Roots of Peoples United Methodist Church
Part 43 Socializing and Serving
Created in the 1950’s by a number of couples, the Kupples Klub was still a fun organization to be part of in the ‘70’s. At one time the Klub was exclusive in inviting only married couples to belong, but eventually with an increase in the number of singles, the Klub would eventually change its name to the Saturday Niters. Originally the organization would meet on a monthly basis, but by the mid-70’s it was meeting only four times a year. Glen and Carolyn Fawcett who were active in all aspects of church life also served a term as Presidents of this organization. Glen was for many years the Financial Chairman and Carolyn served for some time as superintendent of the Sunday school. Both talented in the arena of music the Fawcetts sang in the choir and Carolyn on occasion would fill in for Dr. Malcolm Cass on the organ. She also assisted Hillie Cass especially at junior choir rehearsals playing the piano for practice.
While the Fawcetts were the Presidents of Kouples Klub, a young couple that had grown up in the church, Phil and Paula Woodbury served the organization as Vice Presidents. This was also the time frame when the Woodburys other major function was to serve as MYF advisors.
Among the activities that would take place at meetings was a Progressive Supper usually in the late Spring, a Lobster Bake in the Fall and an Ice Cream Sundae Party and the exchange of gifts at Christmas time. The March meeting usually had something of an Irish theme and a variety of different activities would take place during that time.
It was sad to see the Fawcetts, as active as they were, called away by Glen’s business. Carolyn was replaced as head of the Sunday school by Janice Nicholson and much of the financial matters of the church would be handled by a finance committee headed by Earl Nicholson, Janice’s husband.
During the mid ‘70’s the WSCS (Women’s Society of Christian Service), forerunner of UMW sponsored a series of hobby classes. Among the hobbies that you might learn was painting, chair caning and knitting. At the end of the classes a night was held to display the projects that participants had made. Some of those items in turn would be sold during the annual Christmas Fair.
People of this parish have often found good reasons to hold celebrations and turn them into major spiritual and social events. Since it was the 200th anniversary of the United States of America in 1976, Dr. Cass and others proposed and held the first Heritage Sunday celebration to be held at Peoples. Bishop Carroll, the bishop for the Maine Conference was invited and he and his wife attended. He gave a special sermon in late May in the sanctuary. A meal, sacrificial in nature followed, with the raised funds of $200 going to Bishop Carrroll’s special appeal to fight world hunger.
Another event that was held to celebrate the Bicentennial of the United States was a gathering of Methodists from Southern Maine at a well-attended service at the Mother Church of Maine Methodism, the Chestnut Street United Methodist Church. One of the significant elements of that service was the musical presentation of the mass choirs. Peoples’ Senior Choir was a part of that celebration that saw the sanctuary filled to capacity.
The Choirs were busy not only making their musical contributions within our own building, but venturing forth to be heard in concerts elsewhere. At Christmas time the Senior Choir, led by Dr. Cass, participated in services sponsored by the American Guild of Organists and performed at Woodfords Congregational Church. This writer would like to note that this annual concert is still held at Woodfords, the collection from which supports the Chaplaincy Program at the Maine Medical Center. The irony in 2005 was that no musical group actually represented Woodfords in the concert. The Youth Choir
likewise took their talents on the road. They sang at the Broadway East Vespers, Washington Avenue Methodist Church, and sang on the First Radio Parish Church of America radio program. In the mid-1970’s there was a steady 16 to 20 members in the Youth Choir.
On the occasion of Heritage Sunday in 1978, Peoples United Methodist Church celebrated its 125th Anniversary. A committee had been working for a few months in preparation for the celebration. Reverend Koelker, Guy McLellan and Ernie Blackinton were the primary movers and shakers for this event. Our special guests on this Sunday in May were the former Pastor, William Chamberlain and his wife ”Midge”. Bill had been with us from 1957-1963 and at the time of this celebration was serving as the District Superintendent. During the week prior to the celebration Midge gave a presentation to the United Methodist Women. The program that was developed for this occasion was dedicated to Dr. Malcolm Cass who had been the organist and choir director at Peoples on a permanent basis since 1946. Many folks who had been members in the past were welcomed back to celebrate with those folks that were still active in the affairs of the church.
In using Ellis Hall for Sunday school a new approach to presentation was tried in 1974 called the Dynamic Curriculum. This was a Sunday school program that had been developed at another local area church. Since the rage in public elementary education was to follow an “ open concept” and Ellis Hall was really designed for this type of teaching, the Dynamic Curriculum, we thought would fill that philosophy well. Various learning centers were set up around the hall and age groups would work at one area for part of the teaching/learning time and then that group would go on to the next. Opening and closing exercises would begin and end the hour program each Sunday. Not all experiments work well and we found that by the end of the year most students and teachers for that matter became tired of the routine and didn’t leave enough creativity with the teachers. It also appeared that the program would not change substantially in a second year, and therefore, the program in the second year was abandoned. The Sunday school then went back to a grade level curriculum produced for Cokesbury, and because there were two separate programs it was possible to have fresh material each year. The one major change that was retained and continued to develop over a number of years was a program centering on John Wesley and the History of Methodism for 6th graders. Pam Harris taught this course for a number of years. The program worked especially well in developing young men and women to join the United Methodist Church and knowing the church they would be joining substantially more than in the program that this one replaced.
