Comments of Hope and Support

from our members and friends

From: Rev. Nicole C. Kirk, East Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, Kirtland, OH
Comments: Dear Barbara, Tom, and the members and friends of First The Congregation of First Unitarian Church of Worcester:  My heart broke with the news of the fire.  I have visited your beautiful church several times, and just last year officiated the memorial service for my father-in-law in your beautiful church.  I have shed tears for your congregation.  A church is not its building, but that does not take away the power of the memories.  Over the years the christenings and burials, laughter, and sorrows intermingle with the rafters of a place dedicated to such a high purpose.  It is a blow to the spirit to have it burned, nearly destroyed.  Yet, you will rise again, and God's grace will be discovered manifest in so many ways during the coming months.  Once again, your special place will be blessed again with the rituals and prayers of the people.  Know that you can call upon the greater community of the Free Church for help and support.  You are in my prayers and in the prayers and thoughts of my congregation.

From: Jean Lord, Worcester, MA
Comments: Your steeple is visible from my window, and has sometimes been seen by me near dawn in a golden globe of light. Most 'inspire-ational', as you once worded it.  I've not been able to attend services but profit much both by seeing your steeple and by reading the wonderful weekly bulletin.  You have given much because you grow so well in struggles of daily living. This is a huge struggle for you/us all. I have no doubt that you, with God's help in many ways, will again rise victorious -- perhaps with even additional helpful insights, along with the scars.  I am glad that there is also the financial help of insurances as well as from your many friends.  Jean Lord

From: Cecile Gardner, Boston, MA, First Unitarian Church of Worcester
Comments: Even though I don't get to attend services often enough, I consider First Unitarian to be my church.  The spirit of the church transcends any building, but this event makes me realize how much the sight of the steeple of the church reassures me whenever I do get to come back. I will try to get back soon and you can expect support from me in the rebuilding.

From: John Robinson, Eliot Unitarian Chapel, Kirkwood, Missouri
Comments: Barbara, Tom, and The Congregation of First Unitarian Church of Worcester, Our deep prayers are with you at this time. April 1, 1978 Eliot Chapel suffered a fire at Midnight. Only the Grace of God in the form of a watchman at a new open air market across the street, saved our building from total destruction. His spotting of flame and instant call to the fire department kept us from losing our 120 year old sanctuary. We did lose: all our offices and office equipment (not much in those low tech days), all our religious education facilities, and even our bathrooms. We were out of most of our building until the fall 16 months later. Fortunately however we were able to occupy our sanctuary only a week after the fire, but with no bathrooms or other facilitates.
        What were and are remarkable, were the many manifestations of God's grace in the months that followed: from the loan of a close public school two blocks away for offices and religious education; to the Catholic school which allowed our nursery school to move into their unused space complete with retired nuns stopping by to help; to superb insurance coverage; to the regional vice president of the insurance company happening to be chair of our board; to the remarkable spirit that the congregation found in itself and in its worship.
       The Rev. Charles Grady, now retired from Arlington, Mass., gave us the most important piece of advice - - Be aware of the anger that such trauma can bring; do not take it out on one another. The best antidote to that I can offer you is to keep your eyes open for the Grace that is happening all around you and in you, even in this moment of grief. Best Regards, John

From: Maria Acosta Cruz, First Unitarian Church, Worcester, MA
Comments: Oh God, oh God-- I drove up, parked in front of our beloved church and cried so hard the poor workmen must have cringed.  My prayers for us all, and for Will Sherwood if the organ is irreparably damaged.  Maria

From:Barbara Owen, ChM, First Religious Society, Newburyport, MA
Comments:Dear Will and Choir: I watched with horror the news of the fire on TV the other night, and appreciate this quick update. Your church has a fine music program which has suffered a serious blow in the damage to the organ, but I am confident that both the music and the organ will come out of this trial by fire better than ever.  Meanwhile, you are very much in our thoughts during what I am sure will be a very trying summer.    The Organist and the Choir of the First Religious Society.

From: Rev. Katie Stein Sather, Avalon UU Fellowship, St. John's Canada
Comments:   I just heard about your fire, and want to tell you that we know,  and we care, and also know that you will rise through the ashes.

From: Sam Trumbore, First Unitarian Universalist Society, Albany, NY
Comments:  I'd like to send our care and concern of our congregation upon hearing of the fire in your building.  Having faced significant storm damage to my congregation in Florida, I know the shock of confronting such loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Sam

From: Louise and James E. Campbell, Southbridge, MA
Comments: My Wife Louise and I think about you at this time due to the damaging fire and for your speedy recovery to normalcy.  We thought your June 18 service in Fellowship Hall was very moving and informative.

From: Rev. Daniel Budd, First Unitarian Church of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
Comments: Please know that the thoughts and prayers of our congregation are with you.  It is difficult to find the words to convey the feelings engendered by this event.  I do know that a congregation as strong and vital as yours will rise from these ashes and continue to be a strong, if not stronger, presence and voice for our free faith in Worcester.

From: Dr. Brent A. Smith, Fountain Street Church, Grand Rapids, MI
Comments: Barbara, Tom, and Fellow Free Church Men and Women: On behalf of free congregations, a fellowship which knows no denominational boundaries, which extends as far as God's freedom extends, we at Fountain Street Church express our solidarity with you in this time of great trial.  God's blessing is with you, though at this time it may be difficult to perceive.  It is with you because you have seen the promise of God's great creation, and over the years have lived out a gospel that will make it real.  Persevere in living at that gospel now.   The members and friends of Fountain Street Church

From: Rev Dr Randolph WB Becker, Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists, Williamsburg, VA
Comments: Your congregation was embraced in our thoughts during "Joys, Sorrows, and Concerns" on Sunday, June 18th. After the service, three members of our congregation came forth to share memories of their own worship with your congregation with special wishes for courage.
Through the grief of loss and change is the future of your congregation -- may you make that passage with understanding and grace so that Unitarian Universalism will stand for many centuries more with your church in the heart of Worcester.

From: Rev. Mary M. Moore, Abraham Lincoln UU Congregation, Springfield, IL
Comments: Barbara, Tom, and congregation,  Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers today as you begin to regather and rebuild your sanctuary.  A church is not a building, as you know, but rather a beloved community of people.  May this understanding and God's love sustain you all during the weeks and months ahead. - Rev. Mary M. Moore

 

© The First Unitarian Church of Worcester, 2000