meeting. A special concluded with this remark from one committee was appointed, whose of his earlier statements: "Happy members were S. M. Jasper, W. I. shall we be if in the new time of op­ Schermerhom, H. R. Moore, W. E. portunity we shall prove worthy...." Garrison, and Roy G. Ross, chairman. There were five points in the policy. Dr. Ames, minister emeritus, delivered the sermon at the Sunday It shall be the policy of service entitled, "Foimdations." University Church: Many said it was his greatest sermon. 1. That in any state­ Those in attendance felt it was a fit­ ment of permanent funds ting climax to "a half century of wor­ policy, the church record ship and an auspicious beginning for a new era." A fellowship dinner fol­ ^ Messenger, October 1944. its intention of using per­ ficial Board annually a re­ manent funds for the port of its investments to­ making of capital im­ gether with recommenda­ provements or for the sup­ tions regarding the use of port of services which the accrued income in the church could not otherwise Permanent Fund Account render, rather than making 5. That capital funds be such support a substitute accepted for specific pur­ for a vigorous program of poses which are of interest current fund income. to donors and which are 2. That the custodian­ within the general objec­ ship of the permanent tives and program of the funds assets of the church, chxirch, but that primary including cash, securities, emphasis be placed on un­ properties or any other designated gifts which can types of assets, be vested in be used according to the a Permanent Funds best judgment of the Per­ Committee of the church, manent Funds Committee consisting of not less than with the approval of the five or more than seven Official Board. members, including the trustees of the church and Lunger notes that although op­ the treasurer. posed to church endowments. Dr. Ames approved the concept and 3. That the Permanent purpose of permanent funds as a Funds Committee be em­ practical way of helping maintain the powered to invest or rein­ on-going program to which the vest any permanent fund church was committed. assets which may come into its possession, in line The first Permanent Funds with a policy which has Committee had the following mem­ been approved by the Of­ bers: Miss Corinne Rice, W. I. ficial Board on the conxmit- Schermerhom, and H. R. Moore tee's recommendation. (trustees), S. M. Jasper (treasuer and That this policy include chairman), and Roy G. Ross provision for crediting (chairman of the Board). The estab­ gains or charging losses on lishment of permanent funds during investments of permanent the fiftieth anniversary year was an funds to the Permanent outstanding achievement Members Fund Account of the and friends of the chimch welcomed church. this addition "as an investment in the future of the church—a channel which 4. That the Permanent Funds Committee be re­ quired to bring to the Of­ long-range effectiveness of the Comprehensive Study of the church may be assured."® Church The initial funds came from the In December the congregation sale of the equity in an apartment heard a report by Sam Kincheloe of a donated by Mrs. Evalena H. Holmes comprehensive study he and others and used in 1944 for the purchase of had made of University Church. a grand piano; $20,000 from Mr. and Vice-chairman of the Board and head Mrs. W. I. Schermerhom, designated of the department of Research and for a Youth Chapel in the church; Survey of the Church Federation of funds donated by friends of Miss Greater Chicago, Kincheloe offered Corinne Rice; and funds for the pur­ an objective analysis of the church, its chase of a parsonage for the minister. membership, its relation to the com­ munity, and its program possibilities. Two deaths of note occurred It was felt that the study would be during 1944. The first minister. Dr. valuable as the church entered its Herbert Lockwood Willett, died in second fifty years. March in his eightieth year, thus pre­ venting him from being a part of the Near the end of World War II fiftieth celebration. A fuller account the War Department announced the of this death has been detailed in deaths of two of the church's young Chapter 2. men: Pfc. Richard C. Vandeveer, killed in action on January 25, 1945, On October 15, 1944, a week and Lieut Charles MacQintock, who following her speech at the anniver- died of wounds on January 19, 1945. sry dinner. Miss Corinne Rice was Subscriptions began to pay for a me­ stricken as she returned to her home morial tablet to be set into the east in South Shore following Sunday wall of the sanctuary honoring all the services. She apparently had a heart men and women who had served attack on the 57th Street Illinois Cen­ during this war. Later, a memorial tral platform while waiting for her fund was set up by Charles's father, train. A devoted member for thirty- Samuel MacQintock, and friends. In two years and a trustee for the past December 1946, in an impressive two years, she was a partner in the service, a stained glass window was law firm of Hubbard, Baker, and unveiled on the west side of the Rice. A graduate of M t Holyoke chancel wall. The work of Chicagoan College and the University of Chi­ Arthur Michaudel, the legend of Sir cago, and admitted to the bar in 1908, Galahad provided the symbolism Miss Rice, although seldom seen in used. Charles's face appears in the the courtroom, was widely known image of the knight for her briefs. Lunger Credits Groups and individuals for their Service Lunger gave much credit to the 28 Qub-that group of couples who Yearbook, 1944-1945. were organized in March of 1931. from which service he was honorably Lunger stated that in the post-war discharge in 1946. and community revival period mem­ Other young assistants bers of this group provided valuable (sometimes called Youth Advisors) leadership in all phases of the church who followed Bums included Dennis program. It was theorized that such Savage, 1946-1947, Robert L. Lemon, a club would experience a mutuality 1947-1948, and Barbara and Russell of concerns through the years as their Fuller beginning in 1948. The Fullers family experiences drew them closer continued their part-time work with together. And that proved to be true. the young people of the church for So successful was this experi­ two years until they graduated and ment that in 1938 a similar group, were then named Youth Ministers for known as the 38 Club, was formed. another year. The following year Like the 28 Qub, it fostered firm Russell was called full-time as the friendships among its members. church's Minister to Youth. Lunger said, "The strength of these During the Lunger years B. Fred two groups manifested itself in many Wise continued his influence and ways in the life and work of the leadership in the areas of music, church." Christian education, and social ac­ Lunger also gave special credit tivities. In 1927 he began to use a during this period to Mrs. Elizabeth volunteer choir from Advent through Keen Williams and Mrs. Marian Huff Easter to augment the music pro­ Klings for their secretarial and man­ gram. At the end of 1941 the quar­ agement skills in the church office tette was gone, and the volunteer and in the supervision of the kitchen choir was used every Sunday. Mar­ staff. Elizabeth served the church for garet Metheny Steward, a member of twenty years from 1930-1950 and that choir, died on August 4, 1994. Marian from 1951-1959. She had been a faithful member of Several outstanding young the church since 1941. The church people served as student assistants would not have enjoyed such fine during Lunger's years. The first of music without the organist. Hazel these was Benjamin F. Bums. A Atherton Quinney, who had been graduate of Transylvania College, originally hired to play that peculiar Lexington, Kentucky, Ben came to new instrument, the choralcelo, and Chicago as a Disciples Divinity stayed as the church organist until House student He joined University her retirement in 1976, after fifty-four Church in 1941 and was named Dr. years of service. Lunger's assistant in 1942-1943 and served on the Student Relations The Beginning of Racial Inte­ Committee that year. Following gration at the Church graduation he was minister of the One of the major developments Austin Boulevard Christian Church during the post-war period was the in Oak Park, Illinois. During the sec­ beginning of racial integration of the ond World War Ben joined tiie Navy congregation. This was accom­ Another interesting experience plished quietly in keeping with the related to racial integration had to do open membership character of the with a white family from the south church. The first Black member was who were visitors one Sunday a transfer from University Church in morning. After the service the man Des Moines, Iowa. An elderly mem­ of the family approached Dr. Lunger ber, who had made much of her own as follows: "There was a Black cou­ previous membership in tiie Des ple seated in the pew in front of us Moines church (which, in her view, this morning. In my church at home, could do no wrong), approached Dr. they would have been told to leave Lunger in the east aisle (for years the and they would have left Now ministers greeted the congregation preacher I don't want to see them after services in the east aisle) with here next Simday." The minister's the blunt query, "That yovmg Black is response was. not a member of this church, is she?" We have an opening in our When told that the answer was af­ ushers group. Since you firmative and that the young lady feel so strongly about the was a transfer from University presence of these Blacks, I Church in Des Moines, her response wish you would join the was an immediate, "Isn't that nice!" greeters at the church door It must be remembered that for and when a Black comes in years University Church had had the tell him kindly, "This is a practice of admitting to membership Christian Church. We are anyone who wished to share in the white Christians. Your life and work of the church by that . church is over on Cottage person simply signing the form on Grove Avenue. I am sure the fourth page of the weekly bulle­ they will be happy to see tin. Their names were announced in you." the next Messenger. No formal rites or ceremonies were required and The visitor left without another neither was baptism a requisite as a word but returned to share in the condition of membership. A new service the next Sunday and regu­ member was free to decide whether larly thereafter. A few years later or not to be baptized. If that person this white family moved to the north desired to follow the traditional side of Chicago and attended a practice, baptism by immersion was church there. One day the minister given in a simple but dignified serv­ of that church called Dr. Lvmger to ice. On the other hand, if anyone ask about this family. "I asked them deemed baptism not essential to their to join our church since they were religious life, no effort was made to living in this neighborhood," he said. change their minds. And there were "However," he continued, "they said some who had been baptized by they belonged to University Church sprinkling, as infants. and it was their kind of church." A curious story! Church Joins City-wide Effort Dr. Lunger Elected President for Better Race Relations of Illinois Christian Churches In the spring of 1944 University As evidence that a measure of Church began cooperating in a city­ the hostility toward University wide program of education and ac­ Church, because of the liberal ideas tion for developing better race rela­ and practices of Dr. Ames, had re­ tions. This had been approved by the laxed in the 1940s was the election of Official Board on reconunendation of Dr. Lunger to the presidency of the its committee on Social Action, John Dlinois Convention of Christian W. Harms, chairman. Harms had Churches. The importance of this ac­ come to Chicago the previous year to tion was underscored by the fact that head the Church Federation of this convention brought together Greater Chicago. Three members of churches of the Northern Baptist the church were appointed to repre­ Convention and the Illinois Christian sent the congregation at a series of Convention to share fellowship and training conferences held at the Met­ advance the cause of union. As it ropolitan Community Church, 41st turned out, the hope of union was Street and South Parkway. An inter­ frustrated by the Northern Baptists' racial and eciunenical service of wor­ fear that merger with the Christian ship was held on May 9th in the Chi­ Church would jeopardize their cher­ cago Methodist Temple launching a ished dream of ultimate union with city-wide effort to enlist all churches the Southern Baptists. Thus, despite in removing causes of a critical inter­ sincere efforts by both conventions racial situation then existing in the and later at the national level, noth­ city. It was a start ing further was accomplished and the An interesting footnote to the hope faded. beginning of integration of Univer­ sity Church was tiie change in atti­ Wise Edits New Hymnal for tude of certain Black ministers. Ear­ Disciples and Baptists lier these ministers had been vocal in An off-shoot of the dream of their criticism of University Church's merger by the Christian Churches all-white character. However, after and the Northern Baptists was the several of the members of their naming of a joint committee to pre­ churches had placed their member­ pare and publish a new hymnal. B. ship with University Church these Fred Wise, Director of Music and same Black ministers accused Uni­ Education at University Church, was versity Church of recruiting some of named editor. The new hymnal, their leaders. Although imderstand- Christian Worship, was published in able, this criticism came as a siuprise. 1941 and adopted by many churches. It was not until 1943 that the music committee of University Church rec­ ommended the acquisition of these new hymnals. The church had been using Hymns of the United Church ed­ ious loyalty through the collegiate ited by Charles C. Morrison (editor of experience. the Christian Century) and first minis­ With the wide diversity and ter, Herbert L. Willett, since 1916. distances between hospitals in the As part of the same project a Chicago area, the pastoral responsi­ committee of the Christian Church bilities confronting an urban minister was appointed to produce a compan­ were very heavy as he attempted to ion book of worship materials and serve not only his members but also forms. Dr. Ltmger served on this persons from out-of-the-city churches committee until Christian Worship~A confined to Chicago hospitals and Service Book was published in 1953. clinics. Out-of-the-city ministers Dr. Lunger has said "this manual of looked to Chicago ministers to assist worship materials is still in use today in the pastoral area, and visiting and represents the best collective ef­ hospitals in the times of need was a fort bv«/ the Christian Churches to priority complicated by time and bring together pertinent worship distance. forms and resources." Dr. Lunger Chairs C. D. U. Among the many challenges which University Church faced in Committee on Future Work this period after World War II was The Chicago Disciples Union outreach to students at the University expanded its work in 1945. Function­ of Chicago. Rockefeller Memorial ing in earlier years on a limited scale Chapel, which opened in 1928, fea­ and with part-time leadership, Dr. tured nationally known ministers as Lunger was asked to serve as chair­ speakers and had a strong appeal to man of a committee on Future Work the entire University community. after Robert Lemon resigned as the Their Chapel Union program was Union's executive secretary in 1944. aimed specifically toward students. Following a study of the situation the There was, however, a feeling that committee recommended calling a students lost their traditional de­ full-time executive who would also nominational roots in the University serve as pastor-at-large for the coop­ environment Accordingly, churches erating churches. in the immediate area cooperated through Chapel House to relate stu­ Joseph J. Van Boskirk Ac­ dents to churches of their particular cepts Call to New C. D. U. Po­ denomination while they were on the sition campus. It was felt that participation in neighboring churches sustained Joseph J. Van Boskirk, then the institutional loyalties which were miiuster of the Christian Church in important to students after gradua­ Florence, Alabama, accepted the call tion. This inter-church effort had to this position. A graduate of the positive results as it stressed main­ Disciples Divinity House of the Uni­ taining the institutional root of relig­ versity of Chicago, Van Boskirk was well-known to the people of Uni- versity Church. A new program of creative in the fullest strengthening the churches and fos­ sense.* tering better understanding among them was begun. University Church The Church Sets Goals took an active and responsible inter­ est in the Chicago Disciples Union. Dr. Lunger was encouraging the congregation to think seriously about At the beginning of 1947 Uni­ versity Church declared that it was a church of 750 members by the year 1950! To achieve this goal a realistic now interested in becoming a large plan was needed. Due to the high church. It felt that mobility of this University commu­ The church has always nity every member would have to sought to preserve the in­ take personal responsibility for in­ timacy of a friendly family troducing at least two new people and the strength of a each year to the church during the closely knit fellowship. It ensuing three year period with at has contended that in this least one of these becoming a mem­ pursuit lay its greatest ber. We now know this did not hap­ contribution to its mem­ pen. Although a number of new bers and to its larger com­ members were added in those three munity.... [But it now said] years, those who left the community A church which does not or died out-numbered them. In Oc­ "go out seeking new mem­ tober of 1950 there were 427 resident bers" is a dying chxirch. It members. is a church wluch betrays Other goals which the church its very purpose and hoped to accomplish by 1950 in­ commission. A church cluded 200 people involved in the should "welcome all who religious education program of the come" and it should "go church, fifty newly trained leaders, out seeking new mem­ and eighty percent of all resident bers." University Church members offering continuing pledges offers a physical structure of financial support of the church. which is being used only They were also hoping for $15,000 in partially by our present special contributions over and above membership of 500. It has current giving and a vigorous re­ a variety of programs, ac­ statement of the obligations of Chris­ tivities and services by tians as citizens of the community virtue of our present mem­ and the world. These were among an bership which would re­ eight-point plan of action presented quire no adaptation to for the years ahead.^ meet the needs of a church of 750 members. It has a spirit and conviction which needs additional numbers and enthusiasm to make it University Church Helps Russell Fuller Named Minister Found National Council of to Youth Churches Two months later the congrega­ An event of great national sig­ tion voted to hire Russell M. Fuller as nificance occurred at the end of No­ the full-time minister to youth of the vember 1950 with the founding of the church, the community and the Uni­ National Council of Churches of versity of Chicago. This move was Christ in the U.S.A. Only one other made possible through new and in­ church among the Disciples of Christ creased pledges and special gifts in contributed more leaders than Uni­ order to finance this change. It was versity Church. Richard Lentz had pointed out that under the part-time major responsibility in the area of leadership of Barbara and Russell Family Lijfe. Dr. Roy G. Ross, who Fuller the church school and the had for the past fifteen years headed youth program had made great prog­ the International Council of Religious ress and it was felt that with the Education, was named associate gen­ addition of a full-time position a eral secretary of the new Council. definite expansion of the church's John Harms became a member of the ministry would be seen. General Board, and related to the Mr. Fuller was a graduate of the new program as staff members were University of Michigan and first Dennis Savage, Mrs. Richard Lentz, president of the Disciples Student and Miss Helen Spaulding. Mrs. Fellowship. He represented the Dis­ Harold (Golda) Fey was elected to ciples in various world conferences the Board of Managers of the and work camps in Europe and Can­ Women's Department ada. In connection with his student work he had visited many colleges The Schermerhorn Memorial and universities in the U. S. At the Library and Dining Hall time of his appointment he was completing his studies for the B.D. In April 1951 the renovated and degree in the Divinity School of the refurnished library and dining hall University of Chicago. For the three was dedicated in memory of W. years prior to his appointment, the Irving and Lizzie B. Schermerhorn Fullers had served on a part-time who had bequeathed over $20,000 to basis while carrying on a full aca­ the church when the Permanent demic load at the University of Chi­ Funds were established in 1944. cago. On July 17th he was ordained Later, at their deaths, more funds to the Christian ministry at Univer­ were left to the church which allowed sity Church. Since then Barbara was the congregation to have the work ordained and is active in work for done and included the purchase of Overseas Ministries. new china and flatware. international Convention of use of racially restrictive Disciples Meets in Chicago covenants in the sale of real estate.... Community In May 1952 the International residents, both in and out Convention of Disciples of Christ met of the University circles, in Chicago for the first time since perceived major threats to 1893. Leadership rolls were taken by the community—afflicted William Weaver, Chicago chairman by aging, neglected build­ of the Communion Committee, Fred ings, increased congestion, Henderson was general local chair­ a rising crime rate, and a man. The church choir sang and Ha­ proliferation of bars (23 zel Quinney served as organist for along five blocks of 55th the massed Festival Choir. Dr. Street alone). In 1949 Lunger was elected 2nd Vice Presi­ ...Rabbi Jacob Weinstein of dent of the Association for the Pro­ KAM Temple and Leslie motion of Christian Unity, a commit­ Pennington of the First tee on which he had served for sev­ Unitarian Church decided eral years. A tour of Chicago that the community, if it churches, including a visit to Uni­ was to siuvive, should be versity Church, was led by Lunger. integrated racially and planned socially.... Later Hyde Park and Urban Renewal that year they were joined In the meantime, as Dr. Lunger by other clergymen and stated it, the University of Chicago, community residents... to under the leadership of Robert M. form die Hyde Hutchins, tended to ignore drastic Park/Kenwood Commu­ changes which were taking place in nity Conference. The goals the immediate neighborhood. The of the Conference were to University was viewed by many as stop decay and establish an intellectual island in the midst of stability in an interracial an urban environment However, in atmosphere, with the par­ the early 1940s the rise in the crime ticipation of the area's citi­ rate and the disintegration of com- zens.® munily life in the area surrounding When Lawrence Kimpton as­ the University began taking its toll sumed the presidency of the Uni­ upon the University. versity in 1951, it was obvious that This view was substantiated in a action had to be taken and that the case study of urban renewal by Va- University must initiate this difficult letta Press in which she concluded: task. An aggressive and positive re­ Most authorities date the sponse on die part of the University start of the crisis of Hyde resulted in legislative changes in Chi­ Park/Kenwood from 1948, cago and in Springfield. The South- the year in which the Su­

preme Court outlawed the ® Hyde Park^Ketrwood, 1971. east Chicago Commission was organ­ ticularly the business people, the ized in 1952 and immediately began churches and other institutions. A to pressure insurance companies and long article in the Messenger of April legislative bodies to cooperate in im­ 1954 pointed out that "We are tlie Ur­ proving the neighborhood. Absentee ban Renewal Area in Chicago!" An landlords were put on notice that annoxmcement of this pilot plan had properties in the area would be in­ been made by Mayor Martin Ken- spected and, if sub-standard, would nelly in March: be razed. This plan for the first time Meanwhile, the decline in the history of Chicago continued. Spacious brings all of the agencies apartments were chopped and powers of city gov­ up into small kitchenettes, ernment together for the and anxiety over Black purpose of demonstrating move-ins accelerated. that a renewal plan can Between 1950 and 1956 work. 10 20,000 whites left the area and 23,000 non-whites In the past in urban areas, when moved in. The population a neighborhood deteriorated, it was of the community rose condemned, the buildings bull­ from 71,689 to 74,862. dozed, and a new community would During the same period emerge. The Hyde Park Plan the Black population stressed renewal. The first stage of climbed from 6.1 to 36.7 the plan was approved under the per cent.’ Federal Housing Action of 1954 and passed by the City Council four years This situation brought an in­ later, although demolition had begun crease in school population in 1953, in 1955. The finalized plan stressed causing the local churches and social rehabilitation and spot removal in­ agencies to offer space to Ray School stead of total clearance. One conse­ to keep that school from going on quence was a lowered population. double shift. University Church was The membership of University one of these which waged a persis­ Church dropped as these renewal tent campaign until the Board of plans began and people were tempo­ Education accepted offers of space at rarily relocated. The community was First Unitarian and Hyde Park Bap­ not united behind renewal; some tist (now Hyde Park Union) while found they were priced out of the refusing University Church's space as area when they sought to return. inadequate. The church took an active role in The plans for the redevelopment renewal plans. Dr. Lunger discussed of Hyde Park were on the minds of it in a sermon. Members of the everyone in the spring of 1954, par- church attended the annual meeting

10 ® Ibid. Messenger, April 1954. of die Commission to hear the plans the community and the analyzed. The report from those rep­ church seemed dim. De­ resenting the church was that re­ terioration was obvious in newal could achieve great gains and Hyde Park, Woodlawn and make for a better community. This Kenwood. Crime rates was good news to the congregation. soared. Morale dropped. One sour note in renewal plans Then the community shook was the continuing public school cri­ off its doubts and began to sis. There was no money for new plan and work to bring buildings, and over two dozen about a broad renewal of schools were on double shift community life.... Things Monthly articles were printed in the began to happen ...things Messenger and the minister urged the which promised much for church members to keep active and the area. Confidence was informed. restored. Morale began to rise. A new determination Mrs. Ames Dies and a healthy activism were evident. The new A sad announcement came to spirit in the community is the church during these years. Mrs. reflected in the church. Mabel (Van Meter) Ames died on After several years of de­ June 21, 1953. She passed away on clining membership,., that Sunday morning, as she had during which, as Dr. lived, quietly. She had always stood [Samuel] Kincheloe has for things in the church being done in stated, we were engaged in the very best possible way. She did a "holding action" mem­ not compromise with inefficiency, bership has stabilized. We and her personality was described as began our 61st yfear with a "radiant, friendly, and warm." slight gain over the previ­ ous year. The officials of Church Celebrates Sixty Year the church decided that the Anniversary time had come to launch an all-out effort to When the congregation met in strengthen the church and October 1954 to celebrate its sixtieth to extend its influence in anniversary. Dr. Lunger challenged the community.... ^^ them in his speech, "Arise and Be Doing." He said if the following year was to be their greatest each member Church Has Another Plan to must do his or her part Gain New Members For several years the gen­ A two-pronged plan was out­ eral uncertainty and fear lined. They said that a deeper sense which beset our commu­ of community and mission was nity were felt by our church. The outlook for needed on the part of the church school's sub-committees. Robert membership. The church must be Crowe was a member of the Legal made to have a more profound Panel for several years and John Far­ meaning for each participant ris was an active block chairman. whereby fuller support and initiative John Harms was a member of the would be secured. If it is to gain new Board of Directors of the Conference, members, it must reach out into the and Walker Davis was active in their community for unchurched people. finance drive. A number of women After a program was settled had volunteered clerical help or upon. Max Willcockson, an experi­ aided the Conference in other ways. enced minister and a graduate stu­ By his activities with the Conference dent in the Federated Theological and the Commission, "Dr. Lunger School, was hired as associate minis­ symbolized the deep interest of the ter in charge of membership devel­ church in the community's struggle opment William N. Weaver, assis­ for physical improvement and social tant to the dean of the Divinity and moral betterment School and vice chairman of the con­ gregation, was asked to serve as Dr. Lunger Resigns His Pas­ chairman of this new Membership torate Committee. Letters went to the entire At the close of the morning church body soliciting their assis­ service on June 12, 1955 Lunger an­ tance and by the end of the year the nounced to the congregation his de­ program had the hearty and enthusi­ cision to resign as minister of Uni­ astic support of a large percentage of versity Church, effective September the congregation, Unfortimately, 30. He had accepted a newly created Willcockson found he had to leave position as dean of Morrison Chapel Chicago and return to Los Angeles, and professor of religion at Transyl­ but his plans were carried forward vania College, Lexington, Kentucky. by the committee. In his letter to the church he is quoted Obviously the congregation took as saying: Lunger's challenge seriously. As the Since coming to the church end of 1954 approached it was noted on January 1, 1939, as as­ that a number of people had become sociate minister and on active in community affairs, Ruth October 1, 1940, upon the Sackerson, in the Messenger of No- retirement of Dr. Ames, as­ vember-December, names them and suming the full responsi­ their responsibilities. Dr, Lunger was bilities of the ministry, I a director of the Southeast Chicago have received the whole­ Commission, served on the Hyde hearted support and Park-Kenwood Community Confer­ friendship of all. I have ence's public school committee, and never lacked for ready un­ later was named chairman of the derstanding, full coopera­ Conference's Planning Committee. Mary Herrick chaired one of the tion and deep loyalty. integral part of the academic life. These have been happy Two years later he was named presi­ and fruitful years and the dent of Transylvania University, a problems we have faced position he held for nearly twenty and the things we have ac­ years. He is now retired as President complished together, with Emeritus and lives in Harrodsburg, God's help, have bound us Kentucky, with his second wife. in rich experience. I leave A reception for the Lunger fam­ my ministry here rejoicing ily was held on August 21st and a that the church is united in gift purse was presented at that time. confidence and purpose. The Lungers left Chicago and Uni­ There is optimism with re­ versity Church; however, less than gard to the future of the forty-eight hours later word was re­ church in its emerging ceived at the church that Eleanor cormnunity. The member­ Lunger had succumbed after being ship is enthusiastic and stricken in Lexington. A memorial dedicated to an expanding service was held on Sunday Decem­ program. Support given ber 4, 1955 in University Church the Finance Committee in during which new communion ware the current appeal for un­ was dedicated in her memory. derwriting the budget through self-solicitation Eleanor (Zink) Lunger was has put the church in the bom in Steubenville, Ohio strongest financial position and lived there with her it has known in many parents, Mr. and Mrs. years. The leadership of Harry A. Zink, her sister the church is outstanding and her brother. She in ability and dedication. I graduated from Bethany am confident that the College, taught high school church will move forward English for a few years, with renewed strength to and then was married to new achievements under Irvin E. Lunger. For seven­ the ministry of anotfier.^^ teen years they made their home in Chicago working Dr. Lunger felt that his new hand-in-hand as pastor position would be a challenging one. and pastor's wife, to minis­ The oldest college west of the Alle­ ter to the members of Uni­ ghenies, Transylvania was a pioneer versity Church....We think in liberal education and through the of her devotion and loyalty years had maintained high academic to the people and to the standards. By creating the new posi­ things she loved—to her tion of Dean of the Chapel it showed family which was always its commitment to making religion an her first love and concern, to her friends, to the

Messenger, June 1955. church, to the larger church associations, and to many community interests. No sacrifice was too de­ manding, no amount of time and energy too great for her to give willingly and graciously to any or all of these.^^

u Program from her memorial service, Decem­ ber 4, 1955. JOSEPH J . VAN BOSKIRK, INTERIM 1955-1956 DAVID N. BRYAN, 1956-1960

fter Dr. Lunger an­ nounced his resignation, a Joseph J. Van Boskirk Named A pulpit committee was Interim Pastor named by the Executive Committee On the 28th of August Joseph J. and ratified by the Official Board of Van Boskirk, Executive Secretary and the Church. Fred Henderson and Dr. pastor-at-large of the Chicago Disci­ John Harms were named co- ples Union, began an interim minis­ chairmen with Mrs. J. N. Borland, try at University Church. He was Robert Crowe, Gladys Finn, Fred Jef­ known to the church in that capacity, frey, Margaret Metheny, Byron and also from his student days at the Shinn, Donald Steward, and William University. Joseph Van Boskirk was N. Weaver, members of the commit­ bom on June 28, 1911, the son of Jo­ tee. They invited suggestions and seph Weaver and Ella (Spilman) Van counsel from the congregation. Boskirk. He received both his A.B. Now in its sixty-first year. Uni­ and M.A. degrees at Phillips Uni­ versity Church was faced, for the first versity, Enid, Oklahoma in 1939 and time, with finding a pastor outside its 1941 respectively where he studied congregation and, maybe, with no law. Following this he came to the prior connection with the Divinity University of Chicago and enrolled in House. The resident membership the Divinity School, where he re­ was 425, the current budget $31,000. ceived his B.D. in 1944. He held a A note in the Calendar (bulletin) still pastorate in Alabama for the next maintained: year before being called to the C. D. This church takes no U. job. "collection" in its service of In the spring of 1956, while Van worship. Boxes for offer­ Boskirk was still assisting University ing may be foimd at the Church in its interim, an "every doors, and your help in member canvass" was proposed for maintaiiung the ministries all Disciples churches in the metro­ of religion in this place is politan Chicago area. A survey of all appreciated.^ members was carried out between the end of May and the middle of June. Its success was dependent The Calendar, August 21, 1955. upon the active interest and partici­ pation of its members and, in the case and sense of responsibility of University Church, the results of almost every member of would prove whether or not there the congregation.2 was a strong enough congregation to challenge the interest of a new minis­ ter. Congregation Calls David M. Bryan By this time the pulpit commit­ tee had completed its work and rec­ ommended calling David M. Bryan. This was accepted by the congrega­ tion at its Annual Meeting on May 11, 1956. Van Boskirk was again solely responsible to the C D, U. In 1960 he accepted a similar post in Washing­ ton, D. C. as pastor-at-large for the Christian Church—Capitol Area. Joe said he liked the term pastor better than minister because it seemed to imply more nearly what the job en­ tailed. He retired as Regional Pastor in 1976 but for a number of years continued to serve tiie church as in­ terim pastor in D. C., Florida, and California imtU declining health made it difficult for him to continue. In 1956 Phillips University awarded him an honorary L.L.D. Van Boskirk is married to the former Joseph J. Van Boskirk Irene Crispens and from this union By the end of June 138 pledges three children were bom, Kay E., for the coming fiscal year were Jane Ellen, and a son. Roe Ames, who $5,885.40 higher than the just com­ is now deceased. When he was able, pleted year. Another forty-two Joe Van Boskirk enjoyed working pledges were still expected with a with the latiie and general carpentry. 30% increase foreseen. Today he continues refinishing furni­ ture and says that people have al­ It represents a sharp rever­ ways been his hobby. The Van sal of the downward trend Boskirks make their home in Peoria, in pledges that has oc­ Arizona. curred tlwoughout the past year. It is a tribute to the strength of the congrega­ tion, and to the good will DAVID M. BRYAN, 1956-1960 traveler, he is a photographer of some ability and produced a sound David Bryan agreed to begin his color movie on the Belgian Congo work with University Church in which was distributed by the United September and was installed as its Christian Missionary Society in Indi­ minister on October 13, 1956. A na­ anapolis, Indiana. In 1965 Phillips tive of Peoria, Illinois, Bryan was a University awarded him an honorary graduate of the University of Mis­ D.D. degree. souri and the Disciples Divinity House at the University of Chicago. A past president of the Missouri Christian Missionary Society and ac­ tive in many civic and interdenomi­ national organizations, Bryan came to University Church from a pastorate in Sedalia, Missouri. Ehiring 1946- 1949 he had been minister of the Jackson Boulevard Christian Church in Chicago and was active in the Church Federation of Greater Chi­ cago and the Hyde Park-Kenwood Council of Churches and Synagogues (now the Interfaith Council). Long interested in world travel as an important medium of educa­ tion, he has directed educational tours since 1950 throughout Africa, Europe, Russia and other "iron cur­ David M. Bryan tain" countries, the Middle East and Far East, and around-the-world William Eppens Dies tours. This has given him many op­ portunities to know first-hand the Shortly after Bryan's arrival problems of die world and to talk long-time member William H. Ep­ with (>olitical and social leaders, in­ pens died on October 8th of a coro­ cluding some heads of state. nary thrombosis. He and his wife Born on June 9,1921, the son of Hazel had been members for over a Clifford and Sibyl (Goyer) Bryan, he quarter of a century. He was an ac­ was thirty-five when he came to Uni­ complished artist whose many calen­ versity Church. He was married to dar covers were well-known. Three the former Margie Casteel on De­ large murals of the old church and cember 23,1943, and there are four the present structure painted by him children, Margy Ann, Edward, David had been installed in the dining room Jr., and Daniel. In addition to being during Lunger's pastorate. (The one an ordained minister and world of the old church was destroyed by a fire in the church in the late 1960s al- though a small watercolor of this is Harrisonburg, Virginia and then extant and now hangs in the library.) from the College of the Bible, Lexing­ ton, Kentucky. Energetic Program of Evangel­ Singled out as one of the Disci­ ism Instituted ples churches interested in ecumeni­ A program of evangelism was cal mission work. University Church instituted in early 1957—the out­ had been invited to establish this link growth of a series of planning study relationship. Miss Maeda was com­ meetings sponsored by the member­ missioned to the work in Okinawa by ship committee. The emphasis was the United Christian Missionary So­ formally launched in January during ciety at its annual meeting in Sep­ Sunday morning worship. Every tember 1956. member was to be contacted for When the congregation met for names of prospective members who its 63rd annual meeting in May 1957, would be given information about Dr. John W. Harms, chairman of the the church then tiiese prospective congregation, reported that the year members would be visited twice by had been one of significance due to a members and invited to church. Af­ revision of the by-laws making for "a ter a second visit the pastor called on more effective organization." all and by April teams were sent out We are at the point where to enlist people to join the church. the basic ideas of freedom The goal was set at sixty-four new and democracy and our members by the end of June. By idea is of experimenta­ Palm Sunday forty-seven had an­ tion... can and probably swered the invitation. This was will be put to the test probably the most energetic member­ Those of us who believe in ship campaign yet attempted. them will have no doubt that the outeome will make Miss Itoko Maeda, Minister in for a stronger and more Okinawa useful University Church.^ Miss Itoko Maeda was installed on February 10, 1957 as University Five Rows of Pews Removed Church's Minister in Okinawa. A from Sanctuary native of Japan and a graduate of a Disciples of Christ sponsored girls' It was clear from the committee school in Tokyo, Miss Maeda re­ and department reports at that time ceived her ministerial degree from that new ideas were forming to in­ Union Seminary, Tokyo. After crease the membership, encourage teaching ten years and serving as a more participation at the communion counselor in a women's factory services (still held preceding the wor­ dormitory, she came to the United ship hour), and eiuich the social life States attending and graduating first of Ae congregation by establishing a from Eastern Mennonite College, ^ John Harms, Annual Meeting, May 12, 1957. refreshment hour on the Sundays tance of all departments and commit­ when no dinner was served. Since tees. The study covered die the sanctuary could accommodate achievements and trends in member­ many more people than the present ship, attendance, participation in the membership (average attendance on life of the church, budget and giving Sundays was about 150), five rows of trends, where people lived, the pews—two in the front, three in the church school, and its program. On rear—were removed to eliminate the the basis of this study, tiie church scattering of the worshippers. was hopeful of being able to chart its By 1957 the 38 Club had been future more wisely. absorbed into the 28 Qub because One of the changes which had many of the younger couples had left taken place during this year was to the community, taking with them consolidate many committees under eighteen children from the church eight departments. This made for a school rolls. The 48 Club, for couples more efficient and democratic plan married about 1948, continued to for the church's work. The congre­ meet monthly in members' homes. gation was encouraged by their Other social opportunities for fellow­ evangelistic efforts. Nearly fifty new ship were provided by the Business members joined the church over a and Professional Women's Qub and ten-month period. The Sunday Fo­ the all-church Friday night dinners rum, begun many years before under followed by programs. Dr. Ames, had sustained its popular­ ity throughout the past year under Church Conducts New Survey the leadership of Sam Pearson. As 1958 began the congregation Bryan concluded his report to was acutely aware that the commu­ the congregation with the following: nity was in rapid transition. Urban This has been a year in renewal was in full force with the which our people have removal of many old structures—both grown spiritually and have businesses and private homes. Al­ developed in the art of though convinced that the area was churchmanship. This is changing for the better, the church always difficult to evaluate decided it should conduct a study of but I'm convinced tiiat its organization and its community to tiiere is a finer spirit see if it was meeting the needs of its among our people than we constituents. had a year ago. This is Dean W. B. Blakemore and a another way of saying that special committee were appointed to our work together during plan this study. After some prelimi­ this past year has been a nary meetings, it was decided that a growing experience for us survey of the life and programs of the all.'* church over the previous twenty-five years would be made with the assis­ '' David Bryan, "Minister's Report," May 9, 1958. Mr. Bryan went on to note that oped. As to whether the with the good things which had members of the group have taken place since his arrival, there actually received a clearer was still weaknesses. He pointed to vision of the nature of the the need to strengthen the church Christian faith is difficult school and the Friday night fellow­ to say. Probably one of the ship programs. He recognized some weakest aspects of the pre­ financial problems noting that the sent ministry to young monthly expenditures were $2,000 people is the lack of some over receipts. He asked the Official way to determine what Board and the Stewardship Depart­ actually is happening to ment to consider once again incorpo­ the spiritual lives of the rating the offertory into the worship people involved.... ® service. (It would be another dozen years before this finally came about) Don continued in this position By fall 1958 the financial picture was another year. In 1958 he was married no better. Financial Secretary Fred to Carol Kohl, who later became H. Jeffrey stated that the congrega­ church organist and choir director. tion was meeting only three-fourths of budgeted pledges and only about Study Document is Presented one-sixth of budgeted non-pledged to the Board gifts. The church struggled on with The basic study document, "Our the hope that new members would Church, Its Past, Present and Future," bring more financial help. was reported to the Official Board in Don Browning had been hired December, the result of many months in the fall of 1957 as Minister to of effort on the part of every depart­ Youth. By Jime of 1959 his position ment and committee. Noting that had changed to that of Minister to since 1933 the church membership Students which included leadership had gone into a steady decline, the with college and university-age study pointed out the need for "a yotmg people and advisor to the critical evaluation of the program Disciples Student Fellowship emphasis and patterns of University (Wranglers). Through his help Uni­ Church."* * The renewal of the com­ versity Church became the new munity, it was felt, had brought new church home for twenty-six students people to live in the area who would and their wives. Don concluded his respond to the invitation of a church report by saying whose mission is vital, intelligent and It is difficult to assess what concerned. has been accomplished at levels deeper than pro­ gramming and recruit­ ment I am sure that many deep and lasting friend­ ^ Don Browning, Annual Report, May 8, 1959. ships have been devel­ * Messenger, Fdjruary 1959. Annual Reports Recognize Fi­ live in the past and fail to nancial and Membership face the future.^ Problems Recognizing the serious prob­ By May when the annual re­ lems yet to be resolved, David Bryan ports were available the retiring in his report at the end of fiscal year chairman of the congregation, John 1959 noted the studies begun by the W. Harms, called the ending fiscal departments and comm it^s of the year one of "agoniang reappraisal." church. He felt that the continued The records showed that in spite of decline in membership could no the work of the stewardship and longer be ignored. Like others in the membership departments contribu­ congregation he was convinced that, tions were still below expenditures with effort and a reappraisal of the and the membership was still declin­ church's programs, new people in the ing. Harms expressed two convic­ community could be attracted to tions: University Church. First, I believe in Univer­ The challenge to our new sity Church's mission as community and the prob­ that has been historically lems of University Church conceived, and to consid­ both require that we work erable extent practiced. our way through to a This mission is to be a strong, united position. church which gives leader­ With dedication to the ship on the contemporary calling we have as mem­ frontiers of human thought bers of the church and and in churchmanship, unity in the spirit of Jesus taking advantage of our Christ, University Church situation as a part of a will bring to our new great university commu­ community an increasingly nity.... [Second],...this rich vital witness.® spiritual heritage is the very resource which we Robert Simpson Named As­ need most now in the ef­ sociate Minister fort to redevelop our life and work in a community To continue an extended plan of which is having the pio­ membership recruitment and the neering experience of ur­ educational program within the ban renewal....If we fail to church, the Rev. Robert Simpson was draw upon this heritage hired in the fall as half-time associate we shall go the way of all minister. Bob Simpson earned his traditional churches which A.B. and B.D. degrees at Phillips University, coming to the University

^ Messenger, June 1959. * David Bryan, Annual Report, May 8, 1959. of Chicago in the fall of 1958 as a also sought by other out­ Ph.D. candidate in the field of his­ standing churches.^ torical theology. He had previously served as student pastor at Waldron, A farewell reception following Kansas, and during the summer of Mr. Bryan's final sermon was held on 1959 was interim minister at the April 24th, A scroll and other gifts Oakland Christian Church, Topeka, were presented to the family at that Kansas. Both he and his wife, Bea, time, David Bryan became mimster joined the church in 1959. of the First Christian Church in Topeka, Kansas, where he served David Bryan Resigns many years, while continuing to lead world travels each summer. He is In spite of the new educational now retired from the ministry but not opportunities for children and adults his work with several travel agencies. and developing plans of the Evangel­ The family remains in Topeka, In ism Department, Harold E. Fey, 1965 he was awarded a D.D. degree chairman of the congregation, an­ by Phillips University. nounced the resignation of Mr. The ministerial leadership of Bryan, effective at the end of April, at University Church was supplied by a special board meeting on February Robert Simpson continuing as Asso­ 14,1960. In March Dr. Fey cautioned ciate Minister through the end of July the church "to settle whatever differ­ and Don Browning named to that ences we have with each other...." position during August and Septem­ He then outlined the several hazards ber. In addition a preaching sched­ a church in this situation could fall ule was set up through the middle of into. July using Harold Fey, William One is the danger that a Weaver, Dr. Walter Harrelson of the captious, critical spirit will theological faculty of the University take root and grow. Let us of Chicago, Bob Simpson, Dean W. lay hold of faith and make Barnett Blakemore, Jay Calhoun, Dr. love and hope grow in­ Morris Pulhn, executive secretary of stead. A second danger is the Illinois Christian Churches, and that we will form cliques Perry LeFevre, a member of the Chi­ behind one person, one cago Theological Seminary faculty. policy or possibly one The work of the church contin­ candidate for the ministry ued throughout the spring and sum­ of our Church....A third mer. A new woman's daytime group peril is that we will meas­ began meeting. During the summer ure the future by the past Vera Jinings conducted a special pro­ and grow discour­ gram of scheduled reading to blind aged. ... Fourth, we could students, as well as helping them become impatient with our with their themes and bibliographies. pulpit committee.... The She and several others volunteered kind of minister we seek is ® Messenger, March 1960. their time to assist in the success of this project In addition to the read­ ing program, the students had oppor­ tunities to explore the library, the nursery with its many toys, and the garden. Miss Jinings supplied their meals.

