50th Anniversary Time Line
| 1955 | Methodist Episcopal Church and Union Congregational Church merge. The Guild has 39 members and Evelyn Perry is President |
| 1956 | The Tewksbury St. Property insured for $16,000 and the Church St.
Property insured for $38,000. states E.N. Hall Maintenance Committee. J. Elwyn Russell Chairman of the Maintenance Committee. Sunday School total enrollment 120. Philip Wormwood Supt. of the Sunday School. |
| 1957 | Average church attendance of 71 in 1956 goes to an average of 83 in 1957. This has been encouraging said Rev. Ralph Rosenblad. The Youth Group raised $178 which went to the church painting fund. |
| 1958 | The September enrollment of the Sunday School is 105, reports Wendell Mattheson Supt. Easter Sunday attendance is 256. April 1957 the church became the sponsoring Institution of Troop 76 Boy Scouts of America with James Butler Scoutmaster. |
| 1959 | Carol Marruzzi President of the Youth Group reports that after a splash party with games and refreshments the youth group grew from six to twenty four members. A spiritual awakening started immediately after our annual meeting when the Forum for Christian living began earnestly praying for the church. The Stewardship of Life Program became the agent by which the church launched into a dynamic spiritual experience. We are now upon this venture in faith said Rev. Ralph Rosenblad. |
| 1960 | Average attendance of Sunday School is 65 reports Wendell Mattheson Supt. R.L.Mears Chairman of Finance reported that James McLeod who through his arduous work, enabled the stewardship drive to culminate as one of the most successful in the church. By vote of the members it permitted the trustees of both former churches to move forward and to bring under the authority and direction a single body of trustees of the Church to handle all matters technically and legally of all properties of the former church bodies. Pastor Rev. Dr. Hadean Lindsey further pushed for a new church building to be built. |
| 1961 | $5,000 was given to the church by John W. Hall upon his death, to be used to help defray current expenses. Other established trust funds were: George Shaw $1,282.39 interest for current expenses, Sarah Hall $193.10 interest used for Bibles on Children’s Day. Kate West $148.25 interest used for flowers on Children’s Day. |
| 1962 | The Junior Choir was reorganized and there is a membership of about ten reports Ruth Mattheson of the Music Committee. Total disbursed for benevolence was $790.86 reports Elaine Peterson and Florence Letters Co-Chairmen. |
| 1963 | “The Misfits” This title was adopted by the members of this group because their ages of 19-23 do not fit into any known category. The purpose was to get together and discuss different topics which were of interest to them-What to do about drinking? The group consisted of eleven members. Social events were also included. Mission receipts up $519.05 over 1962. Pledges for 1964 showed an increase of $1,761.36. A Reserve Fund first reported of $4,889.65. |
| 1964 | Four more trust funds were established. The Geraldine Mitchell Memorial Fund$128.35 the William Shaw Fund 300.00 , the David & Lucy Haywood Shaw Fund $2000.00 and The Maude Chamberlin Shaw Fund $50,000. We have 78 children enrolled in the church school. Rev. Robert Bossdorf writes in his annual report “We must determine our strengths, and our weaknesses, to see where the church will fit into the future patterns of growth and expansion. In order to do this we must work together, and at great length, with great patience, and wisdom”. “The recommendation of the Board of Trustees, concerning the acquisition of new land for possible expansion should be approved and carried out to a successful conclusion at the earliest practical time. |
| 1965 | The Board of Trustees was established. The Institutional Representative Boy Scouts of America became a voting member in the church council and established position in the Church by-laws. The Guild over the last 10 years have collected almost 17,000 Betty Crocker coupons which have been used to supply dishes and cooking utensils for our kitchen. |
| 1966 | On May 13th at a Special Church Meeting it was voted to accept the Building Committee Report and authorize the building of a new church with the proviso that we could obtain by May 22, 1966 approximately $40,000 in pledges to be paid over the next four years. On June 26th at a Special Church Meeting it was voted to purchase land and buildings at 21 Clark Rd. for $33,900 from Fred Doyle. I t was also voted to empower the Building Committee to secured a mortgage not to exceed $140,000 and the total cost of the project including land and facilities not to exceed $180,000. In September Ernest Hall’s bid was accepted to build the church. |
| 1967 | We voted to become affiliated with the United Church of Christ at our Annual Meeting. The Congregational Churches merged and became the United Church of Christ. A Program Committee was formed to analyze all areas of the church and make recommendations. One recommendation was the establishment of the Coordinating Council for central planning. Task forces that meet and exist for only as long as needed to accomplish a specific function would be used in conjunction with standing committees. The new church was built and we moved in on November 26th. |