The Peoples Christian Education department played host to a “Teachers-Get-Together” sponsored by the cooperative parish. Well attended, the various Sunday school personnel were able to share ideas and curriculum materials. Several presentations were made that called for the use of the technology of the day. Overheads, Tape Recorders and motion picture projectors were in use at the time.
The United Methodist Men knowing that they would be sponsoring a variety show and wishing to use Ellis Hall for the performance felt the need to build staging for the purpose. Several 4 x 8-foot platforms were built out of 2x 4’s and plywood. Each of the platforms were quite heavy and would need as many as four men to move them. It was a project that was well worth it and everytime there was a need to use a stage the platforms were used to elevate the performers. The major issue with the platforms was where to store them when not in use. Eventually it was the garage that had formerly been a part of the parsonage property would be used for that purpose. It was quite a struggle to bring those platforms back and forth when needed, but it was the only alternative to performing on the same level as the audience. The first show that was performed with the stage was a Variety Show that was labeled, “Off Broadway” and directed by Earle Harvey. Hilarious, funny and with some poignant moments some members of this church became rather famous or shall we say infamous. This 1978 program ushered in a series of really outstanding annual musical and humorous events. Who could forget Sally Smith and her comedy routines as well as those performed by Jean Allen and Jean Swanson. Musical renditions of old and new songs were performed by people of all ages. One truly memorable song stands out from the deep bass of Len Darling Sr. How deep he was in his rendition of “Old Man River”.
Much greater emphasis was placed on foreign missions of the Methodist church in the period of the 1970’s. Several women participated in leading the congregation in developing strong ties with the missions of the United Methodist Church. Perhaps other than the women, who have already been mentioned relative to mainly local missions, no one was a greater advocate for our foreign missionaries than Elsie Hoyt, wife of David who has been mentioned relative to Temperance and the tape ministry. In an annual report for 1974, Elsie wrote: “ The church’s doors open outward so God’s people can go out to be about their father’s business. Through missions we go from the church, out into the world, to show Christ and his love to mankind. The mission of the church is to act as the instrument through which the love and concern of God for all men can be made real.”
The statement that she made then should continue to be a significant part of our church’s mission and philosophy for serving the Lord today. Elsie Hoyt practiced what she in a sense preached as an advocate and participant in the missions of the church.
Part 43 Socializing and Serving
Created in the 1950’s by a number of couples, the Kupples Klub was still a fun organization to be part of in the ‘70’s. At one time the Klub was exclusive in inviting only married couples to belong, but eventually with an increase in the number of singles, the Klub would eventually change its name to the Saturday Niters. Originally the organization would meet on a monthly basis, but by the mid-70’s it was meeting only four times a year. Glen and Carolyn Fawcett who were active in all aspects of church life also served a term as Presidents of this organization. Glen was for many years the Financial Chairman and Carolyn served for some time as superintendent of the Sunday school. Both talented in the arena of music the Fawcetts sang in the choir and Carolyn on occasion would fill in for Dr. Malcolm Cass on the organ. She also assisted Hillie Cass especially at junior choir rehearsals playing the piano for practice.
While the Fawcetts were the Presidents of Kouples Klub, a young couple that had grown up in the church, Phil and Paula Woodbury served the organization as Vice Presidents. This was also the time frame when the Woodburys other major function was to serve as MYF advisors.
Among the activities that would take place at meetings was a Progressive Supper usually in the late Spring, a Lobster Bake in the Fall and an Ice Cream Sundae Party and the exchange of gifts at Christmas time. The March meeting usually had something of an Irish theme and a variety of different activities would take place during that time.
It was sad to see the Fawcetts, as active as they were, called away by Glen’s business. Carolyn was replaced as head of the Sunday school by Janice Nicholson and much of the financial matters of the church would be handled by a finance committee headed by Earl Nicholson, Janice’s husband.
During the mid ‘70’s the WSCS (Women’s Society of Christian Service), forerunner of UMW sponsored a series of hobby classes. Among the hobbies that you might learn was painting, chair caning and knitting. At the end of the classes a night was held to display the projects that participants had made. Some of those items in turn would be sold during the annual Christmas Fair.
People of this parish have often found good reasons to hold celebrations and turn them into major spiritual and social events. Since it was the 200th anniversary of the United States of America in 1976, Dr. Cass and others proposed and held the first Heritage Sunday celebration to be held at Peoples. Bishop Carroll, the bishop for the Maine Conference was invited and he and his wife attended. He gave a special sermon in late May in the sanctuary. A meal, sacrificial in nature followed, with the raised funds of $200 going to Bishop Carrroll’s special appeal to fight world hunger.
