Rev. Dr. Augusta Chapin, Proposal 2, and a Snapshot of UU Lansing in the Summer of 2006
by Ed Busch, UU Lansing church archivist
On July 16, we marked the 190th anniversary of the birth of Rev. Dr. Augusta Jane Chapin, born July 16, 1836. Longtime members are probably familiar with her remarkable connection to UU Lansing: she was ordained at the First Universalist Church of Lansing on December 7, 1864, making her one of the earliest women ordained by any denomination in the United States. She went on to serve congregations for more than forty years as a respected preacher, educator, and denominational leader.
Rev. Dr. Augusta Chapin
As we celebrate her legacy, it's fitting to look back at another chapter in our congregation's history—the August 10, 2006 issue of the Liberal Express, edited by Jackie VanDeventer. Nearly twenty years ago, the newsletter captured a church actively engaged with both the issues of the day and the everyday life of its congregation. At the time, Rev. Kathryn A. Bert was serving as our settled minister.
The Summer of 2006
The summer of 2006 was a busy and sometimes turbulent time.
Nationally, the United States remained deeply involved in the Iraq War, and questions of peace, civil rights, immigration, and same-sex marriage were frequent topics of national conversation. Here in Michigan, attention was turning toward the November election and a controversial constitutional amendment known as the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, or Proposal 2, which would go on to pass that November.
Social Justice Takes Center Stage
The very first page made the congregation's position unmistakable. In bold type, members were greeted with the headline: “If you support civil rights and affirmative action, vote NO!”
The Social Action Committee and Journey Toward Wholeness Committee explained that the initiative was intended to eliminate affirmative action, and urged members to “help to spread the word” by discussing the issue with relatives, neighbors, co-workers, and community organizations. A training session on how to talk about the proposal, facilitated by One United Michigan, was set for Saturday, September 9, starting at 11:00 a.m., with RSVPs going to Jeannie Smith (later Jeannie Miernik, who would go on to spend many years in the church office).
From the Minister
Rev. Kathryn Bert's column offers a warm, personal glimpse into the life of a parish minister. She had just returned from a family vacation in Portland, Oregon, where she officiated at the wedding of her cousin Michele at the Old Church. Her husband, Stuart, and her uncle Will provided the music, her niece Rebecca served as a bridesmaid, and her son Theo handed out programs at the door.
As Kathryn wrote: “It was the first wedding I've performed where I had held the bride as a baby!” The service's most tender moment came during a memorial candle lighting for the couple's shared grandfather (and five other grandparents of the bride and groom), while Stuart and Will played “Bill Bailey” in the background—their grandfather's favorite song. Kathryn admitted, “I only cried once during the service.” She'd soon be headed back to Portland again, to officiate at the wedding of Michele's brother, Mark.
Closer to home, the congregation had been collecting water from summer travels for the Water Communion service, and Kathryn signed off, as always: “See you in church!”
Rev. Kathryn Bert, 2003.
A National Contribution from UU Lansing
One of the most significant stories in the newsletter may be one many current members have forgotten. After a seven-year effort, the congregation's middle-school curriculum, Coming of Age: Deepening Ties Within Your Congregation, was officially published, with more than fifty copies already sent to other UU congregations.
Kathy McWilliams thanked the team behind it: Colleen McNeilly-Murphy, Ralph Putnam, Deb Mosher (who “created the Skittles lesson”), Kermit Johnson, Anne Brereton, Elizabeth Fedorchak, and Anna Putnam, along with Rev. Kathryn Bert and Teresa Putnam, of whom Kathy wrote, “Without Teresa, this curriculum simply would not exist.” Dozens of mentors, parents, and youth participants rounded out what Kathy affectionately called the “cast of (almost) thousands.” She also clarified that her election to lead UUCARDS meant she now headed a network of independent UU curriculum writers—not the UUA itself, which does not develop curriculum through that group.
