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Updated: March 8, 2010.

UNITARIAN CHURCH PLANT SALE - April 24, 2010

Plans are being set in motion for the coming annual Plant Sale that has been held in the church for the past 37 years. Kevin Ballard and Scott Race have stepped up to serve as co-chairmen of the Plant-Book-Bake Sale on Saturday, April 24 -- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This annual fund-raiser has become such a popular community event that the church is sometimes identified as the "Plant Sale Church." Department leaders and many members and friends have devoted their energies to this event through the years.

Plants are donated from members' local gardens and there are varieties of florist's garden, house and yard plants. These are displayed in the expanded area of the church addition that was built in 2007. The book sale is located in the downstairs hall, accessible by two safe stairways. Library-style, double-sided book shelves on rollers display the large variety of books. The shelves were produced by a membership team of skilled craftsmen and women. Books are arranged by categories: fiction, biography, self-help, etc. There are cook books, children's books, puzzles, and more.

The bake sale offers home-made breads, pies, rolls, cookies, jellies and jams. There is also a friendly arangement for visiting and enjoying refreshments. The front door opens promptly at nine o'clock. Many eager people of Quincy and the surrounding area have made this event a steady date on their calendars.

2009 WAS A CELEBRATION YEAR

In 2009 the influence of Unitarianism in Quincy dated back to the founding of the Unitarian Church here in 1839.

     2009  -  1829   =     170 years

Our present church building has served the congregation since 1914.

     2009  -  1914   =      95 years

The planning committee determined that three of the Sunday morning services would be devoted to consideration of church history. On October 25, Dienna Drew, a third-generation Quincy Unitarian church member, presented "1479 Hampshire: Not Just Stone and Mortar." Her very careful research reflected that the church is not the building. She quoted remarks from the time of the building dedication in 1914. "After 75 years of Unitarianism in Quincy, we are aware that the world changes and we change with it, always being open to all truths that science and thought have established." In 1929 the Rev. Daniel Sands said, "The church is not a dead pile of stones and unmeaning timber. It is a living thing, made up of the beating of human hearts -- of the nameless music of our souls."

The present church, was called by the architect, a "clever little English chapel. "The city of Quincy and the Quincy Preserves Commission designated the church as a local landmark in September, 1999.

Sandra Morrison will give the second presentation on January 24. She will speak of "History, Tradition, Longevity, Persistence: 170 Years of Unitarianism in Quincy."

170 YEARS OF UNITARIANISM IN QUINCY

The Sunday morning presentation by Sandy Morrison extended the consideration of church history. Her focus on Tradition, Longevity and Persistence began with mention of 1839 when the Rev. William G. Eliot traveled from St. Louis to encourage the establishment of a Unitarian Church in Quincy. This was only fifteen years after the city was founded. The Quincy group was one of the pioneer churches of the West. Through the next 170 years the ministers and congregations passed the religious precepts from generation to generation in a persistent manner.

The early ministers and leaders were recognized in Sandy's talk with having an understanding that, as time passed, the core values continued to exist. A comparison was made between the church life of the 1800's and the present time. Organizations within the church - The Eclectic Club, the Unity Club and others of the past were not so different from today's Women's Alliance, Book Study Group and the R. E. Program. Traditions exist: "Our Social Action Committee involves us in the community needs and there are First Fridays, Candlelight Dinners, Movie Nights and the annual Plant Sale to keep our interaction alive."

From the first Unitarian minister here in 1840, the Rev. G. L. Moore, to today's Rev. Dr. Robert Manning, the devoted leadership continues. Dr. Manning, ordained in 1996, holds the longevity record of more than ten years. "He has held to our old traditions and has inspired new traditions in his persistent pursuit to keep liberal religion alive and well in Quincy."

The third celebration presentation will be given by Dr. Carol Fisher Mathieson, Director of Music, on February 28. She has served as organist since 1977.

CANDLELIGHT DINNER AND CONCERT - NOVEMBER 13

On the evening of Friday the 13th of November, guests arriving at the church witnessed a picture-book building with bright lights in every window. Surely, something festive was happening. It was the Candlelight Dinner and Concert, this one inspired and sponsored by Bill and Melissa Holden. Following hospitality in the Heritage Room, an autumn harvest dinner was served in the Garden Room. The men of the church were waiters and a support crew of over twenty volunteered as greeters, cooks, servers and the clean-up detail.

