The Background
The following was written in the front of the Membership Book, at the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Ottawa Unitarian Association on February 25, 1898, when Unitarianism was officially started in Ottawa.
Bond of Fellowship
“The Ottawa Unitarian Association is organized for the worship of God for free religious inquiry, and for the promotion of truth, holiness and love, among its members and in the community. It affirms the exercise of freedom of thought in religion as in other things to be a personal right and duty, holding in accordance with the teaching of Jesus that practical religion is summed up in ‘Love to God’ and ‘Love to Man’: it therefore does not require its members to assent to any creed.”
Unitarianism had a shaky beginning in Ottawa at the end of the 19th Century, but finally in the second month of 1898 a determined group formed The Ottawa Unitarian Association, with G.C Holland – the grandfather of our member, Elizabeth Fraser – as Chairman.
The first church building on Elgin Street at Lewis was built at a total cost of $8,000 and was officially opened on October 28, 1900.
As the congregation grew it needed more space, so in 1955 a house at 118 Lewis Street was purchased for $17,000, for the use of the church school, which had an enrolment of 118. By 1958, two services each Sunday – 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. – were required to accommodate the growth in attendance. In 1961 a double house on Lewis Street close to the church – The Annex – was bought for $32,500. By 1965, church school registration had reached 459, and classes were held in various locations around that area.
It was obvious that, to cope with the rapid growth, larger premises were needed. There was a great deal of discussion – should they erect a combination of church and revenue-producing building on the Elgin Street site, or purchase land and build outside the centre of Ottawa. The latter view prevailed, and at a congregational meeting on April 7, 1964, it was decided to sell the church buildings and move to a new site, conditional on an obligation “to support the establishment of a second church when the need arises.” A lot of 4.5 acres was purchased off Richmond Road in the west end of Ottawa. The beautiful new church was dedicated on April 14, 1967.
Almost thirty years later, there was no sign of an east end church being built. The Cleary Avenue Congregation was perpetually short of money, and could not offer any hope of another church building.
The Beginning
The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa provided the initial “push” to start a new fellowship in the east end. In 1994, Keith Dowd attended a workshop on new congregations given by the U.U.A. in Boston. There followed meetings with the intention of forming new groups in both the east end and far west end of Ottawa. The first meeting of the east end group was held at the home of Virginia Cameron on January 25, 1995. Present were Jean Ahmed, Virginia Cameron, Bonnie and Fred Cappuccino, Marianne Dawes, Anna Dunkley, and Edith Osberg. Fred had been given the responsibility of developing the new group. He stressed that we were not seeking to lure active members from the mother congregation, but we would appreciate being provided with the names of relatives and friends living in the east end. We would ask First Unitarian to provide tax receipts for any donations we received until we were officially recognized. We would also appreciate the occasional use of their office equipment, plus ministerial and moral support, and possibly financial help. Fred's minutes of that meeting record that George Cameron peeked in occasionally to make sure that Virginia was not giving away all their furniture to this new group! He also recorded that two of those present had the audacity to ask for water instead of coffee “a development that does not bode well for an aspiring Unitarian group, which would be expected to worship coffee”!
After the initial meeting, further meetings were held at different homes every two weeks. A collection was taken at each meeting to cover the costs of photocopying and other expenses. Plans were made to hold two Invitational Evenings – one on Unitarianism and the second on Religious Education. The U.U.A. and C.U.C. were informed of our plans, and we became an “emerging group.”
To seek out potential members of our new group, the marriage and child dedication records of First Unitarian were searched for families in the east of the city, which were not affiliated with the existing congregation. A list of 40 couples was compiled, and plans were made for them all to be approached by phone.
By June 1995, there were three committees working on the proposed public meetings. Our numbers had increased by this time, and there was plenty of enthusiasm, with Fred rallying the “troops” at every meeting. At each meeting, there was a time when “celebrities” were introduced. This was started by Fred Cappuccino to welcome newcomers.
Preliminary work was done on the development of our covenant and mission statements, which were required by the U.U.A. in order to apply for the $1,000 US start-up grant.
A budget was drafted to include a request to First Unitarian for $2,500, $1,000 US from U.U.A. and $6,000 from individual contributions.
The first of two public meetings was held in the Rockcliffe library meeting room on October 12, 1995. It features a panel consisting of Lloyd Francis (former Speaker in the House of Commons), Carrie Buchanan (reporter with the Ottawa Citizen), and Hart Jansson (computer consultant). The moderator was Karen Bays Woods, and the topic was “Why I Am a Unitarian?” The second meeting was held in the afternoon of October 15 at the Queenswood Heights Community Centre, Orleans. The panel consisted of Elizabeth Benjamin (Minister of Religious Education, First Unitarian) and Martha Bufton (teacher in the Unitarian R.E. Program). The moderator was Geoff Dunkley, and the subject was “Informal Religious Education for Children.” Attendance at the two meetings was disappointing. There were 36 at the first meeting and 29 at the second meeting, mostly members of our committee or long-time Unitarians.
