by Ed Busch

This year, the UU Lansing Archives Blog invited us to pause and listen — to voices from committee rooms and sanctuaries, gardens and gathering halls, moments of celebration, and times of change. The posts show that our congregation’s history isn’t a straight line, but a rich tapestry woven from place, people, generosity, imagination, and perseverance.

Instead of listing every post, here’s a thematic look at some of the highlights — the ways our past continues to speak to us today.

1. Place Matters: Land, Buildings, and Sacred Ground

Many posts explored where UU Lansing has gathered, and why those spaces matter. Stories of the Memorial Garden, the Creyts House, and our retreats show how physical spaces carry memory.

From the Memorial Garden at our church home in East Lansing, students from Michigan State University’s landscape class “shoveled and hauled topsoil, gravel and sand… used 17 tons of Jackson limestone to build the wall… and planted 1,000 ivy plants, shrubs, and ornamental trees.”(source)

Creyts House, located at 831 North Washington Avenue, served as our home from 1945 to 1954. Its “oak flooring, wood trimmings, and polished brass hardware” reflect the care and dignity of early congregational life.(source)

These stories remind us that where we gather is part of our shared spiritual heritage.

First Universalist Church (postcard image), circa 1907

2. Ritual, Creativity, and Shared Joy

Traditions like Poetry Sunday, church auctions, and Unimass festivals highlight the congregation’s long-standing embrace of creativity and community. These moments show that faith can be expressed through art, reflection, and participation.

At a 2007 Poetry Sunday service, the closing affirmation offered this wish for the community:

“May faith in love and hope for community
Keep us ever growing and changing together.”(source)

Even decades later, these words continue to resonate.

Time Capsule Dedication outside the Chapin Room at So Penn. building. Shown are Joe Stewart, Teresa Putnam, and Rev. Kathryn Bert.

3. Governance, Change, and Choosing the Future

Annual reports, committee notes, and historic pledge drives remind us that UU Lansing has always approached decisions thoughtfully. Change has rarely been dramatic; it has happened through reflection, conversation, and shared commitment.

Rev. Robert Edward Green’s words from the early 1970s still feel relevant:

“I prefer to assume our Church is important to you. I prefer to assume you are committed to its continuance.”(source)

Board of Trustees 1993-1994 in Fireplace Room at East Lansing church building.
Seated - Lynn Scott, Bob Swanson, Frank Pinner, Alex Walker, Eunice Beck.
Standing - Rev. Angeline Theissen, Jody Valley, Jim Davis, Blake Smith, Ben Bohnhorst, Janet Howes, Regina Fry, Kathy Lovell, Jim Rojeski. (2007.0039)

4. Justice, Faith, and the Wider World

Other posts place UU Lansing in the context of broader social and spiritual movements. From the first MLK Day service in 1986 to reflections on transcendentalist influences, the archives show that faith has long extended beyond our walls.

One post noted:

“Transcendentalism encouraged individuals to look inward to discover truth and meaning, trust their own judgment, and connect with nature for inspiration.”(source)

These reflections remind us that our spiritual practice is meant to engage both inner and outer worlds.

Christmas Eve Service at our Grove St. church in East Lansing, 2013.

5. Generosity and Belonging Across Generations

Posts about historic pledge drives, retreats, and annual gatherings highlight a theme that endures: generosity. This includes financial support, volunteer efforts, and the simple act of showing up for each other.

One archive entry from the first Yankee Springs Retreat in 1979 captures the sentiment:

“Just about everyone who participated… wants to return next year.”(source)

It’s a reminder that community thrives when people invest themselves — in both big and small ways.

Yankee Springs Memorial Weekend Camping, 1998.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Archives Blog posts remind us that UU Lansing’s story is ongoing, built from curiosity, care, and commitment. Each generation inherits the work of the last — sometimes neatly typed, sometimes in handwritten notes tucked into a folder — and adds its own chapter.

History isn’t behind us. It continues to unfold in newsletters, meeting minutes, retreats, and the everyday moments we share. Future archivists may chuckle at our records, but they will also see the care, creativity, and connection that have always defined UU Lansing.

This short, AI-generated poem feels like a fitting year-end note:

You gathered each story with care,
From Chapin to pageants to prayer;
Through archives and art,
You played the key part—
Preserving our past with your flair.

I’d Love to Hear From You

If you have memories, corrections, or stories connected to this post — or if you simply enjoyed reading it — please feel free to email me. I’m always grateful for additions that help us preserve a fuller picture of UU Lansing’s history.

Email: uucgl.archives@gmail.com

Your comments truly help shape future posts.

About Me

I’m a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing and serve as the volunteer archivist for our congregation. I’m retired from Michigan State University, where I worked in digital preservation and archives. I enjoy uncovering stories from church newsletters, board records, and local history sources to help connect our past with the present.

I also serve on the UU Lansing Stewardship Team and help with Building and Grounds.

This piece was developed with research assistance and editorial support from ChatGPT.