There was delight in the details. Picture snowy white linens and peaked napkins at the round-top tables, each seating eight friendly people. The centerpieces were small aquariums with a couple of branches, a pair of live goldfish and some floating flower petals.The food plates included a sprinkling of dried cranberries and a sprig of mint. Waiters offered a variety of desserts.

For the concert, the church sanctuary was transformed into a theater. The guest artist was Monica Ramey, Nashville jazz vocalist, appearing with local musicians: Ben Bumbry and the Messengers. Theater spotlights focused on the performers while the audience was in darkness except for candles in all sanctuary windows. Monica Ramey's program included favorite jazz standards and several original works. This Quincy performance was the first event on a promotional tour to introduce her debut CD.

Her patter between songs complimented the audience, the local musicians, the church and the city. Her pleasant personality was noted as she minimized herself when there was a solo part from one of the musicians. The encore piece was "Make Someone Happy" - the title of her CD.

The following evening a repeat performance was staged at the State Room in Quincy. Audiences had a rare opportunity to hear live jazz in Quincy.

DECORATING COMMITTEE REPORT

The Decorating Committee has made notable progress on planning and implementing attractive furnishings in the addition. The members met the challenge of decorating a multi-purpose space and overcoming acoustic concerns. Many elements were used to help absorb sound and still have a room that is both pleasing to the eye and easy to rearrange for different events. Roman shades were installed at the windows. There is a comfy nook with a sofa, two chairs and an area rug. Wall hangings include a family heirloom quilt and various art pieces of appropriate "connections" to the church and its membership. Four three-panel screens with fabric serve as dividers and as room decor. The foyer of the new entrance has a newly refinished library table and two welcoming chairs. The devoted efforts of the Decorating Committee, with help from additional members, have produced an admired and enjoyable appearance.

THE ROUND-TOP TABLES

From the first concert last September to the second event this February, the planning committee incorporated improvement ideas. The round-top tables, seating eight, encouraged friendly visiting during dinner. The tables were constructed by Michael Flanagan and skilled helpers: Leann, Cork, Chris, Mike, Stevie and Kim. The white-topped tables have metal legs, allowing fold-away storage. The results of this successful project will provide a long-lasting benefit for the congregation, as these tables will always be ready for another occasion.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

FIRST FRIDAY - An enhancement to the social life of the church people was initiated in 1999 as a casual monthly gathering, hosted by various members. These "First Friday" evenings provide a time for friendly companionship and an opportunity for welcoming newcomers.

WOMEN'S ALLIANCE - This group gives support to church projects while providing a friendly atmosphere at a Saturday luncheon held in members' homes - October through May. The executive committee arranges for a guest speaker for most meetings. The topics reflect local and national issues, historical or literary studies.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Consideration for others is part of the outlook of the congregation. Projects deemed worthy are supported by donations of goods and funds. Most recent projects supported a Diaper Appeal and a Food Appeal. The problems of racial equality, local poverty, organic food supply and national peace are given attention.

SOCIAL ACTION - The Social Action committee gives leadership to continuing support of food programs for people by donating items to Quanada, a shelter for women and children. Now they will also direct food contributions for animals. A beginning of this activity was a collection of canned and dry foods at the First Friday of September. A basket for contributions will be available at the next First Friday and through the year. Contributions to Quanada and to Paw Pals. Recipients will apprecite this generosity.

DIAPER DRIVE 2009-2010 - The Social Action Committee is continuing the diaper drive to help needy families enrolled in Transitions of Western Illinois. This project began in 2007 and to this time over sixty families have been provided with a total of over 2,440 diapers. All diapers were purchased with donated money from generous and caring church members and friends.The offering of the 2009 Christmas Eve Service was designated for this project. Transitions of Western Illinois has recognized and thanked the church in its quarterly newsletters. The church and this cause is mentioned at every committee meeting or presentation. The most important reason for the Social Action Committee to continue the diaper drive for another year is to help babies and toddlers. Simply put, clean diapers = happier, healthier and safer lives for little ones.

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