By this time, the number attending our committee meetings had become too many for most private homes, so it was decided to meet in public venues such as the Rockcliffe Library meeting room.
In December 1995 the committee adopted a Consensus Vision regarding regular services, an R.E. program, ministerial leadership, and property for a building. A presentation was made to the Board of First Unitarian on January 10, 1996, giving a brief history of the Fellowship, and explaining the challenges we faced. We asked for the support of the Congregation, and added our appreciation for the financial assistance promised.
On January 23, 1996 the committee created a more formal structure by establishing a Steering Committee. Chaired by Mark Seebaran, the members were Bonnie and Fred Cappuccino, Catherine DeVito, Vernon Lang, and Don McDiarmid.
The Launch – 1996
The Steering Committee decided that the Inaugural Service of the Ottawa Carleton Unitarians would be held on Sunday, March 17, 1996, at the Rockcliffe Park Public School Library. It was a very joyful occasion, attended by about 85. The speaker was Fred Cappuccino. There were many well-wishers from First Unitarian plus a number of new faces. In the Unitarian tradition, the service was followed by the coffee hour, which, judging by the noise level, was outstanding.
The Unitarian community was delighted to learn that Bonnie and Fred Cappuccino were appointed as Members of the Order of Canada in recognition of their work in founding and directing Child Haven International. A combined Celebration was held at First Unitarian Congregation on February 17, 1996. Fred and Bonnie received plenty of publicity after the awards. They appeared on the “Dini Petty Show” on television, on the radio show “Morningside,” were interviewed by Peter Gzowski, were featured in “Canadian Living” magazine, and in the “Ottawa Citizen.”
The Fellowship's first Newsletter was published in March 1996. It was a combined effort by Catherine DeVito and Jim Jordan, and featured upcoming services, and listed U.U. Principles.
On May 19, 1996, Liz Benjamin, Minister of Religious Education at First Unitarian Congregation, was the speaker. Partway through the service there was a disturbance by one of the congregation. He interrupted the service by loudly berating a member of the Steering Committee, who had apparently upset the woman custodian of that building. The custodian had confided her story to that vocal person who created the disturbance, and he ranted for some time before being led out of the room by Don McDiarmid and Sally Olsen. He departed quietly later.
May 26 was Charter Membership Sunday. People who signed the Membership Book by that date – 49 in all – and agreed to the general U.U. Principles were considered Charter Members.
The Religious Education program started with four children registered, and an excellent R.E. Committee raring to go.
Social occasions have always been an important part of Unitarian life, and the Fellowship has happily followed a long tradition. In the summer of 1995 the first picnic was held on the grounds of the Aeronautical Museum. Two social events were held in the summer of 1996. The first was a potluck meal hosted by Audrey and Gerry O'Callaghan at their riverside home in Merrickville, and later a picnic was held at the spacious Wakefield home of Ruth and Bill Milne.
When services resumed in September, they were located at a new complex – the Don Gamble Community Centre – on Cote Street (off St. Laurent Blvd.) Here there was plenty of parking space, and rooms for R.E.
On September 22, 1996, the first General Meeting was held to elect a Board. Don McDiarmid became our President, bringing to that position the experience he had gained as the recent President of First Unitarian Congregation. The Vice President was Catherine DeVito, Vernon Lang was the Treasurer, and Daphne McCree Secretary. The meeting also approved the provisional budget for 1997, and approved the initial submission for incorporation. The “Kick-Off” event for the Financial Canvass was a potluck supper at the Rockcliffe Library on November 1.
The continuing social life of the Fellowship provided an amazing assortment of activities – a tour of Government House, a candlelight potluck at the Milne's, skating at Government House, and Morning Coffee Open Houses.
Minister: Rev. Fred Cappuccino
President: Don McDiarmid
1997
The Fellowship was officially incorporated as of May 2, 1997, and later it was granted its charitable status by Revenue Canada.
A Retreat was held on May 3, 1997, when the past, present and especially the future of the Fellowship were discussed. A number of recommendations were forwarded to the Board and to the Membership, Fellowship, Social Responsibility, Sunday Services and R.E. Committees.
Services ended for the summer break on June 15.
On September 13, a Potluck Dinner was held at the Wakefield home of Ruth and Bill Milne. Since then, the Fellowship has enjoyed Potlucks at the Milne's three times a year – in September, on the resumption of services, in December, to celebrate Christmas, and in June, to mark the beginning of the summer break. The house is large enough to accommodate the large numbers who eagerly flock to these events, including many children and a few dogs!