John H. Sherman is Named Associate Minister On November 15, 1960 John H. Sherman, senior B.D. student in Dis­ ciples Divinity House, was hired by the church as student assistant on a half-time basis. On the first of Janu­ ary 1961 he was given additional re­ sponsibilities when Bob Simpson and Don Browning, both citing academic pressures, resigned at the end of 1960. Sherman would have the titles of Associate Minister responsible for Administration and Minister to Stu­ dents. He would preach one Sunday a month with the remaining dates supplied by others. JOHN HIGGINS SHERMAN, 1961-1965

n March 19, 1961 John man. He said he was strongly influ­ Sherman accepted the enced from birth through his parents O call by University and by Quaker neighbors in Penn­ Church to become its full-time Asso­ sylvania. The silent grace at meals of ciate Minister beginning on April 15. the quiet people endures, for him, to Following the completion of his aca­ this day in his own household, and demic work and his ordination in he supposes commitment to social June he was named Minister of the causes may be an inheritance as well. Church with full responsibilities. His parents occasionally took him to worship services, sometimes The Action of the Pulpit Methodist (his mother's family af­ Committee, also in unani­ mous agreement in its rec­ filiation) and sometimes Congrega­ ommendation of Mr. tional (the closest thing in the East to his father's family attraction to the Sherman, came quite natu­ Disciples). In the 10th and 11th rally in a long course of grades, John went to the Methodist events during which time Church and Youth Fellowship, be­ Mr. Sherman had assumed part time responsibility as cause of and with his peer group, be­ fore the family moved again (for the Associate Minister of the sixth time). Family foundations Church. His commendable during this period were renewed work in this capacity, his each summer in visits to Missouri, record of academic where John chose to go to Dmry achievement both as an undergraduate and College, and there came imder the influence of a graduate of Disciples graduate student, and his Divinity House, Richard Pope, and deportment as a man of was baptized into the Disciples. The Christian character and church he attended was a small dedication give promise of country church near his mother's an­ growing enrichment and cestral home. College was inter­ fulfillment in his ministry.^ rupted by the Korean War and six John Higgins Sherman was bom years in the Marines, the last three in in 1930 in West Chester, Pennsylva­ Missouri, where John finished college nia, to Hobart M. and Attie E. Sher- (tnagna cum laude in 1955) and gained a wider exposure to chimrhes of the ' Harold Fey, A/es5enger, April 1961. Disciples. (John holds the rank of money—and with shelter Captain in the Marine Corps Re­ from issues confronting serves.) He and his wife, tiie former American society. The vi­ Kathryn Freeman, and his son John tality I had first sensed in (later a daughter Rebecca, and an­ the little coimtry church- other son William were bom to them) tempered with a sense of arrived in Chicago. Sherman was an the limitations inherent in entering student in the Divinity an isolated rural commu­ School through the Disciples Divinity nity-seemed to be re­ House. Here in a back pew (to assure placed quickly in larger easy egress in the remote possibility urban congregations with the yoimgest family member was not such concerns. "Don't rock on best behavior during the service) ti\e boat"—to lose members the Shermans began their acquain­ or money—seemed the tance with University Church. paramount rule. This Sherman's progression to the condition seemed very pastorate of University Church came strange from a New Tes­ naturally. Like Irvin Lunger, one of tament viewpoint as I read his predecessors, he became known it or from my fanuly's to Ae congregation as a student, public-spirited traditions.^ gradually taking on responsibilities. The Shermans found vitality "Thus," Sherman said, "commenced a was apparent in University Church, fascinating journey of discovery carried on in so many members they about institutions that has not yet came to know, in the architecture, ended." which communicated a strong, warm John Sherman found University and unique concept of church, in the Church new and challenging not only music, whose quality was a refresh­ as a different kind of church, but also ing and inspiring change from what as the first church he experienced in they had encotmtered elsewhere, and scope and depth. in events such as the fellowship after "Church" as a gathered worship and the Friday lught din­ conununity had not been a ners. But also perceived was an atti­ vital institution in my tude that University Church was for family: the public and pri­ "our kind of people" and that if vate institutions of the "they" didn't come, maybe "they" had "American Experiment," the problem. commercial, political, pro­ fessional and educational, The 48 Club Renamed were our institutions of "Bethany Fellowship" tradition and choice for The Shermans became more in­ commitment and sacrificial volved in church activities as they effort Churches seemed attended the meeting that founded overly concerned with numbers—people and ^ John Sherman, March 15, 1993, the Bethany Fellowship. Originally of the urban renewal effort, his organized about ten years before as dunking was challenged and deep­ the 48 Qub, David Bryan, the minis­ ened and he was compelled to begin ter at that time, suggested that the considering the unique opportunities biblical reference more adequately for a congregation that was not nec­ suggested that the group was after an essarily bound by anything other association that was somewhat dif­ than elements—really, misinterpreta­ ferent from previous ones at Uni­ tions—of its own tradition. It was free versity Church. to become for a new time and people what it had become for a previous In retrospect, our programs time and people. together did not support any such pretension. The Changes in the Worship group defined tiie name, not the reverse, which is as Service it should be. It flourished After a fifteen month internship and grew as we found under Joe A. Detamore, pastor of the many like souls who were Central Christian Church in Spring- looking for a spiritual field, Missouri, John Sherman re­ home and were attracted turned to Chicago in the fall of 1960 by ideas of what Univer­ to finish his academic work at the sity Church had been and University. This led to his being of­ yet could be.^ fered first the position of Associate and then full-time Minister of Uni­ In April 1959 Sherman wrote a versity Church. During the early paper entitled "The Church and the part of this relationship Sherman, Community" for a course taught by with die full cooperation of B. Fred W. Alvin Pitcher in his ethics and Wise, Minister of Music, began to society class at the Divinity School. upgrade the worship services. The subject was an inquiry into rea­ Weekly planning meetingis thought­ sons why University Church seemed fully considered the integration of the unable, or unwilling, to avoid the whole service—especially the hymns, condition described by its forty-year scriptures, and sermons. He ex­ minister, Edward Scribner Ames, panded die number of good hymns thirty years before: "Changes in the used. character and population of neigh­ borhoods often bring out in pathetic Sherman said that the benefit to clearness the inability of churches to him of collaboration with Wise was meet changing conditions."^ immense: As Sherman waded into the Not only had I found a wealth of information available about partner who enthusiasti- the history of the community and of caUy supported me, but I the church and the source and nature * had found a gold mine of information about Uni­ ^ Ibid. versity Church what it had * Ames, Religion, 1929. been, what was right, what tracted. On the one hand I went wrong, and who was had never considered the involved. No longer was I pastoral ministry as a pos­ speculating as an observer sibility, since my abilities and recent participant but and inclinations clearly did found which of my intui­ not lie in that direction; on tions were soimd from one die other hand, I had a who had been there but strong sense diat I was who was not at all defen­ being called to pay back sive about the past, as something for what I had many members seemed to learned about the church be. The association with and its community: I Fred Wise is one of the didn't have an option.* treasures of my life that I will never forget, and I hope the congregation will always remember his value as I do,5

This association caused Sher­ man to consider whether or not he might have abilities that could be useful in helping the church purpose­ fully seek and serve a constituency in the new community who would not be served by other existing congre­ gations which were too locked into denominational structures or tradi­ tional cultures and attitudes, who would not adapt to new conditions or adapt too slowly. "These people," Sherman sensed, "were seeking something different what I later John H. Sherman tried to define as a 'seeking and uniting church,' which was what John Sherman Accepts Call University Chiu-ch really had tried to from University Church be from its beginning." So John Sherman welcomed the From experience with the call from the congregation, but with Disciples, I doubted that a private reservations about his own minister who would un­ abilities and with the conviction that derstand University the congregation couldn't be pushed Church and its community into the future, but could be turned could be foimd and at- *

* Sherman, March 1993. ® Ibid and returned to the openness and in- only as a unique people clusiveness to issues and people who would be themselves which was its initial and essential while accepting continuing character and recoverable heritage suspicion from many of from the past, so that it could come those with whom they alive to an interracial community that were dealing at tiie local, was dealing with many new and dif­ state and national levels, ferent issues as well as old issues that and Disciples would not be appeared in different clothing. a major source of new Sherman soon discovered that members for University die congregation couldn't deal with Church.^ issues surrounding the capital funds. With these thoughts on his The issue was whether to spend the mind, John Sherman accepted the call funds or to save them. He found the to become University Church's sixth subject was a counter-productive irri­ minister. He was ordained in the tant that could only divide the con­ church on the 9th of June and as­ gregation until considerable change sumed his duties full time on the in attitude and the influx of new 15th. He was installed on October 6, people had taken place, so that it 1%1, in the sanctuary following the could be dealt with without rancor sixty-seventh anniversary dinner. through calm and orderly procedures involving the whole congregation. In commenting upon his He further discovered that the con­ call to the ministry of Uni­ gregation shouldn't (and couldn't) be versity Church Mr. Sher­ made "more like the Disciples." man told the [Hyde Park] Herald, "In Hyde Park- A study 1 did as a student Kenwood great events are at Disciples Divinity House commonplace. It can be, I found that eighty percent believe, the forerunner of a of the denomination re­ new era in the shape, the flected migratory route texture and the unity of dependence on the Ohio human society. To serve a River and thence to the church in its midst is a Southwest, and half the great opportunity and an remainder reflected the even greater challenge continuing American mi­ which I accept with a gration to the West Coast humility tempered with There were significant the confidence that here is limitations, mostiy cul­ a future being bom with tural, in this geographical all of us as participants in concentration that would this momentous event always be a problem in University Church's set­ ting. It could remain in

relation with the Disciples ■' Ibid [Hyde Park's urban re- of the University about the first of newal].* October. In 1961 the church school made an early start beginning on the Sherman continued to put most second Sunday in September coincid­ effort into worship, wading through ing with the opening of the public the Bible laboriously many times to schools. "The wisdom of this policy find readings in both Old and New has already received confirmation as Testaments that could yield new gold three new families have their chil­ to contemporary life, personal and dren in our Sunday classes."^” social, and trying to develop sermons Beginning with a junior worship that would relate the biblical materi­ service in the Assembly Hall on the als to the urban setting and people of second floor and making use of a University Church, with ttie assis­ reed organ, lent by the John Rameys, tance of hymns, litanies and other the children then retired to their materials. classes. Available curriculum mate­ In my experience. Disciples rials were studied with the confi­ as a "New Testament peo­ dence that a plan unique to tiiis ple" had neglected the community could be formulated. depth, comparison and Just as new ideas and programs contrast that the Old Tes­ were forming, some traditional pro­ tament could provide to grams continued. Great classical worship.’ music under tiie direction of Fred Sherman revised the Commun­ Wise continued to enrich the church ion services to try to make them more life. The annual Christmas pageant meaningful. In addition he volun­ was again the high point, partially teered in the Neighborhood Qub and due to the "large cast of characters," in the Porter Fotmdation at tiie Uni­ and backstage assistants. A series of versity, participated in developing tableaux, with imaginative enrich­ written materials that could help ment, depicted the events leading up newcomers understand University to the birth of Jesus. Thus ended the Church's character and history, and year 1961. tried to help initiate program devel­ opment in Christian education and Orderly Change in Community music that could serve the needs of Threatened families with children in the congre­ But community and national gation and the community. events would not wait for University Church to regain momentum. In Eleanor Campbell Hired as Di­ January 1962 Sherman was forced to rector of Church School respond to a situation—the first sit-in Traditionally the work of the at the University—that threatened to church had begun with the opening destroy prospects for orderly change

® Hyde Park Herald, September 27, 1%1. ® Sherman, 1993. in the community. Sherman picks up tence of the practices and proposed the story: means to end them, including over­ As I grew up, I experi­ sight by a faculty committee. The ad enced racial prejudice, first hoc group generally supported the University's position but recom­ expressed in my family mended representation from the against Jews, and tiien in conununity. Sherman felt that his society directed against congregation gave him the freedom anyone who was different to "jump into a fray without a 'please, As our family moved from may I'" apparent in other churches at state to state I observed that time. institutionalized prejudice against Blacks, racist prac­ Sherman Accepts Community tices leading to discrimi­ nation against members of Responsibilities athletic teams and the dif­ As the year 1962 began, Sher­ ficult transition in the Ma­ man accepted two new responsibili­ rine Corps after Harry ties in the wider community. He be­ Truman ordered the mili­ came chairman of the Committee on tary to end segregation. I Campus Christian Life for the Chi­ saw prejudice in southwest cago Disciples Union and chairman Missouri where commu­ of the Committee on Commimity nity attitudes were largely Relations and member of the Execu­ inherited from the South.^^ tive Committee of the then Hyde Park-Kenwood Council of Churches The north was a different situa­ and Synagogues (now the Interfaith tion. The sit-in by the Congress on Council). In his capacity with the Racial Equality to force action to end first committee, Sherman began racial discrimination in housing working to expand the student serv­ owned by the University was not in ices for Disciples, in the Chicago area. response to illegal actions, but to the Even though University Church had perpetuation of historic practices at carried on a student program for over variance with community and Uni­ fifteen years it was just at this time versity goals to work for a stable in­ tiiat other congregations were becom­ terracial community. ing interested. The plan was to es­ Sherman became one of an ad tablish a city-wide program for stu­ hoc group of religious leaders who dents. tried to act in mediation of the dis­ As chairman of the Community pute. (He was the only minister of a Relations committee, Sherman led the local congregation; all the others group to begin a study of the public were chaplains at tiie University.) school situation, temporarily side­ The University, under President tracked by d\e controversy over the George Beadle, admitted the exis­ University's housing policy. His sermon at the end of January dealt Shennan, 1993. with his involvement and his analysis students. The curriculum made use of the situation: of the natural stages of children's growth in teaching the Christian Given the situation which heritage at each age level in a way exists, controls must be ex­ the child could comprehend. It ercised if our community is strove to surround the child with the to be a stable interracial reality of the Christian faith, pro­ community in the midst of vided flexibility in the use of its ma­ tile human reality where terial, and made creative use of the other communities are one- visual arts. The church began using race communities... .We are this material in the fall. engaged in a battle to end the plague of one-race Two personal tragedies oc­ neighborhoods. Our ex­ curred in May of 1962 to sadden the perience in this century has people of the church. Ruth Wen­ been such that there is tworth, who had been a member of doubt the city can survive the church nearly forty years died on unless the situation is May 21st after suffering from acute transformed. All the leukemia. Employed as the secretary problems of the city are di­ to the dean of the University's medi­ rectly or indirectly related cal school for thirty years, she then to this one problem. It is was secretary for dissertations and like a cancer which is de­ had planned to retire in July. She stroying us even as we was known for her personal interest desperately search for a in the welfare and scholastic ac­ cure. It is my conviction complishments of all with whom she that fighting the battle here came into contact Her loyal service is of immense importance. to the church included her tenure as In Hyde Park-Kenwood its delegate to the Council of there is a chance. We must Churches and Synagogues and her take it But we cannot al­ work with membership outreach. low irresponsible action to destroy this chance. Wise Retires Because of Fail­ ing Health Church Votes to Use New On the 25th of May 1%2 B. Fred UnKed Church Curriculum Wise suffered a coronary tiirombosis. This necessitated his retirement from In the spring of 1962, after the church staff on September 1,1962, studying the curricula of several de­ a position he had held for forty years. nominations, the Christian education During tiiat time he led the church conunittee determined that the new from using a paid quartet to an ac­ United Chiuch course of study was complished volimteer choir—a choir really new and best suited to urban which performed every standard oratorio and the Bach cantatas. Uni­ versity Church was tiie first church to perform "Amahl and tiie Night Visi­ eral thousand voices re­ tors" and among the first to attempt sponded to his direction. Benjamin Britten's "Noye's Fludde," The visible mark of his both organized and led by Fred Wise stature is in this hymnal in University Church's sanctuary. He which we use among thou­ was also responsible for one-act op­ sands of churches. It was eras, the annual Christmas pageants produced under the edi­ and other dramatic presentations. torship of Fred Wise in In recognizing Wise during 1940....13 services on September 2, 1%2, Sher­ Dr. Irvin E. Lunger wrote to man paid tribute to his years of serv­ Wise upon learning of his retirement ice to the Church. You were a pillar of Fred Wise has worked strength to me: a young, fruitfully with the people inexperienced chap trying of the choir. It is no secret to fit into very big shoes. to most of us that the choir The way we worked to­ has been substantially gether and faced problems aided by the many hours with frankness and com­ Fred has given to its indi­ plete trust was a joy. I will vidual singers training never be able to thank you them to become better in enough for helping me to the many little things that grow into my job. So I comprise musical accom­ stand before you in hum­ plishment ble recognition of forty As Dean of Faculty of years service to this the American Conserva­ church. 1^ tory of Music and a distin­ guished voice teacher, Fred Wise has trained a large Carol Browning Named Direc­ proportion of the persons tor of Music in this nation who direct The Official Board, at its meet­ and sing its music. ing on September 9th honored Mr. Fred Wise is in every­ Wise by designating him Minister body's Who's Who. Per­ Emeritus of Music and by electing haps the most significant him an honorary member of its mark of his stature is to be board. The board named Carol seen in the fact that he was Browning as the new Director of selected—among all the Music. She was no stranger to the great musicians of this congregation, having joined Uni­ city—to direct the music versity Church in 1958 following her during the Festival of Faith marriage to Don Browning. She re- at Soldier Field during the 1954 meeting of the World Messenger, November 1962. Council of Churches. Sev­ Ibid ceived a B.M.E. from Northwestern One of the siuprising University, where she was a coach things about the conven­ and accompanist for the opera de­ tion was its unanimity, and partment in her senior year. She nowhere was this more taught in d\e public schools in the evident than in its ap­ field of music and directed a jtmior proval of Resolution No. - high chorus. 64, "Concerning Approval The church school continued to of the Supreme Court Ac­ grow in numbers under the direction tion Regarding Prayer in of Eleanor Campbell. A redecorating Public Schools." The and revising of the class rooms had resolution was drafted by been underway since September. Dr. Harold E. Fey and Classes were organized under four signed by himself and departments, each with a chairperson [others] of our congrega­ who supervised and coordinated the tion.... our resolution was work of the teachers and their assis­ passed with barely a mur­ tants. mur of opposition.^®

Carol Ramey Joins Staff as Christmas Pageant Replaced Junior Choir Director by Choir Anthems and Folk- Under the capable direction of carols Carol Ramey, a new junior choir was With the retirement of Fred developed. They practiced regularly Wise came the demise of the Christ­ on Thiu^day afternoons and sang mas pageants which had been an an­ both in junior worship and in the nual production of the church since regular worship service. Mrs. the 1920s. It was not difficult to Ramey, a graduate of Ohio State know that Wise had been the moving University in the music department, force for that event In place of the is an accomplished pianist and organ­ pageant the choir, under fee direction ist Open to children in grades three of Carol Browning, presented a spe­ through eight, she fotmd that they cial program of Christmas music fol­ were especially entranced by the ex­ lowing the traditional serving of perience of two-part singing. She had Wassail and dinner. The program been a member of the church since consisted of a group of anthems se­ 1957. lected from the great musicians of the The church continued in its church and folk-carols from around historic role as a leader in the de­ the world. The featured soloist was nomination when six members of the Miss Bette Crouse, a former student congregation attended the Interna­ of Mr. Wise, and a finalist in fite tional Convention of the Christian WGN Illinois Opera Guild Contest Churches (Disciples of Christ) meet­ ing in Los Angeles at the end of Sep­ tember. In addition to the choir program duced by then 5th ward alderman, on Friday evening, December 14, the Leon Despres, to "protect tenants holiday season was enhanced by a who file building and housing code special church school program—"A complaints with the city." The board Christmas Tree Festival"—the follow­ approved the support recommended. ing Sunday afternoon. Supper fol­ Just as the University's secret lowed die program in which each experiments which led to the nuclear class participated. The junior choir, bomb, had given the church an un­ under tiie direction of Carol Ramey easy feeling in 1942, now the "cold sang two numbers. Each person was war" added another dimension to asked to bring a gift of toys, candy, this when two decades later the Civil clothing or money to be distributed Defense authorities asked to desig­ later to some children's institution. nate the church a fall-out shelter in the event of enemy attack. After dis­ Social Action Committee Asks cussion, when the Official Board President to Sign Order End­ asked its chairman, Robert W. Crowe, ing Discrimination in Housing to appoint a committee to investigate ways in which the church could con­ As 1962 ended the department tinue its work for peace, the request of social action, led by its co­ was granted but with an attached chairwomen, Aimetta Dieckmann rider to the action. Written by Dr. and Mary Herrick, sent a letter to the Fey, it reads: President of the United States urging him to issue the long-awaited execu­ We have been asked by the tive order to end discrimination be­ civil authorities to permit cause of race or religion in all feder­ our church building to be ally-aided housing and financial in­ made available as a shelter stitutions. for use in the event of war or other disaster. The Of­ That institutions partly ficial Board of University supported by the taxes of Church is prepared to ac­ all the people serve all the cede to this request In people in need of tiieir doing so, we wish to state service is a principle now the reasons for this action widely accepted and needs and tile limits we place on only Ae implementation of it Our church was built by a presidential order to end Christian people and much unfair discrimination maintained by ourselves inherited from a less en­ for the worship of God and lightened era.^* tile service of man. Like In a second action the depart­ churches of all ages, it is a ment recommended that the church place for refuge, a shelter board support the ordinance, intro­ from the storms of life. It exists to save life, to feed the hungry, care for the sick, shelter the homeless. of the church. They planned to make So when the duly consti­ the program for the jimior and senior tuted authorities ask per­ highs so appealing and worthwhile mission to designate our that the young people and their church as a shelter and to friends would be attracted to the store within its walls church. emergency supplies of food and water, we con­ Sam MacCiintock Dies sider that this request is University Church was sad­ consistent with the pur­ dened by the death on January 20, pose of the church and are 1963 of Samuel MacCiintock, which ready to grant it...In came while visiting his daughter and granting permission for its son-in-law in Washington, D. C. He use in this way, we wish to was bom in Millersburg, Kentucky have it understood that our on June 22, 1872, but the family cooperation does not imply moved to Lexington when he was an endorsement of any young. He and his older brother, W. course of national action. D. MacCiintock, came to Chicago in On the contrary, we re­ 1892 where Sam was a member of the quest the authorities to University's first graduating class in double their efforts to solve 1896 and W. D. was a member of the existing international dif­ first faculty. Both were charter ferences about war. We members of the church. also commit ourselves to intensify our efforts as in­ Sam served as an administrator dividuals and as a church in the American School System es­ in behalf of imderstanding tablished in the Philippine Islands in and peace. Our trust for 1901. Following travel in the Orient security is not in shelters MacCiintock returned to the Uni­ but in doing justly, loving versity where he received his doc­ mercy and in walking with torate in political science. He also our God.^^ served as American Consul to Hon­ duras, 1909-1910. He was married in 1910 to Chicagoan Helen Marsh, who New Youth Ministry Added died in 1928. In addition to his In January 1963 ttie church em­ daughter, Cornelia Newhall, he was barked on a new ministry to its the father of Charles, who was killed youth. Parents, teachers, and the in Germany at the end of World War minister met in late November to n. Services for Samuel MacCiintock formulate an approach to this par­ were held in University Church with ticular age group because it became his ashes interred in Lexington, clear that the youth needed to be Kentucky. brought into the total life and work

Ibid. East Asia, Theme for World 1%3 in nine classes. During the year Outreach Study $10,000 was spent to prevent deterio­ ration of the forty-year-old building. The annual World Outreach Some decisions had to be made re­ study after Christmas had as its garding the water damage in the theme the people of Korea, Okinawa, sanctuary and additional electrical Hong Kong and Tai-wan. Some work in order to give more light for traditional events included a special the choir. The library furniture weekend in March beginning with needed reupholstering. A report Friday night dinner followed by an from the Stewardship Department adidt program and a special festival showed that although the member­ for tile children. The celebration be­ ship of the congregation had grown, gan in the dining room where the giving had not kept up with expendi­ junior choir sang several numbers for tures. Fred Henderson, chairman of everyone. Upstairs the children that department, reported on the made oriental items and prepared for situation. a sharing time and a worship service, Not only have we fallen at which time birthday money from each child was dedicated. Sunday short in our continuing pledge giving; we have the sale of items the children had also fallen behind in our made netted $37.05 which was given to Church World Service to feed special giving. Also we have exceeded the amount hungry children of Asia. set up in the budget that The weekend continued Satur­ was to come from the day evening when the World Out­ capital funds account to reach Department entertained the subsidize our budget panel who had presented the Friday program and the guest preacher for During Sherman's vacation, Sunday. On Svmday the pulpit was from the middle of July to the middle filled by Bernard O. Brown, former of August, 1963, Charles Harvey chaplain at the University of the Lord, founding minister of the Villa Philippines, who spoke about the Park Christian Church and a student problems in the East Asian coimtries. in the Divinity School of the Uni­ versity of Chicago, was tiie preacher. Gains in Church School At­ Lord, a member of the church since tendance and Membership, 1%2, was working toward the Ph.D. Not in Contributions degree. By tile time of the annual meet­ Sherman Becomes Involved in ing in May 1%3, reports from various Civil Rights Struggle departments and committees showed a steady increase in participation in Tragic events continued in the the church school. Starting in Sep­ South. In Albany, Georgia, rights tember of 1%2 with fifty-six children, the registration rose to 104 by May groups attempted to organize locally a unique way, to the bill's passage. but were prevented by an astute po­ Less than three weeks later four chil­ lice chief who used non-violence dren were killed as the 16th Street against non-violence. Rioting oc­ Baptist Church was bombed in Bir­ curred in Oxford, Mississippi, over mingham, Alabama. the admission of James Meredith to With these events on the minds the University. Television images of of the congregation, the fall program fire hoses and police dogs being used began. During the October board against marching men, women, and meeting Mary Herrick, in her report children, the assassination of Medgar on ttie work of the Social Action Evers and the picture of George committee, explained a project of the Wallace defying federal authorities at National Council of Churches as a the University of Alabama convinced means of helping the moral and civil the public that something could and rights movement Disciples congre­ must be done. President John F. gations were asked to contribute to Kennedy introduced civil rights legis­ this important cause, our church's lation in the Congress as a step to­ share being $135. Money was taken ward bringing the full weight of fed­ from the World Outreach budget eral authority to bear on the situation. with a letter to the congregation en­ Supporters of the struggle for couraging their individual contribu­ civil rights organized the March on tions. Washington in August 1%3. John Sherman felt that as a member and Friday Night Dinners and Pro­ minister of University Church and a grams Discontinued citizen of the United States he must go. With a large delegation from After an extended discussion, Hyde Park-Kenwood and Woodlawn the board voted to discontinue the he rode the train aU night to Wash­ weekly Friday night dinners and ington. A quarter of a million people programs. This action was prompted assembled at the Washington monu­ by the results of a congregational ment and marched to tihe Lincoln questionnaire. The Membership De­ Memorial where there were music velopment committee was then and speeches as dusk deepened. The authorized to look into other types of highhght, of course, was Martin Lu­ social functions. ther King's speech "I Have a Carol Browning Resigns as Dream..." (As a logistics officer in the Marines Sherman knew what a Director of Music logistic feat ti\e whole event was.) The resignation of Carol Then they walked back to tite train Browning as Director of Music, due and anodier all night ride home. to tfie Brownings moving to Okla­ The March on Washington did homa, necessitated hiring a replace­ not cause the passage of the Civil ment James M. Hoffman, Jr., de­ Rights bill; it was one in a series of scribed as a versatile tenor, who re­ events each of which contributed, in ceived professional training at the University of Illinois, Boston Uni­ During the past several versity, and the American Conserva­ years this fund has been tory of Music, was engaged begin­ depleted to the point that it ning the middle of September 1%3. now has ceased to exist in practical terms. Expecta­ Founding Member Charles tions are excellent that this Wakeley Dies necessary operating cush­ ion can be restored, in Charles E. Wakeley, one of the substantial part at least, by last of the foimding members of the next July 1; but within the church, died on August 24, 1963, in coming months we must the Episcopal Church Home for Aged operate without i t ... Persons where he had resided since After careful consid­ 1949. Although not officially one of eration, the Budget the four dozen people who gathered Committee has determined at the Masonic Hall on October 7, tiiat a simple solution to 1894, he was affectionately honored this problem is available. as a foimder, who with his wife had Our inventive minds have joined the church in 1895. He was a coined a term which de­ banker and financier, and author of scribes the solution pre­ poetry and described as a gentle cisely: PAY-AS-YOU-GO! spirit whose relationship to the If every pledging member church and its people was long­ of the congregation will standing and unwavering. Born on pay his [or her] pledge on June 19, 1872, he had celebrated his time, whatever frequency ninety-first birthday two months be­ of payment he [she] has fore his death. elected to follow, there will be no problem. Our obli­ Pledges Not Meeting Expendi­ gations will be met as they tures, New Plan Announced come due.^’ Happily the fall work began with the budget fully vmderwritten as Church School Needs More a result of encouraging responses. Space Fred Henderson, the chairman of the Budget committee, however, re­ As the fall programs began the minded the congregation that this church school registered ninety-six good news was contingent upon the children and introduced two special­ actual receipts. ists in music and art to assist any teacher in these areas. The Christmas Years ago provision was program attracted 126 people Sunday made for a working fund afternoon, December 15. The high­ of $2,000 to act as a cush­ light of the junior choir presentation ion against tardy receipts was their final number when four of pledges so that obliga­ tions could be met on time. men of tiie adult choir joined the Kennedy the civil rights movement children in a rendition of the switched to voting registration, not "Drummer Boy." The program covered in the Civil Rights Act Early opened with the "Los Posadas" pro­ in March of 1964 the minister re­ cession as performed during this sea­ ceived a call from die National son in Mexico. By the end of January Council of Churches asking for his 1964, the church school was begin­ participation in the first event in the ning to outgrow its space and it drive. They were asking Sherman to commenced to study ttie situation. be an observer at a voter registration effort in Canton, Mississippi. Their Social Action Department rationale was that observers from the Presents Programs on Issues clergy could better protect the effort of Public Education from violence. Nothing happened during that day in Canton, and the The new year began with the effort ended as the sun was setting. Social Action department announcing A meeting was held in a local Black three Friday evening programs in church which was packed. Sherman February devoted to the study of was asked to be the spokesman for equality of education. Two meetings the observers. were planned to hear the then current This was the prelude to a trou­ survey of public school standards bled spring and summer. The kill­ and a report from one of the district ings resumed, ironically, after pas­ superintendents. The third meeting sage of the Senate's Civil Rights Act was a panel discussion by members just two days before. At the Demo­ of the church and a member of the cratic Convention, the challenge to legislature interested in passing legis­ seating the Mississippi delegation by lation to provide funding for public the Freedom Democratic Party re­ education. sulted in the walkout of all but three Another Fellowship Group members of the delegation, thus showing die power that the move­ Formed ment was now capable of wielding. The Campbell Club, a group of young married couples, was formed Junior Choir Ends Year with in February 1964. There were now Spring Musicale three groups of couples and singles The junior choir ended the year from older adults, middle aged with a spring musicale on Simday adults, to yoimg married people. afternoon the 17th of May. Several Sherman Goes to Mississippi individual hymns and folk songs were followed by "Brother James's as Voter Registration Ob­ Air" in which the adult choir joined server die children. The second part of the During this period and after the program consisted of scenes from assassination of President John F. "The Wizard of Oz" in which others in the church school assisted the jim- ior choir. A pot-luck supper fol­ the Library, the Youth Program, the lowed the event Church School and chairperson of the department This group formulated Sherman Makes Plans policy especially as it related to the church school and the youth pro­ By the time that summer was gram. Brian Grant, Minister with winding down, Sherman writes that Youth, served as consultant he had come to the firm conclusion that the end of his effectiveness at New Ecumenical Ministry Cre­ University Church was imminent ated at the University He continues: My attitude was becoming Sherman reported on a newly increasingly negative, and created ecumenical ministry at the I knew that the congrega­ University including both Protestants tion needed a minister and Roman Catholics which would with gifts that I did not plan cooperative efforts by the vari­ possess to nurture and ous denominations. Sherman, an ar­ build upon what I had chitect of this program, noted that been able to evoke by daily worship services would be held simply getting out in front in Rockefeller Chapel. He also spoke So I started planning how about his sermon of October 25th in to effect this transition in a which he attempted to outline the way that might help the true mission of the church—one in congregation continue to which he envisioned new church develop, but national procedures relating the church to a events continued to call for changing society. my participation. 20 Fifty-six new matehing choir robes for adults and children, of a Amid these thoughts on his soft blue color, were purchased in part, the work of the church began December 1964 witii a $1,000 bequest again the fall of 1964. The new from John Weaver. chairman of the congregation was The Christmas program of the Firman Wood. Reports of commit­ church was held Simday afternoon tees and departments were heard at December 20th, consisting of an ad­ the October board meeting. The vent service for children and adults membership committee made plans with choir and tableaux. Sponsored to follow new people in church imtil by the church school it was planned such times as they assumed respon­ as the Christmas celebration for the sibilities in the congregation. An ex­ entire congregation. Special music ecutive committee of the Christian was provided by ttie junior choir. education department was formed The youth acted as readers and plans from the chairpeople within the areas called for the nativity scene. Chil­ of the department Adult education. dren dressed to represent children of the world led the procession of peo- 20 Sherman, March 1993. pie giving gifts for the benefit of the summer. Since the original motion Chicago Child Care Society. passed by a narrow margin, it was The Women's Serving Group felt unwise to institute the practice at planned its future programs around the present time. the new nations of the world and the Spanish speaking Americas. These Sherman Goes to Selma, Ala­ subjects were studied in a variety of bama, Comes Home to Resign ways. On Sunday March 24, 1%5, Sherman was in Selma with about World Outreach Department ninety students from North Central Proposes Pen Pal Program and Elmhurst Colleges. He was re­ Robert Bates, chairman of the sponsible for ten of them, both in World Outreach Department, pro­ Selma and during the trip. After posed a constructive program to es­ Selma the Voting Rights Act pro­ tablish a long-range correspondence ceeded through Congress to final with congregations in other churches passage, and Sherman came home such as a Protestant church in convinced that he should resign his Czechoslovakia or Poland, and the pastorate at University Church. The First Christian Church in Jackson, board meeting on April 4th, heard Mississippi. After a lively discussion, his letter of resignation read by the board voted its support and en­ chairman Firman Wood. After much couraged the conunittee to proceed discussion the board voted to accept with this project it, with deep regret and witii expres­ sions of gratitude and appreciation Bethany Fellowship Proposes for his four years of ministry with the Passing the Plate church. During the December 1964 Dorothy Duffell Named Full­ board meeting a letter was read from time Secretary the Bethany Fellowship proposing an open offering during the church Other business centered around services. Fred Henderson speaking the employment of a full-time per­ from his long experience in the manent secretary at an annual salary church, urged the board to go very of $5,100. The person recommended slowly, giving the matter careful was Dorothy Duffell, who had been a study. The matter was referred to the member of the church since 1955. Worship committee to study and re­ When the board met on May 2, port back to the board at an early 1%5, the proposed budget for 1%5- date. At its meeting in February 1965 1966 showed an approximate $7,000 the board voted to present to the short-fall. The greatest increases congregation at its annual meeting in were in salaries and services. Dis­ May the question of taking up a col­ cussion followed as to whether or not lection during the worship service. it should be presented to the congre­ The issue dragged on throughout the gation or pared to reflect an amount commensurate with actual expected congregation later in June. This mo- income. They decided to present a don also mentioned making use of "bare bones” budget to the congrega­ capital funds for budgetary expenses tion at its annual meeting. The hope to pay for newly added items. was expressed that a resolution would come out of that later meeting Junior Choir Presents Third which would recognize the need for a Annual Spring Concert and dynamic program if the church was Play to meet the challenge of growth and attract new members, even if this Under the direction of Carol meant making use of capital funds. Ramey the junior choir presented its Wood was asked to appoint a com­ Third Annual Spring Concert Sunday mittee to draft such a resolution in­ afternoon May 23rd. The twenty-two cluding calling for a study of the total members of die choir had been prac­ resources of the church. This might ticing steadily for many weeks the include: ”(1) formulating a new music of Mozart, Vogler, Qokey, and capital funds policy, (2) studying the Handel. Church soloist LaDorothy ministry of the church, (3) studying Williamson and men of the adult the giving pattern of the church, (4) choir assisted the children in one studying the program of the number. In addition to the sacred church.”2i program they presented an adapta­ tion of "Mary Poppins," complete Congregation in Favor of Ex­ with staging. Two hundred and panding Programs thirty-two people attended the event including many parents and grand­ Minutes from the June board parents as well as neighbors and meeting show that die congregation other friends of the children. had apparently been in favor of ex­ panding the church programs, not John and Carol Ramey Leave retrenching. James Strieker, speaking Chicago for the Stewardship department, an- notmeed that a letter would be sent to Unknown to the congregation at the membership su^esting a re- that time was the fact that this would evaluation of current pledges in view be the last production with Carol of the planned expansion. The Ramey as its leader. Her husband committee asked for an increased John, who had been the Executive budget for the ministry, property ex­ Director of the Hyde Park Neighbor­ penses, office and administration. hood Qub since 1954 and trustee of The amoimt increased the total by the church, had accepted the position nearly $12,000, making the new 196^ as Executive Director of the Federa­ 1%6 budget $44,458. The board tion of Settlements and Neighbor­ moved the acceptance of the revised hood Centers in Cincinnati, Ohio. budget subject to approval by die This news came as a great loss to the church since Carol had been Director

*’ Minutes of the board meeting, May 2, 1965. of the junior choir since 1962 and Di­ Point Naval Shipyard." His proce­ rector of Music since February 1%5. dures were also used to close Boston Naval Shipyard. Sherman's institu­ Don and Carol Browning Re­ tion of management procedures for turn to Chicago Puget Sound Naval Shipyard made it the most cost-effective public or pri­ Fortunately for the church, vate shipyard. He has served as a Carol and Don Browning would be member of the Shipyard Operations returning to Chicago, and Carol ac­ Review Team, reviewing procedures cepted the joint position now open to and practices at all Navy shipyards lead both choirs effective in Septem­ and reconunending improvements. ber 1965. He was preparing to take over the financial management of Navy fleet Clark Williamson Named In­ maintenance and modernization terim Minister when the death of his father forced At a congregational meeting on his early retirement in 1988 so he June 27th the Pulpit Committee an­ could take care of his mother. He is nounced the appointment of Qark M. currently working on a short book Williamson as Interim Minister of the entitled. The World's Oldest Profession, church beginning the 1st of August essays in theological economics. He This was a great comfort to the con­ and his wife make their home in gregation as it made plans to bid Fresno, California. farewell to John and Kathryn Sher­ man. John had asked to be relieved of his duties at the end of July. It was his plan, at that time, to return to a supporting role in tiie Civil Rights Movement When the Voting Rights Act was signed, he changed direc­ tions, and the family made plans to remove to California by the middle of October.

