225th Anniversary News - March 27, 2010

ARCHITECTURAL TOUR OF CHURCH – MARCH 28
Bob Shaw, architect and chair of the church Building and Grounds Committee, will give an architectural tour of the church building on Sunday, March 28, after worship. Bob wrote a chronological history of the church building, which was erected in 1828. He has pieced together a timeline of the building and knows many curious* and interesting facts about the changes over the years. *C1850 “It did not appear that the building was heated, but a decorative opening in the ceiling seemed to aid ventilation in hot weather.” Question: was 1930 the last year the church kitchen was renovated? Bob should know the answer! NOTE: Bob will give another tour of the church on Sunday, April 11.

REV. WALTER KRING’S POTTERY ON DISPLAY – MARCH 28
Rev. Kring, minister at First Unitarian from 1946-1955 was also a world famous artist and potter. He formulated a special pottery glaze which is commonly used today and which was named for him. The Worcester Art Museum has purchased some of his work. Rev. Kring was instrumental in helping found the Worcester Center for Crafts. We at First U are pleased that he decided to leave several pieces of his pottery to the church. Barry Morgan will be on hand to show you Rev. Kring’s work and answer questions.

ABBY’S HOUSE – DONATIONS DRIVE ENDS MARCH 28
Thank you to all who have so generously donated items to Abby’s House as a gift to the church. There is the last week for collecting needed items for women and children at Abby’s House. Please put your donations in the big blue bin in the Bancroft Room.
Here is what is needed: new towels, new washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bar soap, small bottles of lotion, shampoo, combs, small notebooks, pens, small cosmetic bags, children’s books, facial care products, small toys, hats, gloves and mittens. Worcester bus passes, gift cards for CVS, Price Chopper and Walgreens ARE ESPECIALLY APPRECIATED.
On Sunday, March 28 we will package everything and deliver it to Abby’s House.

CHURCH VISUAL HISTORY PANELS
Be sure to view the church’s famous history panels which are set up in the dining room area. A new 13th panel has been added to bring the church history up to date. The panels give a unique visual history beginning in 1785…of our church, of Worcester and of some national history as well. Bill Densmore was the chief organizer of this project. Enjoy this original look at who we are, where we come from and who we are today.

CHURCH HISTORY BOOKLET
Be sure to pick up a copy of the church’s new history booklet written by Bunny Guerrin.
Copies are available after worship or you can get it on-line through the church newsletter. We are asking a $1 donation to help defray publication costs. Enjoy!

UPCOMING 225TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

March 28 Bob Shaw will give an architectural tour of the church building.
Rev Kring’s pottery on display
Abby’s House project wind-up
April 11 Bob Shaw gives another architectural tour of the church.
April 12 Monday Night at the Church – Ellen O’Neall-Waite gives a historic performance
April 18 Sunday School Time-Capsule
April 25 Religion in Our Times (after worship) – Ellen O’Neall-Waite gives a repeat performance.
May 1* Dance & Party for adults in Unity Hall with live music (NOTE: the date of the dance may change – stay tuned for updates!)