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Timeline of Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Lauderdale (UUCFL)
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1957 |
| The UU Church of Fort Lauderdale began when Philip Godfrey and Fred Stanton met. Godfrey had worked with Stanton's uncle in reviving All Souls Unitarian Church in New York before moving to Florida. Stanton's parents had been married and buried at All Souls so his contacts had been deeply rooted. A planning organization had been formed in Dade County consisting of 3 ministers, Canfield, Hoffman and Rollins and 2 lay people, Godfrey and Rosen. At the suggestion of Rev. Rollins, Stanton, a resident of Broward County, was added to the committee November 27, 1957. The committee, together with the staff of the First Unitarian Church of Miami, sent letters to 80 families announcing the formation of a Unitarian Fellowship in Broward County. Thirty replies were received. A meeting was called for December 19, 1957 at Church-by the-Sea (Presbyterian). Godfrey and Stanton shared the chair at the first meeting, which was attended by 30 people from Broward County. Some of these people had read about the meeting in a feature article in the Fort Lauderdale News. |
1958 |
| On January 20, 1958 the ensuing Executive Committee arranged to hold meetings each Sunday at the Church-by-the-Sea from 2-4:15PM.for $25 per week. The speakers included people from the University of Miami, First Unitarian Church in Miami and clergy from local churches and temples. During this time Godfrey and Stanton would huddle together after the plate was passed each Sunday to count the income to see if there was enough money to pay the next weeks speaker. If not, a member would take the pulpit. With 34 charter memberships, this ambitious group discussed professional music and further advertising. The fledgling congregation moved to the recreation center provided by Mr. And Mrs. Donald Moore at Trail's End while searching for suitable permanent church and school facilities. We began our part time minister at this same time. Walter Jolly, a charter member, was a graduate of St. Lawrence Theological School a nd was living on his boat here in Fort Lauderdale with his wife Helena. He was asked to serve as part-time Minister from December 1958 to May 1964. His salary was $265 per month. The American Unitarian Association granted application for ordination. |
1959 |
| Full church status was applied for from the A.U.A and received. The Circuit Court approved State Charter for the Unitarian Church the following month. Fred Stanton reported to the Secretary of Florida Council of Liberal Churches -- "Attendance 80, low 64 -- high 119, Church school 30." Rev. Jolly was called to be full-time minister in May at the salary of $6000 per year. The Women's Alliance was organized this January and filled many functions. They organized dinners and party's and raised money. They became a separate pledging unit one-year. One year they added $900 to the general fund to send one of our teens to a Blue Ridge Camp, contributed to the Children's Aid Society and also to a Scholarship fund at Dillard High School for nursing. This group disbanded in 1969. |
1960 - 1962 |
| At a January meeting the congregation voted to approve the Unitarian and Universalist merger and appointed a Planning Committee to work out expansion plans. The question was to build or to buy. Our coffers were low but our hopes ran high. (A tradition held on to today) The Nazarene Church at 300 SE 6th Street in downtown Fort Lauderdale went on the market at this time but they were appalled to think they might sell to Unitarians. Negotiations were stalled when the Nazarenes had trouble buying land for their new property but they went ahead and de-dedicated their previous property (some suggested de-sanctified) in preparation of the Unitarian take over. The fund raising and planning took over 3 years and we spent some of that time housed in a former honey factory on Riverland Road. The first mortgage of $60,000 at 6% was placed with Atlantic Federal Savings and Loan and a second mortgage was held by charter member Philip Godfrey after a $10,000 gift from him. Many stories were told about that initial fund raising. One of the favorites was about Jeanette Jones and her husband Willard was going shopping for a new car. He suggested a Cadillac and Jeanette suggested a Buick and put the $2500 difference into the building fund. |
1963 |
| After much painting, cleaning and renewing, the new church was dedicated January 27. Soon after that, the arms of the Christian Cross, atop the tower, were blocked out, at member request. Between January and May of that year, 156 visitors signed the guest book and seven joined. We struggled to support our church and pay our minister. Fred Godfrey forgave his loans to the church and Jeanette Jones continued with special gifts including her home in Ohio. |
1964-1966 |
| Rev. Jolly accepted a call to a congregation in Corpus Christi, Texas, as he sought increased income and new challenges. He left with the heartfelt thanks to our congregation for our years together. Rev. Weston was called to our church to serve as minister for a salary of $8,000 per year and a parsonage for living quarters. During the next few years, we went from dire financial straights to being solvent with 160 members and 83 children. Church school included Sunday school, a discussion group, study group and book review group. Each Sunday a Speakers Forum was held featuring paid and unpaid speakers. Dr. Weston gave a short sermon weekly on WLFM. We contributed to UUA, Starr-King theological seminary and started a savings account. |
1967 |
| Rev. Weston resigned to move to California to be near his son. He was beloved and missed. Rev. David Sheyer was called to our church in November 1967 at a salary of $10,000 per year. Church membership was 225 with 107 children registered in R.E. The U.U. Service Committee became active at our church with Noralee Traylor as our local representative. |
1968-1970 |
| In August of 1968, a preoccupation with financial matters became a way of church life. We were in arrears in current bills and struggled as our indebtedness grew and credit rating dropped. The congregation suffered with low morale, poor communication, disorganization and discouragement. There was discontent surrounding Rev. Sheyer's ministry. Under the joint auspices of the Florida District Board of UU Ministers Association, a minister-layperson team offered to resolve stress in a non-judgmental fashion. The Board accepted the offer. |
1970 |
| The focus of one of our social justice concerns this year was the "Zero population Growth Issue" and Joyce Tarnow was a leader. Many people in our congregation were concerned about this issue. |
1971 |
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The UU Church of Fort Lauderdale accepted Rev. Sheyer's resignation.