Sherman’s Later Activity Sherman accepted a position as a methods engineer with the San Francisco Bay Naval Shipyard where he would analyze working condi­ tions and attempt to improve them. Thus began a new career, estimated to save the taxpayer "roughly half a billion dollars through industrial engineering, management consulting and financial closure of Hunter's CLARK M. WILLIAMSOIV, INTERIM 1905-1960 RRIAN W. GRANT, INTERIM 1900-1967

fter John Sherman pre­ Chicago he worked as an instructor sented his resignation in its downtown evening division, to the Official Bocird of 1962-1963, was assistant to Professor A Paul Tillich, 1962-1964, and special University Church, a pulpit commit­ tee was appointed, and at a congre­ editor of Tillich's Systematic Theology, gational meeting on June 27, 1965, Volume in, published in 1963. Clark M. Williamson was named to the interim position of minister. His appointment would begin on August 1st Qark Williamson was bom in Memphis, Tennessee on November 3, 1935, the son of Paul G. and Oarissa (Taylor) Williamson. His early years were spent in Memphis where he at­ tended the Disciples Church of his grandfather, the Rev. J. Murray Tay­ lor. Mr. Taylor considered himself a liberal evangelical and was much in­ fluenced by the scholarship emanat­ ing from Chicago and from H. L. Willett at the Disciples Divinity House. Williamson received his B.A. from Transylvania University in 1957 Q ark M. WiUiamson and returned there as an instmctor in Photo in 1985 philosophy and religion in 1959-1960. He began his graduate program at Williamson served as pastor to the University of Chicago Divinity the Saunemin, Illinois, Christian School in the fall of 1957, receiving Church from 1962-1%5 and was as­ his B.D. from there in 1%1, an M.A. sistant dean. Disciples Divinity in 1963, and his Ph.D. in 1969. Qark House, from 1964 to 1%6. Having was ordained to the Christian minis­ joined University Church in 1958, he try at University Church in June 1961. was the chairman of the worship While studying at the University of committee in 1961-1962. Since he was known to the congregation and to witness in act and word the university community his transi­ by a reconciling ministry tion as its interim pastor was easier in the world. as work progressed and new ideas From this assumption, fomented almost immediately. it seems to me that the only criterion of what the Membership Committee Pro­ church does is whether or poses Neighborhood Groups not it prepares its members for their reconciling minis­ When the fall programs began try in the world. The total in September 1965, board chairman ministry of a whole Chris­ Firman Wood suggested holding all tian community and the monthly department and committee priesthood of all believers meetings on the same night at the is the emphasis here. church with a social time either be­ fore or after the business hour. Dis­ Williamson next maintained cussion followed but no decision was that a church activity should prepare made. The n^embership committee the membership for a "ministry of announced a proposal, currently in reconciliation in the world; it should the early planning stages, to establish be an actual performance of that neighborhood groups for the purpose ministry; [and] it should celebrate of people becoming better ac­ that ministry." From these assump­ quainted. tions he went on with his specifics: Oark Williamson, the interim 1. Every Board meeting minister, presented eleven sugges­ should be an evaluation of tions to the board concerning ways in what the church member­ which University Church might more ship "has been up to" in adequately express its mission. He performing its ministry.... called for action by the congregation that "should be derived, at least in 2. ...the church should part, from our assumptions as to conduct an Every Member what the church ought to be." He Canvass in which members further suggested that the action are asked for three kinds of should come out of "the actual situa­ pledges: financial, a gift of tion in the city which we face." He time and talent for the continued: work of the church and for In traditional terms, the the work of some agency or project in the commu­ church has been referred to as the "body of Christ," the nity. "people of the covenant," 3. Perhaps... vigorously the "people of God." Its recruit precinct workers for origins lie in God's recon­ all the political parties. ciling act in Jesus Christ and its consequent task is 4. The church should en­ 9. The church library courage, support, and urge should become a vital and the development of the effective means whereby "house church" idea the exchange of ideas, im- among our members... derstanding, and informa­ tion necessary to carrying 5. This church shovild de­ out the church's task is fa­ fine (not re-define) the cilitated. functions of elders, dea­ cons, and deaconesses to 10. The church should es­ stress that their sine qua non tablish a Membership Edu­ is involvement in the cation Qass to introduce world in a reconciling prospective members more ministry. (He felt that one adequately into the fellow­ of the church's problems ship and discipline of the was that it had no group church and to acquaint committed to the "service" them with its work. of the church.] 11. The present conflict 6. The church should between the worship serv­ "program" or plan experi­ ice and the church school, ences of the church's task which results from both and ntinistry so that each meeting at the same time, member of the church must be resolved. Some would be asked regularly much more creative ar­ to participate in some spe­ rangement could easily be cific performance of our worked out ministry. Changes in Communion 7. ...the church should decide what is the most Service and Offertory serious indication of al­ In October the Worship commit­ ienation in the community tee announced two changes in the and make this an all­ morning service: "shifting the Com­ church project munion Service to the east aisle...and passing a plate for the offertory."^ 8. The church should es­ Both appeared to be good modirica- tablish a rotating "sermon tions, although it was too early to analysis" committee... evaluate congregational reactions to which would analyze each them. sermon in terms of its help­ fulness to the members in carrying out their minishy in the world.... 1 Board mmutes, October 17,1965. Firman Wood Family to use Instead two students from his staff Parsonage and a representative of the American Friends Service Committee spoke. The board voted to allow the The purpose of the meeting was to Firman Wood family to occupy the help "the church clarify its position in parsonage temporarily while the regard to civil rights." About thirty church looked for a permanent minis­ members of University Church were ter. This action was taken after it was present learned that the Woods, witii several Though few invitations to children of their own and a number of foster children imder their care, direct congressional in­ volvement were offered by had been having difficulty finding the speakers. Rev. Wil­ housing for their household. In making the parsonage available the liamson, in his concluding board also commended Finnan and remarks, suggested that "the whole congregation Ruth Wood "for their contribution to should be a workshop, the life of the church and their con­ tinuing ministry to children."^ studying the problems and working on ways of mak­ As the fall work progressed the ing the city more human. board continued to implement some of the suggestions foimd in the Wil­ Within the church, it was re­ liamson report as well as one from ported that those who now attend the William Weaver's committee on "The communion service around a table in Nature and Purpose of the Church." the east aisle appreciate this change. Both documents were suggested as Bread was broken and passed. basic guidelines by which to measure Scripture was read responsively with the results of church programs. two from the congregation leading House Church group boimdaries prayer and all serving one another. were established. Some thought was The hope is that the closer given to a study of the commimity. fellowship and greater in­ Civil Rights Community formality will capture the meaning of this act Meeting Held [communion] in the The World Outreach and Social church's life more pre­ Action committees annoimced a cisely.* * community meeting for November However, attendance remained widi James Bevel of the Southern low, and it was suggested that more Christian Leadership Conference to education needed to be available for discuss plans for its Chicago drive. those who do not participate. It was Two himdred people were attracted also thought that "people [may not by the Bevel name, but he was too ill to attend the Civil Rights evening. * Messenger, December 1965. 2 Md. * Messenger, November 1965. feel] free to come in to a service of the House of Representatives on around a table." Slum Housing and Rent Gouging. Available to the congregation in its Members Asked to Read the entirety, it came to four conclusions: Scripture (1) Owning and operating In other developments, the wor­ slum properties is highly ship committee reported that they profitable... were thinking about having a social issue form the basis for a worship (2) Conditions in many... experience and suggested "a litany on are deplorable and inde­ church concerns in Hyde Park." cent, and this app>ears not Greater congregational participation to be the fault of the ten­ in the worship services began in Oc­ ants. tober with members reading the (3) Enforcement of minimal scripture. compliance with the mu­ A joint training session of Hyde nicipal code by fines based Park and Kenwood churches, all us­ upon complaint procedure ing the United Church of Christ cur­ will not eliminate slums. riculum was again held and plans went forward for both an advent fes­ (4) Legislature should tival and a Christmas program, spon­ maintain surveillance and sored by the Christian education de­ study of entire area of slum partment housing and not restrict it to public aid recipients.® Board Asked to Meet Twice a Month for Business and Study Church Takes Active Interest After a lengthy discussion re­ in Local and National Issues garding structures and forms a mo­ There is no record either in The tion passed stating that "the board Messenger or in the minutes of the shall meet twice a month, with one Official Board that any action was meeting official, and one for study" ever taken regarding this report al­ during this interim period. The Colin though it is evident from records of Williams' book. Where in the World, other matters that die congregation was suggested as a basis for study was then taking an active role in the and discussion. Williamson agreed affairs of the community, the gov­ that the board cannot be expected to ernment and Vietnam. Local school do all the thinking but hoped that it issues were among the concerns of cotild be an inspired group from the congregation. Hyde Park High which interest would radiate. School was becoming seriously over­ The Social Action committee crowded with the result that there was given a major report in Novem­ ber on the activity of the Conunittee was much worry on the part of Hyde rounding the war in Vietnam. An­ Park-Kenwood parents. The church's other on the same subject was Social Action committee, working scheduled for February. with die United Social Action In response to Williamson's Council (ten congregations in Hyde suggestion that the library needed to Park, Kenwood, and Woodlawn) become a vital and effective means regularly met to consider ways of for the exchange of ideas, Jim Bur- attacking major social evils in the ford was engaged to look into this community, the school issue being matter. During the February board one of them. meeting he annoimced die commit­ Whether it was due to the tee's goals. They were: "scathing attack on the structure of (1) [to acquire] a theologi­ 20th century church life" made by cal library for the pastor, Don Benedict, Executive of the (2) [maintain] books for the Community Renewal Society, at the layman, either to be loaned church's anniversary dinner in Octo­ or sold, (3) [to purchase] ber, or because the congregation was special reading material to inspired to action by other forces, can implement special occa­ not be known. One thing was certain sions, and (4) [make] an and that was that more involvement examination of the books was seen within the membership. left in the church by Fred Beginning in January 1966 a Wise. group studying the nature and pur­ pose of the church convened each Youth are Active In the Church month. It was hoped that through this study the board and others and Community would be helped to develop a better The work with the young peo­ program for die church's work and ple under the leadership of Brian worship. Grant showed that a lot of effort was put into this area and with the two Church Hosts Disciples Inter­ youth groups. Christian Youth Fel­ racial Fellowship Meeting lowship and Chi Rho hoped to re­ furbish the basement rooms where University Church was host to they were meeting. In addition to the Disciples Interracial Fellowship their work in the church the young meeting in January when state Rep­ people became active fund-raisers for resentative Cecil Partee discussed the both the Y.W.C.A. and WTTW. status of Illinois' open occupancy legislation. Noting die large number Williamson Announces His of church and civil organizations supporting the bill, he was optimistic Resignation about the chances for passage. Later In March 1966 Qark Williamson in the month the Worship committee announced his resignation as interim sponsored a service on the issues sur­ minister of the church to take effect July 1st He had accepted an ap­ sobering crisis in the life of pointment as assistant professor of this church there can be no theology at Christian Theological doubt Perhaps more per­ Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana, spective is needed to know and would leave Chicago in August how good or how bad it has been. Many forces Charles Clayton Morrison Dies have been at work. The loss of leaders... always Word reached the church that hurts and we miss them. Dr. Charles Clayton Morrison had There have been other died on March 3, 1%6. Best known discouraging losses. We as the editor of the Christian Century, are now soon to lose our which he had pmchased in 1908 at a interim minister. And the sheriffs sale and built into the most Pulpit committee in spite influential Protestant publication, he of much painstaking hard was also greatly admired for his work can report progress work in opposition to the U. S. in­ but as yet no final recom­ volvement in World War II, his work mendation. for the Negro Freedom Movement But let us look at the and for his part in the foimding of brighter side of this past Protestants and Other Americans for year. Church attendance Separation of Church and State. In has improved, not greatly 1916 he, with Herbert Willett, com­ but it is up. A number of piled Hymns of the United Church, new members have been which was used by the Hyde Park received. The Messenger Church from that time until 1943. has become a more vital He was married to Laurel Scott communication—thanks to in 1906 and from this union two the work of Brian Grant daughters were bom: Jane, later the But all of these things wife of Reed Dickerson, and Helen, which are necessary, desir­ later married to Bertram Nelson. The able and commendable, entire family joined the church in may only be im­ 1926. proved ... [when] we find ways to use them as means Firman Wood Reports at An­ to the real end which nual Meeting of Church should motivate this church~a ministry of rec­ At the annual meeting in May onciliation reaching out­ 1966, the chairman of the congrega­ ward. How can we be­ tion, Firman Wood, reported on some of the good and bad aspects of the come really "a servant preceding year: church"? We can pray. We can learn to listen. We It has been a difficult year. can sharpen our sensitivity That it has been a year of to the needs around us. We can experiment We whining about his inadequacies and can venture.* his loneliness. Williamson said the church must not "remain within the Williamson's Final Challenge protective walls of the religious ghetto. The church must find those In his final statement to the con­ structures of its own life which will gregation Qark Williamson chal­ enable it to return to the task of lenged the church to move forward touching the world with a holy and and not be timid. He wrote: winsome grace."^ In urban, local, national Williamson and his wife, Bar­ and international affairs, bara E. Unger, whom he had married the church has a word to on June 11,1%6, left for Indianapohs speak; a word of judgment and his new position. Beginning as and a word of mercy and an assistant professor, he was later hope. The Church should named associate professor and then always try to work out and full professor of theology. Since 1991 state a Christian approach he has held the Indiana Chair of to the problems of human Christian Thought From October life, as well as to involve its 1972 to February 1973 he was visiting people actively in the professor in the Graduate School of resolution of those prob­ the Ecumenical Institute of the World lems. ... If churches con­ Council of Churches in Switzerland clude that they will bring and in 1979-1980 he served as visiting to bear the weight of the professor at the School of Theology at Gospel only in those areas Claremont, California. Williamson where they have tradi­ has also been a visiting scholar doing tionally been involved, post-graduate work at Cambridge they will soon find all the University, FitzwiUiam College, in doors of the world shut England, 1972-1973. against them.... Qark Williamson is a member of the Mid-West Division of the He talked about the story of Jo­ American Theological Society, the nah who yielded to the temptations American Academy of Rehgion, In­ of timidity. And he concluded tiiat diana Academy of Religion, Associa­ the church can't carry out its mission tion of Disciples for Theological Dis­ if it takes such a timid path. If the cussion, Commission on Theology of church doesn't want to deal with the the Christian Church, Church Rela­ important and complex issues facing tions Committee of the National tile world, it still can't "hide from the Holocaust Memorial Council and God who wants to use his followers several others. He has been the edi­ in the world." This was what Elijah tor of Encounter since 1968. While in learned when he tried to hide.

7 d ark Williamson, annual report. May 6, ‘ Finnan Wood, annual report. May 6,1966. 1966. Chicago, Williamson was a Disciples Unitarian Church, Hyde Park Union House Fellow, a University Fellow, Church, the United Church of Hyde and a Lilly Fellow. More recently he Park and University Church held was named a "Distinguished Disciple joint services during August in the Scholar" in 1990 and in 1994 was Chapel. Four nationally known cited by the National Federation of church leaders were obtained to Temple Brotherhoods and the Jewish preach. Two from the Chicago area Chatauqua Society for work on Jew- were Dr. Kyle Haselden, editor of the ish-Christian relations. Williamson is Christian C^tury, and Dr. Richard a prolific writer with ten books and Luecke of Chicago's Urban Training many articles to his credit, and he has Center for Christian Mission. The lectured extensively. He and his wife other two were faculty members of live in Indianapolis and have one the Harvard Divinity School. son, Scott

BRIAN W. GRANT, interim 1966-1967 Following Clark Williamson's resignation the church hired Brian Grant, a Disciples' scholar, to fill the position for the remainder of tihe ex­ pected interim. Grant, a student in the Divinity School of the University of Chicago, had been University Chmch's Minister with Youth and Students since September 1964. He was ordained to the Christian Minis­ try on June 19, 1%6, and had been assisting Williamson by editing the Messenger in addition to his other Brian Grant duties with the young people of the Photo in 1980 church. Grant had received his M.A. in the Divinity School in June 1966 Glenda Kapsalis Named Jun­ before he began his work as interim ior Choir Director church pastor. In July a new director for die Local Churches Worship To­ junior choir was named. Carol gether In Rockefeller Chapel Browning retained her position as director of the adult choir but asked A new cooperative effort on the to be relieved of the work with the part of some of the Hyde Park children. Glenda Kapsalis, who had churches began in the summer of been working with the Chicago Chil­ 1966 when Rockefeller Chapel, First dren's Choir, began her work at Uni­ munity. Regarding each of these the versity Church on October first Her committee recommended that music background and her work A vigorous and construc­ with children had been extensive. tive church program for She continued her association with the future should encour­ the Children's Choir while adding age the increasing financial her responsibilities at the church. support by members of the Church. An ongoing pro­ Weaver Report Again Dis­ gram of stewardship in­ cussed struction is needed with special reference to finan­ When the fall work began, the cial giving to the Church. board, meeting in September 1966, Sacrificial giving by mem­ called for another discussion of the bers during these years of William Weaver 1965 committee re­ special need in the Church port on the chinch's resources and should be encouraged. intentions. T h e board hoped to be The annual contacting of able to initiate wide-scale discussion members and friends with of this report, so that it could indicate regard to financial support to any prospective minister what the of the Church for the church currently thinks about itself coming fiscal year should and its future."* be completed at least two It was the responsibility of this months before the begin­ committee to survey the resources of ning of the fiscal year. the congregation and work toward Every encouragement and constructing a program. The commit­ opportunity should be tee had interpreted its commission given to members and "as that of presenting the broad out­ ttends of the Church to lines and general directives of a pro­ make contributions to the gram for die church, for the next five Capital Funds, and we years (or approximately that period strongly emphasize to the of time), in consideration of tiie Capital Funds Committee church's total resources, and in view its responsibility in secur­ of the calling of a new minister."’ ing bequests and gifts. The fellowship of the Weaver Committee Reports Church needs to be strengthened. We cannot The five areas of study consid­ ered by the committee were tilie Fi­ emphasize too strongly the to­ nancial Resources of the Church, tal unity of the church. Fellowship, Ministry, Worship, and Lines of communication The Role of the Church in the Com­ need to be opened throughout the whole Church.... Each member * Messenger, September 1966. ...should be encouraged to 9 Weaver committee report, 1965. recognize his pastoral re­ We recommend more in­ sponsibility for oth­ struction, encouragement, ers. ... The possibility of and discussion of worship, neighborhood groups both in public...and in pri­ within the membership...is vate devotional life....We recommended for serious need to study carefully the consideration... In consid­ kind of community in ering the criteria and stan­ which we live...In many dards for the ministerial obvious respects our com­ leadwship of the Church, munity needs a special we assume that the Church kind of ministry...we must seeks a standard of excel­ always be open and re­ lence that will challenge sponsive to opportuni­ our Church and commu­ ties.... We should be will­ nity.... We seek a leader ing to take such risks. [In with force and power of conclusion] we recom­ communication, with abil­ mend consideration by the ity to interpret the best in congregation of a Pastoral our Christian tradition and Relations Committee, fol­ thought in a way relevant lowing the calling of a new to the issues and problems minister....We are blessed we confront in the local with gifted lay leadership congregation, in the local and dedicated members. and national community, We have a well organized and the world at and growing Church large....We think the min­ School....We are not dis­ ister should encourage and mayed and are prepared to be an educator of lay lead­ mobilize our resources for ership in the Church and the future. We have confi­ community....it is impera­ dence that with creative tive that the minister know and imaginative leader­ and love his people...[and ship, and a carefully pre­ must] be a competent ad­ pared and well imple­ ministrator. We are grate­ mented program, we ful for some of the good should work optimistically traditions...with regard to toward a goal of not less worship: a free pulpit, a than double oiu- present willingness to experiment membership in the next in form as far as it may five years; and we recom­ contribute to true worship mend this as a realistic together wid\ a spirit of minimum effort^® imderstanding and accep­ tance of our differences in such experimentation.... 10 Ibid. Attached to ti\e Weaver report panded budget in order to was a statistical breakdown as of support the program; and June 15, 1%5. At that time there tiiat the Church's present were 207 participating members with policy on Capital Funds be regular participation (regularly in­ altered so drat the Church, volved in the life and activities of the by action of its Official church) totaling 123. Eighty-four Board in planning for its were participants in some way either future may make sure of by occasional attendance and/or dte Capital Funds and with a financial contribution. Of the other resources as neces­ 123, eighty-four were involved in sary 11 professional fields, twenty in busi­ ness, with the rest in a miscellaneous Sherman's resignation had been ”other" category. Eighty-two lived in based upon his impression that he Hyde Park and there were % was "unable to develop a responsible pledges, each representing one or majority within the congregation more members of a family unit who would make the Church meas­ ure up to its opportunity to develop a Pulpit Committee Presents living ministry to living people. Vision of the Church Sherman did add that he had confi­ dence that someone with more expe­ The Pulpit Committee, reporting rience than he had, and with total in November 1966 to the board, pre­ commitment on the part of the con­ sented a three-page vision of the gregation, this ministry was possible. church. Citing first the charge of The later report of the Weaver John Sherman at the time of his res­ Committee offered encouragement ignation and making use of the study and assistance as the Pulpit Commit­ of the Weaver committee, appointed tee moved ahead with its work to in May 1965, the Pulpit Committee find a suitable minister. A criteria reminded the church of its recom­ was developed using both dieir own mendation adopted unanimously at thoughts and the Weaver survey. its annual meeting in May 1965. Re­ Fifty names were considered with garding that last statement the Pulpit five finally being on a short-list The Committee had requested that a Pulpit Committee reported in No­ committee on resources be ap­ vember 1966 that pointed. Referred to as the Weaver Committee, their report has already Our discussions with one been given. In calling a new minister [prospect], whom we feel the Pulpit Committee was asked meets these specifications, have been mutually to proceed with the guar­ stimulating to the degree antee of sufficient financial resources to call the best minister available; that the Pulpit Committee Report, November Official Board build an ex­ 1966. Ibid. that we now can present a "link" through which program that would con­ practitioners of "urban template a request to issue church work" would com­ a call if the Board and con­ municate with church gregation accept the pro­ leaders who would be gram with enthusiasm.i^ facing similar prob­ lems....

Proposal for Church Renewal The board was asked, if they The board was then asked to approved the document, to share the discuss the proposal for church re­ Pulpit Committee's "vision" with the newal before it could actually con­ Disciples Divinity House and the sider asking the congregation to call Chicago Disciples Union to see if ei- the person ti\ey had in mind. The tiier or both were interested in insti­ Pulpit Committee felt that their crite­ tutional and/or organizational coop­ ria for seeking new leadership in the eration. The committee felt that the ministry of University Church combined resources of these entities needed to be backed by ttie congre­ was essential. After discussion the gation in constructive ways. report was returned to the Pulpit Committee for further clarification of The role of this Church, its request which can be envisioned, would involve continuing New Pledges are Slow in development of programs Coming in of ministry to the com­ munity and its prob­ In other matters, the Board was lems. .. .Assuming an in­ notified that somewhat less than half creasing awareness of hu­ of the congregation had responded to man problems,... ministers the request for new pledges. In the will wish to see the activity areas of Social Action and World of the inner-city church. Outreach, it was reported that an To this end, an area of co­ educational activity concerning the operation between the Kenwood-Oakland Community Or­ Church, the Disciples Di­ ganization would be scheduled for vinity House, and the Chi­ some time after the first of the year. cago Disciples Union A structured dialogue service and seems to us essential. The one centering aroimd COCU were resources for such work at being planned for the first two this comer seem to us months of 1%7. manifold and we feel they The Christian Education De­ should be developed. partment had completed the classifi­ It is envisioned that our cation of one-third of the library Church would be one books; fourteen periodicals were sub-

13 Ibid. 14 Ibid scribed to for the membership to bor­ Bayer began his work with the row and return. The youth groups church May 1, 1967, Brian Grant re­ were then the largest they had been mained with the church retaining his in a number of years with much ac­ earlier position, that of Minister with tivity going on in and outside the Youth until June 15, 1968. At that church. time he accepted an appointment as an instructor in the Divinity School of Pulpit Committee Stiii Asking the University of Chicago. Grant re­ for a Church Decision ceived his Ph.D. in 1971 and left Hyde Park. He is currently the When the Board convened in Training Director of the Raines Pas­ December, the report of the Pulpit toral Coimseling Center in Indian­ Committee was again discussed. apolis, Indiana, a position he has held Noting that three times the commit­ since 1986. He and his wife Qaudia tee had requested that the congrega­ live in Indianapolis. tion make some decision regarding its feelings as to the purposes of the church, James Strieker, chairman of the committee, again called for some action. Referring to the role of the church, as envisioned by the Pulpit Committee, Fred Henderson ques­ tioned whether such a program was really the church's role and asked for clarification. W. B. Blakemore com­ mented that University Church was unique because of its proximity to the University, although it has urban problems. It was then annoimced that Charles Bayer, the speaker at the annual meeting, was the candidate being considered. Finally the motion was made, seconded, and passed to accept the committee's report

Congregational Meeting Set for Vote on Calling Charies Bayer A meeting of the congregation was called by the chairman of the congregation, Don Browning, to be held on January 22, 1967 to vote on calling Mr. Bayer to the ministry of University Church. After Charles TIJRIVIXG AROIJIVI): CRARIJIS H. RAVER 1967-1973

t was no small task to find an been lived with and the acceptable minister for Uni­ decision is made, I accept versity Church. The interim wholeheartedly and with­ I out reservation." ministers had held together a small number of active members, but Bayer was 37 years of age. would these participants be sufficient to support a full-time minister of the caliber which the Pulpit Committee sought, and which the church ur­ gently needed if it were to stay alive? By January, 1967, after months and months of searching, the Pulpit Committee had a name to recom­ mend to the congregation, and Uni­ versity Church made the call to Charles H. Bayer.

Rev. Charles H. Bayer Accepts University Church's Call On February 4, 1967, Bayer penned these words: "With this letter I officially accept your call to become minister of the University Church of the Disciples of Christ" Charles H. Bayer The letter was addressed to Bayer accepted the invitation to James Strieker, Chair of the Pulpit minister to University Church during Committee; Don Browning, Chair of an exciting, wrenching, heady, and the Congregation; and to Members often tragic era in American history. and Friends of University Church. Civil Rights, Vietnam, the youth Bayer continued: revolution, alternative life-styles, ur­ "This decision has been a ban decay, and campus turmoil were long and difficult one, but issues which polarized communities. now that the agony has And the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago had all the ingredients to be Renewal Society, had blasted the in the forefront of this social revolu­ structure and self-centeredness of the tion. The tension would focus on the 20th century church. "Unless this Vietnam War and the revolt of mid­ chrirch makes some radical changes it dle class students about being made will not have another 71 years," he pawns in a conflict they rejected. said. He urged that the committee By disposition Bayer enjoyed a structure of a church should be built challenge. At that time, while serv­ around the problems of the com­ ing as a member of the Disciples' munity, contending that too much of Commission on Church Restructure the church's time was spent on the he was also leading a growing group private functions of its people. of clergy and laity who believed that At the next Anniversary Dinner what the church needed was not re­ (October 1966) Bayer, already being structure—reorganizing its hierarchi­ privately considered by the Pulpit cal system~but, rather, renewal- Committee, was asked to be the din­ asking hard questions about the ner speaker. In his speech, "New Di­ church's concern for society. He de­ rections, New Hopes," he indicated scribed the church's problem as "not that there is hope for the congrega­ orthopedic, but cardiac." His leader­ tional form in the life of the church ship, dtough not always affirmed by only if "congregations are willing to national officials, was certainly rec­ be shattered and reformed." ognized. Actually, University Church Bayer was bom in Philadelphia folk were far from complacent in and lived there until he ventured to their attempt to relate the Christian the southwest for college. After gospel to the world. Annetta Dieck- having finished his undergraduate mann, Mary Herrick, Don and Jean degree and then graduate seminary Ervin, Donn Bailey, Fred Henderson, at Phillips University, Enid, Okla­ and the interim minister, Brian Grant, homa, he went to the Washington, D. among others, represented the church C area where he was pastor for in meetings on housing in Woodlawn twelve years, the last six at First and North Kenwood and other social Christian Church in Alexandria, issues such as education, poverty, Virginia. While at Phillips he had and race relations. At the March, married Carole and they now had 1966 Board meeting, Ms. Dieckmann three children, Carol, Betii and John. had raised the issue of the possibility Churches as institutions were of finding a means of revising the being seriously questioned because of church's structure to meet its func­ tiieir lack of relevancy to serious so­ tion. She pointed out that the short cial problems—and University chiuxrh year, the rigidity of the de­ Church was no exception. Two years partmental structure, the budget, etc., before, at its 71st Anniversary Dinner made it difficult for the church to re­ in 1%5, speaker Rev. Don Benedict, spond promptly to social needs. But Executive Director of tiie Chicago in spite of these and other concerns and activities by individuals and groups in University Church, the And so, on that day in February, church structure, congregational 1967, Mr. Bayer reminded the church worship and the use of the building that if this sounds radical it ought to itself did not reflect a strong com­ be well-placed radicalism, for, he mitment to the kinds of values Rev. asked, "Has this not been the real Bayer advocated that evening. heritage of University Church? Was Bayer continued in his accep­ die church not built and has it not tance letter to express concerns. He served best when it has been able to indicated diat the call was not ac­ call into question every tradition and cepted blindly by him. He had no form? illusions regarding the present Bayer said such questioning strength of the church. In fact, he may save not only the local congre­ said that he was not sure the church gation, but may be critical in the life could endure, and that he entertained of Disciples generally, for we as a no illusions about the unanimity of Brotherhood (the populist term for the call. (The congregational vote ti\e Disciple denomination) have not was 66 for and 15 against his com­ understood cities, and America is be­ ing.) coming urbanized. This critical But Bayer was tmdaimted by searching, he continued, must not be criticism of his reformist stance. He directed toward social action and ur­ went on: ban strategy alone, but must empha­ size liturgical life and pastoral con­ You probably know that cern, the latter two being "the very what my critics have said heart of it" He finished with an elo­ of me is true. I am a leader quent affirmation: of the young radical wing of the Brotherhood, and As firmly as I believe that deeply committed to the the church must find its renewal of the church. I life in its mission in the know that this commit­ world, I know that the ment means all kinds of church will not have a new approaches, that every mission save as it is foimd tradition, every old idea, in its gathered celebration every sacred and sanctified of the mighty acts of God. thing must be looked at It will be in worship that carefully. It insists that at we will discover who we every point in the life of are and what the Lord of the church we think the church would have through its meaning and us do. mission and give ourselves Having finished his work in Al­ to what God would have exandria, Bayer headed for Chicago us do and be in our May 1, leaving his wife Carole and age. the children behind until after the school year ended. It was a hot day in Virginia pledges, in increased amounts if when he left to begin his Chicago possible, and recommending a con­ ministry on May 1, and so Bayer ar­ certed drive for funds in the fall. Mr. rived in Chicago in shorts. The lake Donald Steward reported on the breeze sent chills as he walked along status of the Capital Funds. A total 57th Street, but he warmed to the of $12,282.94 worth of securities had students as he neared the campus. been sold to meet current expenses. He loved the campus atmosphere. In The book value of the remaining se­ fact, he was to feel a surge of excite­ curities amounted to $180,645.00. ment after every school break when The nominating committee pre­ the campus filled again. sented its report Don Browning for another term as chair of the congre­ Bayer Arrives at University gation, Charles Sherman, vice-chair; Church and Begins His Minis- Don Steward, treasurer; Willard Law, tiy financial secretary; Margaret Macpherson, secretary; and Donald On May 28, Bayer attended his Steward, trustee. first Official Board meeting at Uni­ versity Church. Don Browning, Firman Wood commended chairman, called on him to speak. Brian Grant for the fine work he had Bayer used the CKcasion to immedi­ done as interim pastor, and the ately request an ad hoc commission to Board voted to record an expression study in depth the problems of wor­ of gratitude. Brian was asked to be a ship—in time for at least some im­ part time worker with University plementation by fall. Mr. William Church's youth program, which he Weaver accepted tiie chair of the accepted. commission, whose task was to (1) study the meaning of worship in the Weekend Retreat with the New life of the Christian community as it Minister has developed in the history of the The new minister made another church, (2) study and evaluate the request, a weekend retreat of the of­ nature of worship as it has been ficial Church Board. Thus, soon practiced at University Church, and thereafter, on a Saturday morning, (3) make recommendations concern­ the group convened at Fred Hender­ ing the appropriate meaning and son's Southtown Planning Associa­ structure of worship at University tion office in the Englewood neigh­ Church for the future. borhood. Twenty-four members, rep­ The next Sunday, members resenting both the outgoing and in­ stayed after chrirch for the annual coming board, spent the day, first in meeting of the congregation. The business session and then in discus­ Stewardship Committee presented a sions led by Bayer. letter from the minister to church During the business session, members and friends setting forth the William Weaver moved a board- financial status and asking for sponsored membership in the Quad­ rangle Qub for the minister, renew­ begin in tiie fall the formation of a ing an earlier suggestion by Don Commission on Witness through Browning. It was voted to arrange for which the church "may be guided and finance the dues of such a mem­ toward relevant, adequate and bership. (Bayer does not remember meaningful structures for witness ever having such a church-paid and mission." membership, claiming that the Blue Bayer urged the reading of Gargoyle was much more his style.) twentieth century theologians, espe­ Much of the day was given to cially those addressing "Church Re­ discussing a long "State of the Union" newal" from the radical proposal that paper, addressed by Bayer to the the churches might well be closed, to Board/Staff and, in fact, to the whole the more recent reaffirmation that congregation, to whom it was even­ the worshipping life of congregations tually mailed. In the paper, Charles provides vitality and meaning for noted certain attitudes evident to him social reform. in the "mood of the congregation": Regarding worship life, Charles "pessimism bordering on despair suggested (1) rearranging the Chiu-ch among the people as they faced the School schedule so that middle problems of making University grade children and up might attend Church again a well-attended, 'going' congregational worship, (2) bringing congregation." He said he felt the Communion to a more meaningful longer tenured folk were inclined part in the life of the whole congre­ toward preoccupation with memories gation, and (3) making a concerted of "the great days" of the pioneering effort to increase attendance at wor­ past He doubted whether people ship. presently were ready for the experi­ Finally, regarding Stewardship ence of following a strong new lead­ and Finance, Charles urged that the ership with new, well-defined goals. church use the resources of Capital And finally, he said he missed a cer­ Funds for the current operational tain element of human warmth and needs. (In a recent conversation, he cordiality, both in the matter of pas­ quipped that he remembered asking toral concern and in the interpersonal for two things: tiiat the Capital relationship generally. Fimds be used and if the funds were Based on these observations, exhausted and the church continued Bayer made recommendations which to die, the last thousand be used for a were discussed at the retreat (1) big final party; and secondly, that make the Messenger a weekly one- church keys be passed out to every­ page-both-sides sheet and mail it tm- one, so that the church might truly be der a post office permit (2) reinstate unlocked!) the Friday night dinner—monthly or Don Steward led a session at the semi-monthly—for informal discus­ retreat on Values of Our Heritage. sion, (3) establish more face to face Long-time members recalled ways in groups, (4) begin ministry beyond which the church carried on during the "grand, tiiick, stone walls," (5) the "Forty-Year Experiment"—the that by the grace of God pastorate of Dr. Edward Scribner University Church can be­ Ames. They talked about their pio­ come again a significant neering in "Open Membership," their church, with a significant reasons for having no creed, the ori­ mission, a lively fellow­ gin of the oft-quoted "manifesto" to ship, a credit and inspira­ make religion "as intelligent as sci­ tion to the Brotherhood, a ence, as appealing as art, as vital as power in the community." the day's work, as intimate as home, and as inspiring as love." They con­ There were members, however, cluded diat the most influential ap­ who questioned whether ti\e church peal of those 40 years was "ttie power had gotten to quite that sad a condi­ of preaching and the persuasive in­ tion. fluence of the able, devoted, friendly leadership of Dr. Ames. Changes in the Wind Board action taken at the retreat, By September, changes were in based on the new minister's recom­ die wind. Margaret Metiieny of the mendations included (1) reinstating Worship Committee announced to Friday night dinners (actually becom­ the Board that on the first Sunday of ing occasional Sunday night dinners, each month Communion would be (2) beginning two adult discussion part of the regular worship service. groups and other groups, perhaps, On other Svmdays it would remain a for fellowship; and (3) using Capital separate 10:40 a.m. service. Funds for the present pressing fi­ The parsonage had been spiffed nancial needs, but working toward a up; Carole Bayer wrote a beautiful state of fiscal self-support at the earli­ note of thanks to Bob Klings, prop­ est time when that is possible. erty chair. Pledges were in for more By the end of the week-end re­ than $18,000 (toward a goal of treat, which reconvened Sunday af­ $25,000), a figure weU ahead of the ternoon and worked through the prior year. And more changes were early evening, the Board felt that a in the air. new era was beginning. There was eloquence and hope in Charles' final A Faiied Attempt at an Ecu­ words of the State of the Union pa­ menical Experiment per: Bayer raised a brand new issue. It is time to tear down the There was a rumor that St Paul's crepe and put some fresh Church and die Church of the Re­ curtains in the windows deemer (both Episcopal congrega­ and some flowers on the tions) were expected to merge, but siU, and perhaps even Redeemer, pressed into vacating their clean the walls. It is time present property by October, 1968, to dream and plan and af­ were seeking alternative facilities and firm. It is time to know had explored the possibility of using space in University Church. Brent Disciples service at 11:15. Many House (the Episcopal Campus Minis­ special Episcopal services were noted try), which was meeting in Bond for the church year. Chapel, expressed interest in joining When copies e appearance that indeed, things Medical Center. looked up for University Church. During the Christmas season the The Coordinatig 0>mmittee for high school and Chi Rho young Youdi in Hyde Park (Chaired by people used money they had raised Bayer) conducted a successful stun- from car washes, baby-sitting, etc. to mer program with neighborhood take 10 children from the Angel youtit. Participating groups included Guardian Home on a shopping spree the Hyde Park YMCA, the H.P. Co­ downtown. operative Ministry, the H.P. Council of Churches and Synagogues, H.P- How the New Year Began Kenwood Community Conference, Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, and With the arrival of 1969 there interested citizens. Sharon Counts was sad news: Elmer Metheny died, coordinated all the volunteers for the a grave loss to his family and to his summer project many foiends in University Church. But there was also good news: As the fall program began, Ann Charles Sherman, having finished his Bartram was added to the staff as Di­ Ph.D. degree, accepted chairmanship rector of Church School and David of the long-awaited University Breed as Director of Children's Mu­ Church Commission on Mission and sic. These two new staff members Structure. And there was interesting were in addition to Loel Callahan news for the drama lovers: T he P la y and Roy Davis, mentioned earlier. o f H erod was scheduled. It was per­ Qark Willianison spoke at the formed at University Church by the 74th Anniversary Dinner in October Episcopal Student Choir, in coopera­ on the subject, "The Future of Parish tion with University Church and the Life." At a new-style worship service Church of St Paul and tiie Redeemer. on October 27, there was an extraor­ Among University Church folk who dinary attendance of 150. But finan­ took parts: Robert Klings, Mike cial support remained a problem. Westover, Carol Browning, David Eleanor Campbell was ap­ Breed, Beth Bayer, Carol Bayer, pointed chair of die World Outreach Aileen Flax, Rosemary Ervin, Bruce Committee, and in November she Ervin, Chris Campbell, James Camp­ urged members to boycott California bell, Norman Flax, Sue Flax, Lee table grapes in order to help farm Weaver, Mimi Wuest, Margaret workers gain simple justice and Howe, Ann Campbell, Laura Haskin dignity. and Dorothy Duffell. All agreed that Lee Weaver k ^ t the church in­ the University Church building lent formed of events and projects of the itself to the 12tii century setting, and Church Women United, of which she the performance was flawless. was a very active officer, and urged their contributions to die two princi­ Church Response to Students' higher education is serving Sit-in on Campus the it and not the th ou . There is a profound feeling The students at the University of that like it or not the pres­ Chicago who had become radicalized ent policies of the univer­ by their opposition to the Vietnam sity are really supporting War were drawn together, generally, an immoral war. There is aroimd that issue. Then gradually, more than just a little many other issues gathered aroimd suspicion that the univer­ that central (me. When a favorite sity is growing at die ex­ faculty member was refused tenure pense of human beings in and students felt they had no demo­ Wocxllawn and Kenwood, cratic meth(xl of recourse, they de­ who are being bulldozed cided to protest by (xrcupying the out and have no recourse Administration Building. because they are poor, Because the Blue Gargoyle had powerless and Black. claimed and earned the campus There is a heavy feeling reputation as a "free store in a com­ that too many professors pany town," it was not surprising are interested in research tiiat some of tfie plans for occupying and not in students and die University of Chicago Admini­ diat the publish-or-perish stration Builciing by students were notion successfully walls made on Gargoyle turf. Bayer, disa­ off faculty and students. I greeing widi their tactics while suspect that what the stu- agreeing with their cause, gave his . dents are really hghting for interpretation to the church: is a way to carve out a place where individual They are saying that the worth is affirmed over most grave need in our against die powers and nation at the moment is to principalities. affirm the value of people over against the dehuman­ Again, church thinking was di­ izing factors which sur­ verse: Some applauded Bayer's round people. The issue is words, while others were quite op­ not whether one professor posed to students having die audac­ ou^t to be rehired or ity to take over a public building, and whedier students should even more opposed to the idea of be on hiculty committees. University Church b ^ g at all in­ The issue is reaUy over volved. whether diis and other Bayer stood his ground. He large universities are ac­ said that in the past week there had tually serving the indus- been meetings in the church building trial-military-govemment of groups supporting the take-over as complex in increasingly well as groups against such an action. subtle ways; whether He reported duit when students came Glenda Kapsalis had written a strik­ to him asking for a place for a large ing new hymn. Ed Campbell and meeting he gave the foiu* rules: (1) Sharon Counts had organized banner Any meeting held must be an open making with much help fiom Gladys meeting where all points of view are Finn and a coterie of others. Bri^t able to be expressed, (2) It must be banners—widi themes which set the understood that by allowing this Church and its Gospel into a world of space to be used neither the church cities and science—had begun to nor the Gargoyle takes a position on sprout from die large pillars which the issues at hand nor does the use of lined the sanctuary. Tom Faulkner the building imply endorsement of had thought through the continuity either what is said or of the groups of the service. Maggie Howe danced. sponsoring the meeting, (3) The The children took the ofiering in a church is not to be used as a staging striking way and then talked about area from which demonstrations are what it means to give. But most re­ launched, and (4) There is to be abso­ membered in that service was the lutely no smoking, drinking, or food "urban" cross, planned ahead by Bob of any kind in the pews ("a matter of Whitney, and made on die spot from housekeeping, not a matter of tfieol- a steel I-beam which was carried ogy,** Bayer quipped). The group in­ down the center aisle during the volved decided to hold their meeting service of worship, cut, welded and disewhere. hung on the chancel wall as the cli­ The above clarification of max of the service. The M essen g er building use did not suffice. There noted, "It was a service of joyous were church members—especially worship and celebration, the center of some who served in the university which was the Christian affirmation admmistration and on the faculty, diat speaks to our ambiguities and who felt threatened or embarrassed die climax of which was the great by die Gargoyle. This included some steel cross." really kindhearted, intelligent mem­ CBS Network TV was diere bers of the church, who found it dif­ taping die service, a portion of which ficult to relate to equally altruistic, was shown on at least two network intelligent hut radical, students of news shows. the 60 s. Attention Paid to Traditional The Hanging of Banners and Liturgy the C ross Margaret Metheny, who made When University Church unusual counts during church serv­ alumni get together around die ices, did a particular kind of count in country, someone invariably reminds a well-attended new-style service in the others of the sovice of worship late February. She foimd that of the February 10, 1969, "when the cross 130 present, only 28 were over 48 was hung!" Carol Browning and years of age. For some it meant diat the services were not meeting needs Fire in the Church of older people. But others observed that two and a half years before, By far the most traumatic event diere were only about 30 in atten­ for the church in many years hap­ dance, so the 100 additionals were pened in May of 1 9 6 9 . Bayer was the surprising fact awakened by a tdephone call shortly before 6:00 a.m. a Thursday. It was Nevertheless, in an attempt to John Jones, a troubled fellow who reach out to those who felt some al­ frequented the Gargoyle, reporting ienation in the new worship forms, that the church was on tire! Bayer the leadership decided to stick to grabbed on a raincoat over his paja­ traditional forms during Lent lit­ mas and made a dash down Uni­ urgy developed by the Consultation versity Avenue from the parsonage a on Church Union (COCU) was used block-and-a-half nordi. When he each Simday. Though it seemed dull opened the chtm:h door he was met to many yoimger people who were with billows of smoke. He remem­ attracted to the experimental litur­ bers crawling tiirough tihe sanctuary gies, it spoke to the needs of the more to get below the smoke. His goal was traditional members and that seemed to get die doors open from the inside at ttie time an important considera­ so that the firemen would not be tion. tempted to use axes on that venerable oak. Two fires had been set—one in Church Family News: Sad, the library and one in the dining Happy, Traumatic room. They were extinguished with­ Word was received in February out any structural damage, but the of the death of Dr. W. E. Ganison, a place was blackened with soot distinguished Disciples historian and Bayer wrote: former member of the church. I have rarely been down At the same time, there were lower than I was at 7:30 happy events: for instance, the a.m. Thursday morning. wedding of Nancy Tucker and Rich­ The firemen were gone. ard Reed, on February 23rd, when The multitudes of police both fadiers (clergymen) participated had not arrived. in the s^vice. The fire didn't wake a n y ­ Another bit of happy news was b o d y in the neighborhood. that young people in the church were I was covered with soot, giving free baby-sitting service each inside and out and was Saturday morning so diat Qara and sitting alone on the fiont Warren Copeland, as part of Uieir steps of what looked to be Social CoiKems assignment could at the time a smoking attend services at Operation Bread­ ruin. basket Then, he said, students began local members who are no longer ac­ passing on their way to classes or the tive? library. Some decided to stop and A Methodist couple who had help clean. Scores of persons from become active in the life of University the congregation and community Church felt left out when they re­ joined the students. After some 2000 ceived a letter which addressed them human hours of work in two days, as non-member participants. The they were able to hold the annual husband asked, **In what sense am I a meeting of the congregation in the non-member of the Church? After sanctuary on Friday evening, and a being ordained for six years wifii ten big Gargoyle concert on Saturday. years status in my own denomina­ John Jones was taken into cus­ tion, 1 feel somewhat dispos­ tody by police officers. Bayer, sessed... Either one is a member of knowing some of the young man's the Church (and therefore, each local problems, asked that he first be expression of it) or one is not" The hospitalized. Later he was convicted question that faced University in coiui and served a jail sentence. Church was this; Is one a part of the As for the insurance, it was set­ body because one is listed in some tled fairly, according to the policy, record as part of the body or because and Mr. Henderson worked witti in­ one participates in that body? It was surance agents until full future cov­ important that the issue was raised, erage was assured. But by far, God's though no definitive answer could be great gift to the church in that event given. By the end of the year, a sur­ was the outpouring of love and sup­ vey showed that fiiere were 1 9 2 units port from students, other churches (families or singles) in the church, 57 and the community at large. The first of whom were "active members". gift was $100 rushed over by the There were 85 non-member units pastor of the Unitarian Church before participating to some degree. the smoke had settled. Cards and Pentecost was celebrated on letters poured in from caring friends May 25,1969 with a siiKrere effort to of the church across the nation, and understand what has been meaning­ many community fhends here in ful to the Church throughout its his- Hyde Park. toiy and not m«ely what is new and difierent Bayer rejected that "It in­ Church Membership is Ques­ cluded an attempt to hear some of the tioned unknown tongues ctf our age and to make sense out of the resulting con­ The issue of the meaning of fusion." membership was raised. 9iould the Hedges received for 1969-70 <^cial list of Uk church be one of so- called memb«s, or should it be one (July to June fiscal year) amounted to of participants? Should active par­ over $28,000, up by 30% over pledges ticipants be given more status than of the year b^ore, according to Don Heckennan, chairman of the Stew­ ardship Committee. In 1968, $23,200 that ministry. University Quuxrh in­ of capital funds had been used to cluded. augment the budget down $6000 There was a growing feeling from $29,498 in 1%7, but still being that when Loel Callahan completed used at a distressing rate from the his term of service as the Gargoyle's viewpoint of long standing members minister to street youth, the position of the church. should be filled by a street-wise Black man. These were trying times Fall: The Start of a **New Year^ for both the street youth who felt al­ With the 1%9 summer vacation- ienated and rebellious and for ing over. University Church began churches which took seriously the revving up for "the new year," her­ challenge to minister to them but felt alded always by the students appear­ at times unable to cope. ing again on campus. The Gargoyle In the meantime, the Gargoyle hired a new manager, Dick Bathrick, opened for the 1969-70 year witii a who, by his Gargoyle position, would program that included seminars, be officially on the church stafr. theater, poetry, a free school, and Sharon Coimts was hired as Gargoyle musical activities through the aus­ program coordinator. pices of the American Association for The previous year, the Gargoyle Creative Musicians. Steering Committee had recom­ The church's adult Sunday mended that the facility itself operate school classes were coordinated by more as a coffee house than as a teen- Alan Leak, who for a time also of­ center, with primary responsibility to fered a Friday morning Bible Study. University students during ti»e com­ Linda Haslach accepted the interim ing year. Nevertheless, responsibility choir directorship while Carol to the youth culture in Hyde Park Browning, director, spent the year in remained a primaiy concern, and France. Linda's husband Bob volun­ steps to provide a more adequate teered to work with Gargoyle stu­ street youth ministry were urgently dents in theater activities. needed. Certain objects and actions take The YWCA was pulling out of on symbolic significance in an or­ the Hyde Park Coordinated Youth ganization, accruing to themselves Program. It felt that its very survival much more meaning Bum their actual depended upon the elimination of function seems to merit Such was die problems created by such a drop- die case with the iron grill doors pro­ in program operating in its facilities. posed for the top of the stairway To make matters worse, Ed Bowman, leading from the first floor. The pur­ director of Hyde Park Coordi­ pose was to secure the second floor nated Youdi Program, resigned. This during Gargoyle activities on the first meant more responsil^fy was floor. For some University Church placed on those churches and organi­ members, fltose iron doors did not zations which remained a part of seem a proper symbol for a church! due time, however, they were ac­ people. Shortly thereafter the CYF cepted as a reasonable response to spent a fall retreat week-end with the need for security in a church youth and leaders of Hyde Park Un­ which opened wide its doors to the ion Church, who reported that the community. University Church youth discussed witii amazing competence toeir CYF and Chi Ro's in the views on ti»e Vietnam war. By C h u rch agreement, both sides of the issue were heard. Whafs more, the youth Rev. William Nottingham, a began gearing up for a Washington staff member of the Disciples Divi­ Peace March trip. sion of Overseas Ministries, spoke at the 76th Aimiversary of University Jean Ervin and Dottie Dale as­ Church. The CYF youth, still heady sisted Roy Davis by accepting coor­ with memories of their trip to Florida dinating roles for CYF and Chi Rho diuing the summer—with money youth respectively. Ms. Dale's first tiiey had raised themselves—were tasks were to help Roy plan a Chi waiting tables at the Anniversary Rho retreat and to assist toose Junior Dinner. Somehow, the dramatics highers in showing Christmas spirit they had been invited to perform to children from the Elliot Donnelley during the Dinner got scuttled. This Youth Center. Ms. Ervin gave lead­ incident like the grill door debate, ership to the District CYF weekend seemed to carry a lot of symbolic based at University Church, at which significance. Tom Glass wrote a 45 young people from around metro­ scathing M essen g er letter "To Whom," politan Chicago worshipped, dis­ saying, among other criticisms di­ cussed and played together, attempt­ rected toward an unidentified old- ing to glimpse the world through one guard: "You really broke my heart another's eyes. At least two yoimg Friday night Chie of my greatest ex­ people from tfiat CYF group are now periences in this church was working ordained ministers: Ana Dale and with titat great group of high school Bruce Ervin. young people last year, developing Another Experiment in Ecu­ those infamous plays" (a kind of street theater.) "You really showed menicity them where its at by telling them (in University Church and Hyde so many words) that you expected Park Union Church engaged in a them to be seen serving but not h ea rd short spell of ecumenicity, joining in doing their thing..." a series of Stmday morning services, If the CYF felt rebuffed at ttie including both Sunday School and dinner, it certainly did not slow worship. The first one was at Union down their activities. Roy Davis Church the first Sunday of Novem­ maintamed a tireless staff role with ber. Robert Middleton, Union both tl« CYF (high school) and Chi Church minister, preached and Bayer Rho (junior high) church young celebrated commuiuon. The next, an Advent celebration at University ered around potluck, sang and made Church, was held the second Sunday decorations. On Christinas Eve there in December. No merger negotia­ was another potluck followed by a tions were going on, but in these candle light communion service. services, and in a joint discussion Thus ended the calendar year 1969 in group which met more often, indi­ the life of University Church. vidual members of each church The new decade brought new sought to know more about life in die experiences in the life of the church, others' congregation. And there were as well as file development of struc­ financial considerations involved. tures to more ably administer the Members in bodi congregations many activities in which University voiced doubts that either one could Church was already engaged. make it financially alone. Most change brought vitality to It was equally doubtful that the the church. Along with those two congregations could successfully changes were others which were nec­ make it together. Tom Glass ex­ essary but unwelcome. For instance, pressed the sentiment of the more Charles Sherman found that his new radical wing in University Church, teaching job at the University of Illi­ who saw diese joint services as a con­ nois in Champaign made it impossi­ servative move on the part of Uni­ ble for him to finish his term as versity Church; "We have spent two Church Board Chairman. Mr. Sher­ years and more breaking out of some man was the first person of color to traditional boxes and now you, hold that highest office, and it was Charles, have retreated back into difficult to have to accept his resig­ them." To say the least these were nation. Fortunately, Don Heckerman labor pain times, and what was to be agreed to take ov^* the post, and birdied from University Church's di­ gave good leadership during fiie versity was not yet made manifest church's continued struggle to define But there were good people among its identity and to agree on its mis­ both the 60's radicals and the more sion. traditional members. And fiiey both In February Eleanor Campbell did love the church. reported on a series of small single In the meantime, hfeadville evening house meetings, designed to Unitarian Seminary and Chicago give members an opportunity to Theological Seminary released stu­ choose a convenient time to express dents to work at the Gargoyle as part their feelings about the church. of their Ministry to People programs. Though fiiey had hoped for twice as It was encouraging that leadoshipin many participants, a total of 70 did these two seminaries bdd file Blue attend, and these meetings were re­ Gargoyle (and with it. University ported to have been efiective. Church) in high regard. Christmas Sunday was Decem­ ber 21. That evening families gath­ Experiences in "House encouraging. The Weiboldt Founda­ C h u rch es" tion gave $10,000 to be used at the discretion of the nine member Gar­ Early in the year. Art Foster, a goyle Steering Committee. The Gar­ Chicago Theological Seminary fac­ goyle had high profile on campus. ulty member, and May Foster joined Still, the more popular the Gargoyle University Church. They volun­ became, the more necessary it was to teered to give leadership to a new assure some church members that venture in church life called "House they were not losing their church to Churches." Though borrowing some the outside community. mediods from encounter groups, The April board meeting was which were very popular in the 70's, arranged to give major discussion to "House Churches" were distinct in the future of the Gargoyle. Bayer re­ that diey were unapologetically ported to the Board that toe four Christian in character. guidelines set the year before were Foster first proposed to the still in place: Gargoyle meetings Board a weekend maratiion church would be "open" with all sides repre­ encoimter group. The proposal was sented. No implication would be passed and the group, limited to 20, made toat there was church en­ had an amazingly meaningful week­ dorsement of views expressed in end. By the month of May, plans those meetings. The Gargoyle would were underway to have several not act as a staging groimd for dem­ groups, some marathons and some onstrations. And toere would be no scheduled once a week for an agreed smoking, drinking or food in the upon number of weeks. Church pews. members were trained and in turn By toe summer of 1970, Charles led some of the groups. House Bayer had completed three of his six Churches thrived for several years, years of ministry at University and helped to cement hiendships Church. He had given much energy which made individuals, as weU as and creativity to his ministry. He the church, stronger as a result had fought valiantly tor what he be­ The Status of the Blue Gar­ lieved to be toe church's mission, and generally it was with optimism and a goyle sense of humor. Even when he felt "a The Gargoyle showed some chink in my armor of optimism" he very hopeful signs. David kept going. And certainly his minis­ Hakken, who was already on the try began a new day in University Gargoyle staff, was hired by the Church—in its worship and in its Porter Foimdation to be an interim mission within its walls. If there was campus minister, working, as Larry any weakness in Bay«''s leadership Hill had done, from the Gargoyle. during those three years, it just might The Gargoyle finances, after two have been that he failed to recognize years of touch-and-go, were actually toe potential allies among those he temved traditionalists. But then who are we to pass judgment? Those were the radical late 60's, and minis­ tering by those widi a conscience was risky! After Bayer resigned from his ministry at University Church, he di­ rected the work of a Chicago based foundation for about two years, and then accepted a call to become pastor at Central Christian Church in St Jo­ seph, Missoiui. During a lengthy pastorate there he has written a weekly coliunn in the local paper, given commentary on Ae news twice a week for Ae ABC TV affiliate, and auAored four books: Guide to Libera­ tion Theology, Hope for the Mainlilne Church, When it is Dark Enough, and A Lay Person's Guide to Theology. Bayer plans to retire m January, 1995. CHARLES HARVEY LORD, 1970-1989

