|
|
 |
|
It all started with an idea and a newspaper ad seeking those who might be interested in forming a UU Fellowship in Wayne County. Through an open invitation, local businessman, Lowell Steinbrenner sought others with common beliefs and values.
In addition to Lowell, our founding members included Joann Downs, the Drumms, Bob Ewing, the Lebens, the Meyers, the Naults, the Perleys, and Becky Steinbrenner. A series of organizational meetings and Steering Committee sessions were held between January and September of 1972. On April 23, 1972, 19 charter members met at Freedlander Park Chalet to adopt the draft constitution, elect officers, and sign the membership book. The first budget was roughly $2,000, of which 10% was advanced from the U.U.A.
Our first official Sunday worship service was held in rented space at the Union Grange Hall in Madisonburg on September 17, 1972. Originally, the Fellowship operated as a small, informal discussion group led by laity who took turns planning Sunday services. From the outset, Letty Nault initiated plans for Religious Education programs. On April 29, 1973 (one year after our plan was adopted), the Fellowship received its Charter from the U.U.A.
Eight years later (1991), Mary Knottevange was engaged to provide part-time ministerial services. She was followed by Barbara Cooke (1992), who began at ¼-time and grew to ½-time by 1996, when she was succeeded by V. Elaine Strawn.
By 1996, the 62 members had accumulated a growth fund sizeable enough to purchase the first permanent building, which was located on the corner of Saybolt and North Columbus Avenues in Wooster.
In our own home, membership, education and social programs continued to grow, allowing part-time staff additions to support Religious Education, bookkeeping, the choir and music.
At this time, our membership stands at 170; and we’ve moved to our new home at 3186 Burbank Road in Wooster. This new building represents the 3rd-generation of the Wayne County Fellowship’s growth. We’ve grown to over six times the charter membership of 1973, and twice the membership of 1996 when the Columbus Avenue site was purchased.
3186 Burbank Road, Wooster, Ohio
|
|
|
 |
|