| 1968 | Rev Charles Fowlie started the first Men’s Fellowship. Mary Rabenius President of the Guild reports “ with the money from the December 1967 Fair we purchased 100 folding Chairs, 10 tables, and fiberglass draperies for Fellowship Hall and large rugs for all outside doors. The Coordinating Council/Task Force Organization was voted on and Approved to take effect immediately and be in effect until the Annual Meeting of January 1969. |
| 1969 | The youth fellowship average is 18 members each reports Rev. Fowlie. The Spire was put on the church. Memorial gifts in memory of John Wilson of $400 were placed in a trust fund called the Youth Activities Memorial. This past fall a new club was formed within the church for the purpose of fellowship called the 1880's. The Men’s Fellowship had 35 men at their December meeting. |
| 1970 | We are now happy to sponsor the Junior Girl Scout Troop #507 writes Audrey Nason of the Community Relations Task Force. During the year we have grown in numbers because several things have happened: 1, We have become a community with a community spirit, 2. We, have opened our doors to and received people who have moved into this area, 3 We have a positive rather than a negative outlook, and 4..We have expanded our programs so that now we have something to offer to people who are interested in finding a church, writes Pastor Charles Fowlie. |
| 1971 | At Halloween, the Church School children collected $99.00 for UNICEF. For the first time in the history of our church two women have been suggested to serve as trustees, they are Mrs. Ina Mae McAfee and Mrs Ethel Wilson. They were duly nominated and vote in. |
| 1972 | The 1880's plans were quite extensive. January- International Buffet, February- retreat Stony Brook Farm in ME. , March Progressive Supper, April- the Auction, May- Square Dancing, June- Cookout, September - Square Dancing, October - Halloween Party, November- Military Whist and Pot Luck, December Bowling. The 1972 Christmas Fair Grossed $3, 058. It included knitted Goods, Christmas Decorations, Candy and Baked Goods, Novelties, Plants, Aprons, a Teen Table, a Snack Bar, and”Olds Country Store” a Wishing Well, a Children Room, and Attic Treasures and Books. |
| 1973 | The Nursery School started on January 16th. It will allow us to utilize our empty building mornings, provide a ministry to young children in the community and from all projections will return enough money to the church to help maintain it, writes Pastor Fowlie. A gift of an illuminated outdoor sign and bulletin board in memory of departed choir members was given by the choir. The Guild paid for a new dishwasher to be installed at a cost of $ 1,015.00 in the Church Kitchen. The Guild Motto is “ Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do , do it with all thy might” The Membership and Evangelism Task force conducted a canvass of Precinct 5 on April 29th to see if our church could extend it’s ministry to some new people. Luke -Acts Scripture portions were given out. |
| 1974 | At Easter two flower tables were dedicated for our altar in memory of Mrs. Alice Shaw. The tables were made by Willis Mitton one of our church friends. Richard Heidt coordinator of the youth task force reports we are sponsoring two youth basketball teams in the Church Basketball League. In Rev. David Hollenbeck’s first annual report he say “ I will continue to encourage this church to embrace the community, to welcome the many new residents, to offer a quality program, to grow in numbers and spirit, and to live out the Good News in this time and place”. |
| 1975 | Dorothy Gilbreath retired as our organist after serving for eleven years. Lorna McIntyre reported that a Talent Dollar Program started with 40 members and friends being given 1 dollar and with their creativity it turned into $700.00. $126.86 was raised by the Junior High Youth group sponsored dance and church school students collecting on Halloween. The church started a Prayer Group that did not meet, but the members committed themselves to pray daily for each other and requests that came to them. The support this gave to the members and the requests was most uplifting. Youth Groups doing very well with a number of great activities,11-16 members in the Senior Group and 59 members in the Junior Group is really outstanding. |
| 1976 | A level of approximately 100 students has been maintained in classes from Pre-Kindergarten through Senior High. The Education Task Force sponsored a family camping weekend at Camp Aldersgate in RI in June. 135 persons attended a “church wide picnic” at Rolling Ridge in September. The Preschool now has new playground equipment and the fencing of that area. Kathie Robinson designed the playground equipment. Peggy McLeod in writing for Youth Ministries says it takes time and patience to build a level of trust for sharing between adults and youth and between youth and youth. It doesn’t happen all at once and sometimes it doesn’t happen at all. When it does, we have some beautiful moments |