he period of time covered Church as agent for the campus min­ in this portion of University istry of the Porter Fotmdation. Chiuvh's history coincides Charles Bayer was to be recognized T as the campus pastor for the Porter with tile ministry of Charles Harvey Lord, Harvey arrived in 1970 as a Foundation, spending half of his time campus minister and became minis­ with students, and half of his time ter, and then co-minister, and then with the church program. As Charles minister of University Church until pointed out in a June M essen g er, "The his o f f i c i a l retirement in 1989. This main focus of our mission is still di­ period of church history is character­ rected toward tiie University and the ized by the growth of the congrega­ youth of our commimity." tion, Ae increased participation of Plans were made to seek an­ women and minorities in member­ other full time minister to be brought ship and in leadership, and the move to work jointly with tiie congregation away from the Blue Gargoyle as pri­ and with students. Charles Bayer af­ mary mission of the church. Many firmed in tile M essen g er on July 14, persons served in ministry roles in 1970, "The coming of the Lords to the church in that time, and their in­ join in the work of University Church dividual contributions and struggles and its deep involvement with stu­ often mirror the activity in the dents is an important event in our church. congregational history." By August 1 Harvey Lord was "on board" sharing Shared ministry of Charles ministry with Charles Bayer. Bayer and Harvey Lord Charles Harvey Lord, usually In early 1970 Rev. Charles Bayer identified as C Harvey Lord, or was the sole minister of the congre­ simply called Harvey, was bom Feb­ gation, writing weekly columns for ruary 2, 1924 in Little Rock, Arkan­ the M essen g er and actively lobbying sas. His parents were Dr. Jethro for political action- Charles' ministry Dean Lord, a dentist, and Martha would change character radically Wetterau Lord, a homemaker and later tiiis year, as an expanded role mother. Harvey was tiie fifth in a for campus ministry brought a sec­ family of six children. His parents ond minister to University Church. were active in tiie First Christian Church in Littie Rock. In April, 1970, the Church Board approved the role of University Harvey received his B.A. from Harvey's work in the Christian Phillips University in Enid, Okla­ Theological Seminary began. While homa, in 1945. Ordained to the at die Seminary, he took a leading Christian nunistry in 1947, he earned part as Dean of Students in relating his M.Div. from Union Theological students to the life and work of die Seminary in New York Qty in 1952 community. He had also been one of and his M.A. from the University of the leading political organizers in the Chicago in 1965. During Harv^'s state of Indiana. The fit with Uni­ pastorate at University Church he versity Church and its commitment finished his Ph.D. from the Univer­ to students, the community, and to sity of Chicago. active political involvement was just After marrying May Sweet in right 1947, Harvey accepted a ministry position in the Philippines until 1950. He served at Northern Christian College, the Vigan Christian Training Institute, and Apayao Christian High School. Harvey and May's oldest son Timothy was bom in Manila. After returning from the Philippines and spending time at Union Theological Seminary, Harvey served as pastor of die First Christian Church in Ed­ mond, Oklahoma where his son, Ste­ phen, and daughter, Marilyn, were bom. The year 1957 saw Harvey's first pastorate in Chicago, where he was the organizing pastor of the Christian Church of Villa Park. In 1%2, Harvey had resigned from the pastorate the Christian C Harvey Lord Church of Villa Park, where he had A service of celebration of the been the founding pastor, and moved joint ministiy of University Church with his wife. May Sweet Lord, and and the Porter foundation and instal­ his three children, Tim, Steve, and lation for Charles and Harvey oc­ Marilyn, into an apartment on South curred in September. The Sunday Drexel Avenue, to pursue an ad­ celebration of the new team ministiy vanced degree at the University of was an occasion of high excitement Chicago. May was then a teacher in A multi-media event that included the Chicago public schools, and the Bob Wells and his associates and art­ family stayed in Hyde Park for five ists frx>m the Center for Contempo­ years until Harvey passed his Ph.D. rary Celebration provided a back­ qualifying exams in 1%7. The family drop for the festive occasion. Kent then moved to Indianapolis, where Schneider and the Dukes of Kent per­ formed^ Ed Campbell led die making Sunday mornings faced die of new brilliant baimers, Carol usual challenges. The familiar issue Browning peimed a new song, and of children in worship led to a dis­ Mike Westover created a new calen­ cussion of moving the worship hour dar cover. The publicity for tfie in­ to an earlier time. The point would stallation included these words from be to allow for an hour and a half Harvey: children's education program which would run from 10:30 until noon. Take your children in widi Another reason for moving to an ear­ you. There are no long lier worship time was that "the in­ speeches or talks that creased use of church hours for would make them fidgety. meetings of all kinds often makes it What is said will be in well into the afternoon imtil people sound, sight, and acts that leave the building." Nursery care at they may imderstand even that time was done by volunteers, better than the rest of us. and the church school for children This is an hour they will through die second grade was held not soon forget during worship. There was a sub­ In a follow-up article in the Oc­ stantial youdi fellowship group, quite tober 20, 1970 M essen g er, Harvey de­ Ktive in local and regional church lightedly thanked all who made the activities. Twenty five members of day a unique one, and said, "I prom­ the junior hi^ youth group who ise you to attempt to be faithful to the called themselves the Chi Rhos, at­ heritage of this church and to the tended a citywide youth retreat openness and creativeness of its pres­ The fall focus was to be on the ent membership." development of new models for pastoral care, led by Art Foster. The Church and The Blue Gar­ These "C-groups" would be small goyle groups of persons meeting around a The Blue Gargoyle staff and the central idea or issue, and meeting for church staff were intermingled at this several weeks in a row. These C- time. The church seemed to be open groups would require both pastoral at all times to almost all people. A and significant lay leadership. list of activities occurring at die Eventually C-groups would form church in a particular week included around such issues as the roles of all of these: sewing-weaving, gay lib­ men and women in contemporary eration, poetry workshop, black stu­ society, enjoying city living, develop­ dent coalition, "urban communal ing interpersonal communication living," the 28 Qub, ecumenical skills, living in community, and Christian council, urban studies, die freeing iq> for social action. These C- new university, drama, WRAP groups continued to meet during the group, and a folk night Loel Calla­ year, despite tiie fears and hesitations han was the director of the youth of many members. program at die Gargoyle in die fall. Dining room services continued there were otiiers who had felt on a regular basis. These services, equally disturbed by the CYF part of less formal than those held in die the Children's Day worship. sanctuary, were held around the ta­ Members of the CYF responded bles and featured a commimion in in the same June 30 issue, by saying die style of the Last Supper. Advent in part, "The CYFers realize tiiat their services were held joindy with Union pres^itation at the Children's Day Church. Three choir directors shared worship service was very grim, but duties; Linda Haslack, David Breed, thafs the way any presentation and then Carol Browning upon her dealing witii the trend of die US to­ return hem France. The social life of ward an imdemocratic society has to the congregation was lively, includ­ be." The letter was signed by Chris ing a Mardi Gras Party, and wine and James Campbell, Ana Dale, and cheese parties offered for yoimg Bruce Ervin, and several other youth couples and singles. There were also who were not regular attenders of the family camping weekends and an all Sunday morning church service. church picnic at Promontory Point Charlie Bayer's evaluation of the Serious topics and a strong po­ whole process was, "The way diis litical agenda marked the dialog in church has handled this matter had the church. Sermons appearing in been beautiful. We are not really full text in the M essen g er included afraid of conflict and everybody in sermons on race and women's issues. question who has had anything to After the Kent State killings in May, say has done so with considerable the youth participated in a service in grace." which a draft card was burned. Many of diese youth were part of the Finances Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) for At the aimual business meeting high school youtii. There followed a in May, the congregation voted to ac­ lively series of letters and responses cept a budget of $52,420 for the Jime in the M essen g er by Gladys Finn and to June fiscal year; this was 5% below Ana Dale and other youth. Gladys the previous year's budget The began the discussion with a letter to drain on the Capital Funds was the editor in the June 16 M essen g er. noted, and the need for more money After describing what she saw in the had been expressed earlier in the service, she concluded diat die draft year by Charles. "We need persons card burning was "an unoriginal, who are active in the work of this theatrical performance—a cheap, church to declare themselves identi­ tawdry, copy-cat stunt, morally, if fiable members o f the congregation. not legally, offensive. I felt the ex­ We need a broader base of support hibition was an unwarranted dese­ financially. *Nuff said,"^ This theme cration of the church altar." Bill and of needing more members and more Lee Weaver added a letter in the next money just will not go away. issue, making it clear that aldiough Gladys had "stuck her neck ouL" The Year Begins extremely useful in growth and de­ velopment, others found them threat­ After much discussion at the ening and unhelpful. Charles evalu­ meetings of the Board, the congrega­ ated the effectiveness of the C-group tion was polled about the change in experiment by saying, "The results the hour of worship. With a vote of clearly indicate that there was a forty seven to twenty two, the change minimum of hurt anywhere and a to a 10:30 worship hour was made maximum of growth, and that the and quickly assimilated by the wor­ social witness of the church was en­ shipping members. Charles and hanced as persons became more Qara Copeland provided leadership sensitive to human need." in Christian education, begiiming widi an early article in die M essen g er Global and Local Mission announcing. This year in the church saw the We think that the church global focus on peace issues and the school ought to be allowed Vietnam War. Carole Bayer jour­ to die a proper and pub­ neyed to Paris to witness for peace licly announced death. with a delegation from the Disciples This is not because we of Christ to the Consultation of Prot­ take the education task of estant leaders. This group of fifty the church less seriously church men and women from nine than did om fathers, but denominations and two inter­ because we take it more denominational groups called for seriously. Christian edu­ Washington to set a date for total cation is too important to wididrawal from Indochina. be relegated to a Christian Education Committee or In tune widi Carole's trip, the embodied in classes for congregation called a meeting to act children, with an educa­ upon several issues of peace, includ­ tional adult class thrown ing the People's Peace Treaty. The in. congregation adopted three proposi­ tions expressing opposition to the In­ The Copelands hoped to make dochina War and calling for em­ Christian education coitral at Uni­ ployment of methods to Ining an versity Church. immediate end to that conflict The Several models of Christian M essen g er reported the results of the education would be tried in the next congregational meeting to be in few years, and this year there would strong opposition to the war. By a be several adult forums on Sundays vote of eighty eight to four, they ap­ after the worship services. proved the proposition that "University Church shall go on rec­ There was much dialog about ord as bcdng opposed to American the participation of members of die involvement in the Indochina War." church in "C-groups." While some The Board also accepted a resolution found these small encoimter groups sponsored by the youth to make Uni­ versity Church a Peace Church; like steps to mitigating our inherent vio­ the Brethren and the Quakers, this lence." designation would assist pacifist youth in tiieir opposition to partici­ Changes in Leadership pating in niilitary service. The youth In the fall, Simday morning eventually took this resolution to the chiueh leadership was marked by Assembly in St Louis, where the de­ change. Clara Copeland left as Direc­ nomination voted favorably on the tor of Christian Education and Merry resolution. Wood Allen was appointed to this Locally, the Blue Gargoyle still position. Bob Schaper was the in­ dominated die mission of the church, terim youdi minister until C Bemie with a suggestion that every member Brown was called to be die Com­ volunteer an hotu each week in the munity Youth Minister in November. kitchen. A group ministry, calling Charles Bayer asked the congregation itself the Kenwood Commune, would for a leave of absence beginning the run the Blue Gargoyle for the next following July. year. Zoning problems and the opening of an organic food co-op Changes of Space were two of the Gargoyle's issues this After lengthy discussion, the year. A group called "Changes" came pews were temporarily arranged so to meet in the Gargoyle's space. that the center of the sanctuary was The church, in being open to the open space. "It is not a gimmick." problems of the city through the Gar­ This bold move allowed the devel­ goyle, was also acquainted with the opment of much creative worship violence of tire city. In February, the experience. In addition to helping church was hit by the diird fire with this moving of the pews. Bob bombing in as many years. The ar­ Klings put in a new kitchen floor and sonist apparently entered through the a stove. basement A February 23 M essen g er affirmed the will of the chiirch to Life of the Congregation continue to open its doors to the The 28 Qub had parties, one of problems of the world. "This build­ the last being a Christmas gathering. ing is a tool for our ministry. We Thirty three members and friends have cho9«i a rocky field and that joined as a choir to sing carols under means we take our chances." the leadership of B. Fred Wise. Don In the fall, Victor and Susan Steward showed ofi his skills at Hallberg, Gai'goyle staff members, making paper Christmas trees and were assaulted in thdr apartment wooden toys. The celelu-ation was at and Victor was shot This time Har­ the Lords, where a weed painted vey's response in tfw M essen g er white and decorated with doves and (S^tember 7, 1971) was "One really flowers served as flie alternative wonders how long it will be until we Christmas tree. This tradition of the Americans take some elementary J^se tree was eventually adopted by University Church during many Ad­ It will be quite some time before this vent seasons. last issue is addressed in a satisfying The playreading group met way. regularly. Thanksgiving and This year of 1972-1973 feels en­ Ouistmas Eve w oe occasions for all­ ergy growing in the congregation church potluck dinners. The children and in toe Gargoyle. Lots of issues of the Church School presented a hit toe pages of toe M essen g er and the program on "Christmas in Mexico." Board discussions. This church still The congregation continued to feels like toe 60's somehow. think about its identity as a core Arts fn Church Life "old-timers" together with a group of transient students. Harvey pointed Morning worship and evening out. activities were full of the arts. There was an all church night multi-media Our ministry, and in a sense our fellowship, de­ show with music and dancing to toe pends upon a small score of "Jesus Christ Superstar." group sharing similar Merry Allen and Marilyn Lord began conunitment expressed in to work on forming a dance choir. regular worship. These An "augmented choir" performed serve as the core of a social Vaughn-Williams's "Dona Nobis Pa- resource in which hun­ cem" in Advent dreds of people find The Anniversary Dinner in Oc­ meaning and help each tober celebrated toe gifts of organist day. Less than one hun­ Hazel Quinney. This dinner was dred persons serve as the meant to be a surprise, and toe "staying power" for thou­ "official" theme was the Anniversary sands whose hip-plane of Music. One M essen g er article, in joins them with us for a drumming up publicity for the din­ while.2 ner, lifted up toe gifts of B. Fred Wise, who was literally toe song So-called "Listening Parties" leader and hymn teacher of toe de­ happened as a response; these dis­ nomination for many years. He was cussions tried to ferret out son^ of toe editor of Christian Worship, toe the discontent and to come up with finest hymnal of its time. It was un­ ways of bridging this particular gap. der his leadership that toe choir be­ One result was foat in March of 1972, came less a performing group and the 28 Oub disbanded and a new more a part of the seated congrega­ Fellowship group emerged. In tion. The choir sits, not in an isolated thinking over these issues of congre­ loft; but among the congregation, gational identity, one h A essen ger arti­ where they act as "leaven in the cle wondered why thoe are so few singing lump." blacks in the core of the membership. But toe real purpose of the even­ ing was to honor Hazel and to cele­ brate her long and brilliant ministry parties together to make sure the in music at University Church. De­ project would succeed. But as the spite everyone's best attempts^ the M essen g er reported. party had not remained a stuprise for Plans for University the guest of honor. The M essen g er Church to assume respon­ reported/ "It was the best remark of sibility for a group home the evening. Tve had a hard time for young offenders col­ keeping this diing a secret' So spoke lapsed last week when De­ Hazel Quinney at the beautiful partment of Corrections "surprise" party given in her honor."® and Church Officials were Christian Failowship unable to reach an agree­ ment about the operation There began to be interest in of such a home.^ adult Christian Education. Luther's Table Talk, sponsored jointly by the There were shootings in Hyde Porter Foimdation and the Lutheran Park and at Kenwood High School, Church, was functioning on Monday later called Kenwood Academy. Ra­ evenings with students. These dis­ cial tensions were high. In ^stra- cussions centered around a theme tion, Harvey said, "If peace is to be and provided a forum for discussion restored and some semblance of edu­ between seminary and university cational activity to resume, responsi­ students. Opportunities for fellow­ ble black leaders will have to provide ship arose in a get acquainted Itmch- a sensible focus to legitimate black eon for newcomers, and an all church feeling."® clean-up before Easter. University Church was still the center of much political activity. Local and Global Concerns Hyde Parkers organized to fight the Concerns for peace and justice war met in die church sanctuary in issues dominated tire sermons and May at a meeting led by Leon De- the articles in tfie M essen g er, spres. A dialog sermon suggested prompting one writer to remark, we need a new U. S. President and "The M essen g er is a propaganda Harvey came out strongly for sheet" McGovern in the M essen g er. Parts of the Gargoyle's pro­ Finances grams were booming. Three hun­ dred persons ate lunch at the Blue Money, particularly the use of Gargoyle every day. The plans for Capital Funds, concerned more and the Gargoyle group home, however, more of the members. Since 1968 the collapsed. The group home was church budget had grown from meant to be an alternative to prison $30,000 to $170,000, including the for young men, and much effort was Gargoyle budget and the funds relat­ put into getting all the concerned * * Messenger, Ftoruaiy 22,1972. ® M essenger, Fdmiaiy 22, 1972. ing to the student program via the less, this difficult problem was on ffie Porter Foundation. Agreeing that minds of everyone and caused great "we owe an tmpayable debt to our stress in a loving community. history," the congregation looked for ways to stop the drain on capital Church Life funds. The budget was $57^76 witii The life of the church continued a reliance on $35,000 in pledges. at its busy pace. A Family Church Harvey did active fundraising night had creativity as its theme. An while working on his dissertation. adult fellowship group, the Seren­ (This was the year when a quiet note dipity Qub, was bom. The by-laws in the M essen g er revealed tfiat Harvey were revised, and the fiscal year was had lost his chapter on "Motivation" changed from its June-June schedule and asked that people be on the to a January-January one. A lookout for it!®) The Church Board "Shalom" curriculum was raised as a asked for a review of investment possibility for Christian Education policies. and was adopted by the Board in September. The morning schedule Leadership Changes was 9:45 for church school, including Charles's funding for his sab­ adults, and 11:00 for worship. Wor­ batical did not come through, so he ship services were listed in the M es­ wididrew his request for a leave of sen g er for eleven Sundays at a time, absence. At the same time, he con­ and a Children's Choir formed for fessed his personal problems were three Sundays in Lent and Easter. causing him a great deal of pain. In The M essen g er included a discussion 1973, a special Pastoral Relations of the ritual "Kiss of Peace” and peo­ Committee was formed to review ple's comfort or discomfort with it concerns regarding the ministers of As Harvey's dissertation was the congregation. finished, ffiere came an end to the co­ This was a time of great per­ ministry of Charles and Hiuvey. Af­ sonal pain for the congregation as it ter seven years as minister, in Sep­ struggled with the divorce of Charles tember, 1973, Charles Bayer sent a and Carole Bayer. This will not be letter to John Chappel, then Chair­ the last time the issue of divorce man of the Congregation, resigning comes up for the members of Uni­ as pastor of University Chiuxh, ef­ versity Church. Many marriages fective in October, 1973. Charles between members of the worship­ wrote to the congregation: "I am ping community were under intense crossing another threshold into an strain during this period, and some unknown land in which I hope to fell apart The congregation tried find a whole new understanding of very hard to be loving and suppor­ what it means to be involved in min­ tive to both parties and to help ease istry of the world." pain whenever possible. Neverthe­ SHARED MINISTRY WITH PEG Meanwhile, the Board found a STEARN, 1973-1982 partner in ministry for Harvey. In Sq^tember the Board recommended The begiimmg of titis period in that Harvey Lord have the role of University Church history was church administrator and that Peg marked by a detmnined congrega­ Steam serve for the next six to nine tion looking forward to a new way of months as campus minister. Peg's being r^ted to one anotiier and to service would eventually last more the world. In January a special Pas­ like six to nine y ea rs, as she served toral Relations Committee was ap­ with Harvey as co-minister until pointed to review the concerns re­ 1981. garding the ministers of the congre­ gation. Originally charged with considering Charles Bayer's requests for sabbatical, this group eventually found itself rethinking the model of pastoral leadership of University Church. While Charles Bayer gave an impassioned speech whose mes­ sage was "We are a great church about to die," the congregation saw it another way. While the strains of fi­ nancial shortfall were heavy, there was creative Blinking about how to handle the problems. Two of the main focuses of the church's mission were having heavy Peg Stem financial problems. The Gargoyle struggled for funding and the ten­ Peg Steam's Anivai sions spilled into the staB. The Por­ Arriving in Chicago looking for ter Foundation came to University a tent-making ministry. Peg fotmd Church in 1973 to do a site visit of her way to University Church and campus ministry. Their frustrating applied for the open position. Raised conclusion was that, despite its high in the Reformed Church of Flushing, rating, because University Church New York, Peg had attended college has been successful at campus minis­ in Michigan and then transferred to try and fund raising, tiieir allocation the University of New Hampshire to should be cut! Meanwhile, the trus­ finish her degree. In the summer of tees insisted that the permanent 1965, she was employed 1^ the New funds of the church, which had been Hampshire Congregational Confer­ dwindling while being used for op­ ence as a "circuit rider" to ride erating expenses, not fall below around througty>ut state setting $90,000. The recommendation was up and administering Vacation Bible that the parsonage be sold or rented. Schools. In 1966 she entered Union Theological Seminary in New Yoric, and music and brought an energetic but after two years found the pro­ spirit to die Worship Committee. gram was not fulfilling her needs. She had worked then as a social Friends of University Church worker/ a dance therapist a Jungian A creative idea diat continues to analyst And then found the climate at bear fruit is the Friends of University seminary a bit more hospitable. She Church. On "Monday noon (October returned to seminary/ transferred 29—may the day live in history)" un­ her membership to the United der the leadership of Don and Jean Church of Christ and was ordained. Ervu)/ Harvey Lord/ Ian McRae/ and The year before her arrival at Uni­ Ed Becker/ this new group was versity Church/ she had been em­ formed to allow the folks who have ployed by Union Theological Semi­ passed through University Church nary to help redesign the Master of and found it a meaningful place to Divinity curriculum along witii fac­ maintain tiieir relationship to the ulty members and administration. church and have the opportunity to In Peg's initial job description make contributions to the church part of her assignment was the budget if they wished. This group "Christian nurture of our children." continues not only to correspond and She would be preaching once a maintain contact with die church/ but month/ Harvey twice/ and other also to meet at Disciple and UCC members of the congregation would gatherings at every possible oppor­ be asked to fill the pulpit as well. tunity. The outyouring of love and Peg was also expected to play a key devotion to University Church is role in the campus ministry. perhaps manif^ted most clearly in Peg began her tenure with a the faithfulness of members of the strong voice in Christian Develop­ congregation who have left Hyde ment and in worship. The Shalom Park/ but have not forgotten the in­ curriculum, whose teaching method fluence and importance of University uses "concepts/" was tried/ and a Church in their lives. dining room service also focused on More Changes, Some More Per- Christian education. Building on the manent than Others foundation laid by Merry Allen and Marilyn Lord/ Peg convened a Sacred Never afraid to move boldty/ Dance Group that met WediKsday the congregation voted at its annual morning?. meeting to move the pews perma- Enhancing the new emphasis on nendy into die "U" position diat al­ arts and worship/ Frank Brown lowed a large open space in the chaired the worship committee. sanctuary. This change facilitated the Frank was a RuD. candidate in the Divinity School at the University of Chicago in the field of theology and literature. He wrote original poetry The Sanctuary before pew rearrangement

Communion in the 1980's University Church: The First One Hundred Years

The Service in the 1980's incltision of dance and drama in wor­ claim that the service ship. The by-laws were changed so was not for her and diat that the fiscal year would be January she felt excluded because to January, and Don Ervin was voted we use hymns witii He in chair of the congregation for 1974. them, or that in the ser­ mon and elsewhere, we By March, 1974, the congrega­ talk about humanity or re­ tion had decided to call both Harvey fer to mankind. and Peg to the ministry of University Church for an indefinite period. Charles was genuinely puzzled Peg's position was to be dependent at the offense taken. Frank Brown's on the continuation of funding from M essen g er article (February, 1974) the Porter Foundation for campus talked about "potent" and "impotent" ministry. Peg's influence on the wor­ sexism, but it would still be a long ship life of the church was apparent time before this issue settled down. in the number of services that were In October, Frank was hired based on dance and movement part time to fill in while Peg taught Palm Stmday's sermon was in dance, part time in die local theological and at Advent there was also a serv­ schools. Congregational members ice of dance. Junior dance choir worked creatively to "buy a piece of members, under the direction of Frank" so that he would be able to Merry Wood, found themselves on give his time in creating music for television, doing improvisations on University Church. thunderstorms. The time of worship was still a- Another voice began to be heard changin'. In June it was 10:30. In more and more in worship and in the October it was 11:00, with children pages of the M essen g er. Frank Brown fellowshipping horn 10:00-11:00. presented an impassioned article in Part of the indecision about the hour the M essen g er on ti\e issue of sexism of worship came from die changing in language. This theme was not new nature and number of children and at University Church. In May of 1973 youdi active in the church. From the one of Charles Bayer's sermons had large numbers of teenagers who been interrupted by a cry from Trish populated the congregation in die Miller, who felt left out with all ttie late 60's, there was now a very small male dcuninated language. Charles r»nnant In fact, there was no formal Bayer's response is indicative of the church school program, histead, by newness of the issue. using the Shalom curriculum, "we Trish Miller raised an in­ plan to do major Christian education teresting point and a few through retreats and care groups." In hackles, by insisting duit fact. University Church and Hyde she felt excluded from the Park Union attempted to do a joint service because of the sex­ Christian education program in order ist language used....Her to have a critical mass of children Folgers" to a more varied menu and a present popular conversation place. Coordi­ nators used creativity and coercion Church Lffe (friendly, church-guilt type) to gather October, 1974 was a time of volunteers to take care of tasks that great celebration. It was the 80th would have been handled by elders anniversary of University Quirch, or deacons in other churches. and the Anniversary Dinner was a Worship and the Arts festive occasion. The wedding of Peg Steam and Brad DeFord, which had The use of arts in worship in­ taken place at Union Theological creased, especially the use of dance. Seminary in New York Qty, was re­ Peg and Brad did a dance sermon on celebrated at the church in grand the Good Samaritan to original music style. by Frank Brown. They also inter­ New traditions were being es­ preted the Passion in dance during tablished as 1974 ended and a new the Holy Week services, with the year began. Iitstead of spending Dance Qioir performing at the Easter money to send Christmas greetings to service. In the spring, the choir sang University Church friends, members Fatu^'s "Requiem" and in the fall, were encouraged to send one to tiie Vivaldi's "Gloria." church and to donate the saved A regular order of worship money from cards and postage to the seemed to be established as people in church. The M essen g er editor then die congregation requested more gathered all the greetings in a LONG dignity and regularity in tiie worship M essen g er mailed to the diaspora in pattern. Communion was offered on January. This SuperM essenger some­ the first Sunday of every month, and times ballooned to fifteen pages, as die tradition of remaining seated more and more folks participated in during die posdude began. A "new" the opportunity to stay in touch with style of passing the peace that was lots of people the easy way. not quite so threatening was tried; we Birthday groups were formed to shook hands now and did a litde less take care of the volunteer tasks of the of the "kiss of peace" thing. church. These groups were for bodi House Churches and "Now Or fellowship and service, and were Never" meant to place less strain on already busy people, yet use their expertise to In the continuation of the Sla­ do the work o f the church. The jobs lom curriculum in early 1975, units were shared by all those church about our Biblical Heritage were members having the same birth used. With a recycling program be­ month. They included setting up the ing carried out at the church in coop­ altar table, reading scripture and eration widi Ken Dunn's neighbor­ hosting social hour. This social hour hood Resource Center, the topic of job became a big one as the custom "How to be a Christian in the Use or progressed from "Salerno cookies and Misuse of Energy and Conservation" leaders. These House Churches typi­ was a popular one for the adults. cally met at a time otiier than Sunday The new school year brought a morning so that extended time for change in the Christian education sharing was available. program, botii for children and While this model served tiie adults. There was a "new" idea being adults in the congregation, what to tried out for adult Christian educa­ do with the children was still a seri­ tion, that of the House Church. ous issue. Those concerned with These were small groups that met Christian education announced in arotmd a particular issue and were June that there would be a new two similar to the earlier model of C- year program built around the litur­ groups that were tried in the early gical year, each unit culminating in seventies. Art Foster and Phil An­ an all-church or meal program. derson, faculty members at Chicago Five "consultants" were in place Theological Seminary, as well as in tiie fall to organize the ditierent Phoebe Anderson, provided direction age-group units of the Simday and leadership for these tmits. morning education program.^ Some The idea of House Churches of these consultants joined with like- coupled the learnings of psychology minded souls and called themselves and the Human Potential movement the Now or Never group (named cu­ with tile Gospel's message of love riously after a Ziggy poster where he and freedom. From Phil and Phoebe is about to be shot out of a cannon, Anderson's book. The House Church: and says "If s Now or Never!"). This group included Peg Steam, Phoebe It is the commitment of Anderson, Eleanor Campbell, Nancy house church members to Reed, and sometimes Merry Allen or love and care for one an­ Ann Cook. These grown-ups worked other in God's name which to bring new life and energy to the sets the house church morning education task of University apart from small group ex­ Church. This was the time to decide perience outside tile what University Church would do to church. Neither sensitivity l»ing Christian education to the chil- groups, nor encotmter droi and youtii of the congregation, groups, nor therapy as well as to the adults. It was in this groups are founded on the time of Now or Never that the premise which is basic to committee changed its name from the house church: love in­ Christian E d u cation to Christian D e- carnate is the Good News v elo p m e n t Church school for chil­ which is available to all women and men. dren was held at 9:45 on Sundays be­ fore the 11:00 service. House churches formed around various interests of tiie members of the congregation and were led by