Thirty-three members and Rev. Sheyer applied for fellowship status from the UUA to begin again. The UUA approved fellowship status for them after receiving approval from the Ft Lauderdale congregation. This group of dissenters started out west and later joined with the Unitarian Fellowship of South Florida in Hollywood, which continues today. Difficult financial issues continued for the Fort Lauderdale Church and there were frequent discussions about selling the church or finding the resources to upgrade and repair it. We hired our first paid Religious Education Director at this time. It was Sue Badger and she was paid $100 per month. Church school attendance was at an all time low of 10-20 children. Dorothy Page becomes the first woman President of our church. |
1972 |
| Jack Daniel is called to be our minister |
1973 |
| George Pinneo starts Friday Night Coffee House in September. 1973 was the last year UUCFL shut down for the summer. |
1974 |
| The Stained Glass Flaming Chalice given in loving memory of Rick Page by his parents, Dorothy and Richard Page. Dot Muise shares her musical talents directing music and choir. Our Social Hall is officially named "Godfrey Hall" after charter member and benefactor Philip Godfrey. At our Oakland Park church, our patio is named for Mr. Godfrey |
1976 |
| Our congregation was socially active this year. We held a "Celebration of Peace and Vietnam War protest", and Father Berrigan spoke at UUCFL. The National Organization for Women (N.O.W.) Broward Chapter organized and met in our church. They had trouble finding a place that they were welcome elsewhere. |
1978 |
| Rev. Stephan Papa is called as our minister. Kip Barkley assumes leadership of 9:30 am Sunday Sounding Board. |
1980 |
| Activity in support of Farm Workers is sponsored at our church and spearheaded by member Dr. Georgianna Lowen. Wayside Pulpit is built by Dick Boyce and sponsored by Mary Smithwick. |
1981 |
| Our UUCFL Charter was changed to reflect a more inclusive language concerning non-heterosexuals. Rev. Daniel led Unitarian Universalists and the community in Farm Workers Rally. Rev. Papa answers Religious Right in an article in the local paper including a photo with a bumper sticker "The Moral Majority is Neither". Thelma Daniel is featured in Sun Sentinel for her activism in N.O.W. and Pro-ERA. Members create the first UUCFL Banner for public demonstrations and six members create the World Faith banners that hang in our sanctuary today. The quilters were Deborah Holt, Rachel Donelson, Louise Mitchell, Deanne Smith, Betty Kearns and Bob Yoho. |
1982 |
| The Broward Committee for Nuclear Freeze met at UUCFL Debbi Holt, Patty Prevost and Bud Whitney presented the congregation with the montage of "Famous UU's" that hangs in our entrance hall today. |
1983 |
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25th Anniversary of UUCFL
UUCFL Endowment was incorporated with charter members Kip Barkley, Gary Jarvela, Rey Hyde, Mark Myers, Walt Gore and Jack Anker. Thelma Daniel was voted Feminist of the Year for Broward County by N.O.W. Rev Don Marshall is called as Interim Minister. |
1984 |
| Broward County Blood Mobile began its first drive at UUCFL. Ruth Pearl continues this good work today. Rev. Kit Howell is called to serve as our minister. We sold our downtown property and moved to temporary site at Temple Emanu-El. We began our building drive. UUCFL opened its doors for A.A. meetings. UUCFL member Arlene Goodwin founded Broward Citizens for Peace and Justice. This year we began a long tradition of "Bazaar" fundraisers started by Debbi Holt and carried on for many years by Judy Pine. |
1986 |
|
Peace Place began in the Broward County Library by UUCFL Member
Georgianna Lowen and staffed by many other members. This became a
resource for teachers and families to learn non-competitive games and fun. Kip
Barkley presents last Sunday 9:30 am Sounding Board. Members Annette VanHowe and Wilma Greban founded The Broward County Women's History Coalition. |
1987 |
| In April, the congregation moved to our newly built church in Oakland Park. The Tree of Life sculpture, hanging on the back wall of our sanctuary, was designed by member Jon Kitner to thank supporters of the building fund. NoraLee Traylor founds MoonPath CUUPS. |
1988 |
| Our congregation votes UUCFL property to become a Nuclear Free Zone. Food is collected for the Cooperative Feeding Program. Arlene Goodwin initiates this. |
1989 |
| Third Sunday Dinners are offered to the congregation by Marno, Dennis and Bobby West and Martha and MacKenzie George to promote fellowship. These continue until 1996 and were a source of fun and community and it was also a gateway for new members and friends to join us. Activists Joyce Tarnow, Cam Enright and Dot Muise along with other members become involved in Patient Escorts, a pro-choice group. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are being prepared after church by Arlyne and Archie Goodwin for the Cooperative Feeding Program. This continued for about ten years. |
1990 |
|
This is the year of our first Mothers Day Spring Concert with
our music director Dot Muise. Rev. George Briggs is called as
our interim Minister. Kathleen Rhoad raises our consciousness as
a Sierra Club activist.