Among Us
Like every church newsletter, the “Among Us” section is a reminder that history is really about people. Sympathies were extended to the family of church member Ann Williams, who died peacefully on July 12 with her husband Walt and daughter Chris at her side, and to Ann Thompson, whose mother died in Canada at age 102.
Best wishes went out to Pat Zipper, who had resigned as coordinator of the Pastoral Assistants program to attend to her own health after serving in that role since Rev. Bert arrived in 2002. Ben Bohnhorst had moved to Traverse City to be near his son's family. Congratulations went to Lori Kunze and Brian Potter on their marriage, to Maxine Herbert on her 90th birthday (marked with a Lamplighters cookout hosted by Rae Lavey), and to the Children's Choir who sang at General Assembly in St. Louis—prompting a thank-you from Julie Cote: “Autumn and I would like to make a formal thank-you for the money the church donated for her to go to St. Louis... In Peace, Julie Cote.” On a less happy note, Lea Kunze, mother of the bride, had lost her digital camera somewhere in the building.
Worship and Church Life
Summer didn't slow activity at UU Lansing. Rev. Peter Morrison preached on “What Good is Unitarian Universalism?” while Rev. Bert's upcoming sermons included “Too Much of a Good Thing,” “Coming into Being,” and “Peace Train...ing.” Sharon Pedersen contributed an article introducing the concept of Shared Ministry, drawn from a talk by consultant Angela Merkert. And Margo Smith followed up on a recent service about Mother Jones with a reading list for members who wanted to learn more about her life and work.
Around the Church
Rachel Alexander, Music Director, invited members to train as sound technicians. The Pastoral Assistants Program—Shirley Beckman, Kelly Gruner, Kermit Johnson, Hari Kern, Carol Ohlrogge, and David Reitzell, with a Service Team coordinated by Chris Boesen and David Reitzell—reminded members that support was always available. Bill and Margaret Kingsbury announced a revised schedule for the Pretty Good Book Group, and Deb Bennett invited newcomers to “New UU for You and You.”
Jackie VanDeventer made a last call for the Riverwalk Theatre fundraiser, Bob Lovell shared UU Bikers rides to Williamston (led by Elise Eckenrode) and to Portage Point and Onekama, and Stan and Mae Hartman reminded members to sign up for the Meijer and Kroger rewards programs, which had recently brought the church checks of over $280 and nearly $220. The congregation also welcomed new members and friends, including Melissa Blood Green, Amy Geishert, Melodee Graybill, Julica Hermann, and Michael Campana.
Looking Back
Reading this issue nearly twenty years later reminds us that while the headlines change, the heart of UU Lansing remains familiar. Members gathered for worship, debated hard issues, welcomed newcomers, celebrated milestones, comforted one another, and volunteered countless hours for their congregation.
As we remember Rev. Dr. Augusta Chapin on the 190th anniversary of her birth, it's fitting to see that the congregation where she was ordained continues the tradition she helped establish—a faith community committed to justice, lifelong learning, and caring for one another. Whether in 1864, 2006, or today, those values continue to shape the story of UU Lansing.
Seeking Your Input
If you were part of the congregation during this period, your memories matter to this project. What do you remember about church life in 2006? Written recollections, photos, newsletters, or other mementos are all welcome and help enrich our understanding of the congregation's history.
If you have something to share, please reach out at uucgl.archives@gmail.com.
Acknowledgment
This post was researched and written by Ed Busch. AI writing assistants (Claude and ChatGPT) were used to help organize and refine the presentation of archival content. The research, archival work, and interpretive judgments are the author's own.
About the Author
Ed Busch is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing and serves as the volunteer archivist for the congregation. He is retired from Michigan State University, where he worked in digital preservation and archives. Through the UU Lansing Archives project, he enjoys uncovering stories from church newsletters, board records, photographs, and local history sources to help connect the congregation's past with its present. Ed also serves on the UU Lansing Stewardship Team and helps with Building and Grounds projects.
Sources
Liberal Express, August 10, 2006.