Harvey, Peg and a number of lay M essenger, Octobn 14,1975. The Blue Gargoyle spections went all rig^t, the lack of resources, boflt financial and admin­ The 1975 year end inventoiy at istrative, forced the closing of the the Blue Gargoyle showed that while home. Tl« residents were relocated there were many accomplishments, to another licensed facility, the ail was not well. When Charles building was sold, and the Gargoyle Bayer had left as minister of the turned its attention to otiier matters. church. Merry Wood Allen had helped establish a group home for Staff Changes and the First of a girls in the then vacant parsonage. Million Interns While that Group Home for girls was firmly in place and the youth pro­ After fifty four years as organist. gram was flourishing, none of the Hazel Quinney retired in the spring Gargoyle's foimders was around of 1976. The Church honored her anymore. Harvey's work with the once again at the Anniversary Din­ church left him less flexibility to be ner. Carol Browning took her place the full time administrator the Gar­ at the organ, and Frank Brown con­ goyle needed. Funding for such an tinued as Choir Director. The ex­ administrator was sought through pansion of the staff included the hir­ Reconciliation and the Lilly Endow­ ing of Jtilie Less Wagstaff as an assis­ ment, and a search began to fill the tant in education, worship, and the position. In Jxme of 1975 from a field youth program. Julie's roots were in of fourteen candidates Susan Tobias the Disciples Church in Texas, and was selected to be the Gargoyle's di­ she brought with her new ideas for rector. Susan's background included bringing youth energy into the degrees from Union Theological church. Julie was an M.Div. student Seminary and Chicago's School of at CTS; her skills included writing Social Service Administration. Susan and scholarship, and she was an ac­ and her family were members of tive member of the Dance Choir. Di­ University Church, and she provided ana J. Vezmar joined the staff in leadership as well as a new direction September, 1976. D. J.'s role was as for the Gargoyle. Under Susan's an assistant in ministry with special guidance, the Gargoyle was on its attention to students and the campus way to becoming a social service ministry. ageiKy with reliable funding. Susan One staff change was a first for also participated in church staff University Church in recent years. meetings, thus maintaining the con­ One of our ministers gave birth! Peg tact between the two institutions that had Rachel during a v e r y hot July in shared the same space. 1976, thankfully missing having a bi­ By October of 1976, all hope of centennial baby by one day. establishing a p erm a n en t Group Home was gone. Qted for building Finances code violations in September, the The budget for the conung year Group Home was on terriUy shaky was $79,236, of which $33,907 was to ground. Although the resulting in­ be raised in pledges, and $33,000 to be contributed by the Gargc^le and and a covenant In November, 1976, die Porter Foundation. This budget the full Chicago Metropolitan Asso­ would require $8,000 from the Capi­ ciation voted to approve the dual af­ tal Fund. filiation. hi May of 1977, the celebration 1977: An Explosion of New of the new affiliation, called "The Ideas Church Uniting," was an occasion of "High Church" liturgy for University AW Iia^n wHh UCC Church. The liturgical dance choir Beginning in early 1975, the idea was featured in the service, perform­ of dual affiliation wift two denomi­ ing "Prepare Ye" from Godspell and "Deep River" to the singing of Paul nations, the Christian Chiuch and die Robeson. Frank Brown's creative United Chimrh of Christ arose in a very serious way. While there had gifts really were apparent at this oc­ been tentative moves before to hold casion. The congregation sang three joint services with other local congre­ beautiful hymns of his in this service, gations, this change provoked much "We Are Many, Yet We're One," discussion about who we are and "What Shall We Seek?" and "Surely who our leaders are. The main rea­ Our God is In This Place." "What sons cited for dual affiliation were; Shall We Seek?" became the regular both denominations are ecumenically communion hymn, and its haunting minded; there would be a closer tie melody and intricate piano part were with the nearby institution of Chi­ just right for the Sanctuary Band. cago Theological Seminary and its Two sets of remarks were given, one faculty and students, and the beliefs by Harvey called "We Are Many, Yet of the two denominations are quite We're One," and one by Peg called similar. The big issues involved "We Are One Yet Shall Be More." A whether such a move would bring new banner was created by Ed more or less moral and financial sup­ Campbell and Gladys Finn and still port from the denominations in­ hangs over the fireplace. The baimer volved, and whether or not this had symbols of both the denomina­ would improve the role of University tions: die chalice of the Disciples and Church in its service to others. the crown of the UCC. After a series of fypical Uni­ There was also a long discussion versity Church studies and meetings, about what the name of the "new" the congregation passed a motion re­ church should be, and after votes and questing affiliation %vith the UCC straw polls about "University Avenue After this first formal step, Harvey Church" or "Good Shepherd Church and Peg met wifii die Church and of Christ Uniting," or the earlier Ministry Committee of the Chicago name of the church, "Hyde Park Metropolitan Association of the UCC, Church of Christ" finally the name who voted to recommend the pro­ "University Qiurch, affffiated with posed dual affiliation. The next die Christian Church (Disciples of steps involved theological statements Christ) and the United Church of Christ" is chosen simply because it is Mission Council Seven, as well as the the longest and will be shortened to Chicago Metropolitan Association, "University Church" by anyone witii were approached and supported the any sense. In fact diis was die name idea. most often used since the earlier days of die church. Re-energized Students This affiliation was a singular, The numb«s of students show­ but not all that unusual event for lo­ ing interest in the church was re­ cal congregations, and delegations to markable, both at the undergraduate the General Assembly in Kansas City level and at the seminaiy student urged the two national denomina­ level. Fifty seminarians and faculty tions to consider unity. attended a luncheon organized by A1 Pitcher and Ana Dale, now a Fh.D. Seeds for an tntergenerationat candidate at the Divinity School. Living Community One hundred students showed up for Morning Sunday school classes the freshman "orientation" dinner, for adults centered on dffierent and many came back for a brunch themes. It was a unique combination after church, hosted by A1 Dale and of classes about intergenerational tile Porter Foundation, for returning living and about die use of solar en­ students. Tom Arthur was the new ergy that brought a group together to staff person responsible for coordi­ think creatively about how to take nating and focusing this student en­ care of our older members and at the ergy. On the earlier model of Lu­ same time to use appropriate tech­ ther's Table Talk, tiie students met at nology in housing. A Task Force on luiKh for discussion, or at breakfast Christian Living Communities was fw worship. formed. The Task Force proposed a Now or Never, Continued position of minister of Christian Community Development, contin­ Phoebe Anderson joined the gent on special funding, with Julie stati in 1977 in a quarter-time posi­ Less serving in this role. The issue of tion as Director of Christian Devel­ residential embodiments of Christian opment Her responsibilities in­ living was referred to a committee cluded organizing the Sunday made up joindy of Capital Funds and morning church school program. the Task Force. Meanwhile, several There were now three major areas of families began to hold Sunday night interest for children and youth to meetings at die church. These folks choose from on Sunday mornings. brainstormed about how to make a There were Music Players, David desire to move away from a privat­ Dancers, and Story Players. Various ized pattern of living into some active adults pitched in where their inter­ pattern of Christian sharing a reality. ests lay, and Sunday school now took A1 Pitcher and Jay Wilcoxen, no on a new fcnm. The children were strangers to Sunday morning adult also involved in showing the grown classes, also took a leadership role. ups just what they were up to when­ ever an opportunity arose. One such was added to toe staff of toe church place was at the Advent festival, as minister for community develop­ where the Christmas Story, with all ment Our neighboring institution those shepherds and tinseled angels, called one of our own to be dean of was performed after dinner. the Disciples Divinity House. Don House Churches still functioned Browning, who was University for adults, with topics including stu­ Church's minister to students from dent life, middle life, and the "tiying 1957-61, was called to be the fifth thirties.'* Morning class choices were dean of the House and was installed parables and Bible study. in October.

Still More Staff Changes Housekeeping Harvey had now been on the With the new liturgical order, scene for seven years, and he asked members of toe congregation strug­ toe church and the Porter Foundation gled with how to be fully themselves for a sabbatical. Harvey planned to while showing a little discipline at journey to Cambridge in England to toe same time. Nowhere is this study and to write during toe first six harder than in the time called "Joys months of 1978 about the perspective and Concerns," a part of toe prayer of the Christian community on major time during toe service. This practice issues in higher education. With the of allowing members to come before multi-talented Music Director, now toe congregation to express their joys, Frank B u rch Brown (after his mar­ sorrow, and concerns so that a com­ riage to Carol Burch) around to fill in mon prayer can be made is some- for half time during Harvey's ab­ tiling that helps make University sence, toe church agreed. This policy Church special. A never-ending was a bold one that allowed for the problem is how to keep this time sa­ spiritual renewal of ministers and toe cred and not full of announcements. dev(dopment of alternative leader­ Read the words of Peg Steam from ship in toe congregation. February, 1976: Unfortunate timing had a I am enriched for tiiinking change in the Gargoyle happening at about and praying for toe same time as Harvey's absence. hunily and f^nds, those Susan Tobias announced in Novem­ who are ill, separated, ber that she and her family would be needy, and our personal moving to Massachusetts where her and social struggles. I am husband Peter had a faculty ap­ offended when this special pointment time is taken up by an­ nouncements and bits of Peg was e)ipecting a second intormation that have little baby in November as w ^ so all rdevance for our coming kinds of folks were called upon to openly before God and one provide leadership and sustenance another. Instead of adding during Harvey's absence. A1 Pitcher to toe worship life of the community, finding out M essen g er that we all make about a discount store or a an efiort to be present meeting time during Con­ when the service actually cerns takes away from my begins, rafiier than as­ experience. sembling little by Uttiie as the service progresses. But Arriving at church on time was the renewed emphasis on die occasion of back-to-back M essen ­ punctuality raises a related g e r articles by Frank. Both of these issue, which a few mem­ concerns will strike a responsive bers have been bold to call chord for anyone who has ever been to my attention: namely, associated wifii University Church. why not en d the service on From February 3, 1978, comes the ar­ time? ticle entitled "We'll Gather Together— But Don't Hold Your Breath." Frank WhaVs On Our Minds said: Some issues seem to move the Let's face it Around here thinking of the congregation in a the organist is obliged to radical new way, while other issues regard the 11:00 prelude as seem to be rehashed again and an exercise in self- again. The masculine and the femi­ commtmion. Even at best nine as present in God was an issue it is an intimate moment that was raised again by Peg. She shared in by a few wor­ gave two sermons on the topics of ship leaders, choir mem­ "God Our Mother" and "God Our bers, and a handful of con­ Father" in order to clarify and chal­ gregational "early birds." lenge how we view God. By 11:15 the sanctuary The whole concept of im­ does look like somefiiing's ages of God and how we about to happen—but not commimicate about our right away. And some experience of the Holy is people don't arrive—or at an important and crucial least don't enter—until the one. A new vision and a time for the sermon. Or new language that moves late*. us to experience and com- Always cooperative when mtmicate about our Crea­ chastened, the congregation re­ tor is possiUe, and, I hope, sponded, but not without an accom­ developing. panying gripe. Hear Frank on Feb­ The issue of homosexuality ruary 17 in an article entitled, "How was brought before the congregation Long, O Lord?" as he responded. as a committee was formed to study There was an overwhelm­ resolutions on human sexuality to be ingly supportive response brought before the Disciples' General to my suggestion in the Assembly meeting in Kansas Gty and the General Synod of the UCC in afternoon, the will of the Washington, D. C The Church and assembly was clearly ex­ the Gargoyle had a history of being pressed as it r^ected mo­ open to die gifts and lives of homo­ tion after motion to refer sexual persons. In the early days of the basic resolution (a lib­ the Gargoyle, meeting space for eral "study document” on groups of people who were address­ homosexuality) to some ing issues of sexuality was provided committee or other, and fi- at die church when no space to meet nally approved the docu­ could be found on the campus. The ment by a sizable church now voted to recommend ac­ (uncounted standing vote) ceptance of the resolutions that majority.’ would be brought to the General As­ sembly about civil rights of homo­ Finances sexual persons and about "study dociunents" for local congregations. This year the budget was $97,000. This budget would require While University Church spon­ $20,000 from the campus ministry, sored resolutions on denominational $4,000 from die Blue Gargoyle, affiliations and about national poli­ $40,000 in pledges, and an alarming cies on energy, die issue of homo­ $25,000 of the total from capital sexuality was die major item of press funds. interest at the Kansas City meetings. There, in record numbers, the dele­ A Time For Looking Ahead gates voted to accept the report for study by local congregations, stress­ This was a year when Univer­ ing that this was a study document sity Church celebrated the tenth an­ only, not an official statement by die niversary of one of its missions and church. Part of the resolution read. began a new one. The Gargoyle se­ lected a new director, the Covenantal It is further noted that Community began its painful, ex­ there is no evidence that hausting, exciting birth process, and homosexuals constitute a the congregation grappled with greater danger or threat to making a long range plan. society than any others, and asked diat the church Btue Gargoyle at a Decade join in efforts to insure their rig^ts.^ Amazingly enough, this Utde coffeehouse had grown into a major Harvey's report on the debate social service agency. Youth Pro­ surrounding diis motion gave more grams now included Direction details of the process at Kansas Qty. ^x>rts, a program diat combined In an intense and lengthy sports and tutoring launched by business session on Sunday James Demus, and a Baking Project organized first by Andy Carter and Savelle and money to work out more later by Kathy Goepel. Congrega­ of the details of finding a way for this tional members supported the bakery group to live together in Christian by buying lots of nutritious whole community. The Covenantal Com­ grain breads made by the cooks-in- munity of University Church (CCUQ training, In March, 1978, Trish De- was encouraged to seek a loan from Jean was named the director of the the Board of Church Extension of the Gargoyle. Trish came with a wealth Disciples of Christ as part of its pack­ of experience in youth services, hav­ age to develop a shelter for a living ing been executive director of the community.'® Youth Network Council. She has an As the group continued its Sim- M.S.W. from the Jane Addams School day evening meetings, members got of Social Work at the University of busy looking for property, preparing Illinois at Chicago and grew up a by-laws, working with an architec­ Presbyterian. tural firm, and creating a philosophi­ There was also an effort to get cal statement, or covenant Four University of Chicago students in­ drafts provided the basis for a week­ volved at the Gargoyle, and the idea end retreat, and a single statement of a Volunteer Bureau that would co­ was hammered out, which members ordinate opportunities for service signed. The covenant addressed how was conceived. The Gargoyle's the group would work together to budget was beginning to take steps to create a community that "at once asstune its fair share of the costs as­ binds us together" and lets members sociated with its joint use of space. "free to be our deepest selves."

Covenantat Community of Univer­ Long Range Pians sity Church (CCUC) Money, money, money was This group was really getting draining out of tiie capital fund at an serious and getting serious attention. impressive rate. The Christian De­ In March the goals of tiiis newly velopment Committee needed the named group were printed in tfie congregation to have some "great M essenger. First the people involved conversations" about the direction the wanted to be a caring and connected church was going in this area. These community. They wanted to be an concerns helped to prompt the con­ intentional, intergenerational group gregation to begin the process of that provided a model for urban liv­ coining up witii a Long Range Plan ing that was holistic and had a spiri­ for the Church. tual basis. In February the Board called for By November the idea of such a the formation of a Long Range Plan­ community was presented to ttie ning Committee to address the lim­ Board of Homeland Ministry of the ited resources and the financial base United Church of Christ That group of the Church. This committee ad­ supported the project, providing leadership in the person of Susan dressed in turn the history of ti^ mass to get the job done. Therefore fund and its financial picture, die the birthday groups were re­ current program of the church, and organized on a quarterly basis. the financial interrelation between Speakers had been mounted on the Blue Gargoyle, the Campus Min­ the roof beams (this made them much istry, and University Church. After harder to steal) and a sound system initial discussion of reports in a con­ was installed that enabled our hear­ gregational meeting, die members of ing impaired members to be included the Long Range Planning Committee in all the spoken words. New sup­ hosted "cottage meetings" to discuss plementary hymnals were purchased all the issues raised. Fifty-four mem­ diat incorporated new tunes, folk bers of the congregation attended hymns, and more songs about social eight of these meetings. At die end of justice. the year discussions continued, and it The practice of sending a single would still be some months before a greeting card to church at Christmas Long Range Plan was presented to time had really caught on widi mem­ die congregation. bers near and far. Carol Burch Meanwhile, Christian Develop­ Brown created a green tri-wall tree ment was experiencing severe diffi­ for use in the narthex, where cards culties, and a major re-evaluation are tacked on during the season for was in order. Attendance at Sunday all to share and read. Carol and the morning children's classes was sparse youth also made large figures of Jo­ and sporadic, and children seemed to seph and Mary to use at the manger straggle in at all hours. After two during Advent time. "Great Conversations" about hopes The Dance Choir wanted to and expectations of members of the share with the wider commimity congregation regarding Christian "why and how we dance to the glory Development, and an all-church sur­ of Gkxi." They held an all day work­ vey, the new plan for the fall was an- shop and filmed a large number of noimced. The most significant dances. This visual record provided change would be to have an "in­ a powerful and important piece of gathering" to begin the Sunday history for the Dance Choir. The tape morning program. Here, all the chil­ made much easier the process of "re­ dren and youth would gather before membering" dances and enhancing classes begin to celebrate together the creative spirit (besides providing and to share in a common worship a record of who had taken part in the experience. dances and what children have Sunday to Sunday grown up from the "children's " part to die "adult" part in many dances). Litde adjustments to life at Uni­ Money collect^ from the workshop versity Church continued to be made. was used to purchase film, costumes, The volimteer groups had found that music and equipment one or two months' worth of birth­ days was just not enough of a critical House Churches continued to be lowing Sunday morning service. The a vehicle for intimate sharing for usual poems and limericks were pre­ members of the congregation. Topics pared for the occasioiL this year included a couples group, a John Modschiedler was elected group on loneliness, and a group on as moderator for 1979, and a budget spiritualify that gatitered enough in­ was approved. This $100,420 budget, terest to hold a one-day retreat which had no increase in salaries or benevolences, asked for $37,000 in More of the Miition Interns pledges and $24,960 in capital funds. Two new faces joined the cam­ pus ministry staff as program coor­ A Year of Long Range dinators. Donna Smithey, very active Thoughts member of the Covenantal Com­ The year 1979 began with snow, munity and a ministerial student at snow, and more snow. A tiny rem­ McCormick Theological Seminary, was charged with developing a stu­ nant of the congregation appeared on one particularly memorable Sunday dent fellowship and offering a when the snow was more than two "Presbyterian presence" to this ecu­ feet deep to hear James Demus lead menical ministry. Ann Leight hav­ reflections on Dr. King and Ragina ing completed an interim adminis­ Bimton sing. It may have been a trative position with the Church Fed­ mistake, but Harvey's intended ser­ eration of Greater Chicago, volim- mon on "The Wrath of God" was teered to help organize the campus postyoned for a week. By the end of ministry. Kad\y Goepel, a CTS the service, seventy-five had braved graduate and worker with the Blue the elements to come to worship. Gargoyle's bakery project also volun­ Afterwards, Bruce and Jamie Shilling teered to join with die staff to help went up to the roof to shovel off the with youth programming. heavy snow. Eleanor Campbell ends Three The year would be a thoughtful Years as Moderator one for die church as it finished proj­ At the annual meeting in No­ ects from die past and pondered its direction for the future. vember a grateful congregation hon­ ored Eleanor Campbell, who had Are we a pati«it which the provided duee years of continuous doctor has given six years to live? Or lay leadership in a period of Uni­ just a typical imiversity congregation, versity Church history marked by full of self-doubts, unable to find a staff leadership changes. Eleanor singularity of faith and practice that had been the rock during Harvey's must surely have existed somewhere sabbaticat a first for University or sometime? Or something else? Church. In her honor, Frank Burch Harvey asked these questions in Brown wrote the anthem "Peace Like a M essenger article in February. The A River," which was sung with gusto Long Range Planning Committee was at die annual meeting and at the fol­ grappling with the identity crisis at University Church. The dependence South Community Church on capital funds for operating ex­ This worshipping commimity, penses could not continue. The "old- made up of a mostly Black congrega­ timers" were sutfering attrition, yet tion from the Soudi Side, entered into the congregation was lively. The conversation with UnivCTsity Church church had a lot of decisions to make. about worshipping together during House meetings were held in 1979-80. There was talk of merger, May to discuss the report of the Long and the presence of this congregation Range Planning Committee. The re­ in our midst began a period in Uni­ port called for a restructuring of versity Church history when the is­ church life to de-emphasize business sue of racial diversity was seriously meetings and to enhance group life. addressed, although there had been As far as finances went, the congre­ some non-white members of the con­ gation looked for opportunities to gregation for thirty-five years. build up capital reserves again and The official boards of both eyed a campaign for the building. chuirches met separately and voted to Covenantal Community (CCUC) share worship and activities with each other for an extended period The members of CCUC were beginning October 1. This was the busy with three or four potlucks each very beginning of a process that month, Sunday morning adult would eventually lead to joining classes, folk dancing evenings, and these congregations into a racially Ash Wednesday services. But the diverse church that took seriously the most important news was that CCUC charge to make Sunday morning a had a building!!! The members of less segregated how. There would CCUC entered into negotiations on be much to learn in terms of style, the purchase of a building at 6101 culture, religious differences, and South Woodlawn Avenue in Wood- structure. But the move brought new lawn. Though vacant for some time, life to the congregation and a new the twenty-two unit building seemed focus for social justice. brimming with possibility. Individ­ ual members of University Church Sociai Concoma were approached to contribute start­ Individual members of the con­ up funds for the rehal^tation of the gregation brought their special voices building, and the congregation as a to the attention o f the church by par­ whole voted (forty nine to one) to ticipating in important work. Lynn borrow $50,000, using the church Harris traveled to Washington for a property as collateral, to help finance briefing on IMPACT, an interfaith the purchase of the building.^^ legislative and action network. This group enabled individuals to register opinions with elected representatives quickly at critical decision making points. This was the religious corn- munity bearing witness to concerns Cindy (Gano) Lmdno' served as for peace and social justice, and Lynn staff assistant for social concerns. brought regular reports to the con­ Krily Tally, a stud«it at McCormick gregation. who was preparing for ordination in Lee Weaver also raised her the Presbyterian Church, was the as­ voice in regular requests for help sistant for coordinating the activities witii projects sponsored by Church of the campus fellowships. Betsey Wom«i United. This group is an ad­ DdGiacco, another student at vocate for children's welfare, citizen McCormick also anticipating Presby­ action, social concerns, and justice terian ordination, provided staff as­ and peace. Whether it was Uankets sistance for membership develop­ for refugees or support for Chicago ment Margaret Pearson, a tiiird stu­ alternative schools, Lee kept us dent at McCormick, was an assistant mindful of the need for compassion for campus outreach. and giving to those in need. Carol Jones (now Sherman), a student at foe Divinity School and a Staff Changes.. JKgain member of the choir, began to work Well, the church knew they with the Gargoyle on foe creation of a wouldn't stay forever, but when Student Volunteer Bureau. She also Frank Burch Brown received his worked to get a co^eehouse up and Ph.D. and he and Carol moved to running again, where students could faculty positions in Virginia, the con­ drink coffee and listen to musical gregation lost a presence in worship performers. that was impossible to replace. The congregation approved a Kathy Terbeek, "bom, bred, and edu­ quarter of sabbatical leave for Peg, to cated" in California, was hired to be take place in winter 1980. Peg would the musk director in the fall. Kathy be teaching at the seminary during came with an Episcopalian church this break from her regular church background. duties ffom January until March. Ragina Bunton ended her time as secretary of University Church and The Year of The Grand Reun> began a new position at the Museum ion of Science and Industiy. Deborah Stirred by the report of the Long Summers was hired as administrative Range Han, foe congregation made assistant to coordinate a ntunber of 1960 a year of renewed commitmmt volunteers who did secretarial tasks, to making University Church a lively, and to make sure that the church ran meaningful worshipping congrega­ well. tion which took responsibility for Linda Petrucelli was in her sec­ funding foe programs it values. Eve­ ond year as director of Christian De­ ryone looked forward to a big event velopment Katity Goepel also con­ in May, The Great Reunion. Co­ tinued as assistant for youth. chaired by Eleanor Campbell and Rosemary Ervin, foe Reunion would bring back many people who had during the "low" period been called to places other than Chi­ and to assure that the cago, but who once found University church would be vigorous Church to be a meaningful place in when the return to the re­ their lives. The Reunion would be an newed community came occasion of feasting, singing, remi­ about niscing, and ordaining. But the church had six months to get dirough Despite all the serious thinking, before the guests would arrive.... tiie proposed budget of the church was in serious trouble. The increase Capital Funds in budgeted pledges had gone from $37,000 in 1979 to $39,600 in 1980. At the start of the year, just to Not all of this money was pledged set the tone, the SuperMessenger car­ yet and the drain on capital funds ried an article by Irvin Lunger, who continued, until in May, $15,000 had was pastor from 1940-1955, and who been taken from capital funds for op­ was Honorary Chair of ti»e Great Re­ erating expenses. This was all the union. He talked about the capital more* alarming because at that mo­ funds and tiieir purpose, as those ment people were behind in their current members and Friends who pledges and ti\ere was no chair of the read from afar pondered what the Stewardship Committee. congregation ought to do about its dependence on this fund for operat­ Attending to Black Culture ing expenses. He said: This year the snow did not keep We established this fund in worshippers from attending a service tile 1940's as a reserve to be in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, drawn upon during the Jr. The Reverend Jimmie Sawyer, days of the community's minister for the Chicago Metropoli­ transition. We began in tan Association of the UCC, came to the 1940's an effort, deliver the message as a special spearheaded by the Uni­ guest fa February, Black History versity, to bring about week was celebrated in a potiuck community renewal. We at with members of South Church. the church knew this There was an exhibit of art by black would bring about a time artists and a program of music by when buildings would be black musicians. When this event razed and population flow was not particularly well attended, would be away from the Charles Sherman challenged the con­ area until rebuilding be­ gregation to pay attention to what gan. So we set up this was going on in relating to the Mack fund—thanks to tite gener­ members of the church. ous spirit of W. L Scher- fa response, a new committee merhom and his wife—to was formed to pay special attention assure the church a strong to this particular issue. James Wag­ pulpit and fine music ner chaired the new Attending to Greeters met worshippers outside the Black Culture (ABQ committee, sanctuary, and the doors closed when whose purpose was to do just that the prelude began. Carol Browning The creation of ABC represented the made a strong case for tiiere being no commitment of the church congrega­ applause after the postlude, since it tion to continue the process of racial was a part of the worship experience integration. Staff assistant to this and not a performance. Some of the committee was Deborah Thompson, a South Church members suggested student at Garrett Seminary in Evan­ this might instead be an appropriate ston. time for a loudly voiced "Amen." The South Church members Epiphany dusters were also finding tiiat they missed The isolation of winter and the the intimacy afforded in a weekly difficulty of getting to church every communion service. To compensate, Sunday in the Chicago weatiier, they served communion in the li­ combined with the desire to get brary every third Sunday to those more adults involved in a Christian who wished to join. Development program, were the im­ It was even suggested that we petus behind the idea of "Epiphany might use Bible texts suggested by Ousters." These clusters were cen­ the lectionary to serve as the theme tered geographically in Hyde Park for services. and South Commons, and meetings were held in peoples' homes during Church Business the evenings or on weekends (or The members of South Com­ both). Under die direction of Linda munity Church had a retreat in Petrucelli and Phoebe Anderson, the March and proposed to unite witii theme of the clusters was "War and University Church. The Board con­ Peace." These cluster meetings pro­ sidered the plan for unity, and after vided a more intimate setting for dis­ some legal implementation processes, cussions and an opportunity for those a formal joining took place on July 1, new to the congregation to dip ttieir 1980. One of the gifts of South toe into the water and get to know a Community Church would be to en­ few folks in small groups. Ninety courage die larger congregation to participants joined this activity in its avail itself of tiw resources of music first year. At the end of Epiphany, and feeling to be found in the Black the church family gathered for an religious community, hi June, South international festival widi a simple Community Church and University prepared meal followed by a worship Church joined to celebrate John service. Houck Appreciation Day, marking Liturgical Changes the conclusion of his seven years of ministry to South Church. Still in search of the ultimate The Board also finally adopted Sunday morning experience, the con­ the Long Range Plan for University gregation instituted several changes. Church. The main features were the The three day event was marked by attention paid to four critical areas of discussions, great singing, lots of church life: the church year, group food, and Bruce Ervin's ordination. life/ the board structure, and fi­ Dorothy Duffell collected lots of nances. photos for a University Church al­ Christian Development was still bum. Monday afternoon ended with struggling, and die ^ard also con­ a festive picnic in the courtyard. Al- sidered a Long Range Plan for this togedier, 190 people attended during area. the three days, and the event ended up paying its own way. One hundred sixty attended Palm Sunday services, during which Here is Eleanor Campbell's the liturgical dance choir interpreted stunmation of the event in the Jime 27 the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. M essenger. Holy Week services included a Imagine, if you can, 41 Maimdy Thursday sharing of spiri­ voices on the chancel steps, tuals, bread and wine, and a Good singing "How Lovely Is Friday meditation on suffering and Thy Dwelling Place," led death, guided by music, readings, by Carol Ramey, who gra­ and prayers. Easter morning began ciously filled in for ill Uni­ with early communion, a pot luck versity Church Director breakfast, and an Easter service with Kathy Terbeek; one hun­ the choir performing William Bill­ dred and sixty-five people ings's "Easter Anthem," and the con­ seated at candlelit tables in gregation singing the "Hallelujah the library, dining room, Chorus." and the east aisle, singing But most of the attention of the Dr. Ames's grace as a church was on plans for the big event round; the Sunday after­ in May. noon ordination of our own Bruce Ervin; animated The Great Reunion talk and laughter as people saw slides of themselves The Great Reunion, in fact was and their friends; moments preceded by The Great Qean Up, of flection by former and the Saxon Company donated ministers and tf^ sharing paint to be used to freshen up the of fiioughts about the walls. The real Reunion, like many church read from Dr. H u­ good sermons, had three main parts; bert Willett's autobiogra­ the theme was "The Way We Were, phy by his granddaughter; The Way We Are, What We Hope To Jo Whitn^ sharing her gift Become." After die grand banquet of voice; Sunday buffet at Saturday night, Dr. Irvin Lunger, Disciples Divinity House; Honorary Chair, was die ev«iing and the final gathering of speaker, with die topic "Enduring friends at Monday's picnic Traditions for University Church." in the garden. There was strong sentiinent for (Sherman), there were: Caroline Za- repeating the event every five to worski, a student at CTS, who was seven years, although the 1994 Cen­ assistant for social concerns; Bonnie tennial would be the next big occa­ Bittner, also a student at CIS, who sion like this in die life of the church. had worship responsibilities widi OCUC; Deborah Thompson, from Blue Gargoyle and Social Action Garrett Seminary, who worked with The Gargoyle was finally admit­ membership, evangelism, and ABC; ted to the United Way and dius had a and Jean Johnson, a student at CTS, stable base of funding for the future. who assisted in campus ministry. The first Gargoyle International Tea Church Life was held in tiie fall, with food repre­ senting different countries prepared One of die most important by many church members and Gar­ points of the Christian Development goyle supporters. There was a style Long Range Plan was that there show planned by Theresa Williams, a needed to be a "critical mass" of stu­ performance by the choir of Un­ dents for the church school to be vi­ changing Grace Baptist Church di­ able. It would also be important for rected by the Blue Gargoyle's office diere to be regularity of attendance manager Rod Rhodes, and a chil­ and plenty of volunteer teachers. The dren's program to go along with the plan was for children to attend the feast ingadiering, then church school, and In addition to church support then those age nine and older would for the Gargoyle, the Social Action attend worship service witii the Committee, chaired by Martha Har­ adults. In early October there were ris, began to consider die issue of regularly twenty children in church sheltered care for older persons. school, and by the end of October the These considerations eventually led number had grown to diirty. There to a cooperative project with Park was a youth group of about twelve Manor Christian Church to establish young persons, and they sponsored a a facility for die care of older per­ soup and salad luncheon after church sons. one Sunday as a fund raiser. University and seminary stu­ Staff Changes and Still More In­ dents were still finding a place at terns Univosity Church. Carol Jones had Linda Petrucelli, who had pro­ the cofiee house up and running on vided creative leadership in Christian Thursday nights, with a fire in tiie Development fi>r two years, headed library fireplace and some good for Indiana with her husband Gary singing as well. Studoits were plug­ Hoff. Qndy Lindner took Linda's ging in to the Gargoyle through fhe place as the stafi person for Christian Student Volunteer Bureau, and a Development hi September, in fact small Black Student Fellowship we had six assistants in ministry. In formed. addition to Cindy and Carol Jones University Church still liked to tion for toe coming year. The actual have fun and to eat The playreaders capital fund use for the year would group was still meeting regularly, be $18,500, with the balance of the and the Anniversary Dinner featured Fund remaining at $101,000. In a square dancing, disco (yes, disco) very bold move as Stewardship dancing, and ballroom dancing. A Chair, Charles Sherman addressed Thanksgiving Dinner, hosted at the the financial crisis at toe church by church by the Covenantal Commu­ asking for a phenomenal $60,000 nity, drew 96 toasters. A "Toys Go dtuing toe fall pledge campaign. Round" was organized at Christmas Amazingly, we actually received time so that families could trade toys $58,000 in pledges by early Decem­ and help spend less money diuing ber. A budget of $117,2^ for the toe Christmas season. coming year was approved by toe congregation. Memorial Garden Epiphany Ousters were form­ After toe death of Anna Kathryn ing again, this time with each group Tucker Reed from Sudden Infant designing its own pattern of meeting Death Syndrome in February, 1978, and its own course of study. The one of toe gifts given to toe church in suggested theme was "Christian her memory was a red bud tree Commitment—Responsive Living." planted in toe courtyard. There was Perhaps the most painful year toe beginning of discussion about end happening was Harvey's; in No­ using toe coxutyard garden as a me­ vember as he stopped at toe Hyde morial garden for members of toe Park Coop's grocery pick-up, his legs congregation whose ashes were bur­ weie pinned between cars. Rushed ied there. The first ashes to be buried by ambidance to toe hospital, he had in toe yard were those of Frank Coop surgeiy to repair a badly broken leg in April, 1976. The process for me­ and spent a good deal of time there morializing these members took a Md at home recovering from this while to establish, but eventually, trauma. those whose ashes are interred in the garden would be named on a plaque Turning the Comer fastened on toe northeast wall of toe sanctuary. Provision was also made In 1981 toe chiux:h appears for toose who gave significant gifts of to be turning a financial at least $1,000 to University Church comer. For the first time in memory of their loved ones to in foiuteen years, it does have toose gifts acknowledged on not expect to make signifi­ plaques on toe same wall. cant use of capital funds for its operating budget Year End Business This is possible because of a 50% increase in the At toe annual meeting in No­ amount of pledged giving vember Judith Arleen Mitchell was by toe congregation, which elected moderator of toe congrega­ now numbers 175 people Christian Development: The Youth who will contribute Are Back more than $60,000 in gifts Beginning with a retreat to Park to the operating budget in Manor Christian Church in Febru­ 1981."i2 ary, where statements on ecology and on refugees were prepared and sent All-Church Happenings to President Ronald Reagan, the youdi had a very active year. There The Attending to Black Culture was a youth class on membership for Committee (ABC) coordinated King the first time in a long while, and Sunday in January, when die Com­ Pentecost was a time for confirmation munity Renewal Society Chorus of these young people. The youth came to visit and sing. They also fellowship held a spaghetti dinner sponsored die second annual Black and a square dance to raise money to Culture Night in February, where attend summer camp. Later in the more than ninety people feasted on year they had a retreat at the Dunes, soul food. attended a Chicago Disciples Union Also in February, the Festival of rally, and prepared a Haunted House Balloons and Bread became the Festi­ for Halloween. val of One Humanity as a bridge Adult class offerings included event between the liturgical seasons discussions of Reaganomics and a of Epiphany and Lent This event Bible study. One of Harvey's ser­ lifted up both the joy and responsi­ mons, "A Christian Looks at Love bility of our participation in the and Sex and Marriage" drew a sur­ global community. This year, Elijah prising response, especially concern­ Jars were made to hold each family's ing Harvey's remarks about homo­ contributions to die One Great Hour sexuality. A task force was formed to of Sharing and Week of Compassion deal with this issue, and a House offerings for the global mission of the Church took homosexuality in the denominations. The jars were based context of University Church as its on the story of Elijah's need (I Kings theme. 17) when God provided through the faithful response of a poor widow. Issues for the Future An adult fellowship group was forming again. They met for social In March there was a Stmday events, discussions, and (cheap) din­ morning program on the political ners out Mosdy, they wanted to situation in El Salvador. This issue would become quite active in the have fun. church VCTy soon. There was a peti­ tion that circulated among church members, calling for a nuclear freeze. This, too, would draw the attention of the congregation soon. November found the first involvement with the 12 M essenger, January, 1981. Community Food Pantry at Cornell student at McCormick Theological Baptist Church. All of these issues Seminary, was die assistant in minis­ would remain important to Univer­ try for the campus fellowship, David sity Church for the next ten to fifteen Loehr, a student at the University of years. Chicago Divinity School who had a Unitarian background, assisted in Church Life membership and fellowship, and Mi­ In addition to its regular Sunday chael Pennamen, also a student at morning activities, the choir joined McCormick, assisted in die area of with die dance choir and the minis­ Sfxrial concerns. The office staff had ters to tape two Sunday morning a turnover as well when Deborah services for use in the WGN broad­ Summers left and Stewart Telfer took cast "Heritage of Faith." The Festival on the management of the church of­ of Birthdays in May was the occasion fice. for a church talent show. And the End of the Year church won a new silver tea set by closing the odds in a Hyde Park In October the Blue Gargoyle Neighborhood Qub Raffle; while held its second International Tea with many University Church members the assistance of many church mem­ bought raffle tickets. Chuck Jonah, bers. In this time of Reaganomics, holder of the winning ticket, gener­ the Blue Gargoyle found staffing ously donated the prize. tight and budgets cut While sup­ porting die Gargoyle's many fund Staff Changes and Yet Again More raising projects, the church continued Interns to believe diat the Blue Gargoyle was After two years of directing the an important inclusive community choir, Kadiy Terbeek moved to Dal­ space project dedicated to helping las with her husband and family. It diverse groups of people interact was under her direction that the choir The church was cleaned and had expanded its repertoire to spiri­ polished in anticipation of the wed­ tuals like "Walk Together Children" ding of Marilyn Lord to Jim Meisner. and "Ain't Got Time To Die," where New pew cushions were contem­ basses E.C Welch and Carver Barry plated but were not yet affordable. could shake the foundations with The formal celebration of the th ^ low tones. Kathy's departure merger of South Community Church was followed by the naming of Irving and University Church took place in Bunton as die new director of music. worship on November 15,1981. Irving came with experience as the vocal music coordinator with the Bu­ Finances reau of Music in the Chicago Public University Church was still Schools, as well as previous church trying to grapple with money prob­ work at Park Manor UCC lems. An increase in pledges was There were three assistants in called for in the fall stewardship ministry in the fall. Malinda Grisdale, campaign. Despite good intentions Memorials and Our Heritage $17,600 was the expected capital fund Formal plans to turn toe court­ use in 1981, and the 1982 budget of yard into a memorial garden and to $127,869 called for $10,069 of that remember toose of our members and capital fund money. In April, a De­ their families who have died began to velopment Committee was formed to finalize this year. We wanted to re­ consider ways of raising non­ member University Church "Saints" operating funds for the church. Uni­ as weU, toose who had given signifi­ versity Church and the Disciples Di­ cant gifts to the church or its endow­ vinity House began a joint program ment funds in memory of their loved of development to raise funds via de­ ones. A policy on wills and bequests ferred giving. was created to do this. The 1982 budget had as its goal Heritage Sunday was planned raising $70,000 in pledges; by the for toe last Simday of October, near time of the annual meeting, not to All Saints Day in toe liturgical cal­ enough money had been raised in endar. On this day the plaques in the pledges, and tfie congregation called sanctuary naming toose whose ashes for an early December meeting to were interred in toe courtyard and deal with the budget After a difficult toose for whom substantial gifts to struggle toe budget was balanced University Church had been given and was passed at toe December 6 were dedicated. Bushes were congregational meeting. planted, and at a luncheon after At the annual meeting in No­ church, events from the history of vember, Judith Arleen Mitchell was University Church and South Church again elected moderator of toe con­ were recalled. This tradition of gregation for toe coming year. The Heritage Sunday continues at Uni­ congregation also approved the hir­ versity Chiuch as each year we re­ ing of a Minister of Christian Devel­ member those in toe congregation or opment namely Cindy Lindner. in their families who have died in toe past year. Peg's Farewell A "Wills, Bequests, and Memo­ Peg's "six to nine montos" with rials" policy established how memo­ us finally came to an end, during rial plaques were to be used, how 1982, as she announced to toe con­ special projects could be identified, gregation in March her plans to leave and how people might elect to give to in June. As her nine years of service one of five endowment funds: gen­ to the congregation came to an offi­ eral, building and property, social cial close. University Church strug­ ministries, minority scholarship, and gled with the issue of campus minis­ memorial gardens. try and funding and ways to be crea­ tive about finding a way to move Winter and Spring ahead without Peg. The church agreed to celebrate February as Black History Month under the leadership of ABC At the soul searching was done by church Festival of One Humanity, the con­ members as well as members of clusion of the Epiphany Clusters' CCUC study of the Soviet Union was cele­ Despite this tmpleasant series of brated, and we made Elijah Jars for events, toe church approved taking Lent The choir prepared to sing out a $175,000 mortgage from the Fault's "Requiem." The University Board of Church Extension, a ninety- Church Nuclear Arms Freeze Group nine year old lading agency which worked on a Covenant for the Gen­ serves Christian churches in building erations to stop the arms race. In and rehabilitation projects. The March, when Peg announced to the summer of 1982 saw a Campaign for congregation her intention to resign CCUC so that real rehabilitation of in June, a "planning group" formed the building could begin. immediately to consider staffing needs. Cindy Lindner graciously Peg’s Farewell Party agreed to fill in during the interim, Saturday night June 5,1982, was beginning in September. She would an occasion of great joy and sadness. preach and lead worship once a There were 175 people in a ninety month, assist with pastoral and ad­ minute program to send Peg off on ministrative responsibilities, and the next phase of her life's journey. continue her Christian Development Playing Peg in skits entitled responsibilities. "Communion," "Now or Never," Pickets and Slum Landlords "Seminarian's Seminar" and "Office Hours" were Diane Herrmann, Joan In the midst of rehabilitation Blocher, Michael Pennanen, and and Reaganomics, CCUC found it Bonnie Bittner. Bill Hamblin's Irish necessary to rent some apartments in tenor voice led toe way in our very its building to persons who were not own rendition of "Peg O' My Heart" members of the group. Tensions Seamstresses (and seamsters) had between members and the non­ worked to make forty five squares member tenants reached a feverish that were pieced into a quilt to re­ pitch in the spring. The congregation mind Peg of toe time she spent at was picketed on Easter Stmday University Church. morning by renters protesting "slum The next morning, Peg preached landlord" treatment by CCUC There a sermon entitled "Loving and Leav­ was a distribution of flyers which ing," and danced with Madeline made inflammatory accusations and Hamblin to "Bridge Over Troubled negative reports to the media. A Waters." Peg and her family were "Blue Ribbon" committee was formed going to spend a year at a Quaker to investigate and report on the na­ study center at Pendle Hill, Pennsyl­ ture of the dispute. Harvey worked vania, to study, reflect and decide on negotiations between parties, and the future direction of their lives. eventually the situation was brought under control but not before a lot of We Go On, With Yet More interns not relieved, as the congregation was only able to budget for a half time The summer seemed a bit short, person after August 30. both in terms of time and in terms of funds. Financial solvency was still a The year ended with the usual nagging problem, and was made Advent Festival and Christmas Eve worse by die announcement by the service. CCUC members offered an United Campus Ministry (UCCM) alternative gift fair with jams and Board that they were considering homemade items for sale for Christ­ asking for a full time campus minis­ mas giving. try position. The arrangement up to The year 1983 saw the creation now had been a shared ministiy with of a full time position in campus the church, but things were about to ministry and a search for a half time change. A strategy group made up minister of Christian Development as of representatives from the Blue Gar­ University Church reorganized to ac­ goyle, the church, and the campus commodate the request of UCCM. ministry began to meet to figure out Politics was a concern again in the what to do. By October UCCM for­ congregation as an ugly mayoral mally requested a full time campus campaign gripped the city, the issue minister begirming in September, of nuclear weapons gained some ur­ 1983. The UCCM Board expected its gency nationwide, and our govern­ minister to assist with worship and ment's foreign policy continued to be preaching at University Church as a worrisome. parish associate, and desired a new covenant witfi the church. Winter and Spring The fall staff consisted of Har­ Epiphany Ousters focused fius vey and Cindy as co-ministers, with year on the Middle East ABC spon­ three returning assistants in ministry: sored Sunday school classes on the Michael Pennanen in social concerns, book. Black and White Styles in Con­ Malinda Grisdale with the campus flic t, by Thomas Kochman. This was fellowship, and David Loehr in especially appropriate as the city membership and fellowship. watched the mayoral campaign of At the annual meeting in No­ Harold Washington and his unex­ vember, Bob Coates was elected pected triumph in the Democratic moderator of the congregation, and a primary. A fund raising concert, or- budget of $129,475 was approved. gaiuzed by Andy Carter, actually There was still no solid plan to re­ Inuught Harold to University Omrch lieve the drain on capital funds. in February, and the M essenger editor Anxiety about the budget was eased (Harvey) took a stand on the ugly somewhat by the inclusion of about race baiting that happened once the $18,000 pledged from die Campus primary was over and a white Re­ Ministry Board. Anxiety about min­ publican candidate tried to overcome isterial leadership after Cindy Lind­ Harold's victory. Black Culture Night ner's interim commitment ends was this year was a soul food potluck. TfiB Liturgical Year us get to know each other better. The committee was interested in integrat­ The Festival o f One Great Hu­ ing tiie Epiphany Ousters, having manity once again saw the use of photographs in the church directory, Elijah Jars. The number of church wearing name tags regularly on Sun­ meetings was reduced during Lent in day mornings, and having a retreat to order to encourage m^nbers to discuss Black and White issues. The spend the season in personal reflec­ retreat happened in the fall, and the tion and meditation. The choir sang Directory would appear the . next Schubert's "Mass in G" during tiie year. Easter season. David Loehr used his carpentry skills to construct twenty Finally, the pew cushions were stands on which to moimt the ban­ finished. They were a gift from May ners church school children made for Lord in honor of her parents and Easter. In May Carol Browning held were dedicated in worship on Heri­ an organ recital to help raise money tage Sunday. to repair the organ. Confirmation Transitions in Leadership and Or­ and baptism were planned for Pente­ ganization cost At tile Festival of Birthdays there were balloons and music, More than forty candidates birthday candles and cake for every­ applied for the UCCM campus minis­ one. try position. In May, T.iza Hendricks came on a candidacy visit and was New Ideas New Books, New Pew ultimately hired. Liza, from Atlanta, Cushions Georgia, was completing her M.Div. Harvey began to collect materi­ at Harvard Divinity School. She had als for a "pewbook." The congrega­ interrupted her seminary studies to tion regularly made use of copied give leadership to ACX)RN, an or­ materials that were not found in ei­ ganization that unites low and mod­ ther of the hymnals we had. The erate income citizens in efforts for Sunday morning bulletin was often social and economic change. She so thick with inserts that it was hard would be ordained in the Presbyte­ to follow the service and keep pages rian Church in the summer. from falling on tiie floor. Harvey's Qndy Lindner received a call to idea was to collect songs, especially a church in Corvallis, Oregon. Al­ Frank Burch Brown's, prayers, af­ though Qndy had worked only part firmations, and liturgies from others, time for the four years she had spent bind them together, and use tiiis as a at University Church, her work had supplementary worship resource. involved major amounts of energy. Meanwhile, ABC members were Under her leadership, Christian De­ attempting to address the issue of velopment had been strengthened, race in church life. One way of particularly the Coniirmation- working on the racial separateness Discipleship classes. She had perceived in the church was to help brought into friendship a sizable number of youth. With Qndy Lindner's imminent ccuc departure, Ellen Babinsky was se­ Final deposits were made with lected for the half-time position in the Board of Church Extension, and Christian Development Ellen, or­ die $50,000 mortgage went through. dained in die Presbyterian Church, Improvements to the Woodlawn was a graduate of McCormick, and building were made, especially cor­ was returning to Chicago as a Ph.D. rections of building code violations in candidate in the field of history of the occupied portion of the building. Christianity. There was no longer any landlord- The congregational meeting in tenant relationship, and all persons June had three orders of business, all living in the building were members involving staff. The congregation re­ of the housing cooperative. Funds defined A1 Pitcher's role and called were still being sought to permit the him as minister for Social Ministries, rehabilitation of all of the building. Liza Hendricks as a parish associate of UCCM, and Ellen Babinsky as Social Concerns, Both Global and minister of Christian Development Local Liza was planning to preach one Foreign policy still dominated Sunday in five and work with the die Sunday morning adult sessions student program in the Gargoyle. with particular attention being paid She instituted "Lunch With Liza" at to the situation in Central America, the Blue Gargoyle one day a week at die nuclear arms race, and South Af­ noon in the tradition of campus min­ rica. isters at University Church. National attention was focused With the changes in leadership, on the issue of the nuclear arms race efforts were made to keep things in with the showing of "The Day After" order as much as possible. The vol­ on television. The Nuclear Freeze unteer system was in transition, too, group that had been active in Hyde and the quarterly birthday groups Park and included many University were no longer serving the needs of Church members gained momentum. the congregation. A new model was The topic for the upcoming Epiphany proposed. Persons were encouraged Ousters would be "Peacemaking." to find a partner and volunteer dur­ ing the stewardship campaign for The church would have a spe­ two tasks during the year. The cial r^ationship with the people of Membership Committee formed an South Africa, as Ana and Tod Goble- usher group, and this task was thus dale were being sent to Inanda Semi­ no longer left to tfie volunteers. nary by the UCC to be partners in international mission. Ana and Tod Karen Fields, who joined Uni­ were commissioned by the church in versity Church in 1967, was named to a special service at Promontory Point the position of secretary/bookkeeper in August The Social Concerns in December. Committee also held regular meet- ings to pray for the end of apartheid gregation was about whether we will in South Africa. be "movers and shakers" or "nest Rick and Pat Spier also added to builders and domestics." He ex­ the global presence at University plained. Church. Having just completed a In our moving and shaking term of international ministiy in Ja­ times, we design and work pan, they spent this year at Univer­ with high energy for crea­ sity Church before returning to Japan tive expression and social in August. change, imtil exhausted, Locally, the Blue Gargoyle was we go home to crash, thriving with a $265,000 annual sometimes leaving clutter budget and nine full time and eight behind for spouses, jani­ part time staff members. Trish De- tors, and secretaries to Jean, who had completed five years straighten up, or mail out as the director, won a Community We seldom recognize what Service Fellowship to spend a year at we have done." He Harvard to complete her masters' de­ warned, "We will not be gree. Anne Kok, member of Uni­ able to undertake every versity Church and Gargoyle staff worthwhile project we can member, functioned as acting direc­ imagine 13 tor in Trish's absence. As usual. Uni­ At the annual meeting Chuck versity Church members worked Jonah was elected as the new mod­ hard on the annual rummage sale erator of the congregation, but once and on the International Tea. They again the budget was unbalanced. also pitched in to help organize and The total ■ of $137,200 was $12,000 run in the first annual Gargoyle Gal­ short of its goal of $85,000 in pledges. lop, a ten kilometer run through the At a specially called December con­ streets of Hyde Park and Kenwood. gregational meeting the congregation Lee Weaver continued to bring wrestiled with and approved a com­ us the message from Church Women promise budget This budget gave a United and its projects of assistance 5% salary increase to staff; the con­ to refugees, victims of disasters, and gregation agreed to find ways to persons oppressed because of race, meet its desired response to mission culture, or economics. This year and social concern through extra- there was a special appeal to send budgetary channels. greetings to prisoners of conscience, "Hope is flourishing in our exiles, and imprisoned people behind midst and we look forward to the the Iron Curtain. year ahead." This was Harvey's mes­ Finances sage in the first M essenger (January 4, 1984) of the year that George Orwell At annual budget time there still made famous. In the January 16 Su- was not a solution to the capital fund drain. Harvey's message to the con­ M essenger, Novend)er 15,1983. perMessenger (deven pages this year!) spiration, guidaiKe and leadership that went to the diaspora, die mes­ Mary had given to students and the sage continued to describe character­ community during her life. A schol­ istics of University Church. Among arship fund for DuSable students was Harvey's descriptions were these: initiated in her honor to assist mi­ nority students in higher education. We have a willingness to express a continuing faith As a special tribute to Mary, freshly and publicly. Mayor Harold Washington declared There is an avoidance of October 28,1984, to be "Mary Herrick orthodoxy. There exists in Day" in the City of Chicago. the life of our congregation a need to talk about sub­ Spring Reflections stantive current issues in Lent was a time for quiet reflec­ om culture. In the matter tion. The standard series of services of style, there is a prefer­ marked Holy Week and Easter; the ence for simplicity. choir performed Haydn's "Small Or­ gan Mass." CCUC sponsored an Mary Hanick Night evening of fellowship called Simply Soup and Song, with a fire in the li­ This year the program of Black brary, a simple supper, and plenty of Culture Night was a celebration of guitars and singing. the gifts of Mary Herrick, long time member of the congregation. Mary One big event interrupted our taught for years in the Chicago Public contemplative mood. On Simday School system, spending most of her afternoon March 25, University teaching career at DuSable High Church hosted the Chicago Disciples School. Some of her famous former Union Assembly, featuring a massed students included Mayor Harold choir, the liturgical dance choir, and Washington, John Johnson, head of an organ concert by Carol Browning. Johnson publishing, Sterling Stucky, More than 500 guests arrived for the Nortiiwestem University historian, occasion. Martha Harris was chair of Dempsey Travis, real estate «itre- the host committee for this special preneur and author, and our own Jim event Wagner. 3nce her retirement Mary Christian Development Position had written A History o f Chicago Pub­ Opens Again lic Schools served several years on the White House Conference on Aging, In March Ellen Babinsky an­ and organized programs for senior nounced to the congregation her in­ citizens. tention to return to her doctoral Almost 500 people fiUed the studies, and the congregation ac­ sanctuary to pay respects to Mary cepted her resignation with regret and her record of service as a teacher and honor. A Search Committee was and social activist The program in­ formed to look for a minister of cluded many testimonials to the in­ Christian Development It was "seeking someone with a 'full time' posed theme for the Epiphany clus­ mentality/ who is ordained and ters was "God in Central America." theologically trained"; the position is Resistance movements often have expected to be half time and pay dieir source in communities of faith/ $9/000. and the University Church Foreign In June Kathryn "Kossy" Policy Study Group formed a Relig­ KsandeT/ a student at McCormick/ ious Task Force on Central America. was recommended for the Christian This was the beginning of a long Development position. She was an­ history of involvement in this issue ticipating Presbyterian ordination. with die eventual consideration of Kossy came from Oak Park where becoming a sanctuary church for she had been an active member of refugees from the war tom area. First United Church. She expected to Building Business, Both Church spend at least three years at Univer­ and CCUC sity Church as the Minister of Chris­ tian Development The Covenantal Community was negotiating with die City's De­ Central America First Hand partment of Housing and with Harris In May three members of the Bank to secure funding to continue congregation participated in a Wit­ the rehabilitation of the Woodlawn ness For Peace delegation to Nicara­ building. A limited partnership ar­ gua. Witness For Peace was a na­ rangement was considered seriously tionally based attempt to develop a by members of CCUC By July/ prayerful/ biblically based commu­ documents were in place/ and resi­ nity of US citizens who wished to act dents were ready to proceed. This on behalf of a policy of justice/ peace/ new financing would eliminate the and hiendship toward Nicaragua. present mortgage from die Covenan­ John Fish/ his son Dan/ and T.iza tal Commiuiity to University Church/ Hendricks traveled to Nicaragua to and the m ortage of the church to the help provide a presence of US citi­ Board of Church Extension. zens diere to demonstrate opposition Meanwhile/ the church building to the imdeclared US war against was also in need of attention. A part Nicaragua/ to participate in recon­ of the capital funds was used for struction projects/ and to develop an their real purpose: capital improve­ understanding of Nicaraguan reality. ments. There were new electrical The church began to focus sub­ wiring and new lights in the dining stantial attention on the policy of our room/ but we needed a new roof too. government in Central America. In The Development Committee was March the foreign policy study group still looking for funds to do badly recommended a study document needed repairs. They had set a goal about this area of the world. After of securing $100/000 in deferred gifts the travels of Joluv Dan^ and L iz a , the and other commitments to die en­ church discussions became more in­ dowment funds of die church. Har­ tense and intentional/ and the pro­ vey made a gift to the church by contributing to a new speaker system provided an occasion for the congre­ in honor of his parents. gation to look back and look ahead. All this attention to the build­ At the Anniversary Dinner in Octo­ ing focused attention once again on ber, an event co-chaired by Margaret the financial affairs of the church. Metheny and Don Steward, Don The Gargoyle, the campus ministry, Browning addressed the 155 gath­ and the church entered into serious ered friends on "A Relevant Past—A conversations about shared costs of Promising Future." Long time mem­ their joint programs. The Gargoyle bers Gladys Finn (who coiiKidentally pledge 100% payment of the added also celebrated her ninetieth birfoday costs brought about by its joint occu­ in a well attended church party), pancy with the church and the cam­ James WoUesen, Don Steward, and E. pus ministry. C Welch spoke of recollections of University Church life, while Don Picnic as Commissioning Browning made suggestions about the future. The subject of the fall re­ This year Linda Petrucelli and treat was similar; "Dreams of the Gary Hoff expected to be appointed Future" was the reflection subject this to serve as international ministers in year. A report on the 90th Anniver­ Taiwan, where Linda would do cam­ sary Campaign for Endowment indi­ pus ministry and Gary would do cate that $86,453 had been given, English editing and graphics for a pledged, or promised. church publishing house. The usual end of summer picnic at Promontory End of the Year Business Point followed a service of worship in which we sent Linda and Gary on As the stewardship campaign our behalf. began, there was a new structure for seeking pledges to the church Youth and Ministry budget A plan for stewardship edu­ cation was based on the book M oney In the fall. Fawn Houck joined Ls Not a Four Letter Word, by John H. the staff of University Church as a McNaughton. Special stewards were volimteer Youtii Assistant in Minis­ selected who would be responsible try. The youth group was very active for nine in' ten family units being this year. Th^ acted in a biblical invited to coffee to discuss giving as drama for worsliip, rode a hayrack at an act of gratefulness to God. a retreat, and joined an interfaith Pledges rose 20% over the previous group of conununity churches and year and topped $90,000. synagogues who planned and exe­ cuted a haunted house for Hallow­ At foe annual meeting Chuck een. Jonah was elected moderator of t^ congregation and a balanced budget of Ninety Years $145,000 was approved. The World Outreach and Social Concerns Budget This year marked the 90th anni­ for 1984 in the amount of $5,580 had versary of University Church. This been completely met by second mile larger and more powerful commu­ pledges. nities and institutions. A group began studying the The choir sang The Ballad of possibility of claiming University The Brown King" during advent, a Church as a Nuclear Weapons Free cantata produced with the collabora­ Zone, part of a movement to expand tion of Langston Hughes and Marga­ Nuclear Weapons Free Zones to ret Bonds.