Another event that was held to celebrate the Bicentennial of the United States was a gathering of Methodists from Southern Maine at a well-attended service at the Mother Church of Maine Methodism, the Chestnut Street United Methodist Church. One of the significant elements of that service was the musical presentation of the mass choirs. Peoples’ Senior Choir was a part of that celebration that saw the sanctuary filled to capacity.
The Choirs were busy not only making their musical contributions within our own building, but venturing forth to be heard in concerts elsewhere. At Christmas time the Senior Choir, led by Dr. Cass, participated in services sponsored by the American Guild of Organists and performed at Woodfords Congregational Church. This writer would like to note that this annual concert is still held at Woodfords, the collection from which supports the Chaplaincy Program at the Maine Medical Center. The irony in 2005 was that no musical group actually represented Woodfords in the concert. The Youth Choir
likewise took their talents on the road. They sang at the Broadway East Vespers, Washington Avenue Methodist Church, and sang on the First Radio Parish Church of America radio program. In the mid-1970’s there was a steady 16 to 20 members in the Youth Choir.
On the occasion of Heritage Sunday in 1978, Peoples United Methodist Church celebrated its 125th Anniversary. A committee had been working for a few months in preparation for the celebration. Reverend Koelker, Guy McLellan and Ernie Blackinton were the primary movers and shakers for this event. Our special guests on this Sunday in May were the former Pastor, William Chamberlain and his wife ”Midge”. Bill had been with us from 1957-1963 and at the time of this celebration was serving as the District Superintendent. During the week prior to the celebration Midge gave a presentation to the United Methodist Women. The program that was developed for this occasion was dedicated to Dr. Malcolm Cass who had been the organist and choir director at Peoples on a permanent basis since 1946. Many folks who had been members in the past were welcomed back to celebrate with those folks that were still active in the affairs of the church.
In using Ellis Hall for Sunday school a new approach to presentation was tried in 1974 called the Dynamic Curriculum. This was a Sunday school program that had been developed at another local area church. Since the rage in public elementary education was to follow an “ open concept” and Ellis Hall was really designed for this type of teaching, the Dynamic Curriculum, we thought would fill that philosophy well. Various learning centers were set up around the hall and age groups would work at one area for part of the teaching/learning time and then that group would go on to the next. Opening and closing exercises would begin and end the hour program each Sunday. Not all experiments work well and we found that by the end of the year most students and teachers for that matter became tired of the routine and didn’t leave enough creativity with the teachers. It also appeared that the program would not change substantially in a second year, and therefore, the program in the second year was abandoned. The Sunday school then went back to a grade level curriculum produced for Cokesbury, and because there were two separate programs it was possible to have fresh material each year. The one major change that was retained and continued to develop over a number of years was a program centering on John Wesley and the History of Methodism for 6th graders. Pam Harris taught this course for a number of years. The program worked especially well in developing young men and women to join the United Methodist Church and knowing the church they would be joining substantially more than in the program that this one replaced.
The Peoples Christian Education department played host to a “Teachers-Get-Together” sponsored by the cooperative parish. Well attended, the various Sunday school personnel were able to share ideas and curriculum materials. Several presentations were made that called for the use of the technology of the day. Overheads, Tape Recorders and motion picture projectors were in use at the time.
The United Methodist Men knowing that they would be sponsoring a variety show and wishing to use Ellis Hall for the performance felt the need to build staging for the purpose. Several 4 x 8-foot platforms were built out of 2x 4’s and plywood. Each of the platforms were quite heavy and would need as many as four men to move them. It was a project that was well worth it and everytime there was a need to use a stage the platforms were used to elevate the performers. The major issue with the platforms was where to store them when not in use. Eventually it was the garage that had formerly been a part of the parsonage property would be used for that purpose. It was quite a struggle to bring those platforms back and forth when needed, but it was the only alternative to performing on the same level as the audience. The first show that was performed with the stage was a Variety Show that was labeled, “Off Broadway” and directed by Earle Harvey. Hilarious, funny and with some poignant moments some members of this church became rather famous or shall we say infamous. This 1978 program ushered in a series of really outstanding annual musical and humorous events. Who could forget Sally Smith and her comedy routines as well as those performed by Jean Allen and Jean Swanson. Musical renditions of old and new songs were performed by people of all ages. One truly memorable song stands out from the deep bass of Len Darling Sr. How deep he was in his rendition of “Old Man River”.
Much greater emphasis was placed on foreign missions of the Methodist church in the period of the 1970’s. Several women participated in leading the congregation in developing strong ties with the missions of the United Methodist Church. Perhaps other than the women, who have already been mentioned relative to mainly local missions, no one was a greater advocate for our foreign missionaries than Elsie Hoyt, wife of David who has been mentioned relative to Temperance and the tape ministry. In an annual report for 1974, Elsie wrote: “ The church’s doors open outward so God’s people can go out to be about their father’s business. Through missions we go from the church, out into the world, to show Christ and his love to mankind. The mission of the church is to act as the instrument through which the love and concern of God for all men can be made real.”
The statement that she made then should continue to be a significant part of our church’s mission and philosophy for serving the Lord today. Elsie Hoyt practiced what she in a sense preached as an advocate and participant in the missions of the church.
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