| 1977 | Bob Fisk Chairman of th Membership and Evangelism Task Force reports we have made 57 visits this year. Those visits were made to shut-ins, the sick, inactive members, new families and friends. Willard Robinson Chair of Pastor-Parish Relations Committee states that we have formed a covenant with our pastor. This documents the policies that have been developed between the pastor and the committee. This was the culmination of a three year project with the United Methodist Church. The Church celebrated 10 years in our building with a special worship services one at 10:30AM and the other at 7:00P M. also a dinner with a program was held. The Preschool received $3,000 from the Smith- Purdon Fund to be used for Home School Scholarships and to provide a Home-School Coordinator who was Dorothy Hollenbeck. |
| 1978 | Edna McIntyre Worship Committee Chairperson says in her report “ a big thank you to Joyce Robinson for all the beautiful banners she has made and puts up every Sunday”. The Preschool was accepted as a 766 School which means that we can now operate as a school for children with Special Needs. |
| 1979 | Bob Fisk Chairman of Membership and Evangelism reports that the Church membership was divided into 5 neighborhood clusters consisting of 30 to 35 members each. The purpose is develop a small, loving, and caring family unit within the larger church family, provide a telephone network, provide a vehicle to assimilate newcomers, and increase the participation of the members in the life of the church. |
| 1980 | Pastor David Hollenbeck said “this year I have conducted 12 weddings, baptized 11 children, officiated at 9 funerals, and received 20 new members into the church. He also comments that we have one of the finest Preschools in the area. This year was the start of the Men’s Fellowship again. Willard Robinson Chairman of Outreach reports we hosted the first of three Sunday afternoons of Mission Study on the Middle East. This effort was planned with Reading, Wilmington, and North Andover UMC’s. Attendance of between 100-150 each session. |
| 1981 | New Nursery Room: David Hollenbeck leaves: Mary Ann Burr Interim |
| 1982 | Gary Cornell begins: Preschool full @ 79 children: new organist, Jim Sayers begins: Started UMW unit in December 1982, Town Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Service held at Ballard Vale Church. |
| 1983 | Choir receives new robes in memory of Bill Nicoll: Church fair & Candlelight Buffet nets $4,606 |
| 1984 | Trust funds net $12, 771 in interest: Preschool services 74 children with a budget of $94,000 |
| 1985 | Junior Youth Group has 13 members. The annual Roast Beef Candlelight Buffet served 183 guests for two settings. |
| 1986 | Candlelight Buffet serves 208 and nets $998: Sandi Rehe becomes Intern & Assistant to Rev Cornell. |
| 1987 | Purchased Electric Organ: Paddle fans added to Sanctuary: Church received $30,000 from Stanley Estate: Susan Morrison is appointed to Ballard Vale: Junior High has 15 members. |
| 1988 | Senior Youth has 17 members: $18,000 spent on Parsonage remodeling to make it a more pleasant home. |
| 1989 | Average attendance @ 91: Men’s Fellowship is reorganized: held first Valentine Breakfast. |
| 1990 | Year of new changes: New organist Bill Carey, new office secretary, new custodian and created a Student Intern Position; new District Superintendent; had a mission trip to Jamaica; held first “Blessing of Animals” |
| 1991 | Mission trip to Jamaica attended by Rev. Susan Morrison, Scott Mattheson, Becca Morrison and Leigh Ann Catanzaro |
| 1992 | 25th Anniversary Celebration of Church Building-Time Capsule buried-Dinner hosted by West Parish Church - Pictorial directory: Partnership with Oliver School in Lawrence; Arlene Bodges Ordination; Northeast Area UCC Celebration ‘92 held in Beverly - Rev Morrison and Peggy McLeod participate in service: Voted to have Capital Campaign to raise$130,000 to make church more accessible for physically challenged; 92 people attend Church Family Picnic at Rolling Ridge. |
| 1993 | Intern Bill Bairnsdale leaves for Mississippi and John Calhoun becomes our new intern. Accessibility for All Campaign launched; Raised $130,000 - Construction started on rebuilding baths, entrance, and elevator. |
| 1994 | Dedication and Consecration of new elevator, entrance, and bathrooms. Rev Enid Watson becomes interim while Rev. Morrison had 3 month study leave. Voted to become a Reconciling/Open and Affirming Church on April 17th. An organ was purchased in memory of Helen Webb. Mary Hale served as Intern. Church steeple was repaired and exterior was painted in early fall. A banner year for fund-raising with $15,00 raised In large part from the 5K Challenge and the Auction. Christian Education initiated a team teaching approach in the 4th and 5th grade class. Membership and Evangelism Committee held a Newcomer’s Breakfast to welcome new members to the church |