The Dance Choir

The Sanctuary Movement Central America This year in the life of Univer­ By the end of January the For­ sity Church was dominated by the eign Policy Study Group had brought issue of Central America and refu­ forward to the congregation the idea gees from El Salvador and Guatemala of University Church becoming a as well as a continuing interest and part of the Sanctuary Movement for involvement in Nicaragua. Financial Central American refugees and asked worries still plagued the congrega­ them to consider what the church's tion, and there was a focus on replen­ attitude and policy would be toward ishing the funds available for the such refugees. Nationally, religious building. groups had been assisting refugees from rightist regimes in Central America to find safety and establish residence in this country. University Church was considering its role in rarily housing refugees. The Board this movement considered possible legal complica­ There was still a strong congre­ tions from this activity, and the con­ gational connection with Witness For gregation readied itself for this new Peace; in March Sara Pitcher repre­ task. In April Dan Dale was com­ sented University Church in a na­ missioned to go on a two month as­ tional women's delegation to Nicara­ signment to Arizona to assist sanctu­ gua. Other members joined with the ary workers there and to organize a Pledge of Resistance and their acts of caravan of refugees and workers who civil disobedience regarding the war would drive from Arizona to Chi­ in Central America. Still more mem­ cago. In anticipation of welcoming a bers participated in individual and refugee family, beginning Spanish group study and prayer through the classes were offered at the church. Epiphany Clusters. "Keeping the Building Up" Cant’ In early February, the congre­ paign gation voted to "offer itself and its facilities in assistance to refugees Meanwhile, the congregation from El Salvador and Guatemala" continued its struggle with money. and thus become a part of the na­ Juanita Burris, fresh from the success tional sanctuary movement (February of the endowment campaign, turned 10. 1985). This meant that University her and her committee's attention to Church would be opening its place of replenishing the fund available for worship to refugees on an emergency building improvement and repair. A and short term basis to protect them new roof was badly needed, espe­ from arrest, contributing financially, cially since this was the first re­ and if needed, offering long term roofing since the construction of the sanctuary to a refugee family. building in 1923; but the cost, $50,000, was about half of the current This action of the church was capital fund. There were conversa­ seen as a religious act, in accordance tions with the Blue Gargoyle on how with conscience, and the Attorney this organization contributed to the General of the United States was in­ shared costs of operating the build­ formed in writing. The University ing. These were sensitive conversa­ Church action was in agreement with tions, as the Blue Gargoyle continued resolutions approved in the regional to fight for funding, now offered, and national bodies of the Christian now cut off, by the Department of Church (Disciples of Christ), the Human Services of the City of Chi­ United Church of Christ, and the cago. National Council of Churches. In April the new Building Cam­ A Sanctuary Committee was paign Committee set a goal of formed to work on the details of how $175,000 to be raised in the next three to live out the church's commitment years. They hoped for $125,000 from to this project It considered space immediate members of the congre­ and human availability for tempo­ gation, $25,000 from friends at a dis­ tance, and $25,000 from the Blue the first time at Easter! The World Gargoyle. One of the first agenda Outreach Department tape recorded items would be to replace the $62,000 special services in order to send them recently spent on electrical circuits, to oim international ministers and to dining room lights, and the new roof. others who wanted to hear a Uni­ There were dreams of remodeling the versity Chimrh service. kitchen, and making the restrooms In the spring the children of the handicap accessible. The year 1985 church school presented a musical was the first year since 1967 that offering, "Barbecue For Ben," a jazz University Church did not anticipate version of the story of the prodigal using the endowment funds for cur­ son. Anne Kok, who had been in­ rent needs. The Committee hoped to terim director of the Blue Gargoyle in have 100% of this goal pledged by Trish DeJean's absence, announced June. her plans to move with her family to The Social Ministries Endow­ Wisconsin. ment Fund was growing. Persons Harvey and May Lord an­ who contributed to this fund were nounced their plans to spend the asked to be perfectly willing that first six months of 1986 in Berkeley, these funds be used in a controversial California, on sabbatical. Kossy fashion, according to the judgment of Ksander woiild then assume major the Social Concerns Department. administrative responsibilities and Liza Hendricks would make pastoral Life of the Church calls on persons with special needs. The church continued in its Plans were made to find guest regular liturgical year traditions. We preachers who would fill in to give exchanged choirs and preachers with the message on some Sunday morn­ Lincoln Memorial UCC one Sunday ings. in February. After Epiphany Ous­ The church staff, coordinated ters, Lent was a reflective time. by Fawn Houck, began to prepare a Kossy Ksander and Paul Williams led Leader's Resource Book for use while a Discipleship Qass for youth. The Harvey was away, and afterward for choir prepared to sing Robert Ray's that matter. This book would even­ "Gospel Mass" after Easter. Of tually include statements about the course, the usual Palm Sunday, Holy history of the church, worship Week, and Easter activities were in guidelines for special occasions, job place. This year the banners made descriptions for all posts, personnel for Easter by the church school chil­ policies, and copies of special litur­ dren were sent to the congregations gies. Ana and Tod Gobledale were serving in South Africa. E. C. Welch The pewbooks, for which Har­ This year's Black Culture Night vey had been collecting material, was a tribute to ninety-five-year-old were sent to the printer in January; E. C. Welch. "I'm walkin' and talkin' they finally made an appearance for and lookin'” was how he responded attended round the clock by volun­ to people who greeted him. E. C. teers, who signed up to keep watch. sang in the choir, interacted easily After a brief sojourn in Chicago, with young and old, white and black. Maria Teresa's two brothers contin­ E. C.'s wife, Rosa Page Welch, jour­ ued their journey to Massachusetts neyed from her retirement home in where they were received into sanc­ Mississippi to take part in the cele­ tuary. bration and lead the congregation in Jean Mudge volunteered to the closing song "He's Got The Whole make an educational film on sanctu­ World In His Hands. ary. The working title of her thirty minute film was "You Are One Of Gomez Family in Sanctuary Us?" It explored the cultural interac­ We "put our money where our tions of the Guatemalan family and mouths are" now. While members of members of our congregation. Jean the Pledge of Resistance had been intended to make the videotape active in civil disobedience against available nationally for distribution. the war, members of the Sanctuary Eventually titled, "Sanctuary in Chi­ Committee had been exploring the cago," the film won several awards. space in the church for temporarily The UCCM Board endorsed and housing refugees. In June word came supported University Church's posi­ that in July a caravan would arrive tion as a Sanctuary Church. Other carrying a Guatemalan family of five support came from the National who would be requesting sanctuary Council of Churches of Christ in the at University Church. USA, who assisted with bail funds in There was widespread support cases of arrest, and the Presbyterian of this project, and the support took Church in the US who contributed to many forms. The Gomez family ar­ a legal defense fund for refugees and rived in July and were officially wel­ supporters. comed July 12th with a potluck din­ In September as the church ner and a program where there were school year began, there was a 200 supporters present The newly month-long focus on Guatemala and arrived family sang, danced, and en­ sanctuary. This was the topic of an acted a drama in Spanish. The family adult Sunday morning class, it was wore masks and used assumed lifted up in worship, and climaxed names because of their dangerous with a special Guatemalan Fiesta, in­ willingness to tell the story of op­ cluding a cultural presentation by the pressed people in an impoverished Gomez family. land. We know them as Juan Jose, Maria Teresa, and their three chil­ Annual "Internationar Outdoor dren. They took up temporary resi­ Worship dence in a make-shift apartment in Again this year the end of the Room 21 in the church. They were summer outdoor worship service at the Promontory Point had an inter­ M essenger, ^ ril 25, 1985. national flavor. Ana and Tod Goble- Social Action dale were guest preachers. Rick Lest Central America think it Spier gave a report on Japan. Beth was getting all of the congregation's Browning, on her way to China, and energy, several other projects were Fawn Houck, ready to go to Ger­ taken on by University Church. many, also took part in the service. World Outreach had a book project to The Gomez family was present as collect 900 pounds of books and sent well. them to Fiji, Japan, South Africa, Christian Development and the Re­ Taiwan, and Zimbabwe. turn of the Interns After seven years of getting by with substandard housing and eight­ More than forty new students een months of persistent negotiation, were welcomed at the Campus Min­ the Covenantal Community secured a istry Open House. Kevin Bruce, stu­ loan from various sources in the dent at McCormick, was the assistant amount of $706,000 to complete the in campus ministry this year; Jill rehabilitation of the entire Wood lawn Schwendemann, student at the Di­ building. This made possible the vinity School, was the coordinator of payoff of the loan to the Board of the Student Volunteer Bureau. Chtux:h Extension; the mortgage on The focus of the all-church fall University Church was now released. retreat was Christian Development Fifteen members of the congre­ and growth in Christian life for fami­ gation gathered the required number lies, singles, and post-family persons. of signatures and asked for a congre­ One of the issues to arise from the gational meeting to consider making retreat was the need for an adult fel­ University Church a Nuclear Weap­ lowship group. Several adults gath­ ons Free Zone. On May 5 by a vote ered under the leadership of Bob of sixty eight to three (with three ab­ Blake calling themselves the "All stentions), the church space was de­ Souls" group. The name implied no clared a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone. age or marital or any other kind of There was a joint press release by restrictions. The purpose of the All three or four Hyde Park religious Souls group was for adults to gather groups who had made similar deci­ to have fun and fellowship in a sions. An outdoor sign was unveiled Christian context and to help one in July which made this stance pub­ another cope with the isolation many lic. felt Members hoped this would be a nurturing and energizing core that Money, Money, Money would allow them to contribute to the church's work in the world. In September the local phase of Many of their activities involved tile campaign for Keeping Up The theater, restaurant, and other social Building was complete, with $106,000 excursions, followed by informal dis­ in pledges. The other two phases, cussions. one for friends at a distance and one for the Blue Gargoyle, would con­ tinue. The 1985 operating budget, Central America and Sanctuary instead of staying balanced, found It was a great blow to the church itself $7-8,000 short in pledges. when the Gomez family asked to At the annual meeting, Marjorie move to sanctuary at the Friends Branch was elected moderator for Meeting in Hartford, Connecticut, to 1986. A budget of $155,644 was pro­ be nearer Maria Teresa's two broth­ posed, which required $98,000 in ers. After spending so much effort in pledges. The Social Concems/World helping the family settle in and begin Outreach budget for extra- to know us, it was hard to process congregational purposes had raised their sudden departure. For many, $12,510 for denominational support their presence had awakened sensi­ and local adopted organizations. tivities and rekindled commitments that were very important End of the Year Nevertheless, the congregation's The usual Advent activities took deep involvement in Central America place with the youth from the Ingath­ and the struggles of the people con­ ering presenting the play "Cosmo's tinued. Bob Borchers and Sara First Christmas." Plans were made Pitcher traveled to Guatemala and for the Epiphany Clusters to focus on visited refugee camps on the Mexican South Africa. border. Church members actively The church was also prepared opposed American aid to the Contras this time for Harvey's six months by writing letters, leafleting, and away. The M essenger had a series of demonstrating. guest editors, and the preaching There was still a strong desire schedule until Ju ly 6(!) was listed in for the church to be a part of the the end- of-the-year M essenger. sanctuary movement and members of the Sanctuary community made it Harvey’s Second Sabbatical, 1986 clear that the congregation would This year Harvey and May Lord welcome the opportunity to become a spent January through June in Ber­ part of the movement by sponsoring keley, California. Harvey was a another family. But for the moment Visiting Scholar at the Pacific School no family was available. Colleen of Religion, where Barbara Zikmund Hanrahan became the first full time was dean. Kossy Ksander took over staff person of the South Side Sanctu­ many of the administrative tasks that ary Committee to also be on the staff Harvey had been accustomed to do­ of University Church. She came from ing as well as running the Christian the Brethren Volunteer Service and Development program. The editing helped organize and coordinate tiie of the M essenger was a shared job Central American ministry. with several members of the Congre­ gation taking a turn at getting the church news into print Foreign Policy and Global Social pression of the social mission of the Action church. Commitment of the Gar­ goyle to a new program in adult lit­ Central America was not alone eracy was strong, and Trish DeJean in attracting the attention of members recruited volunteers from the church of the congregation. There was a call membership. The congregation was for action in South Africa to end still hoping that the Gargoyle would apartheid. Messages from the make a significant contribution to the Gobledales kept the congregation in­ fund for Keeping Up The Building. formed of conditions. From Indian­ apolis came a call for a worldwide Trish announced her plans to day of fasting and prayer in obser­ leave the position of director of the vance of the tenth anniversary of the Gargoyle. A search was opened, and Soweto uprising. A benefit concert in October Kathryn Qayton, recently "Songs of Liberation" held on Soweto from Champaign, Illinois, became the Sunday raised funds for work both in new director. Kathryn had experi­ South Africa and in El Salvador. ence as a counselor to troubled youth and as a social service administrator. Global events also stirred the congregation into response and con­ Life of the Church versation. This was the year that US planes bombed Libya, and a peaceful This year. University Church revolution in the Philippines re­ celebrated with the nation as Dr. moved Ferdinand Marcos from King's birthday was made a national power and put in his place the holiday. Three new hand carved of­ popular Corazon Aquino. With ties fering bowls were given to the to the Philippines via Harvey and church by Eleanor Campbell in May Lord, who spent the early years memory of her parents. of their ministry in Laoag City at Lent was again a quieter time in Northern Christian College, and the church. Carole Stodder created a Philippine-bom member Juanita new banner for Lent and Easter. In­ Burris, the congregation had a special stalled on Ash Wednesday, it con­ desire for a relationship with the sisted of a tree image in black and Philippines. The topic for the Epiph­ white, partially covered with a any Ousters in early 1987 was the translucent panel hanging in front of Philippines. it On Easter, the veil was split, "just as on Good Friday, the veil in the Blue Gargoyle News temple was rent signifying the new The Gargoyle was well into its order. The church choir prepared teen years by now, and the Board "God's Trombones" as a special offer­ was looking at Long Range Plans for ing in April. this institution. Part of this process The issue of children and wor­ included a survey for the congrega­ ship was alive again at the church. tion. Results showed that church The youth group was quite active members saw the Gargoyle as an ex­ Carole Stodder, M essenger, March 2, 1986. and served a luncheon one Simday tion to church school and Christian after church with the theme "Return Development the Gift of Caring: The Intergenera- tional Community." Proceeds helped Fall Renewal fund the church retreat and youth The church had a very busy cal­ camp scholarships. Drama seemed to endar in the fall. In any given week, be intriguing the children of the all these groups were finding a time church school. In the spring they to meet Public Policy Steering presented a musical called "Cool In Connmittee, Central American Vigil The Furnace" about Shadrach, Me- and Sanctuary, Bible Study, Sanctu­ shach/ and Abednego. During Ad­ ary Band, Choir, Liturgical Dance vent they presented another musical, Choir, Ushers, and All Souls adult "Cosmo's First Christmas." Martha fellowship. The Covenantal Com­ Koenig was instrumental in directing munity's rehabilitation project was these performances and helping the finally completed, and they held an children to contribute to the life of open house for members of the the church. church and others who had contrib­ The idea of establishing organi­ uted time, money, and labor to this zations as Nuclear Weapons Free project Zones was spreading. Clergy and The Tuesday morning public Laity Concerned spearheaded a policy breakfast meetings spawned movement and introduced a motion several important activities of the in City Council to declare the entire church: Nuclear Weapons Free Zone, city a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone. the Sanctuary ministry, and forums The office building of the headquar­ on the US/USSR. These breakfast ters of the Christian Church, Disci­ meetings continued in the fall. ples of Christ, was declared a Nu­ Two assistants in ministry clear Weapons Free Zone. joined the staff. Olga Ruiz, student at Harvey Returns and Changes Jobs CTS, was the assistant in ministry with the Social Concerns Committee. Harvey returned and was ener­ Roger Bertsch, a second year ministry gized by his trip to the west coast student at the Divinity School, served However, Kossy had enjoyed having as the assistant in ministry for cam­ the chance to do some of the adminis­ pus ministry. trative tasks in Harvey's absence. Harvey was anxious to do something Gonzales Family Enters Sanctuary about Christian Development, and In October efforts to have an­ the idea arose that Harvey and Kossy other family in sanctuary at Univer­ change jobs. In the fall, with unani­ sity Church were successful as mous congregational approval, it was Nicholas Gonzales entered sanctuary decided that Kossy wovdd handle the at University Church. Nicholas was administrative aspects of University a farm laborer and leader who, fear­ Church life, and Harvey wotild be ful of assassination by the Guatema- the minister who pays special atten­ Ian army, had fled to the U. S. A focusing on special needs. There was catechist in the Mayan Church of the operating budget the endowment Guatemala, Nicholas and his family fund, the Sanctuary budget and the had left in order to tell the story of Outreach budget all competing for the continuing slaughter in Guate­ church members' resources. mala and of America's role in this. His family was cvurently in sanctuary What's On Our Minds in Dallas. His wife Teresa and his The discussion of how Univer­ four children, Alesandro, Gloria, sity Church would respond to the Daniel, and Jesus, joined him in situation in Central America also sanctuary here. Nicholas was wel­ found a few persons questioning the comed October 12 in a crowded Sun­ majority opinion and decisions. Of­ day morning service. A Guatemalan ten, when a small group feels Fiesta involving the entire Gonzales strongly about an issue, they discuss family was held at the church in No­ it and meet about it, and their minds vember. are made up by the time an issue hits the congregation as a whole. Even End of the Year Business when opportunities were presented In the annual meeting in No­ for the congregation to have input or vember, Bob Jackson was elected participate in formation of policy, moderator for the coming year. Un­ some members really hear of an issue fortunately, the hope that this would for the first time when it is brought to be the year that no funds were used a Congregational meeting. from the endowment were not real­ When the congregation voted in ized. A year ago, the congregation 1985 to become a sanctuary congre­ had voted to adopt a budget of gation, a few dissenting votes were $155,644; then when pledges did not registered, and one member wrote a support this budget, they reduced it M essenger article to explain his posi­ to $153,100. The $160,266 budget for tion. At that time, Harvey wrote a 1987 would need $97,300 in pledges. thoughtful response in the June 27, The church members decided that if 1985, M essenger. pledges did not come in to meet this budget, a congregational meeting We are a fairly good bunch would be called in early 1987 to re­ of people about caring consider it about one another, and being present when we Church Business know a need. So even when there is some disa­ The year 1987 began with the greement on a highly con­ stresses of having a $10,000 shortfall troversial issue, I think in pledges for the coming year's there is a good chance that budget While $100,000 was needed, tile fellowship circle will the actual amount pledged was less not be broken. than $90,000. There were a lot of funds to keep track of, some of them Now that more persons were Thursday evenings during Lent at voicing their reservations about the the Covenantal Community building church's stand on the situation in to study homosexuality, faith, and Nicaragua and Nuclear Weapons the church. Four Sunday morning Free Zone, Janice Skidmore voiced sessions were arranged to introduce her concern about University these issues to the congregation. In Church's intolerance of divergent April a congregational meeting was political opinion, especially from called to address the official state­ worshippers who did not happen to ment of University Church about be Democratic, liberal, political activ­ homosexuality. At the meeting in ists. Shortly after this, a response June, tile congregation voted sixty- came from former member, Carolyn seven to one to create a Task Force to Steinhoff-Smith, now in Enid, Okla­ establish a statement about the posi­ homa, defending the very long proc­ tion of this church on the issue of ess by which decisions are reached at whether to become an Open and Af­ University Church. This interchange firming Congregation. caused much intense discussion at The issue of gender and lan­ the church, and a few members chose guage surfaced again strongly after to leave University Church. This is­ Easter Sunday. The words "sons of sue of how the church arrives at a men and angels say" in the standard corporate decision about sensitive Easter hymns caused a reaction from political and social issues would arise members of the congregation and a again later in the year over the issue response from Liza and Kossy to be of homosexuality. more intentional about selecting hymns that used inclusive language. Homosexuality and Gender Issues The question was raised about International Ministry how willing members of University The Epiphany Clusters had as Church were to welcome gays and their focus the Philippines; a Filipino lesbians in membership. The General Festival at the end of the Epiphany Synod of the UCC had requested that season celebrated with arts, crafts, all congregations consider becoming and native songs and dances. "Open and Affirming." This would In March Ana and Tod Goble- mean that a congregation, after dale returned from their assignment study, would draw up its own state­ in South Africa, where they had most ment which made it clear that gays recently been working in Zululand. and lesbians were welcome in its They traveled through tiie United membership. While University States doing deputation work and Church had practiced this for years, expected to return to South Africa in no official statement had ever been early 1988. made. All in the congregation were invited to discuss this issue. After Dan Fish's last trip to Nicaragua, the congregation sup­ The first step was the formation ported the establishment and devel- of a study group that met for four opment of a women's carpentry co­ which our present di­ operative in Paiwas, an inland village lemma has emerged. in Nicaragua. The members collected tools and materials for the co-op Church Life which were delivered by caravan. In May through the Board, University The children from Ingathering Church named Cristo Key Parish in had a sleep-over at the church, with Paiwas, Nicaragua/ as a sister con­ games and plenty of food. The junior gregation. Cristo Key was a Roman high fellowship held a simple soup Catholic parish busy with fostering luncheon one Sunday after service. economic development through co­ All the church school children made operatives. Dan Fish spent three Elijah Jars to collect money for global months there to help get the co-op missions. xmderway. This year the Black Culture This year the children's Easter Night was a soul food dinner with a banners were sent to two places; one difference. This time recipes were half went to our sister congregation provided, and there were prizes of­ in Paiwas, Cristo Rey Parish. The fered in several categories, including other half was sent to the Fisherman's beans, greens, com bread, rice, and Center in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, where chitlins. The church observed Cen­ Linda Petrucelli and Gary Hoff were tral American Week in March, stationed. marking the anniversary of the as­ sassination of Archbishop Oscar The Sunday morning group that Romero in El Salvador. had been studying foreign policy took as its focus this year the rela­ Pentecost was the occasion of tionship between the Soviet Union several young people joining the and the United States. Carol LeFevre church, some by baptism, others by explained the nature of the discus­ affirmation of faith. The mid­ sions in a March 19,1987, Messenger. summer lull was punctuated by a Talent Show held to raise money to Believing that many of our purchase video equipment national, international, and The goal of having Friends con­ global problems are caused tribute $25,000 in pledges to the or exacerbated by the in­ Keeping Up The Building Fund was tense military and political nearing completion. rivalry between the US and USSR, a study group is Assistants In Ministry and Fall attempting to cut dvough Start-Up the distortions and stereo­ types by learning more This year there were four assis­ about the reality of Soviet tants in ministry working in various life and policies today, and aspects of church leadership. Art better understanding the Cribbs, a student returning to study historical context out of at CTS after fifteen years as a radio and TV newscaster, was the assistant for membership and fello>vship. Plaques were being made that Denise Andersen, also a student at featured a photo of a needlework CTS, joined the staff as youth coun­ design stating "This Home Is A Nu­ selor for the junior and senior high. clear Weapons Free Zone." These Troy Sybrant, a Disciples House plaques were sold almost as fast as Scholar at the Divinity School, was the committee could make them. assistant for Woodlawn ministry and They showed up as Christmas gifts in lived in the CCUC's Woodlawn many University Church homes. building. Kathy Lawes, a student at The biennial General Assembly CTS, was the assistant for campus Meeting in Louisville was the occa­ ministry and helped Liza in campus sion for the meeting of forty Friends fellowship activities and with editing of University Church. There, Uni­ the UCCM newsletter. versity Church members gave sup­ A breakfast for parents of chil­ port to the formation of GLAD (Gays, dren in the church school kicked off Lesbians, and Affirming Disciples); the Christian Development year. the first time a group had been or­ There was still an Ingathering, and ganized to address the concerns of Harvey still had major responsibili­ homosexuals among the Disciples. ties for Christian Development while Harvey continued to encourage Uni­ Kossy handled the administrative versity Church members to attend tasks for the church. The adult Bible these meetings. study class met in the fall with a In contrast to the General special focus in September and Octo­ Synod of the United ber on "The Bible and Homosexual­ Church of Christ, where ity." The Public Policy Forum had 750 persons represent the "underclass" as the theme for the thousands of congrega­ fall Sunday morning sessions. tions, most disciple con­ The all-chiuvh retreat at Pleas­ gregations had their own ant Valley farm, co-sponsored by delegates at Louisville, and Christian Development and the new whatever maturity was Care and Nurture Committee, had as exhibited could be cotmted its theme "The Inner Self." on to be linked to the local church. That is why I Global and Local Social Concerns judge that, although the The Blue Gargoyle had its third United Church of Christ director in as many years. Selected produces the more erudite from more than 60 applicants, she and profoimdly liberal was Barbara Kramer, well known in pronouncements in its Hyde Park volunteer circles and for­ Synods, the Disciples field mer staff person for the Hyde Park the largest most genuinely Neighborhood Club. Barbara was a liberal religious group in graduate of the University of Chi­ the nation. I credit these cago's School of Social Service Ad­ biennial assemblies with ministration. being one of the strongest forces for adult Christian Housing for Elderly Persons education in the world.^^ This year. University Church members joined with persons from End of the Year Park Manor and Parkway Gardens to The congregation approached work on a project called Manor the end of 1987 with an unbalanced House. This group would endeavor budget In anticipation of the coining to develop HUD 202 apartments for year's expenses there was discussion older persons with limited incomes. among the members about tithing. Martha Harris explains. Meanwhile, the Friends had done a We envision a place where wonderful job of approaching their residents can live in attrac­ $25,000 goal for the endowment fund tive surrovmdings as inde­ of University Church. pendently as possible, At the annual meeting in No­ making their own deci­ vember, Carol LeFevre was elected sions, and experiencing the moderator, and a budget of $172,250 wholeness that every per­ was proposed. This budget included son claims as a basic hu­ $105,000 in pledges. In this budget, man right. approximately 20% of University Martha encouraged University Church's total annual offerings Church members to make this part of would go to outreach causes. Also at their vision for the future. the annual meeting Ana and Tod Gobledale raised a concern about Staff Addition whether the wide salary variance among the paid staff at University Though the Sanctuary Ministry Church was economically unjust involved persons from KAM/ Isaiah This question was taken very seri­ Israel, McCormick, and Disciples ously both by the ministers and the Divinity House, as well as from Uni­ Staff Relations Committee and was versity Church, this group agreed to discussed in several subsequent Mes­ make the Sanctuary Ministry more sengers. central to the life of University Church. The Ministry made its The year 1988 began with the budgets and expenditures account­ perennial cash flow problems, but able to the University Church Board morale was high. Concern about na­ and the congregation and named a tional and international issues flowed part-time member of the church staff. energetically through the church, as Mary Jacobus became the coordinator Sanctuary, the Soviet Union, housing of the Sanctuary Ministry; Mary had for the elderly, and the issues around been active in many causes for social homosexuality and University justice, including involvement in Church challenged the congregation. Witness For Peace and teaching at a

