50th Anniversary Summation

Fall Festival - September 16, 2007

Throughout the year 2007, we have enjoyed many memorable events to celebrate our Church of the Palms 50th Anniversary. Here's a look back at the highlight events and the church members and staff who made it all "happen."

The 50th Anniversary Committee members are:

  • Sue Angle
  • Rev. John Cairns
  • Ginna Clark
  • Kathy Chamberlain (Chair)
  • Fred Chamberlain
  • Jan Gilbert
  • Paul Goetz
  • Buddy Savary
  • Rev. Ruth Schaaff

Indicated below is a summary of our celebratory events and the Committee Chairs who provided the leadership:

  • Kirkin' O' the Tartans - David and Barbara MacMillan
  • Charter Member Dinner - Sandy Snyder
  • Talent Show - George and Carroll Jenkins
  • Mission Project - Pat Briggs, Mary Ann Vollrath, Kathy Dain
  • Corporate Worship - Betty Jean
  • Anniversary Celebration Concert - John Ferreira
  • Tennis Tournament - Jan Gilbert
  • Golf Tournament - Jackie Williams
  • Presbytery Meeting - Nancy Sauer
  • Fall Festival - Chris Mason
  • Commemorative Ornament - Sue Angle
  • Publicity - Paul Goetz

The wrap-up of our year of celebration was the two-part Thanksgiving event held on Sunday, November 18. The first part was a robust old-fashioned Hymn/Sing let by John Ferreira in the Sanctuary. At its conclusion, the singers were led by a bagpiper to the Campus Center for the second part of the event . . . a "fifties style diner" dinner where the SRO crowd enjoyd hamburgers, hotdogs, soda and do-it-yourself sundaes. Music from the fifties provided the background for a professional dancing exhibition and "do you remember" questions from our WCOP announcer, George Jenkins. Many thanks to George and Carroll, event organizers, and to Nancy Brown for her culinary magic. What a wrap!

The beautful brass Commemorative Ornament which is a distinctive keepsake of this 50th year milestone in our church's life can still be purchased in our Administration Office. The proceeds from these ornaments will support a fund to help return "a voice" to the bell tower by providing the music of carillon bells in the tower once again.

And finally, as a narrative summary of our first 50 years and a pictorial review of this year's celebratory events, a commemorative 50 year celebration booklet will be available in January. The booklet is a collaborative effort of Tom Webber, Ginna Clark, Kathy Chamberlain and the design and printing genius of Cathie Silbaugh, our Director of Communications.

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked on all of our committees to make 2007 such a wonderful "happening." What a year! What a church! Thanks be to God!