| 1995 | Reverend Allen Bryan replaced Reverend Susan Morrison. Eric Dupee served as student intern.Outreach introduced and held the first “Seniors’ Dinner” for senior citizens in Ballardvale. Youth fellowship provided a much appreciated program of Christmas music for the residents of Wingate Nursing Home. Visioning Committee formed to help create synergy around the mission of Ballard Vale United Church |
| 1996 | A new, modern sound system was designed, purchased and installed by Chuck Hempstead and Willard Robinson. Accessibility for All Campaign wraps up after 3 ½ years. Melissa Larson served as student intern and carried out services while Rev. Allen was ill. “Mission Minute” added to worship to interpret the mission work of the church. Loss of organist and choir director Bill Carey in December. Eleven youths were confirmed on May 19th |
| 1997 | Reverend Judith Jenkins Kohatsu replaced Reverend Allen Bryant. Strategic Planning Committee formed to develop a plan for the future of the congregation; committee’s objective was to “Help the Ballard Vale United Church become an intimate, exciting, spiritually alive congregation.” Approval of a paid Education Coordinator to begin in July 1998. Fund Raising Committee completed its first year of work with several fundraisers. Karen Calvin hired as Nursery Coordinator to provide childcare to our youngest children during worship services. Worship Committee implemented their policy of having children take Communion in the sanctuary with their families. |
| 1998 | Revitalization of music program highlighted by the hiring of Bryan Bishop as Director of Music. Strategic Planning Committee’s recommendations from their first year of work were adopted by the Church Council; Strategic Planning continues to work toward enabling the Ballard Vale United Church congregation to “discover and pursue its identity as an intimate, exciting and spiritually alive congregation.” (Annual report 1998 p. 16) Reverend Jeffrey Cox hired as the church’s first paid Director of Christian Education. Participated in the Massachusetts United Church of Christ’s 200th anniversary. Pledges increased for the first time since 1994. Sunday morning worship services changed to include both traditional and contemporary elements. Fundraising Committee sponsored 4 events and generated a profit of $5443 |
| 1999 | Rachel Daniels and the Education Committee introduced a new educational program based on “Godly Play” which was used in several of the classrooms. Bryan Bishop appointed Director of Youth Ministries as well as continuing as Music Director. Music program grew under the direction of Bryan Bishop, with highlights including the Christmas Cantata and the Hollywood Review. Outreach Committee continues to be involved with the Oliver School in Lawrence, with Reverend Judy Jenkins Kohatsu providing science classes during and after school. Preschool is beginning the accreditation process as presented by the National Association for the Education of Young Children |
| 2000 | Congregation approved the creation of a new staff position, Coordinator of Lay Ministry, to coordinate Church School and other education programs United Methodist Women sponsored a church-wide Mother-Daughter banquet which brought out 72 women and girls. Christian Education adopted a new Bible curriculum with “diverse learning centers that engaged children individually and in small groups” |
| 2001 | Church at full staff with newly-hired Coordinator of Lay Ministry Carol Rabs. New look for the Church School with a Rotation Workshop model of teaching and learning September 11th events led to the opening of sanctuary for prayer and a vigil on the Andover Green. Belinda Forbes, a missionary dentist in Nicaragua, preached in June and was provided scholarship support to attend the School of Christian Mission. Men’s Fellowship held their first theater night which was open to the whole congregation and was enjoyed by 20 people |
| 2002 | Restructuring of congregational leadership from a structure involving over 80 positions to one involving about 30 positions. Administrative Resources Committee, Congregational Life Community and Community at Large Committees created Resignations of Director of Lay Ministry Carol Rabs and Music Director Brian Bishop. Church website launched in August by Community at Large-Promotions committee |
| 2003 | Stewardship Committee began a campaign in which members shared what the church meant to them during worship; this was followed by members sending out hand-written letters to other members doing the same and asking for pledges of prayers, presence, service and money. Reverend David Myers replaced Reverend Judith Jenkins Kohatsu in July; members of the congregation pitched in to get the parsonage ready for the Myers family to move in August. Result of the Stewardship Campaign was a 25% increase in pledges. Church boiler was replaced in December |
| 2004 | 10 years as a Reconciling/Open and Affirming Congregation was celebrated on February 8, 2004, and BVUC received the PFLAG award. 10 confirmands received into membership on May 23rd. All-church planning day held on May 15th to establish our purpose and goals for the coming year. Received 13 new members throughout the year |