17 16 Messenger^ November, 1987. Messenger, February 10, 1988. camp for Salvadoran refugees in ordination of gays and lesbians sur­ Hondixras. faced. This issue was a controversial one because members of the commit­ Congregational Business tee had not considered this issue di­ There were two important con­ rectly. As reported by Marilyn gregational meetings in the spring. Klawiter, chair of the Task Force, in One was about non-compliance wi& the April 20 Messenger, the congrega­ the newly passed federal immigra­ tion met and discussed the issue for tion act that required papers to be more than an hour. Then it voted signed by employers when hiring (fifty-three yes, six no, four absten­ persons to work in the United States, tions) to make official a statement affirming the legality of these work­ written by the task force after two ers. The Chicago Metropolitan amendments had been added. Sanctuary Alliance urged Sanctuary The first amendment added congregations to regard non- words to the second part of the af­ compliance as part of the commit­ firmation which now read "We wel­ ment to aid and protect Salvadoran come gay and lesbian persons into and Guatemalan refugees. The con­ University Church membership and gregation passed this resolution in all its privileges and responsibilities, May. including full opportunity for leader­ The other issue the congregation ship and ministry." The second tackled was the issue of becoming an amendment added, "We urge the re­ "Open and Affirming" congregation. gions of the Christian Church The meeting considered the state­ (Disciples of Christ) and the associa­ ment prepared by the Task Force on tion of the United Church of Christ to an Open and Affirming Church. ordain qualified openly gay and les­ bian persons." Open and Affirming A minority voice was heard in a For the last three years, the con­ letter from Don Browning to the Mes­ gregation had been working through senger. He said: issues concerning University I had hoped that Univer­ Church's response to gay and lesbian sity Church would formu­ persons in worship and in fellow­ late proposals, as moderate ship. A Task Force made a report, and succinct as they would and there were several evening and need to be, that would help Sunday morning sessions about this solve what promises to be issue in which a number of members a tiurty year war on this is­ took part sue—a war that will In an April congregational probably reduce mainline meeting called to address ti\e rec­ Protestant Christianity to ommendation of the Task Force that the margins of American University Chiuvh become an Open religious life. and Affirming Church, the issue of Marilyn Klawiter responded: If the subject of ordination Sanctuary Ministry of gays and lesbians al­ John Fish joined a delegation of ready has been discussed Christians to Guatemala in early for fifteen years and will April. The Sanctuary Ministry also be under discussion for sponsored a Guatemalan Fiesta in another thirty, there is all May. the more reason for this community to speak out The Ministry also sponsored a and move the dialogue play in November, "The Spirit Of long a bit The vote at the Harriet Tubman," that linked Sanctu­ congregational meeting, ary and the Underground Railroad. after open and vigorous There was a Pedal For Peace bike-a- exchange of divergent thon in October to raise money for views, says that this con­ the work of the Ministry. gregation, for one, is pre­ The Fruits of Social Concern pared to do so. Let the dialogue, however, con­ Many of the projects that had tinue. begun under Harvey Lord's ministry were bearing fruit Each year, the Transitions Mary Herrick Scholarship Fund awarded scholarships to minority The church was facing the re­ students from DuSable High School tirement of Harvey Lord in June of who intended to pursue higher edu­ 1989 after a nineteen year ministry. cation. In anticipation of this the church offi­ cers and ministers tried to anticipate Twenty Gay, Lesbian and Af­ the needs of the congregation for the firming Disciples (GLAD) leaders interim until a new pastor was found. met at University Church in October In a marathon Board meeting, the for fellowship and national planning. decision was made that University This was an opportunity for gay and Qmrch would need a one year in­ lesbian members of the Christian terim minister and a church adminis­ Church (Disciples of Christ) to get trator to allow the congregation to do acquainted with one another, to share the reflection and work necessary to common concerns, and to discover start a search for a new minister. who their friends were. This, coupled with the fact that both The church learned that one of the Blue Gargoyle and the campus its Nuclear Weapons Free Zone ministry were losing funding, Plaques was given to the Gorbachevs prompted the Board members to take for use in their home. May and Har­ a hard look at who we were as a vey Lord reported in the October 5 church and what our needs in a Messenger, minister would be. There, as Sacramento TV recorded the event, Cali­ fornia's Barbara Wiedner presented a peace plaque of all church members for a bulletin made at University Church board display in the dining room. Chicago to the leader of the More projects were underway Soviet Union. He thanked that would make use of the Keeping her warmly for a meaning­ Up The Building Fund. A courtyard ful gift and promised to walkway and ramp system were display it in his home. planned to allow handicap access to the church. May Lord and Carol LeFevre plaimed a trip to the Soviet Union to Christian Development planned see first hand some of the significant for the all-church retreat again. This changes taking place there under year the theme was "Spirituality and glasnost, especially in the churches. Liberation," and was led by John Fish and the Sanctuary Ministry. By November plans were final for the appointment of Dan Dale and The Stewardship Committee set Nancy Jones and their fainily to a theme of "Grow One" for the travel to El Salvador under the Divi­ church. The hope was that the sion of Overseas Ministries of the church membership would increase Christian Church to work with the their giving by 1% this year during Lutheran Bishop of El Salvador. the pledge campaign. They were commissioned in a service on Sanctuary Sunday in November. Staff Changes and the End of the Year University Church would soon have a new set of international work­ Lori Ensign/ a third year ers in ministry, as Harvey and May McCormick student was the new had received a copy of a letter from campus ministry intern. September the executive of the United Church of found Denise Andersen with a new Christ in the Philippines, inviting role as assistant in ministry for them for a two to three year term Christian development Gayle Shep- there, with Harvey teaching at herdson, a third year history major at Northern Christian College in Laoag. the College of the University of Chi­ cago, was chosen to staff the Sanctu­ Life of the Congregation ary Ministry for 1988-89. The regular activities of the In a congregational meeting in church continued with a life of their November, Denise Andersen was own. Volunteers were beginning to named as Interim Church Adminis­ bring University Church into tiie trator. Denise would be half time modem information age by putting until Jime, then full time for the rest all of the church financial records of the year. Having fulfilled her onto a computer. Fellowship hour three year commitment to University moved to using washable cups and Chmch, Kossy Ksander was looking mugs in recognition of the harmful for a Presbyterian placement effects of styrofoam on the earth. The focus of the Epiphany Plans were made to take photographs Clusters this year was Palestine. University Church was anticipating taken until 1966. The congregation the last six months of Harvey's minis­ had a history of "self-soliciting" to try. meet expenses, and that process The 1989 SuperMesenger was the really worked. occasion of a "dialog" between Dr. Both of the ministers pointed to Irvin Limger, pastor of University three particular groups of persons Church from 1940 imtil 1955, and who helped make University Church Harvey as he pondered his Jime re­ work and work well. First, the 28 tirement Requested to write remi­ Qub, founded to support those who nisces about the congregation. Dr. were all meu-ried about the same Lunger addressed several topics in a time, provided a special fellowship document for the history committee. for members that spilled over into Harvey excerpted these remarks in University Church life. Harvey re­ the January and May SuperMessengers marked that these 28 Club members, and created his own responses, now "seniors," were still providing thereby revealing his own thoughts significant leadership and support about the character of the congrega­ for one another and the congregation tion during his nineteen year minis­ all these yeeirs later. try. Both of them also appreciated The importance of having an the efforts of a long line of church integrated church topped the list secretaries who provided some of the This has been the practice of Uni­ glue that held the congregation to­ versity Church for the last (almost) gether. They were in turn Elizabeth fifty years and set the congregation Williams, Marion Klings, Dorothy apart from many mainstream Protes­ Duffell, Ragina Bunton, Stewart tant churches. While Dr. Limger Telfer, and Karen Fields. talked about the earlier discussion of Finally, they both remarked on union between the Baptist and Dis­ the artistic talent that added a special ciples denominations, Harvey dimension to the worship life of Uni­ pointed to the successful joint de­ versity Church. The Wises' artistic, nominational affiliation of University educational, and music leadership, Church with the UCC and the Disci­ and William Eppens's art work for ples. publications and mural were singled The endowment fund, set aside out for special attention. during Dr. Lunger's term as pastor, Here are the final notes on this allowed University Church to ministerial dialog, first from Dr. weather the storms of the 50's and Lunger: 60's and emerge in the late 80's with a solid financial base and membership In the conventional usage that topped 200. This ability to take of the word libertd, I seriously the need for supporting the would consider Univer­ church financially is particularly no­ sity Church one of the table in a congregation where no truly liberal churches in Sunday morning formal offering was America, and among the Disciples. It was noted for time when she and Don would be on its "opien membership” im- sabbatical in England. These last two der Dr. Ames and for its committees began work immediately; pragmatic and reasonable the search for a full time minister approach to religion and would wait until later in the year society. when the self-study was completed.

And Harvey responded: "That is International Concerns one of the reasons it has been a de­ A congregational meeting in light to be a pastor here for nineteen February unanimously called John years." Fish as minister for International New Moderator Structure Concerns. John was ordained in the Presbyterian Church, a graduate of Carole Butler was the moderator Union Theological Seminary in New during this year of transition. Aware York City, and a Ph.D. from the Uni­ of the need for stable lay leadership versity of Chicago. The Sanctuary in this critical time, the congregation ministry was as busy as ever with decided on a new way to help per­ several projects at once to support the sons become ready to be the modera­ cause of peace and justice in Central tor of the congregation. The posi­ America. tions of first and second vice­ With Dan Dale and Nancy Jones moderator were created so that these present in El Salvador, there was two elected officials could move up regular news of the war there. Par­ into the next leadership role over the ticularly disturbing was the bombing course of a three year period. This of the office of Bishop Menardo year Charlie Havens served as first Gomez in San Salvador in January. vice-moderator and Don Burk as sec­ Dan and Nancy were assigned to his ond vice-moderator. staff and sent reports of how the Business of the Congregation bombing had strengthened the commitment of the workers there to The most important order of achieve peace. business was to find a new minister. "Pieces for jjeace" was a collec­ The calling of a full-time regular tion of fabric for use in the sewing minister was done with the help of a cooperative in Paiwas. Several Uni­ Search Committee nominated by the versity Church members visited Board and elected by the congrega­ Guatemala and Nicaragua. To help tion. There was also a committee raise funds for the Witness for Peace who worked to select a one year in­ trip for Tom Montgomery-Fate, terim minister whose presence would Gayle Shepardson, Charlie Havens allow the congregation to answer the and Margaret Gregg, a gourmet din­ questions necessary in calling a new ner was served to several members pastor. Also, there was a committee and friends of University Church. charged with finding a replacement organist for Carol Browning for the Open and Affirming Life of the Congregation In a celebration of the one year Certainly the excitement contin­ "birthday" of the proclamation of ued to build in anticipation of all the University Church as an Open and events prepared to honor Harvey and Affirming church, Debra Peavey of May. However, the routine events in the Findlay Street Christian Church the life of University Church contin­ in Seattle, Washington, was the guest ued as if Harvey would be there for­ minister the Sunday after Easter. ever. The Blue Gargoyle held its an­ Debra's congregation, along with nual dinner, the Gargoyle Gallop, the University Church, had been a pace­ Easter and Pentecost events occurred setter in naming itself one of the first as usual, and Central American ac­ five Open and Affirming Disciples tivities kept most members busy. congregations. Reverend Peavey Early May saw a three hour tes­ shared with the congregations some timonial honoring Irving Bunton that of the struggles and controversies, as presented some of the most memo­ well as the joys, of her congregation's rable musical talent in recent mem­ decision. ory. CDU Meeting Honors the Lords Former students and asso­ ciates praised Irving for his University Church hosted the musical leadership and for annual Chicago Disciples Union in his encouragement of April. This was the occasion for 300 young people, and Attend­ persons from area churches to visit in ing to Black Culture pre­ workshops, fellowship and celebra­ sented him with a plaque tion. The evening session featured in behalf of our congrega­ music from many churches, the choir tion. More than $4000 was and dance choir of University raised toward the purchase Church, a massed choir, and the key­ of a grand piano for our board artistry of both Carol Brown­ sanctuary.^* ing and Irving Bunton. At the Assembly, Harvey and Farewell to the Lords May Lord were presented with a cer­ tificate of appreciation, citing minis­ But by far the most of the en­ tries at three Chicago area congrega­ ergy of the congregation was directed tions; the Christian Church of Villa to the four big events marking Har­ Park, the Morgan Park Christian vey's retirement A significant Church, and University Church. This committee, chaired by Margaret Me- was the first of many celebrations of theny and Jean Ervin, made ar­ the long ministry of Harvey and rangements for the festivities and May, which would continue through many out of town guests, including June. former ministers Charles Bayer and Peg Steam.

18 Messenger, May 17, 1989. The Sunday before Harvey's re­ Nineteen Years on Stagel tirement there was a musical tribute As editor of the Messenger on in his honor. "Irving Bunton, Carol and off for nineteen years, Harvey Browning, the church choir, the li­ had always used the newsletter as a turgical dance choir, a brass quintet, sort of a second pulpit for his ideas, and a percussionist put their multiple political and theological, and for re­ talents together for a magnificent flections on the congregation and its service."^’ Frank and Carol Biuch issues. The last edition under Har­ Brown were also present, and Frank vey's editing was no exception. It presented two special pieces written seems fitting to end this section of the for the occasion; one a hymn dedi­ history by letting Harvey do his own cated to Harvey Lord and University talking. This is part of what he had Church, the other a prophecy sung by to say to the congregation in the June Carol. 14,1989 Messenger: The following weekend, every day featured an event honoring the Ministerial leadership is Lords. Friday night began with a like acting. I am impressed church family potluck, Saturday with the ability of actors to there was a program and reception project a character on stage for the church family and the Chi­ so convincingly that I truly cago area community, and Sunday believe that is who they morning was the occasion of Har­ are... We ministers by vey's farewell sermon. It was hard to comparison, talk about say good-bye to one another after so ourselves too much, speak long a period of intimacy and service. with less clarity and vital­ ity, and often do not have Harvey and May left in mid- the "presence" which June to see family and friends, then brings a congregation to to fly to the Philippines in mid- rapt attention. September to begin work at Northern Cluistian College in Laoag where Each of us knows our­ they had served forty two years ago. selves well enough to As a parting gift to University know that we have flaws Church, they donated three hangings that can hardly stand ex­ painted by Gary Hoff, international posure. To risk oneself minister in Taiwan. The hangings publicly in ministry for are for Pentecost and depict images four or five years is an aw­ of the three World Coimcil of ful risk. The audience Churches themes of Peace, Justice, does not change every and the Integrity of Creation. night—it is the same year after year. Five years seems a maximum. I fell profoundly in love with this congregation. Messenger, June 14, 1989. You are no more perfect 222 than I am, but perhaps our imperfections matched. You have seen in me good times and bad. You Imow my smile, my frown, my absorption in a project, my sympathy in listening, my criticism when I disagree. You know I am a worka­ holic. It is like center stage, and I (and May) have been "on" for 19 years. But you have made it a rewarding time. You have accepted us as fellow mortals and loved us. You have given us full freedom to be ourselves. You have compensated for our limitations by welcom­ ing and embracing other persons on the church staff whose gifts have complemented ours. You are an exceptional people, and someone somewhere will find it a sufficiently adequate re­ ward to have the privilege of interacting with you in a pastoral role... Thank you for our time to­ gether. GEOIU^E P. POLK, INTERIM, I980-I99I

fter Harvey Lord told cago Theological Seminary and with the congregation when his wife Dorothea, lived in Hyde A he planned to retire^ a Park. Self Study committee was named by the nominating committee to give guidance to the Search Committee. The Search Committee would not begin its work of finding ministerial leadership for University Church until the study was completed. In the meantime, after a careful search, the Rev. Dr. George P. Polk, sixty-three years, was called to be the interim pastor following a congrega­ tional meeting on May 14, 1989. Polk, the director of Religion and Health and chaplain at Bethany Hospital, a United Church of Christ health facility on the west side, Rev. George P. Polk would begin his work with the When the work of the church church half-time on the first of July, was outlined during the interim pe­ while retaining his position at Beth­ riod it was ascertained that a half­ any. Ordained in 1953, Polk's minis­ time pastor would be sufficient with try had focused on parish work, a full-time administrator and full­ pastoral counseling and interchurch time office assistance. In addition to leadership in three denominations— Mr. Polk, the Rev. Denise Andersen the United Church of Christ, Ameri­ was hired as interim church adminis­ can Baptists, and Disciples of Christ trator and editor of the Messenger This made him particularly suited to and Randy Deckwerth as interim di­ the present needs of the congrega­ rector of Christian Development tion. In addition, he was an African- Karen Fields continued as secretary- American and had just completed an bookkeeper. Retaining positions they interim position at Park Manor Con­ had held, part-time, were the Rev. gregational/United Church of Christ John Fish, minister for International Polk was an adjunct professor at Chi­ Concerns and Irving Bunton, music Financial woes continued to director. plague the church when it was dis­ covered that at the end of June Church Positions Left Vacant pledges were behind by $8,000. In or Filled with Temporary A s ­ spite of this the Board approved tak­ s ig n m e n ts ing money from the capital funds for construction of a handicap ramp at By the time the fall work began the courtyard entrance. three more church positions were va­ cant or filled with interim assign­ The Gonzales Family Move to ments: the Rev. Dr. Alvin Pitcher, the North Side who had been minister for Social Ministries for some years, was on The Gonzales family moved to sabbatical as was Carol Browning, the north side although they would the church organist The final blow continue in sanctuary with the came when Liza Hendricks, who had church. Nicolas explained the reason been campus minister for six years for this: and a well liked parish associaste, We have a lot of activities resigned to become the interim min­ up north—almost every day ister of the Itasca, Illinois, Presbyte­ we're up there traveling by rian Church. Thus most of the minis­ train or bus. Coming back terial and music staff left within a at night is dangerous... .We few months' time, and the positions also want our children to were filled on Da temporary basis. have relationships with Karen Fields provided vital staff . Hispanic kids so they don't continuity and not a little ministry forget their roots. And I during this difficult period. have much to work on Denise Andersen, writing in the with the indigenous Messenger had this to say: groups there. Those are the reasons. But we'll al­ Perhaps some of us are ways keep working on concerned about the future Guatemalan solidarity of University Church. In­ with you because that is so terim periods can be stress­ important And we want ful, growth times for a to stay connected with you church. There is much at University Church.^ work to be done with what seems to be too few folks to In September the church par­ accomplish it But rest as­ ticipated in "Pedal for Peace," the sured that we are moving Chicago Metropolitan Sanctuary Al­ ahead.^ liance and OSGUA (a Guatemalan group) sponsored bike-a-thon to as-

Messenger, June 28, 1989. Ibid sist in health and agricultural projects ture and support which in Guatemala. you have shown to Disci­ ples House Scholars, the Church Honored by UCC Coa­ Alumni Association of the lition for Lesbian and Gay Disciples House confers Concerns upon you this day, August 1, 1989, its Distinguished On a brighter side, the church Alumnus award.^ received word that it was one of thirteen United Church of Christ Self-Study Committee Begins congregations which had adopted an "Open and Affirming" policy and its Work was thus honored by the Coalition The fall adult classes began with for Lesbian and Gay Concerns when Bible study and another sponsored the Synod met in Fort Worth in July. by the Public Policy Committee in which they took up such questions as William N. Weaver Honored the environment, gay and lesbian is­ The General Assembly of the sues, the USSR, Central America, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) South Africa, and the poor. In No­ meeting at the end of July in Indian­ vember the Self-Study Committee, apolis named William N. Weaver, co-chaired by Margaret Gregg and "the Disciples Divinity House Distin­ Raymond Trotter, led the congrega­ guished Alumnus of the Year." A tion in retreats, first at Pleasant Val­ plaque was presented to him by the ley Farm and another at the church. Disciples Divinity House Alumni As­ Etesigned to represent a cross section sociation at their luncheon meeting of the congregation, the committee's where he spoke. task was "to perform a study of our congregational life, its programs, The Disciples Divinity processes, context, identity, and re­ House of the University of sources, and to make recommenda­ Chicago presents the Dis­ tions concerning the kind of new tinguished Alumnus ministerial staff the church needs."^ Award to the Reverend William N. Weaver...for Liza Hendricks Resigns your outstanding service to the Christian Church, Dis­ It was following the retreat at ciples of Christ, as pastor, Pleasant Valley Farm that the con­ educator and administra­ gregation was informed of Liza Hen­ tor; for your committed dricks's desire to accept a church ministry to generations of pastorate. In her letter to the congre- * dieological students at die Divinity School of the Uni­ versity of Chicago, and for ^ Messenger, SqMember 13, 1989. die special concern, nur­ * Self-Study Committee Report, Fefaruaiy 17, 1990. gation she explained her reasons for and as Parish Associate, ef­ leaving: fective October 31,1989.® As many of you know I struggle with my desire to Margaret Metheny-Steward be in control of time. I Gives Pep Talk realize over and over again that I am neither in charge Following this letter from Liza, nor am I a passive by­ in die same Messenger, Margaret Me­ stander. In these last six theny-Steward, having been a mem­ years you have helped me ber of University Church since 1941, to journey in faith and to and living through similar situations grow in many ways. So it at the church, wrote one of her up­ is with mixed feelings that beat articles in which she challenged I write to tell you that I the congregation to persevere during have accepted an invitation the coming months. She quoted from to serve as Interim Pastor Dr. E. S. Ames, "Live forward. of the First Presbyterian Change is the essence of life.” Church of Itasca. It is a Are you feeling like an or­ congregation of 487 mem­ phan? Bereft of familiar bers in a suburb due west guidance? Gazing into the of O'Hare Airport I will void left by Harvey Lord be the solo pastor preach­ and Liza Hendricks and ing, providing pastoral the temporary voids left by care and doing all the other the Brownings and the things that parish pastors Pitchers - are you shaking do. your head? Well, don't...We have survived. I have enjoyed my ministry And we shall survive here so much, and I care again.... Here are some deeply for all of you so it is suggestions of how we can not easy to say good-bye. keep oiling the wheels of The timing does not look Christendom as practiced very convenient with the at University Church.* beginning of the school year and all the transitions And then she named many at University Church, yet I things that the membership should believe that it is God who consider, such as faithfully attend is at work here guiding church, encourage the staff, accept each of our lives and the assignments to board positions and life of this ministry which committees, smile and hand-shake we have shared. I, there­ more, help pick-up the sanctuary. fore, submit my resigna­ tion as Campus Minister Messenger, November 1989. ® Ibid. support the Blue Gargoyle, visit the with Cristo Rey, Nicaragua, (3) care elderly, pay your pledge, teach in the and concern for Dan Dale, Nancy church school, be generous with Jones and their family in El Salvador, prayers and aid for sanctuary and (4) promotion of the Chicago Metro­ over-seas workers, practice what we politan Sanctuary Alliance. teach about ecology, sing in the choir or play with the band, and acknowl­ Kevin Bruce Named Interim edge our plurality and differentness. Campus Minister See, the fields are white In January 1990 Kevin Bruce, in unto the harvest Remem­ care at University Church, was hired ber "All things work to­ as interim campus nunister. Campus gether for the good for ministry began its own self-study those who love the Lord."^ similar to the one in process at the church. October saw the annual Stew­ ardship campaign in full swing using Easrly in the year the church as its theme: "Give of yourself, God's purchased a computer, and much ef­ very best" The committee asked the fort was made to load it with finan­ congregation to give careful and cial data. A special task force was prayerful consideration to the mean­ created to deal with specific budget ing of stewardship and then deter­ and financial issues of the church in mine what each "will share to cany the interim period. out God's mission in the world." Death of Harold E. Fey Heritage Sunday Committee Word was received of the death Presents Memorial Book of Harold E. Fey, prominent theolo­ The Heritage Sunday obser­ gian and former editor of the Chris­ vance on November 7, 1989 took on tian Century, on January 30, 1990 in an additional piece when the conunit- Qaremont, California where the Feys tee presented the first of the biogra­ had gone to live in 1975 in the re­ phies of members and friends who tirement community of Pilgrim Place. had died. During diis special service He was a 1927 graduate from Yale the Memorial Book was dedicated Divinity School. In 1924 he worked and henceforth on display every to abolish compulsory ROTC in Ne­ Sunday in the memorial niche at the braska colleges and dien taught the­ northeast end of the sanctuary. ology in die Philippines for three years. From 1935-1940 he was the During 1989 the Sanctuary executive director of the Fellowship Committee focused on four areas of of Reconciliation, joining the Christian ministry: (1) support for the Gon­ Century staff in 1940, and the Feys zales family> (2) growth in tfie joined University Church that same church's sister parish and relations year. He left Chicago in 1964 to be­ come professor of Christian Ethics at Ibid. the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana. In later years, sources, decision-making and gov­ although almost completely deaf, his ernance, and staff structure. mind remained alert One of Amer­ It concluded that ica's leading religious journalists and writers, he was the author of several University Church has books including Indians and other never been a "typical" par­ Americans with D'Arcy McNickle and ish church. Located in the his autobiography in 1982. It was at midst of a great University the end of this last volume that he and theological center, it concluded: has long been a leader in the Disciples denomination My strongest hope and my and served as an unusually most earnest prayer for our meaningful church home, threatened world is that training institution, and the Creator will outwit our model of church life for follies and ransom us all.^ generations of seminary students. It is also a Martha Harris brought the con­ church which seeks to gregation up-to-date on the senior reach out to the larger housing project—a joint effort of Park community surrounding it Manor Christian Church, University and to embody in its Church, and Lifelink Corp. It was church life and inclusive­ awarded HUD funding in the ness of membership, belief, amount of $3,363,100 for housing for and practice its under­ seniors and physically challenged standing of our Christian persons. "Greencastle of Kenwood" faith and tradition. is a three-story, sixty unit building planned for low-income individuals Strongly prized values which of sixty-two years or older. emerged from the study showed that Self-Study Committee Pres­ University Church values ents Report in February 1990 its rich worship life, the diversity, inclusiveness, On February 17, 1990 the Self- and many talents of its Study Committee presented its report membership and leader­ to the congregation. It had studied ship, the warmth of the and analyzed all of the information congregation, its strong collected from the congregational commitment to living out questioimaire. Ten areas of church its faith in striving for jus­ life were identified: worship, spiri­ tice, its ministry to uni­ tual life, religious education, care and versity and seminary stu­ nurture, social action and mission, dents, its democratic deci­ membership outreach and inclusive­ sion-making process, and ness, covenanted relationships, re-* its institutional relation­ ships to the Blue Gargoyle, * How 1 Read the Riddle, 1982. Covenantal Community, 3. Serving as team leader Campus Ministry, two de­ for the staff with ultimate nominations, local semi­ responsibility for supervi­ naries, and others. sion and administration and for our relationships The study found there was a with our covenanting or­ lack of quality preaching and theo­ ganizations.^ logical articulation. The spiritual nurture of members and the religious education and integration into church Search Committee Begins its life for children and youth needed Work attention. There was a need for a With tiiis report accepted, the stronger outreach program to attract newly elected Search Committee members and more focus on the bib­ went to work. Committee members lical and faith basis for social action. were Carol LeFevre, Marjorie Branch, The members felt a need for a struc­ Eleanor Campbell, Lowell Livezey, ture to ensure greater care and nur­ Jim Burris, Nancy Reed, Christy Si­ ture of its congregation and a greater monson, Peter Stodder, Helen Sutton, resp>ect for diverse opinions, and Dan Hunter-Smith, and Jim Wagner. better stewardship practices includ­ An organizational meeting was held ing a resolution of its budgetary on February 17, 1990 to set up a problems. Staff salaries needed to be schedule of meetings, begin a budget raised and further improvements to be presented to the board, and made in the building. plan to create a pool of candidates In conclusion the committee, from various sources. A sub­ noting ten qualities sought in any committee was appointed on the re­ new ministerial staff, realized that cruitment of minorities and women priorities had to be set and recom­ candidates and another sub­ mended the following qualities to be committee began working on mate­ sought in new staff and the functions rials for a packet to be sent to serious that person or persons must be able candidates. Ads were placed in de­ to carry out effectively: nominational and minority joiumals. 1. Facilitating the devel­ When the budget was presented opment of lay capacities to die board on February 18, 1990, it and the involvement of la­ was introduced by the following ity in all levels of church statements: life and leadership. We believe it is important to institute a broad search 2. Preaching the word in a for women and minority way which speaks signifi­ candidates with the quali­ cantly and deeply to ti\e fications we need in an ef- spiritual needs of the con­ gregation. ® Self-Study Committee Rqwrt, Fdmiary 17, 1990. fort to have an inclusive Denise Andersen's statement in staff. This will take longer the April Messenger concluded with and cost more, but we be­ the following: lieve it is a high value at Perhaps we will one day University Church. We be able to see and believe look upon the search for a that she wasn't really lost— new minister(s) as an in­ but gathered up in the vestment in the future of comfortable arms of our University Chtuch. Get­ eternal parent And, of ting the right kind of lead­ course, she will never be ership is vital to our con­ lost to our hearts and tinued growth in all its as­ memories. But for now the pects. words on my coffee cup The request for $1,455 as a be­ are like bitters.^® Yes, I can ginning budget for the Search praise the Lord for Committee was approved by the Amanda—the chance to board. And thus the work of the have known her. But I committee began. can't praise God for the day. Happiness must wait Amanda Sue Herrmann Carter tmtil another tomorrow. Dies Margaret Macpherson Dies The tragic death of Amanda Sue Herrmann Carter on March 11, 1990, About this time the church was one of the saddest times for the learned of the death of long-time church in recent years. The church member Margaret (Monroe) had lost adult members almost an­ Macpherson, who had died on Feb­ nually but not since 1985 had there ruary 25, 1990 in Middleton, Rhode been a death of a child. An an­ Island, at the age of ninety-five. nouncement of her death was made Memorial services for her were held the following Sunday, and memorial at the church in July with family and services were held at the church on friends in attendance. She had been March 24th. The sanctuary was filled employed at the University of Chi­ and overflowed with chairs added cago office of development for nearly for her school chums, her choir twenty years until her retirement in members, and the community. The 1969. In 1980 her family had estab­ eight-year-old daughter of Diane lished a book fund in her honor to Herrmaim and Andy Carter, sister of allow the University to purchase Kenneth Michael Carter, Amanda books "to improve and maintain the will be remembered as a lover of variety of its collection." She was the nature, music and dancing. Rain­ bows and butterflies were two of her favorite things. "Each new day brings a new way to praise the Lord. What a brautiful day to be happy in the Lord!" widow of Roderick J, Macpherson, a positions. George Polk remained as Chicago investment banker. She was half-time interim pastor, and Karen a 1917 graduate of the University of Fields became the church administra­ Chicago and had been a member of tor/bookkeeper on a full-time basis. University Church since 1948. Arrangements were made for substi­ Spring at University Church tute organists until Carol Browning's brought an Earth Day observance on return in the fall. Advertisements April 22nd and a Sovil Food Dinner were posted for a half-time Christian on May 12th, sponsored by the At­ development director and a three- tending to Black Culture committee. fifths time position for a church secre­ These were part of the special events tary. (Later, it was annoimced that and fun things in which members Jean Ervin had taken the secretarial were encouraged to participate. position, and Barbara McGinnis- There were pot-lucks with movies, a Gillispie was the new director of pizza and game night, a Guatemalan Christian Development) Fiesta and an all church picnic. Jean was well known to the On May 18 George Polk re­ congregation having been a member ceived the "Spiritual Care Award for of die church since 1951. She and her 1990" at the Circle Family Care husband, Don, had served on many Awards event He was honored for committees and each had served the his dedicated leadership and out­ church as moderator. Their three standing contribution to pastoral children had all grown up in the care. church and were active in Ae youth groups. Barbara, a Ph.D. candidate Stewart Telfer Dies at the University of Chicago Divinity School in practical theology, was a On May 23rd Stewart Telfer, a resident of Hyde Park and married to native of Scotland, died after a long Philip Gillispie. She was the mother battle with AIDS. He had been a of three children, ordained in the member of University Church since American Baptist Association and a 1979 and a member of the Covenantal member of Hyde Park Union Church. Community. For a short period in From the beginning Barbara the 1980s he served as the church's wrote almost monthly articles for the administrative assistant At his re­ Messenger on the meaning of quest, former minister Peg Steam of­ "Christian Development," sugges­ ficiated at his memorial service held tions for parents regarding their chil­ on May 28th. dren and chiuvh attendance and Staff Changes ways adults could welcome children into the life of the church. As tf\e program year came to a By this fall the congregation close in June, 1990, some staff seemed to have put Harvey Lord's changes were announced; Denise retirement behind tfiem and with re­ Andersen, Randy Deckwerth and newed strengtii began to address Marci Rau, all left to accept other some of the concerns brought forth in George Polk Reminds Con­ the Self-Study. One of the needs ex­ gregation of its Mission pressed then "was for a stronger net­ work of support for members in In his message to the congrega­ times of crisis." In response to d\is tion, George Polk sent greetings and the Care and Nurture Committee reminded it of its mission: formed a prayer chain and would be 1990 is just about com­ concerned and helpful to individuals pleted and God has richly and families in special need. blessed all of us through­ A special call went out to the out the past twelve membership to become involved in at months. It does not mean least one of the many and varied that we haven't suffered committees. As usual there was a anguish or pain or heart­ need for volunteers to help in all ar­ ache. Those experiences eas of the church work from assisting are part of the human with the audit committee to helping situation. Hopefully, those with the worship committee. moments will not last but for a few moments or a few Fall Retreat Dares to Dream days, maybe a few months. Be assured that we are In October the congregation's called to move onward and retreat centered arotmd what the upward. God is yet com­ members would like the church to be. missioning us to be a great Entitled "Work, Plan, Build, and Church and a great con­ Dream," concepts were expressed gregation. We have as visually in art work that decorated much potential as we need. the sanctuary for the following Look over the members of month. Discussions provided oppor­ the Church. What you see tunities for all to hear what the is a rainbow collection of committees and departments were different people, from dif­ planning for the coming year with ferent races, cultures, and many new ideas later implemented philosophies. Our differ­ in the 1990-1991 program year. ences, however, are over­ As the year ended the church shadowed and overcome was asked to "tie one on" in memory by and through our one­ of Amanda Herrmann Carter and all ness in Jesus Christ God's the people who have been victims of gift to humaiddnd.^i druidcen drivers. Drivers were asked to tie a red ribbon on their cars in There was much talk and infor­ support of MADD (Mothers Against mation regarding the international Drunk Driving) with its reminder not scene. The yoimger children of the to drink and drive during die holiday church school learned about children season. in Central America, Kenya, and Ko- rea. Three adult classes met the Bi­ ticularly welcome news to University ble study group examined global is­ Church and to the Gonzales family sues and the church's responsibility who had been in sanctuary with the to effect solutions; the Public Policy church for over four years. It was class explored ecological questions in also received with some relief by a seven-week series entitled, "Why those who had been working with We Should Care: Christian Faith and the Salvadorans. Ecology"; and a third group met on Lee Weaver, as a representative various concerns of parents. for Church Women United, reminded George Polk's first message to the congregation of the plight of the the congregation in 1991 was again Chicago homeless. In addition to fi­ by way of challenging the church to nancial gifts she said that the Inter­ new aspirations: faith Council needed clothing and volunteers in shelters and warming This New Year brings a places. surge of new energy and a new determination to Peter Stodder Dies reach new heights. We look forward to spiritual On the second of February, growth, numerical growth while the Search Committee was in­ and a financial commit­ terviewing one of the candidates for ment to engage in new the position of senior minister of the programs....There are new church, word was received that one people visiting our church of its members, Peter A. Stodder, had on a weekly basis and re­ died that afternoon. He had been turning to visit again....All battling pancreatic cancer for months. of us are concerned about He and his family joined University the Mid-East situation. At Church in the late 1970s, first his wife University Church there is and son in 1977, Peter in 1979 and a weekly prayer vigil after their daughter in 1981. A profes­ the Sunday morning serv­ sional fund-raiser, he had held posi­ ice.... tions with The Woodlawn Organiza­ tion, community ministries for the Justice Department Obeys First Presbyterian Church, and had 1980 Refugee Act been director of Gift Planning for the National Alzheimer's Association. In a great victory for Sanctuary "Throughout his life, he served on a programs, the U. S. Justice Depart­ number of boards and gave freely of ment agreed in December 1990 to himself to the growth and develop­ obey the politically neutral 1980 ment of the groups and individuals Refugee Act when it considered asy­ who sought his help and whose lum petitions of Guatemalan and causes he championed. Salvadoran refugees. This was par- From the biography written for his memorial Messenger, January 1991. service Fdjruary 23, 1991. Ann Marie and Donald Cole­ many tasks which need to be done man Called to Ministry of each week. Church Brownings Speak at CDU A s­ When the April Messenger went sembly on "The Decline of to press, one of the lead articles an­ Families" nounced that the Search Committee and the Church Board recommended The annual Chicago Disciples calling the Rev. Ann Marie Coleman Union assembly meeting in April in and the Rev. A. Donald Coleman to Chicago Heights heard Don and be University Church's senior co­ Carol Browning speak on "The De­ ministers. "Coffee with the Search cline of Families: The Challenge to Committee" was held on two Sun­ the Church." Following their presen­ days in April, at 9:30 a.m., offering an tation the participants convened in opportunity for the congregation to small groups to discuss their experi­ ask questions. The Colemans ences of the changing structure of preached on Sunday morning, May 5, family life and to share ideas about 1991 with a formal vote of the mem­ the role of the church in supporting bership following. families. The Colemans would begin Centenarian E. C. Welch Dies their work with University Church in September 1991 with Don giving As late spring arrived the three-quarters time and Ann Marie, church was to learn of the death of who had commitments in Michigan, yet another long-time senior member participating one-fourth time for the of the congregation. E. C. Welch, first year. who had joined University Church in In the meantime, before their 1967, died on May 20 at Ravenswood arrival, George Polk reminded the Hospital. Welch, who was nearly 101 congregation that there was still years of age, had lived at the Dawson work to be done. Again the offerings retirement home for three years but had not kept up with the pledges. until then had been a faithful mem­ He urged the people "to look over ber of the church choir. In 1985 the [their] lives and count [their] indi­ church had honored him as its "grand vidual blessings,...and renew [their] patriarch" with a reception and cere­ promises to give as the Lord has mony. In earlier years he directed blessed us."^^ Polk also challenged several Chicago area church choirs. the congregation to invite others to The son of a former slave the church because "we need to reach whose freedom came with out to the community and share our Abolition when she was a good news with others." And finally teen, he was the fourth of he urged the membership to be six children....Luckier than church volunteers—to help with the most slaves, she spent her childhood in "the big house," where she was se­ cretly taught reading, writing, numbers and mu­ sic by the slave-owner's wife. His mother's organ­ playing, learned in slavery, later inspired young E. C. to study music.15

Community Rescues Blue Gargoyle During the summer the Blue Gargoyle experienced a financial cri­ sis when the Mayor's Office of Em­ ployment and Training failed to re­ new the agency's employment con­ tract. The community responded with contributions in late August enabling the agency to remain open until a new contract could be worked out. The program has prepared youth for employment through liter­ acy instruction, counseling and teaching skills needed to obtain and keep jobs. With his interim now com­ pleted, the church thanked George Polk and his wife Dorothea, for their help during the past two years and prepared to welcome the Colemans to their work with the congregation. George Polk returned to his job with Bethany Hospital until his re­ tirement two years later. He and his wife moved to Baltimore, Maryland and he accepted another interim as­ signment as pastor of Heritage United Church of Christ there.

