Gleanings From
In Christian Fellowship
By Shirley Lindahl
Edited by Jerry Rutherford
Many Changes in the 60's
Urbanization was taking place across America in the early 1960's Families were living further from the center of town. This meant the custom of Sunday School at one hour and church at another was no longer practical as the driving distances became greater. Families wanted to make one trip and have worship and Sunday School at the same time.
It was difficult to soundproof and avoid confusion when both activities were in the same building at once. The sanctuary area was surrounded by classes in the basement, behind the sanctuary and above on the third floor. In addition classes were being held in the kitchen, the parsonage and the aging house on the corner of the property.
Expanding population in the area indicated future growth was imminent. Proponents of the new building plan argued it would serve for many years; for as the need arose additional services could be added without requiring any more space.
In the state of Washington, 80 percent of the churches either built new buildings or remodeled in the period between 1950-60.
After much discussion the members were called again to make a decision concerning financing. Sid Hammond, who had considerable experience in cost analysis in his position with the local school district building program, presided at this meeting. Building costs were to be $228,000; furnishings, $10,000; and contingency expenses $12,000 for a total of $250,000.
Raising that amount of money by the congregation appeared to be a monumental task. It was necessary to raise half of it within the membership before a loan could be arranged for the balance. The trustees stated, "It is apparent to us that any building project will require a program of personal giving considerably more extensive than our membership has been asked for during the past."
This statement began another heated discussion. Could we drop our benevolences? Could we get help from the Congregational Building Fund? Could we borrow locally? It was agreed the benevolences should remain. The national fund was only to help establish new churches. Local banks were not interested in loans to churches. It looked as if the congregation itself would have to raise the money.
Space was needed now. The surrounding area was growing rapidly. The decision could not be delayed. the vote was to accept three recommendations.
- Authorize a drive to raise building fund monies which will make $250,000 available for the building program
- Authorize the Board of Trustees to interview a firm or individual with experience in professional leadership of pledge drives and
- Proceed with organization and conduct the fund drive as soon as it can be arranged.
The trustees hired Gale McManus for $2800 to be financial advisor to set up the building fund drive. By April 1961 he was ready to start the campaign to raise the $125,000 needed before a loan could be procured. He conducted a series of training sessions, printed booklets and arranged for a Loyalty Dinner as a kick off for the drive.
The novel idea of the free dinner held at Lake Washington High School was "That we may get together in one place, at one time to think, talk and pray about the spiritual and physical need of our church." Hostesses telephoned each family inviting them personally and the response was very satisfying. No soliciting was done at the dinner which cost half of the $900 expenses incurred by the campaign, but it was considered a good investment.
Reverend Helliwell, always the arbitrator, was sensitive to the delicate situation surrounding the proposed building when he wrote, "We are a Congregational Church. Therefore, anytime after this fund raising phase, if a majority of the membership attending a called meeting desires reconsideration of the plan, there will be such reconsideration. We go nowhere with building unless our people are behind it."
The fund drive was held during the month of May. General chairman was Dr. E. C. McKibben, Jr., team chairman was John Weaver, initial gift chairman, Sid Hammond and special gifts, Dr. J. Earl Taylor. More than 35 men did the soliciting, calling on 214 families asking for a 100 week pledge. The drive resulted in a total of $119,613.
In October what was to have been a meeting to report progress turned into a meeting of some dissent. Those who had opposed the new sanctuary expressed the feeling that they had not been given a choice. They stated that since only one plan had been presented a vote of "no" would have meant they wanted no new building. Others began to find fault with certain features of the design, size of new areas and proposed costs.
It was moved that "any new action on the present plan be delayed until additional studies could be made of the construction of a Christian Education Building." The vote was 52 yes and 44 no, which indicated how divided the congregation had become on this issue.
Being a Congregational church we observe the right to disagree ...and disagree we did!
Gene Martenson was then commissioned to draw an alternate plan featuring a separate education building with some remodeling of the existing building.
Back to History Previous Gleaning Next Gleaning