A Brief History of MUUF
March 17th, 2008
The historic Riverpark Hotel on 10th St. was the first home of what became the Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (MUUF) formed by eleven independent thinking adults and four teenagers who "followed a different drummer" of the times. Those courageous residents of Manatee County in 1959 were:
Effie Dalton
Colonel Harry Lemp
Dorothy Corbin, children Bill and Lee
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Yallowly
Dr. Henry and Helen James
W.W. and Betty Chaplin, children Bill Jr. and Marnie
Dr. Herb and Fleta Boyd
IN 1961 a new location on 67th. W, though lacking in appearance and comfort of adequate heat and A/C became, for $5.00 a week, their new home. They read programs from Boston, listened to recorded music and looked forward to coffee and discussion following each Sunday program. Fun activities included ethnic dinners in member’s homes, parties for the children and events for less fortunate youth s.
Membership had grown to 38 adults and 32 youngsters by 1963 when a house on 15th St. W became available for $13,500. Financing was arranged quickly and the first service was held in December using borrowed chairs. For $2,000, the parking lot was added three years later.
The 1960’s were challenging times for U.U. Teenagers who were not inclined to follow the dress code of the public school system, let alone the required short haircut when ponytails were the choice of U.U. teenage culture. Penalties were issued in the superintendent’s office under a painting of Jesus wearing shoulder-length hair. The teenage youths of the fellowship enjoyed the garage as their meeting place with friends and for religious education. Each room on the 2nd floor had different ages and curricula. We were a growing Fellowship.
The Women’s Alliance, organized in 1972, assumed responsibility for all the housekeeping and fundraising activities until 1990 when they disbanded. Committees were then organized to carry on the work of the Women’ Alliance. The adult membership reached 60 and need for additional space was evident. An enlargement of the building was dedicated Dec. 1981 and refurbishing of the church school and an addition of a stairway completed the needs of that decade.
The 1990’s seemed geared to the advent of the millennium and the setting of goals for and by the membership which now numbers 112 adults, 20% of whom go north each summer. About 20 children are enrolled in the church school.
The future is now at our door. We have a photo directory for the first time. There is a plethora of ideas on how our Fellowship’s future can best be served: with a minister, a larger facility, moving to another neighborhood and so on and on. The secret to its success will be the willingness of all members to share in making and being a part of those exciting possibilities.
OUR PROGRESS CONTINUES IN THE 21ST CENTURY
As we settle into the 21st Century it’s time to reflect on the progress we are enjoying at MUUF. Our leader and president for the first two years of the millennium was Robert Ball. Robert provided steady, wise guidance as he used his organizational skills to ensure that goals and deadlines were met, that new ideas and projects were not allowed to atrophy, and that we did not stray from our actual mission. His expertise was frequently behind the scenes and he was always sure to allocate praise to other rather than to himself. However, we all knew that it was Robert’s leadership skills that kept us moving forward and made us feel that our Fellowship was safe and secure in his capable hands.
Building and grounds improvements add to the aesthetic health of our fellowship. The energy, dedication and individual skill of architect, Ruth Warmington; artist/designer, Janet Burgess Green' all-purpose building and grounds "engineer" Ed Hord’ and horticulturist, Jack Callahan, provide enhanced beauty for the enjoyment of all. The building have been upgraded and painted inside and out, upstairs and downstairs. Replacements of soffits, down spouts, gutters, kitchen floor, air conditioner, and exterior doors are portions for the improvements.
Present Property and Improvements Committee (PPI) initiated by Edsel Erickson, was the ongoing force in the planning and implementation of the improvements. An attained goal was the purchase of a double lot to the west for increased parking. The Bradenton Fire Department razed two condemned homes on that property with a control burn. With that accomplished, the land is in the state of reclamation awaiting completion of the parking lot project.
Our signboard is prominent with its gilded letters, which will stand out as a friendly greeting to our Welcoming congregation. As we enter the building we noticed the new carpet in the entryway; the glass encased bulletin board and the decorative chalice and flame symbol etched on the front door. Inside we behold the redesigned ceiling, indirect lighting and new carpet all adding to the quiet beauty and ambience of the meeting room. The room is further enhanced by the Kawai ebony baby grand piano, presented by Peg Henderson, as a gift appreciated and enjoyed by the pianist who share their love of music with the congregation during the services and special programs.
Our libraries are among the finest in U.U. circles, with regular additions of new materials, including the Peggy Beck Woman’s Spirit Memorial Library. New shutters and increased shelving add to the enjoyment of the libraries and social room. The construction of a deck adjoining the southwest corner of the building was approved by the membership. This addition is now being enjoyed with its garden arbor and trellis overhead and barrier free access, providing for a more comfortable flow of members and guests during social activities. A redesigned, fully fenced and protected children’s playground was included in this project.
The Religious Education program is growing under the leadership of Director Peggy Dickson, who had completed five Renaissance Modules and Leadership School for Religious Educators, qualifying her for the Registry at Meadville Lombard Theological Seminary.
Of utmost importance to our creative, caring and growing family of UU’s, was the development of a Ministerial Committee, which has as its goal, the securing of a part time minister. The preliminary tasks are done, and the matching of minister and church is in process.
In a visionary, effective, flourishing group there always remains much to be done,
Dreams to be realized and decision to be made. The future may include a Children’s Memory Garden and a Memorial Garden for members of our MUUF family. We look forward to an exciting future in the life of this congregation and strive for growth and financial stability.
The following is a temporary edit by Bill Newman:
Since the writing of this history, many of the important goals of our congregation have been reached.
The new parking area is a reality. The Memory garden is complete. A wonderful new deck overlooking the garden has been built, with full accessabilty, and has become one of our favorite places. A new playground for the children has been built, and security fences have been installed. There are many other improvements which have occured, including new computers, and computerized library access. Most significantly, our Ministerial committee has found our new Minister, Rev. Dr. E. Bonnie Devlin, who will lead us into the future!
A complete update of our church history will be posted soon.
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