Heard It at Council (October 2014)
October 14, 2014
Council met amid the final flurry of renovations that have been keeping the church in disarray. Progress is evident and the end is in sight!
Vice Moderator Karen Hand led the meeting. Rev. Nancy Taylor opened with a prayer by Benjamin Franklin which proved to set the tone for an evening of reflection on the church’s early roots. (Benjamin Franklin having been a baptized on the day of his birth by Old South.)
In old business there were updates from various committees. Christian Service and Outreach Chair Ruth Ricker reported that the new grant process is moving along smoothly, with applications underway. Outreach is also making plans for November ballot information activities. The Christian Education Committee, chaired by Maren Batalden, reported a highly successful second annual church retreat on Cape Cod. As well, the new multi-generational programming hour at 10 am is proving to be well-attended. The Committee is now focusing on upcoming changes to the Youth Group and Confirmation Class including scheduling and a foreseen replacement for Youth Group leader Kate Rogers. Trustee Tom Wetherald reported on ongoing discussions with the MFA, Christies, and Sotheby’s regarding the disposition of remaining silver assets owned by the Church, including a signed contract by the MFA intending to purchase two silver items, a 1692 cup, and a Revere cup. Stewardship Committee Chair Kurt Gaertner gave an update on the mid-stewardship season with anticipation of Consecration Sunday November 9th.
In Leadership, Lisa Loveland nominated Mary Ann Lape as the new Chair of the Membership Committee. Council approved.
Rev. Nancy Taylor proposed the creation of a Capital Campaign Steering Committee to be co-chaired by Wayne Davis and Todd Krohne. The Committee has been meeting for over a year and everyone agreed it was time to make it official. Council approved the motion.
The majority of the meeting was spent reviewing nascent ideas toward a 350th Anniversary Celebration in 2019. Given the large historical significance Old South Church has played in the country’s history, Council anticipates that detailed planning will proceed over the next several years leading up to 2019 with many moving parts to culminate in a grand and momentous occasion that may draw wide interest. Contemporary guests, social leaders, celebrities, and acclaimed artists may be engaged in special projects and tributes. From a music perspective, we can anticipate a serious effort with perhaps a substantial commissioned work. From a historical perspective, the church will pay tribute to previous leaders and recognize the pivotal role the church played in early revolutionary efforts toward freedom and justice for our country. Rev. Nancy Taylor detailed a long list of ideas ranging from the arts and social media to publications, courses, and special events. She outlined a possible framework and theme, with a vision for tying the celebration to our church’s roots as well as its future, providing historical context to capture the congregation’s stories and help future leaders map a path forward. Rev. Nancy Taylor solicited input from Council, who expressed a need for the whole church to ultimately have opportunity to participate and for the projects to serve as stepping stones for growth. The process is at a very early stage and will start to take shape with help from Church Historian Emily Click, and with the formation of teams and the delegation of roles as time goes by and with continued input from Council.
Finally, the church restoration project was applauded with the end in sight. Operations Committee Chair Paul Kuenstner highlighted the close tracking to time and budget. He provided a tour pointing out the impressive safety features and new utilities, including much reclaimed space in the undercroft, creative use of found shaft space, new elevators with much-needed basement access, updated electrical panels, sanctuary ventilation, efficient boilers, cameras, sprinklers, alarms, smoke detectors, windows, and cooling units - all of which help to make the church more comfortable, safe, and energy efficient.
Lisa Mahnke, Clerk