May Lord, Hyde Park Herald, May 1,1985. ANN MARIE AIVD ARTHUR DONAIJ) COLEMAIV, 1991-

hen the fall work began we have messed up or it was with new pastors, done something to make Ann Marie and Don you unhappy. Both of us W appreciate support and Coleman. In their first letter to the congregation they described their criticism...and we appre­ styles of working together: ciate it even more if you deal with us directly.^ As co-ministers our style is to share all information, The Colemans came to Univer­ observations, and dreams sity Church having had experience about University Church both as parish and campus ministers. that you share with either Since 1975 they had been co-directors of us. Be assured, how­ of Guild House Campus Ministry at ever, that any personal, the University of Michigan in Ann private matters will be Arbor. Guild House was founded in held confidentially. 1893 by women of the Christian Church/Disciples of Christ, and rep­ You need to be aware that resents one of the earliest examples of we don't always agree cooperation between this denomina­ with one another and are tion and the United Church of Christ likely to disagree publicly. Don't worry—our relation­ During the same period of time, ship is fine. We hope to Don held a part-time position as model how to disagree and Protestant Chaplain at the Center for still be friends. Mind Forensic Psychiatry in Ypsilanti, reading has never been a Michigan. Between 1968-1975 Don strong point for either of was campus minister at Texas Tech us. So we rely on you to University in Lubbock, from l%7-68 help us know what is hap­ he served as part-time protestant pening. Please let us know chaplain at the Utah State Prison, and if you need support, or if from 1963-1968 he served as a pastor you are sick, or if there are of two rural chmches in Springville other ways in which we and Payson, Utah. can be helpful to you. We'd also like to know if Don is a native of Utah, born was their president for two years. He June 18, 1937 to Viola and Arthur also served on the board of Michigan Donald Coleman. He received a B.A. Impact, an organization that informs in 1959 majoring in philosophy at church people about state and na­ Westminster College, Salt Lake City, tional legislative issues that impacts and an M.Div. in 1%3 from Yale Di­ human and civil rights. He was its vinity School. He was ordained in chair for two years. 1963. While living in Michigan Don Presently, Don serves on the was active in the American Civil Lib­ boards of the Hyde Park/Kenwood erties Union, both as a state board Interfaith Council of Congregations, member and on the local Washtenaw the United Protestant Campus Minis­ County chapter and served as presi­ try and is one of the United Church dent for four years. He was a mem­ of Christ representatives to the Illi­ ber of the Michigan Religious Coali­ nois United Ministries in Higher tion for Abortion Rights, an ecumeni­ Education. After a trip to Guatemala cal protestant organization working he join ed the Guatemala Relief Minis­ to protect women's right to choose tries. Don is active in the Chicago when to have children. He served on Disciples Union. that organization's state board and

Ann Marie and Don Coleman In addition to her shared re­ Marie was a member of the Ann Ar­ sponsibilities at Guild House, Ann bor City Council from 1987-1992, and in that capacity was a sponsor of position as Director of the Justice and Domestic Partnership Legislation Peace Network for the Illinois Con­ which made Ann Arbor the seven­ ference of the United Church of teenth city in the United States which Christ She has become active as a recognized Lesbian, Gay and Hetero­ member of the board of directors for sexual relationships and provided the Community Renewal Society. benefits; was co-author of a City Ann Marie also serves on the Urban Housing Policy, served on a variety Ministries Network of the United of committees including budget, Church of Christ the steering com­ housing policy board, cable, streets, mittee of Christians for Justice Ac­ etc. tion, a corporate member of the Ann Marie was bom in Grand United Church Board for Homeland Rapids, Michigan to Adelard Joseph Ministries, and a member of the ad­ and Ethel (Morris) LaBrecque. She visory board of Open Hands maga­ received her B.A. degree from Olivet zine and file Blue Gargoyle Youth College in 1%2, and an M.Div. from Service Agency which is associated Hartford Seminary Foundation in with University Church. She is active 1967. She was ordained in 1974 by in the Chicago Metropolitan Associa­ the North Texas Association of the tion. United Church of Christ, the first Ann Marie and Don live in the woman ordained in the South Central Covenantal Community of University Conference. Church and both are active on She has been active in many committees in the Community. The United Church of Christ committees Colemans have a strong commitment locally and nationally. They include to peace and justice issues. being moderator of Covenant Asso­ Each has skills and abilities ciation, chair of Church and Ministry, in preaching, teaching, and peace consultant. Church in Society worship [leadership]... committee for the Michigan Confer­ Both have been active on ence. Ann Marie has chaired the Of­ denominational and ecu­ fice for Church in Society committee, menical boards—locally chair of the worship committee for and at the state and na­ the Coordinating Center for Women tional levels. They repre­ at its second national Women's sent the following areas of Meeting, and served on the Econom­ interest justice for ics and Christian Faith Covenanting women, refugees, abortion Committee. She has served as treas­ rights. Witness for Peace, urer and newsletter editor for the gay and lesbian concerns, Campus Ministry Women, and was spirituality and justice, the first woman president of the Na­ coalitions on Central tional Campus Ministry Association. America and against Since arriving in Chicago and in apartheid.2 addition to her work with the church, Ann Marie has accepted a part-time Both have traveled to and spo­ Adult Class Chooses Timely ken extensively about the situations Topics in Latin American countries includ­ ing Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Beginning in late September one Guatemala. They have led work­ of the adult classes explored the is­ shops on issues in Central America, sues of global warming, ozone de­ racism on the campus, homelessness pletion, waste creation and disposal, and housing, liberation theology, pollution of air, water and food, building multi-cultural communities, population explosion, etc. The theo­ spirituality, and economic justice. logical aspects of the issues were also Ann Marie has been both preacher introduced as well as what indi­ and sp>eaker on issues of community viduals could do in their homes and organization, social and racial justice, at work and collective action in women's issues, health care, and community and nation. meiking connections between faith and action. Dorothy Duffell Dies Another long-time member of Colemans Installed as Pastors the church died. Dorothy Duffell, The Colemans were installed as who had been a member since 1955, senior co-pastors of University passed away in her sleep on October Church Sunday afternoon, November 21, 1991 at eighty-five years of age. 10, 1991. Representatives from the From 1966-1976 hers was the friendly wider church included Dwight Bai­ face that was often an introduction to ley, associate regional minister of the church. As church secretary Chicago Disciples Union; Yvonne during that time, Dorothy often took Delk, executive director of the Com­ it upon herself to telephone elderly munity Renewal Society; Julie Ste­ members of the church. She was a iner, chair of the Guild House Cam­ valued member of the Friends pus Ministry, University of Michigan; Committee which kept in touch with and William Voelkel, associate con­ former members of the church. ference minister, Chicago Metropoli­ Services were held in the church and tan Association of the United Church her ashes deposited in the Memorial of Christ Donna Schaper, then pas­ Gardens under flie window which tor of River head. New York and for­ was part of her office. mer member of University Church, preached the sermon. The dance Push for Pledges to Under­ choir performed, and there were four write 1992 Budget guest accompanists. A reception At year's end the habitual push following the service was hosted by for pledges to underwrite the 1992 the Search and Care and Nurture budget was in full swing with eighty- committees. six percent of the $125,000 goal reached. If the remainder did not come in, the executive committee warned the congregation and staff that there would be no increases in Ministry's board regarding the pos­ salaries or program expenses. The sibility of creating a unified campus work of the stewardship committee ministry program. Representing was carried over into the new year University Church were Don Burk, with a congregational meeting set for Don Ervin, Don Coleman and Made­ February to review the results. In the line Hamblin. meantime the committee urged the congregation to take the situation as a Carol Browning Resigns serious matter. An tmexpected staff change was Help us start the year on a reported in October 1991 when Carol firm financial foundation, Browning announced her resignation and then find an area as church organist She had been where you can get in­ having back problems for three years volved. Worship will re­ and was finally told by her doctor main a central focus. Your that it would not improve as long as presence is needed. she remained at the organ. Carol re­ Committees and depart­ ceived her B.Mus.Ed. degree from ments will initiate new Northwestern University in 1956. projects. Is there one that She sang in the church choir from interests you? A new Task 1958-1962 at which time she became Force will tackle long its director of music for a year. Re­ range planning. We're turning from two years in Oklahoma, excited about the future. with her husband Don, Carol again We will conduct a mem­ became the choir director, a position bership drive. What we she held for eleven years. When Ha­ have here is too special to zel Quinney retired in 1976 Carol keep to ourselves. Help us took her place as church organist and make 1992 a special year at except for short periods of time, University Church. It may when she was with Don during his change your life.^ sabbaticals, she had been its highly talented and creative musician. A The United Campus Christian reception in her honor was held Ministry hired the Rev. Stanley J. during the social hour on the 15th of Jenkins as the new Campus Minister. December. An ordained Presbyterian minister, Jenkins was a Ph.D. candidate in Church Questions CCIW theology at the University of Chicago Stance on Gay and Lesbian Divinity School. His primary re­ issue sponsibility was with undergradu­ ates at the University. Conversations On February 13, 1992 Helen were begun with the Wesley Foun­ Sutton, moderator of University dation, Hyde Park Uiuon Church, Church, and co-minister Donald and the United Campus Christian Coleman, sent a letter to the Rev. Nathan Smith, executive with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Sacred Space is an aperture in Illinois and Wisconsin. It ex­ through which we look out pressed the church's concern over the to the world. It is also an denomination's exclusion of gay and opening through which we lesbian candidates from the ordina­ look in upon ourselves in a tion process in this area. As an Open self-reflective critical man­ and Affirming Congregation Uni­ ner. Race, ethnicity, class, versity Church held the belief "that status, gender, sexual ori­ the rights and privileges of member­ entation, differing abilities, ship (including ordination) and abusive experiences, and a God's call are available to all who passion for saving the trust in Jesus Christ" The letter con­ earth are some of the ele­ tinued: ments we consider in our ministry to the world and We are upset that members through which we critique in good standing and In- our own community life.® Care of the congregation who seek ordination are being denied God's call to Members Attend Earth Sum­ ministry. We urge the mit in Rio Committee on the Ministry to prayerfully reconsider University Church was repre­ this matter. We also seek sented at the Earth Summit meeting information about how in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, by Juanita University Church can Bums, A1 Pitcher, and Sandra Rick. raise this issue publicly The church's Social Concerns Fund within the Region.^ helped support Juanita and Sandra on the trip. Former staff member The letter asked for a meeting Linda Petrucelli, then working with with Smith in the church to discuss the fisher folk in Taiwan, was also the biblical, theological, and ecclesi­ part of the religious delegation. Sev­ astical issues relating to this issue. eral basic issues emerged from the The Accessibility Committee contin­ meetings. ued to make the congregation aware First, many nations are of limitations of church space and to willing to agree now to set encourage the church to be sensitive 1990 emission levels as the in the use of language. The Eco- limit for future emission Justice Task Force proposed that the levels....Second, it has be­ church become a Model Environ­ come clear that environ­ mental Community and to take seri­ mental issues are deeply ously a covenant with all creation. related to population and Don Coleman ended his pastoral ar­ poverty issues....^ ticle by noting that

Messenger, April 29, 1992. Messenger, May 26, 1992. Water Service Begins New Massachusetts. He then served as Tradition chaplain to the University and direc­ tor of the United Campus Ministry at As summer approached and the the University of New Hampshire for program year concluded, Ann Marie nine years. Subsequent to that he di­ Coleman remembered her experi­ rected a church-related retreat and ences with water and recalled the conference center and served as pas­ stories of faith which include water. tor of a church south of Boston. She requested that the congregation, as it traveled during the summer (or A Different Type of Pledge stayed at home) bring a small jar of Campaign water from places of relaxation, work, pain, or joy. The first Sunday The aimual pledge campaign after Labor Day was planned as a took on a different tone in the fall of celebration and presentation of water 1992 when it was tied into the Ad­ to be collected on the worship table vent Season—the time when people and used throughout the year for are "given an opportunity to respond baptisms. to God's love with joy and grace. The people were told that steward­ Campus Ministry Reorganized ship was not about pledge cards but rather their response to what God When the fall work began there had given them. had been a reorganization of the campus ministry programs located at Consecration Sunday in Decem­ University Church, Hyde Park Union ber featured the Rev. Marguerite Church and the Uiuted Church of Voelkel, pastor of People's Church, as Hyde Park. The United Campus the preacher and the one who had Christian Ministry, the American served as the committee's key re­ Baptist Foundation and the Wesley source person and spiritual guide Foundation merged to form tiie during preparations. Lunch followed United Protestant Ministry at tfie the worship service, after which the University of Chicago. The Reverend gathered body celebrated their fi­ David Grainger was called as its or­ nancial commitments to the church. ganizing campus minister. As 1993 began several monthly David Grainger, ordciined in the healing services of scripture and United Methodist Church, witii an prayer were held. These were times undergraduate degree at Kalamazoo when the participants could reflect College and seminary and graduate on God's activity in their lives and in the world as a whole. There were work in biblical studies at Boston University, was called by the campus opportunities when the people could ministry board to the position of pray and be prayed for. campus minister. His previous work Lowell Livezey as the new included, while a graduate student, moderator began his tenure with ar- being on the staff of Eliot Church of Newton (United Church of Christ), tides in the Messenger. He suggested cago, United States of a number of opportunities and chal­ America, to name one an­ lenges which the church faced in other as partners. We 1993. He wrote about the 1994 cen­ commit ourselves to de­ tennial celebration as an "opportunity velop an ever stronger to articulate our identity and mis­ friendship between our sion" with the past He spoke of the two communities and to covenants the church has with the help one another grow as Blue Gargoyle, the campus ministry, congregations and disci­ and the Covenantal Community. ples of Jesus Christ We And he reminded the congregation of shall pray regularly for the ongoing problem of deficit each other, correspond spending, strategies for church with one another, and, by growth, and continuing commit­ God's grace, visit one an­ ments to spiritual nurture of the other. We shall tell each people. other our joys and our de­ feats, and encourage one Epiphany Clusters Celebrate another in steadfastness, Church's Partners justice, and peace in our particular place, and ask The Epiphany Ousters cele­ the other's wisdom and brated the church's international help in addressing such is­ partners who have served or were sues. We shall offer one serving the church around the world. another the insights that Focus groups met regularly during come from our study of the that period to talk about situations in Bible and our prayers. "O South Africa, the Philippines, and El Thou Great Creator, bless Salvador. Part of the agenda called the partnership between for letters to those serving in those our congregations, and areas and books were collected for strengthen our common the Philippines. Later in the year a faith and witness."* partnership with the Koinonia Church was established with Uni­ This partnership was officially versity Church. The covenant, signed recognized in the two churches, early by officials in both congregations in 1994. University Church's cele­ stated; bration, on January 30, 1994, began With thanks to God, who with a worship service including makes us brothers and music by the choir of the Philippine sisters, and in loyalty to Je­ United Church of Christ, Chicago. sus Christ, whose disciples Their pastor Rev. Abel Amago and we are, it is the pleasure of Ann Marie Coleman were partici­ Koinonia Church, Laoag pants in the service. The preachers City, the Philippines, and were Carol and Tom Montgomery- University Church, Chi­ Fate, members of University Church, adult classes following the fellowship who had just returned from a term of time. A congregational meeting to service as teachers in Laoag City at decide the issue was called for June Northern Christian College. Filipino 20th. After a very close vote, the hour elements were present in the service of service was changed to 10:30 a.m. and in the buffet served following worship and a tape of music and Irving Bunion and Barbara greetings was shared from Koinonia McGinnis-Giilispie Resign Church. Gifts were exchanged by the two churches. Not only would the fall bring a change in the hour of worship but Choir Presents Shubert's several staff changes were an­ "Mass in G" nounced. After more than a decade of fine musical leadership, Irving During April the church choir Bunton, director of music, resigned in presented special music for Passion late June to accept a full-time position Sunday: Franz Schubert's "Mass in with tile Ebenezer Baptist Church G," described as a beautiful short (Martin Luther King's church) in At­ mass written in his youth. Later that lanta, Georgia. In honor of the musi­ month the choir joined seven other cal contributions of Ragina and south side church choirs to present a Irving Bunton to University Church, combined "Canticles and Choruses of the church raised funds to purchase a Praise." This second annual presen­ grand piano for the sanctuary. The tation was held at the Greater presentation was made at a farewell Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church party on June 26,1993. at 53rd Street and Michigan Avenue Barbara McGinnis-Giilispie re­ and featured, in addition to the 200 signed after three years as minister of voices, a handbell choir, brass in­ Christian Development citing as her struments, and the organ. reason the need to work full-time on her doctorate degree. Additions to Hour of Worship Changed the staff beginning in the fall in­ A task force was appointed to cluded Damayanthi Niles, youth consider the pros and cons of chang­ minister, and Jacquelyn Woods- ing the worship hour from 11 a.m. to Richardson and Mark Minster, both some earlier time. After weeks of students at the University of Chicago deliberations and a poll of the con­ Divinity School. gregation ttie committee could not agree on a specific recommendation. Strategic Planning Committee The board of the church received the Appointed report and after discussion agreed to The moderator appointed Al- recommend two options to the con­ marie Wagner, chair of a Strategic gregation: worship at 10 a.m. or at Planning committee to deal with new 10:30 a.m. followed by refreshment challenges and tiie relationships be­ hour and then both children's and tween the committees and depart- ments leading to a plan for ti\e future firmative vote on a civil rights reso­ of the church. Originally the plan lution. was expected to be finished and pre­ [It commended] the city of sented to the congregation at its an­ St Louis for signing into nual meeting in November 1993, but law an ordinance making it as the work of the committee pro­ illegal to discriminate on gressed it found it could not do an the basis of sexual orienta­ adequate job in so short a time. The tion in employment, plan calling for changes and adopt­ housing, public accommo­ ing a vision for the remainder of the dations, and education.^® 1990s was finally presented and adopted without dissent at a congre­ gational meeting in May 1994. Patricia Miller New Director of Christian Development UCC and Disciples Meet To­ Patricia Miller was hired in gether September as the director of Christian For the first time in the history Development She was a ministry of the two denominations, the Chris­ student at the University of Chicago tian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Divinity School. She has a long his­ the United Church of Christ held tory of family membership in the their national meetings side by side Disciples of Christ denomination in S t Louis, Missouri, during die going back to the early 1800s. Trish middle of July. This was a unique has a masters in developmental clini­ gathering which came about through cal psychology. She has participated an ecumenical partnership between in peace and justice-related work in these two bodies. "For Disciples the the United States for a quarter of a General Assembly is both a family century and is founder and president gathering and a business session. For of the Mississippi Book Project the UCC the General Synod is the through which truck-loads of books largest deliberative body."’ In addi­ are sent from Iowa to schools in Mis­ tion to separate business meetings the sissippi every year. Much progress groups met together for Bible study, was seen in the growth of the church worship, and one shared business school during the year Trish was on session. Attending the joint meetings staff. from University Chxuvh were Helen Sutton, Ray Trotter, Lura Sherman, Many are Attracted to Fall Hazel Campbell, Kathryn Tucker, Adult Classes Dan Dale, Shirley Watson, May and Adults were offered three Harvey Lord, Don and Jean Ervin, choices when the fall educational Ann Marie and Don Coleman. classes began. Family Vitality led by One hopeful sign during one of Trish DeJean; Church History led by the business sessions was the af- Ann Marie Coleman, Eleanor Camp-

10 ’ M essenger, March 22, 1993. Helen M essenger, September 1993. bell and Harvey Lord; and an Old Church Again Without an Or­ Testament Bible Study with Jay Wil- ganist coxen. Each of these had good atten­ dance. The Family Vitality series af­ Rock Whiting, who had been forded participants opportunities for church organist for a number of thoughtful and serious discussions months, resigned in late November about family life. leaving the church once again with­ out a musician. Now the church Art Cribbs Speaks at Conse­ found itself with neither a director of cration Sunday Services music nor an organist and for the re­ mainder of the year and into the next For the second year, the stew­ substitutes and volunteers filled both ardship emphasis was marked by a positions while the search committee limch on Consecration Simday, No­ sought paid leadership. vember 14 when the Rev. Art Cribbs, formerly of this congregation, and Phil Gillispie Dies presently secretary for Racial Ethnic Minority Constituency Development Two days before Christmas Phil and Recruitment for tihe United Gillispie, a member since 1992, died Church Board for World Ministries, following a thirteen-month battle shared his experiences with Black with a brain tumor. In her churches and communities in Los "Minister's Message" Ann Marie Angeles. Coleman paid tribute to Phil and his courage during his final journey. New Budget Inciudes item for Phil...called some of his Fund Raising long term friends and told them what was happening. In drawing up the 1993 budget He took a trip around the an item for fund raising had been in­ country to visit places he serted with Barbara Todd appointed had lived, and to see as chair of over-all plans. Early friends and family. Phil events had to be abandoned or re­ built an incredible support scheduled for various reasons, but network of people who three events were held: a rummage were aware of what was sale and a prayer breakfast in Octo­ happening to him and who ber and a craft sale of homemade wanted to be part of the items and food in November. As journey with him...Phil's 1994 began an African Odyssey at the dying challenged all of us. Field Museum was held on January Death is not something we 23,1994 with limch served before the like to think about or talk orientation and a guided tour of a about...Let us give thanks new African exhibit to God that Phil shared his living and his dying with us. In his living and in his dying, Phil helped us un­ derstand the importance of carried a short statement from an community and helped earlier newsletter—some serious, University Church grow in many humorous to the current mem­ our commitment to care bership. and to celebrate God's presence which is always Epiphany Clusters Center on with us.^^ Spirituality Epiphany Clusters had origi­ Polly Ames Dies nally been planned by the Christian The death of Polly Scribner Development department as an in- Ames, on the 28th of December 1993, tergenerational time when the church marked the last of the immediate could meet in homes to study themes family of Dr. Edward Scribner Ames of an international nature. These and his wife, Mabel. She had joined sessions included fellowship, meals the church in 1920 and was nearly and games as well as serious discus­ eighty-six at the time of her death. A sions about some foreign community. graduate of the University of Chi­ Gradually they were co-sponsored cago, she also studied at the Art Insti­ and planned by a joint committee tute and in New York City with Jose from Christian Development and DeVreeft and Hans Hofmann, the World Outreach. Later other themes dean of abstract expressionists, and on ecological and p>eace issues were in Munich with the German sculptor, studied following Christmas and be­ Hans Schwegerle. She exhibited fore Lent. widely in the United States and for­ However there continued to be eign countries. One of her paintings a longing in the congregation for an depicting the story of Jesus feeding opportunity to explore issues of the multitudes was given to the spiritual growth. At the request of church in 1964, in memory of her Ann Marie and Don Coleman the parents. It hangs in the library. 1994 Epiphany Ousters centered on the theme of Spirituality and used 1994 Marks Centennial Year five Biblical stories as the basis for reflection. In the invitation letter to When 1994 arrived, plans for the congregation, the Colemans said, celebrating the church's centennial were begun. The history of the Epiphany Ousters will church was reported to be progress­ provide an opportunity for ing with the help of several members you to reflect on yoiu- faith of the congregation. Committees journey. There will also be were formed, and the congregation time to get to know other and diaspora were asked for their folks from University suggestions for the weekend of Octo­ Church in different ways. ber 7-9. Every month the Messenger Our diverse spiritual jour­ neys contribute to the rich­ ness we enjoy as people of God. As we find ways to New Orleans dinner and program share our exjjeriences with was held on June 11 in the church's others, our faith is deep­ dining room under joint sponsorship ened and God finds new of the Attending to Black Culture and ways to move among us. the fund-raising committees. Helen Sutton served her famous shrimp and Two Visit Refugees and Dis­ crab gumbo and a program followed. placed Persons in Guatemala Two Observe El Salvador and Mexico Elections University Church was repre­ Dan Dale and Sara Pitcher rep­ sented by Elaine CasquareUi and Don resented the church on March 20, Coleman who spent twelve days in 1994, when they traveled to El Salva­ Guatemala and southern Mexico. dor to observe elections there. These Under the sponsorship of the United were the first held since the signing Church of Christ, the group visited of the Peace Accords in January 1992. with refugees and displaced people. When they returned, Sara reported This was yet another example of the on the trip admitting that she did not church's action in solidarity with op­ know if the international presence pressed people of Latin America. made any difference. Jane Wilson Dies I do know that over 500 North Americans indicated Long-time member Jane Par- that they cared about the menter Wilson died on February 28, people and that they will 1994. She had joined the church in tell others to continue to 1947 and in earlier years had been observe what is going on active in a number of aspects of there and to observe how church life. More recently, Jane, who our government continues was in her late nineties, had been a to relate to this long time patient at St James' hospice in Chi­ relationship. Maybe that cago Heights. was our purpose~to be the eyes and the hearts of our Two More Fund-Raising country.... 12 Events Help Budget Two more fund-raising events Strategic Plan Presented for were planned for the spring. On Congregational Vote April 17th the University of Chicago's University Theater and Improvisa- When the congregation met in a tional Comedy Troupe (which uses business meeting on May 22, there tile second floor auditorium) pre­ were two items on the agenda. The sented acting workshops for children Strategic Plan, which passed without and an afternoon of selections from dissent, reflected the church's their 1993-1994 season. A Taste of grounding in God and its response to Continuing the church's interest God's love through the life and mis­ in Central America members of the sion of the congregation. The Plan congregation contributed medical "put together the ideas and dreams and school supplies, farm imple­ with objectives, and...[gave the con­ ments, tools, bicycles, and money to gregation time to think] about what the Chicago Coalition for the Refu­ we could faithfully do as a congrega­ gees and Displaced of Guatemala, El tion.... We now have a mission state­ Salvador, and Nicaragua. A truck ment and some real specifics about filled with material aid left the Chi­ our hfe together as well as our rela­ cago area on June 19th as part of the tionship to the wider church and "Caravan to Central America." world. For more than a year a commit­ Capital Funds Rethought tee met to think about the relation­ The creation of a capital fund ship of the church to the changes for the church was part of the which were taking place in Wood- church's half century celebration. At lawn. The task force requested the that time (1944) the present structure use of $5,000 from the Social Justice of the church "was twenty-two years Fund to pay Wellington Avenue Lo­ old...[and] the congregation recog­ cal Development Corporation, a nized the need for a capital reserve group related to Wellington Avenue and established Permanent Funds to United Church of Christ, for their perpetuate and strengthen the church technical expertise to help University and its program. Church become involved in com­ When the church was beginning munity development and housing in to seriously consider its 100th year Woodlawn. This too passed and was and what it wanted to do in its sec­ one of the first actions that flowed ond century, it seemed wise to re­ from the Strategic Plan. think the capital funds and write a During April and May, mem­ new policy. After many months of bers of the worship committee solic­ deliberative work the Capital Funds ited written comments on the wor­ Committee presented a seven-page ship services during coffee hour. The document, first to the board and then response was rewarding and plans to the congregation on June 12,1994. were made to continue the practice The policy established first the from time to time. The worship "Foundation of Our Policies," then committee also began seeking contri- defined the capital funds and out­ butioirs in order to purchase new lined their purpose. Oversight, ac­ hymnals. Both the United Church of countability, gift and investment Christ and the Disciples will have management, accounting methods, new editions available in 1995 at expenditures and disbursements a cost of about $15.00. were all spelled out Special sections

M essenger, May 26, 1994. Permanent Funds brochure, .^jril 1950, dealt with undesignated and desig­ chief other assets are real nated funds. estate, especially of course, This comprehensive plan estab­ its place of worship, fur­ lishing the policies by which the nishings and grounds. In church handles its capital funds was addition, churches cannot passed after discussion. For this operate without some cash history several quotes from this and/or other financial as­ document may prove helpful: sets. Some relatively small amounts of cash accumu­ Foundation of Our Policies late from time to time from weekly offerings desig­ These policies are them­ nated to pay for ongoing selves governed by what operating expenses. Many we understand a church is churches have additional called to be and do by financied assets generally Scripture, Tradition, Rea­ the result of special gifts son and Experience. In which are considered more Scripture we hear that God permanent than these created the heavens and small cash accumulations. the earth and all who University Church has all dwell therein and that we of these forms of capital. human beings are called to At University Church we be stewards. We under­ refer to the last of these as stand financial resources to our "Capital Funds," and it be among the tools for this is these Capital Funds to stewardship. We believe which the present docu­ that responsible steward­ ment is chiefly addressed. ship of our small portion of God's creation requires the Purpose of Capital Funds preservation and wise use of the Capital Fimds of The church accrues Capital University Church while Ftmds in order to have re­ yet remaining open to new sources available to meet revelation concerning exceptional capital ex­ God's purposes for these penses and to engage in financial resources. outreach or other special ministries beyond that Definition of Capital Funds provided for in the weekly offerings for its day-to-day The church's capital is the operations. The sources of total of all of its assets as the Capital Fimd of Uni­ an ongoing institution. versity Church are distinct The most important of any from pledge revenues in­ chvirch's assets is its con­ gregation. Generally its tended to support the day education. We celebrate to day operations.^5 our rich racial and cultural diversity and are commit­ The Housing Task Force was a ted to weaving a common part of the Strategic Plan. Much life together. Because we work had taken place within the live in a broken world, we committee and department structure seek to build bridges of the church as it planned for the across barriers. We join future of the congregation. The with others who work for Strategic Plan outlined a time-table reconciliation and trans­ for progressing through program and formation locally and financial work. The Housing Task globally. Force began work on development in the church's neighboring community of Woodlawn. The new capital funds The Centennial policy clearly set the procedures for The church looks forward to its handling and investment of our as­ second century remembering its past sets. but not boimd by outmoded meth­ And as in all of these documents ods. In a real sense the centennial the issue of God's love and where celebration began May 27-29, 1994, he/she is calling the church to move, when the Disciples Divinity House was stated. The Mission Statement held its Centennial Inaugural week­ found at the beginning of the Strate­ end. Qosely related to the begin­ gic Plan set the tone for the plans, nings of the church, the House was goals and objectives: chartered on June 2, 1894, four months before the first service of the University Church is a church was held. Christian community which affirms the trans­ After two days of lectures and formative power of God's discussions led by Disciples scholars, love, calling us individu­ more than 100 people joined the ally and collectively to act church congregation on Sunday for justice and to respect morning to hear Ana K. Gobledale creation. We value the life preach. Until September 1994 she and teachings of Jesus and was co-pastor with her husband Tod, believe that God continues of the Congregational Christian to be revealed in the Church, United Church of Christ, in world. We are a people Franklin, New Hampshire, Ana also committed to nurturing serves as the president of the Disci­ each other in our spiritual ples Divinity House Alumni/ae journey through worship. Council. She joined University Biblical study, artistic ex­ Church in 1969, Tod in 1981. pression and Christian And now the congregation looks forward to October to celebrate 100 years of fellowship and action, in de­ Capital Funds Polic>-, June 1994. liberate response to God's love. enough she carried out all of her re­ Taking as its theme "Dancing into the sponsibilities at home and got the Future," many are expected to gather family to church every Sunday. for a weekend of food, fellowship, In her spare time she went back and programs. Many former minis­ to school, received her degree in June ters and other staff will share with 1959 and began teaching. After her the people, reminiscences of a period husband died in December 1968 she when tihey were at University returned to school part-time, received Church. Friday evening's program her Master's degree in psychological will honor former leaders and vi­ counseling in 1974 and that year a gnettes from the history of the church student went on a rampage killing will be presented. Charles Bayer, the principal, shooting two others. nunister from 1967-1973, will enter­ He then walked into her room with tain the group on Saturday evening pistols pointed. Margaret called him with further stories from the past and by name and Steven lowered the there will be a hymn sing lead by guns and embraced her. From then Frank Brown using music composed until her retirement in 1980 she was by him. Peg Steam, minister 1973- an adjustment counselor. In 1984 she 1982, will be the guest preacher Sun­ married long-time friend Donald day morning while Irving Bimton, Steward who had been a member of director of music 1981-1992, will di­ the church since 1930 and treasurer rect an enlarged choir. An aug­ for a quarter of a century. mented sanctuary band and dance Margaret Elizabeti\ Lowe was choir will present special numbers. bom on December 22, 1913 in Death of Margaret Metheny Belleville, Kansas, the eighth child of Reverend William Stewart Lowe, a Steward Closes Another Disciples minister, and the fourth Chapter child of his second wife, Mary Eleta University Chtu’ch has known Stewart Lowe. Margaret's mother, an Margeu^t Metheny Steward since active suffragette, died when Marga­ 1941 when she and her husband, El­ ret was six. Margaret was reared by mer Metheny, joined the church. She her older sisters and the women of was active in the 28 and 38 Qubs, the town. sang in the choir, directed plays and Margaret began preaching as the children's choir, served on soon as she could climb up on a tree committees and worked on the stump, imitating her father's gestures Christmas pageants. At the same and intonations. In 1981 she time she volunteered at her daugh­ preached a real sermon in University ters' school, where she assisted in a Church entitled "The First Casualty," variety of ways. She was active in which she said was truth. In sum­ the community and was a Brownie mation she said. Scout leader. In 1958 Margaret was Living, speaking and named the Chicago "Girl Scout Vol­ teaching the truth present a unteer of the Year. As if diis wasn't vital challenge. Truth this spirit as we sing "The gives us the freedom to be Lord Bless You and Keep and do. Wherever in the You." world there is falsehood, injustice, and bondage there we must practice truth, justice and freedom.

That was Margaret Metheny Steward; what you saw was what she was. Until her health became a prob­ lem in June 1993, she continued to volunteer at the church and at Ronald McDonald House. She died on August 4, 1994. Her survivors in­ clude two daughters, Marilyn and Marcia and two grandchildren, Kathleen and Michael. Margaret made enormous con­ tributions to University Church. Her commitment and vision helped sus­ tain the church in difficult times. Her hope and trust in God led this church to good times. In 1982 Margaret wrote the Christmas letter to the Friends of University Church. University Church has al­ ways followed a new way, searching for new mean­ ings, holding to immutable truths and showing love and compassion more freely now than ever. There is an all-encom­ passing spirit here. You can feel it in the openness of the concerns of tiie peo­ ple; in the care of the old, the disheartened and be­ reft You can feel it in our arguments and hilarity, our seriousness and our smiles. You experience and the Dance goes on! AFTFJIWORD

Although this is the end of the first 100 years of University Church history, it is only the beginning.

' The many strands of the history of University Church reveal a rich and diverse tapestry of response to God's love and commitment to building a com­ munity of faith which is both faithful and inclusive of a wide variety of people.

This past has helped to shape and mold us as a congregation. The stories in this book help us understand who we are. The commitment to God, and the deep concern for the human community which is reflected again and again in these pages continues today. There are many challenges which face us as we dance into the future. Continuing to be open to where and how God is calling University Church; nourishing the growth of individuals who can deal with the issues of their lives celebrating the connection between intellect and faith; addressing the pervasive racism, violence and poverty which affect our city and our world, providing an alternative to the increasing fundamentalism operating in our world, and living with hope in an increasing technological world are but a few of the challenges before us. Trusting that God moves among us helping us to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ provides the music for the dance. The rich tapestry that is University Church continues.

^an e CoCem an

Senior Co-Ministers BIBLIOGRAPHY

Churcli Documents The Calendar, August 21,1955. Capital Funds Policy, June 1944. The Christian Messenger, various dates, as indicated. The Messenger, various dates, as indicated Official Board Minutes, various dates, as indicated Pulpit committee report November 1966 Self-Study committee report February 17,1990 The Yearbook, 1939-1940,1941-1942,1944-1945

Publications and Specific Writings Edward Scribner Ames, Beyond Theology, 1959 Edward Scribner Ames, Contemporary American Theology, "Theory in Practice," 1933, vol. 2. Edward Scribner Ames, Messenger, various dates, as indicated. Edward Scribner Ames, Religion, 1929. Edward Scribner Ames, Twenty-fifth Anniversary booklet 1919. Philip and Phoebe Anderson, The House Church, 1975, p. 33. Kinter Berkebile, The Messenger, January 1928. W. Barnett Blakemore, The Quest for Intelligence in Ministry, 1970. William Clayton Bower, The Messenger, October 1940. Don Browning, Annual Report, May 8,1959. David Bryan, Annual Report May 8,1959. David Bryan, "Minister's Report" May 9,1958. Nathaniel Butler, Radio Talk Show, Broadcasted by the Daily News Station, Chicago, October 3,1923. W. Marshon DePoister, Scroll, voLXLIV, No. 2, autumn 1958. Merle Curtis, The Growth o f American Thought, chap. XXL Harold E. Fey, Haw I Read the Riddle, 1982. Harold E. Fey, The Messenger, April 1961. Gladys Finn, Anniversary Dinner remarks, October 1984. Bibliography

W. E. Garrison, The Messenger, May 1941. W. E. Garrison, Through a Half Century, 1944. Val D. Greenwood, The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy, 1973, p. 273. John W. Harms, Annual Meeting, May 12,1957. Martha Harris, The Messenger, February 10,1988. Fred Henderson, The Messenger, September 1%3. Hyde Park Herald, September 27,1961, May 1,1985. W. P. Keeler, The Christian Messenger, July 1907. Carol LeFevre, The Messenger, March 19,1987. Wayne A. R. Leys, The Messenger, June 1931, October 1931. Eleanor Zink Lunger Memorial Service, December 4,1955. W. D. MacOintock, Twenty-fifth Anniversary booklet 1919. New York Times, March 29,1944. Samuel C.. Pearson, The Disciples Dixnnity House of the University of Chicago, "The Campbell Institute,” spring 1994, vol. 64, No. 1. George Polk, The Messenger, December 1990, January 1991. Valetta Press, Hyde Park/Kenwood, 1971. John H.Sherman, The Messenger, February 1%2. John H.Sherman, memories, March 15,1993. Carole Stodder, The Messenger, March 2,1986. Peter A.Stodder, Memorial Service, February 23,1991. Helen Sutton, The Messenger, September 1993. William E.Tucker, Dictionary o f American Biography. William N. Weaver, committee report 1965. Dr. Herbert L. Willett Twenty-fifth Anniversry booklet 1919. Clark Williamson, Annual Report, May 6,1966. Firman Wood, Annual Report May 6,1966.

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