Joy, Justice, and Responsibility: Our Church in 1973

by Ed Busch, UU Lansing Archivist

The national news in late September 1973 was filled with tension. The Watergate scandal was unfolding in real time, with Senate hearings continuing to reveal damaging testimony. Vice President Spiro Agnew faced bribery and tax evasion charges that would soon lead to his resignation. Meanwhile, the U.S. was still deeply entangled in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Although the Paris Peace Accords had been signed in January, fighting continued, and reports of political prisoners in South Vietnam were drawing international outrage.

Against this turbulent backdrop, the September 21, 1973 UU Church of Greater Lansing newsletter led with the topic for Sunday’s service, “A Candle of Hope.” At the time, the church was led by Rev. Robert Green and Board President Bill Kemper, who together helped guide a community navigating both local joys and global concerns. The front page paired ordinary church life with urgent calls for justice.

September 21, 1973 UU Lansing newsletter lead article.

Rev. Robert Green from the 1973 Photo Directory (2008.0271)

Members were invited to a Giant Circle Dinner on September 28—an Italian-themed evening of food, fellowship, and conversation about church programs. Alongside this joyful community event, the Minister’s Message highlighted the estimated 100,000–300,000 civilian political prisoners held under “atrocious and inhuman conditions” by the South Vietnamese government, with U.S. complicity. Members were urged to join the International Week of Concern, write their senators, and sign petitions circulating at church that Sunday.

Elsewhere in the newsletter, opportunities for connection abounded: a Family Nature Walk at Rose Lake, an Institutional Racism workshop hosted in the church building, a canoe trip for youth and adventurous adults, and outings for the Lamplighters singles group ranging from wine tastings in Paw Paw to horseback riding in Mason. A Friday night film series offered Douglas Fairbanks in Mr. Robinson Crusoe and Harry Langdon in Soldier Man for $1 admission ($.50 for children). The minister also announced a new seminar, “A Philosophy of Liberal Religion,” inviting participants to explore and discuss life’s deepest questions.

The Board of Trustees report reflected another side of church life: the practical work of keeping the institution running. The board reviewed summer pledge payments (mostly on time), approved a $40,433 budget for 1974, and added $910 to repay the Jericho Fund. They hired a new custodian and a new R.E. Director, and they even discussed whether to co-sponsor a bingo game with The School (a school renting space in the church). Members could also purchase church picture postcards for 10¢ each or three for 15¢—a small fundraiser and a way to share the church with friends afar.

The Finance Chairman, George Lokken, added urgency: of the $40,433 budget (for 1974), at least $30,296 would need to come directly from combined member and capital fund pledges. While many were current, he urged anyone behind to “try a little harder” before the October canvass began.

The canvass chair, Jim Davis, explained the philosophy clearly: canvassing was not about pressure, but about conversation. A canvasser—“someone you either know or should know”—would visit to talk about the church’s mission, share the budget, and invite a pledge. “The canvasser,” he explained, “is simply there to ask for this decision and transmit it back to the church.” He even noted that canvassing was often “a thoroughly pleasant occupation,” since the conversations themselves were so rich that the hardest part was ending them and moving on.

Looking back from 2025, this mix of joy, justice, and responsibility feels familiar. Our newsletters may no longer announce canoe trips for youth or sell church postcards, but the spirit is the same: we gather for fellowship, we engage the pressing issues of the world, and we pledge together to sustain our community. Today, our newsletters invite families to the Yankee Springs retreat and even host a UU Lansing Dungeons & Dragons Club—different details, same spirit of connection.

As Jim Davis reminded members in 1973, canvassing was not about pressure but about conversation, a way to share the church’s mission and invite commitment. His words still ring true. As we enter the final week of our 2025 pledge campaign (supporting the 2026 church year), we invite you to continue that spirit—through your pledge, you affirm your connection, your commitment, and your hope for the future of our church.

This past Friday’s Box of Chocolates Variety Talent Show was another reminder of what sustains us: joy, creativity, and connection. The evening brought together seasoned performers from our community alongside some new faces—an enjoyable night that truly showcased the breadth of UU talent. As one pledge team member reflected, “These events build community.” It’s a tradition worth continuing, perhaps even with a shared meal beforehand, much like our taco lunch this past Sunday.

Nick and Dianne Rowse, Box of Chocolates Variety Show, September 26, 2025. (Image by Michael McClellan)

If this stirs memories of your own experiences in the 1970s—or later—I invite you to share them with us at uucgl.archives@gmail.com. And if you have comments or reflections about other recent church events such as the Taco luncheon or the Box of Chocolates Variety Show, let me know!

[This post was prepared with the assistance of ChatGPT as part of an ongoing effort to share UU Lansing history in fresh and engaging ways.]

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About the Author
Hi, I’m Ed Busch, the writer behind these blog posts exploring the history of UU Lansing. After retiring in 2023 from a 15-year career as an Electronic Records Archivist at Michigan State University’s Archives & Historical Collections, I’m thrilled to dedicate my time to sharing our church’s rich history.

I hold a Master’s in Library and Information Science, specializing in archival administration, and my academic background also includes a degree in Fisheries and coursework in Computer Science. Before shifting to a career in archives, I worked across diverse fields, including fisheries, aerospace, and telecom.

My wife, Leigh White, and I have been part of the UU Lansing community since the early 2000s and became members in 2006. I’ve been actively involved with the church archives since 2007, and both of our daughters enjoyed growing up in UU Lansing’s Religious Education (RE) program.

I look forward to connecting with you through these blog posts as we delve into the stories that have shaped UU Lansing over the years.