Celebrating the half-century mark
Brookfield Presbyterian looks forward to next 50
March 3, 2010 | 0 comments
There are about 125 people gathered in the pews.
The winter sun lights the simple messages in stained glass that remind the congregation of the importance of living in a relationship with God.
The choir director leads the blue-robed singers, strong and purposeful gesture drawing out a note.
It could be any Sunday at any number of churches. But it's not.
Changing of the guard
It's Brookfield Presbyterian Church's 50th anniversary, and hidden among the choir members is the woman who will lead the congregation's journey into its next 50 years.
The Rev. Julie Peterson, on this day, however, is a welcome alto, singing a song that choir director Wallace Cheatham wrote in honor of the anniversary. Tomorrow, she'll take over as pastor.
It's the Rev. James Hick, who served as interim pastor at Brookfield Presbyterian for one year a decade ago, who is leading this service.
"I was so grateful for the ways your identity shaped me," he tells the congregation members. "It made me wonder about all the people who have come through this door, your door, your place of employment, who been fortunate to receive your blessing."
Small but close-knit
In fact, there have been 1,880 members welcomed through the church's doors in the past 50 years, it's noted later on, when the congregation members are enjoying a catered meal and short program honoring the anniversary. Today there are 173 members.
"We're a small church almost by design," says Arlene Peterson, who joined the church in 1994. "Every time we get big, we shrink back down a little."
And that's OK.
"The intimacy," Arlene says of why this church was the right fit. "Everyone knows everyone."
Started in a school
It formed in 1960, holding its first service at Dixon Elementary School. A few months later, the Rev. George Weinberg became the first pastor, and the church building opened in 1963.
"The community has changed so dramatically," Weinberg observed during the anniversary lunch. "When we first looked at this land, there was a sign on the corner - and that was it. We came recognizing that growth was almost inevitable for us and this community."
And it's to tomorrow's spiritual growth that the congregation members now turn their attention.
"I sensed today in the service a lot of hope and a lot of recognition of how God's been faithful the past 50 years," Julie Peterson says. "I want to become a part of the faith family here in Brookfield, and see where God takes us. That's the exciting part about God: You never know."
Longest members
• Don Harcus, June 5, 1960 (charter member)
• Pat Mitschrich, Sept. 11, 1960
• Barbara Perrigo, Jan. 29, 1961
• Mary Dalton, Sept. 6, 1962
• Wayne Dannenbrink, Sept. 6, 1962
• Charles Davis, Jan. 18, 1963
• Jean Davis, Jan. 18, 1963
• Arleen and Woody Goranson, Aug. 11, 1963
• Vern and Carol Thieme, Aug. 11, 1963
• Happy Taylor, Nov. 26, 1963
Timeline
1957 - Board of American Missions of the United Presbyterian Church of North America secures 3-acre tract in Brookfield for a future United Presbyterian Church
1960 - Jan. 24 meeting re-forming church held
- Feb. 28, first service held at Dixon School, 67 attend
- April 3, the Rev. George Weinberg called; 26 children attend first Sunday school class
- June 5, 71 charter members received
1961 - Church secures 3 more acres
1962 - April, open house held for newly completed manse
- Nov. 10, groundbreaking ceremony for church building
1963 - April 21, church cornerstone laid
- Aug. 11, first worship service in new sanctuary
- Dec. 18, dedication ceremony held
1970 - Administration wing expansion completed
1978 - Manse sold for $75,000; Pastor Housing Fund established
1979 - Memorial gifts provide for refurbishing the sanctuary and installing outdoor sign
1984 - Name changed from Brookfield United Presbyterian Church to Brookfield Presbyterian Church
1994 - Lounge expanded
1996 - Sanctuary expansion project begins, church office remodeled
1997 - Sanctuary expansion completed
Church's pastors
The Rev. George Weinberg, 1960-74
Dr. Stanley Reiber (interim), 1974-75
The Rev. Eugene Locke, 1975-81
The Rev. John Campbell (parish associate), 1980
The Rev. Keith Jones (parish associate), 1980-82
The Rev. Vernon Forsberg, 1982-90
The Rev. Linda Morgan-Clement (associate pastor), 1985-87
The Rev. Carlisle Dickson (parish associate), 1985-90
The Rev. Jane Newstead (interim), 1991-92
The Rev. Don Clarke, 1992-99
The Rev. James Hicks (interim) 1999-2000
The Rev. William Petterson, 2000-07
The Rev. Tom Dietrich (parish associate), 2005-06
The Rev. Dr. Anne Fisher (interim) 2008-10
The Rev. Julie Peterson, 2010
E-mail Newsletter
Your link to the biggest stories in the suburbs delivered Thursday mornings.
Enter your e-mail address above and click "Sign Up Now!" to begin receiving your e-mail newsletter
Get the Newsletter!
More from News and Features
- Appliance World stores won't reopen
- Sharpshooter near school may sound worse than it really is (1)
- Government Meetings: Feb. 2-9
- Someone You Should Know: Bodalski's twirling talents sparkle
- St. Dominic embraces recycling (1)
- Lunch gets a healthier twist
- Business Spotlight: Georgie's Consignment boasts high fashion, low prices
- Does Brookfield need a conference center? (1)
- Director talks funds, success
- Police Report: Jan. 31
.jpg)
0 COMMENTS