Sean Spivey, Eagle Scout and Lee Wandel build our Memorial Garden as a Scout Project. Jon Kitner designed the plans for it. Two of our members, Felix Mitchell and Lynn Kurpiewski become active in Habitat for Humanity. |
1991 |
| Rev. Liz McMaster is called as settled minister for UUCFL. |
1992 |
| Member Annette VanHowe is president of Broward Planned Parenthood. Member Steve Jens-Rochow founds the Bi-sexual Network Support Group and it meets at UUCFL. |
1993 |
| Member Deb Launer brings her adopted children with AIDS to our church and our parents learn safe ways to welcome and live with her family in the childrens' Sunday school. Dan McGrath brings music to our church with Hot Java on Saturday nights. UUCFL sponsors a fundraiser to fund a permanent location for the controversial Judy Chicago's Dinner Party. The Racial Diversity Task Force brings Dr. William Jones to speak on Black Empowerment. My God, featured in the Sun Sentinel showcased drawings of how children see God and UUCFL's Avril McGrath's work was chosen. |
1994 |
| Sean Spivey resigns from the Boy Scouts of America in protest of their policy of excluding gays. He declined the Vigil Honor. UUCFL members march outside of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church to protest Dan Quayle and Family Values agenda of the Religious Right. Our children in R.E. declared us a Hate Free zone this year. Feminist of the year as appointed by N.O.W. was Dorcie Gallagher, a member. Voice for Choice, lead by Annette VanHowe, was active in the abortion issue. |
1995 |
| The adults declared our location a Hate Free Zone. Churches in Conversation began; this is now Churches in Cooperation. We celebrated Jeanette Jones 100th birthday with her. She was one of our most generous supporters over the years from the very beginning. A panel was added to the AIDS Quilt project from UUCFL with the names of members and friends who have lost their lives to AIDS and AIDS related illnesses. Our quilters were Deb Holt, Eric Belfi, Ruth Pearl, Rachel Donelson, Bill Marx and Adele Alexandre. Etz Chaim, a Jewish congregation, begins to rent space at our church this year. NoraLee Traylor passes leadership of MoonPath CUUPS to Kip Barkley. |
1996 |
| Ruth Waskey organizes cooking for the homeless; Steve Jens-Rochow helps to rebuild Black churches burned in the South. Vision Night brainstorming introduces the idea of expanding UU presence in Broward County with a church out west. |
1997 |
| This was our tenth Anniversary of our home in Oakland Park. Debi Holt compiles a timeline and gathered much of the information in this history. River of Grass UU Congregation begins planning. Our congregation starts the hard work of birthing a new church. |
1998 |
| Rev. Matthew McNaught is called as Interim Minister. Our first Annual Witches ball held on October 31. |
1999 |
| The Tower Project is installed comprising of pavers and a mosaic of the Flaming Chalice at our church entrance. The design contest winner was Kathy Jens-Rochow. Gail Tapscott is called as our settled minister. Eileen Donahoe is our new Director of Religious Education. Sophia Letourneau organizes first August Lammas Ritual and then September Pagan Pride Day. |
2000 |
| River of Grass, the new UU Congregation in western Broward County is dedicated. |
2001 |
| The Long Range Planning Committee delivers its report to the congregation. Together we begin the next chapter as a thriving voice for liberal religion in Broward County. |
2002 |
2003 |
| Money problems on-going; bequests help. Building expansion dropped. Robby Greenberg started Labyrinth Café. UU Sisterhood started with Rita Goodwin, Collette Killarney and Jane Townsend. |
2004 |
| We have 123 members. Sandy Harris started the homeless shelter program. Bingo was approved. The first Tri-Choir performance ( of combined choirs of Fort Lauderdale, River of Grass, and Boca Raton) was January 25, 2004 at UUCFL. |
2005 |
2006 |
| Bingo was dropped. |
2007 |
2008 |
| Participated in Earth Day 2008. Demonstrated to have Burger King raise wages of tomato pickers, signed petitions, and otherwise supported the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. Hosted homeless families for the Coalition to End Homelessness and Interfaith Hospitality Program. Held an Empty Bowls dinner to raise money for the Cooperative Feeding Program. Protested against union-busting action at NOVA Southeastern University. Carried a banner for Marriage Is a Civil Right. At the National UU Association General Assembly in Fort Lauderdale, David Fisher served as coordinator for the District. Other members served as coordinators for Ambiance, Special Events, and Service Projects, DJ and sound master, plenary delegates, youth caucus attendees, speakers, t-shirt producers, and volunteers. Erected a new street-visible sign. |
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