September 6, 2011

Many Sunday mornings Scott Marino helped to carry Bill Shea, in his wheelchair, up the sanctuary steps to attend service at the First Congregational UCC in Salem, N.H. In a twist of fate, a 2010 car accident during a business trip in the Sultanate of Oman left Marino himself in a wheelchair. Shea returned Marino's kindness by providing Marino the support he needed to help face this new challenge.

"Bill Shea has been a mentor to me throughout my recovery," explained Marino. "When he came to visit me at the hospital, one of the first things that he told me was that my paralysis is not a handicap – it's an inconvenience. I remember his advice often when faced with difficulties."

It was quite an ordeal for Marino, whose evacuation from Oman was assisted by the US Navy. After surgery in Dubai and four weeks of recovery, Marino was transferred to a Boston hospital. Church members and others in the community were praying daily for good news of his progress and safe return.

An elevator had been installed at the church in 2009 after a major capital campaign. However, the church lacked the funding to provide complete wheelchair access to the building. As a result, Scott Marino's accident became the catalyst to complete the accessibility of the church.

The Scott Marino Fund was set up and many donations followed – even one from as far away as Japan. Fundraising continued as the entire church community came together to sell engraved bricks, Freshwater Farms contributed with a donation of materials, and MHF Design helped meet town requirements with a presentation to the planning board. Soon, enough resources were raised to start the ramp.

Rather then a standard wooden ramp on the side or the back of the building, the church members voted to install a brick walkway to the main entrance. With the support of local businesses – Rock Design Custom Stonework and TS Welding and Fabrication – the accessibility ramp was completed.

"It is a beautiful asset to our church," explained longtime member Kathy Ackroyd, who also uses a wheelchair. "There is not another similar church in Salem that allows an individual in a wheelchair to enter through the front door. By using the front walkway and entering where everyone else does, I feel as if I'm a ‘whole' member of the church."

Ackroyd points out, "Many people take their mobility for granted and do not worry about accessibility. However, a day may come, sooner than you expect, when it matters." When that day came at First Congregational UCC, the community responded to ensure accessibility for everyone.

First Congregational UCC has been located at it's present Lawrence Road site in Salem since 1840. Through the years it has undergone many changes, but access for people of all abilities is one of the key initiatives of which they are most proud. "We are thrilled to be a community where we can welcome everyone at the front of the church," said Rev. Andrew Gilman. The church will celebrate the accomplishment during a special service September 18th at 10 am.

United Church of Christ News Service