May 17, 2011
Written by Jeff Woodard

In the midst of continuing recession, members of First Congregational UCC in Hudson, Ohio, are digging deeply – and diversely – to contribute to the church's five-year, $1.2 million endowment campaign.

"Two families in our congregation who wished to remain anonymous presented us with a challenge grant of $600,000 to be put toward the Building Preservation Endowment Fund," said Sue Wimer, the church's director of stewardship and development, as well as a 20-year member. "But it's been a broad spectrum of about 80 donors from the congregation. Some were gifts of $200, all the way up to $50,000."

Newer faces, longtime members, younger congregants and those representing a variety of income levels are coming together to match the $600,000 and support a UCC church in a historic community, said Wimer.

"It's definitely not just a few families who have the means," she said. "It has been a very diverse group of people. It has reached everybody, which is great. We actually had a younger couple, some of our newest members, give a pledge."

The church, with a membership of about 1,200, has facilities that include its original 150-year-old sanctuary structure and a 10-year old building housing Sunday school space, staff offices, a kitchen and a fellowship hall. "There are constant capital improvements that need to be done," said Wimer, adding that a proactive approach that will give the church access to funds on a yearly basis for improvements. "That is a true gift," she said.

The five-year endowment for the 210-year-old church makes available approximately $60,000 a year for capital improvements.

"Through coaching from Don Hill, minister and team leader of the UCC's Financial Development office, and Don Molten, a member of the church's endowment board, we visited people who were either very instrumental in contributing money to the newer building 10 to 15 years ago, or in being present, on site, or in other ways," said Wimer. "We learned a lot about people's passion and their history with the church, their longevity with the church and why the church is so important to them. It was a very good thing to do."

Once pledges and gifts were secured from about 10 families – primarily those instrumental in making the newer building a reality, said Wimer – pledges were then opened up to the congregation. "We knew that we were at about $200,000, so then we opened it up. We needed momentum."

Wimer said an endowment newsletter focusing on the physical building engaged church members. "The cover contains photographs of what we call the nooks and crannies – places in the church that nobody gets to; up to the bell tower to see what the bell looks like; the cubbyholes up in the attic; places that you just don't see; and we labeled them all. That was intriguing for people.

"We also had quotes from people – both newer members and lifelong members – who see the value of maintaining a historical structure and maintaining the [newer] building, and why it's important. We had personal testimony as well."

Former trustees board chairpersons were asked to sign on to a letter encouraging all past board members to support the campaign, said Wimer, "because they are the ones who see the need and are dealing with a lack of funding. Our trustees board oversees a building and grounds board. Having this endowment will allow the board to proceed with projects and needs that have been on hold for lack of funding."

During a recent church service, trustees board member Rick Knapper gave an intercession of faith, stressing the importance of the church as a building, said Wimer. "He talked about the history behind it and the legacy given to us by those who built the church during the Civil War, and the sacrifice that was made by those congregants during this difficult time.

"Presenting that historical piece in a visual way, for me anyway, inspires me and makes me feel more grateful toward those who found it important to build the sanctuary when they did," said Wimer.

United Church of Christ News Service