First Congregation invited the Fellowship to take part in a new photo directory, which was part of its centennial projects. Appointments were made in October, and the directory was published by the end of 1997.
An enthusiastic group gathered on October 24 at the Rockcliffe Public Library Meeting Room for a Potluck Dinner and Games Night. These evenings of fun and games have continued regularly – normally once a month – ever since.
In October, the Canadian Unitarian Council reported that “the new U.U.F.O., formerly an ‘emerging group,’ was approved for full membership in the C.U.C.”
One very special event took place on November 2, 1997, when the oldest brother of the Dalai Lama, Thubten Jigmey Norbu Rinpoche, spoke at our Fellowship.
When we started holding services, we were glad to have the discarded hymnbooks from First Congregation – “Hymns for the Celebration of Life.” During our second year, we were able to purchase some of the new hymnals, “Singing the Living Tradition.” To defray the cost, a system was set up so anyone could contribute the cost of a hymnbook in memory or honour of a loved one, with a suitable inscription being made in the front of the book.
In December the first Fellowship monthly Luncheon was held at the Colonnade Restaurant on Montreal Road. A lively group assembled and enjoyed the social atmosphere. Since then the Lunch has become a regular event, eventually moving to Perkins Restaurant, across from St. Laurent Shopping Centre.
The Social Responsibility Committee organized a Christmas Sale in December as they did the previous year, with the proceeds benefiting local charities.
The first Social Justice Award of $1,000 was presented in December to Françoise Pelletier for Sophie's Hope, a drop-in centre for women. Ms. Pelletier founded that organization.
Minister: Rev. Fred Cappuccino
President: Don McDiarmid
1998
In January 1998, the Fellowship was accepted as a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We were proud to be among the more than 1,000 member congregations in the U.U.A. We were also members of the St. Lawrence District, and the Canadian Unitarian Council.
On January 11, 1998, the service had to be cancelled because of the Great Ice Storm, which disrupted many lives in Eastern Ontario and Quebec. The Cappuccino's had to depend on a generator provided by a son in the U.S. since their electrical power was off for weeks.
Each year in March there is a special service for International Women's Day, organized by the women members of the congregation.
On August 21, 1998, a joint effort with First Congregation was held at the Tudor Hall. The purpose was to raise funds for the “Courage and Compassion Award” to Nick Cardell. Nick was imprisoned for six months for peacefully protesting at the School of the Americas, otherwise known as the School of the Assassins, in Georgia, USA. A cheque for $6,500 was presented to Nick's wife, Cathy, on Parliament Hill in front of the U.S. Embassy during a peaceful demonstration, the following day. Nick was released from prison in September.
Yet another bazaar was held on December 6. Catherine DeVito made an astonishing number of Christmas puddings, which were in great demand. The proceeds from the sale of the puddings, $500, were given to the Building Fund, and the other revenue, $900, was shared between St. Mary's Home, Sophie's Place, and Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.
Minister: Rev. Fred Cappuccino
President: Don McDiarmid / Marilynn Kuhn
1999
1999 was the year that action was needed to help refugees from Kosovo. Five members of the congregation applied to assist a refugee family – Anneke Dubash, Jean Ahmed, Martha Nabatian, and Daniela and Hart Jansson. The Avdiu family was assigned to us – Qamie (Shamile), her son Nuhi and daughter-in-law Elfije, their daughters Advije and Arta, and their son's wife Nexhmije. Their son, Agron, had been separated from them before they came to Canada, but had fortunately rejoined them here. Before they arrived in August, a house was rented and cleaned, and government-issued furniture and supplies were installed. We were very happy to welcome them on August 4. Many members of the Fellowship were involved in helping the family adjust to living their new life here. They needed rides to medical appointments and shopping, school arrangements had to be made, and a myriad other details had to be arranged. It was a very enriching experience for all involved. In October 2000, the family returned to Kosovo except Agron, Nexhmije and their new baby, who opted to stay in Ottawa.
The Religious Education program had started with plenty of enthusiasm but not many children. Audrey O'Callaghan was in charge, and the Fellowship benefited from her previous experience at First Unitarian. We were fortunate that Pat Lucie, Gary Weinhold and their three children joined us in 1998. Pat became very involved in the R.E. activities, and eventually became the Director of Religious Education. Many of the congregation took part in the R.E. program, sharing their particular skills with the children. Attendance varied widely, from over 20 very occasionally to a solitary one!
Another social event had its début in 1999, when the first skating party, hosted by Daphne McCree, took place. Daphne lives close to the canal, so there is easy access for skaters. Non-skaters can view the canal activities, and everyone is provided with hot chocolate and goodies.
During the summer of 1999, the Fellowship moved from the Don Gamble Centre to the Colonel By Secondary School on Ogilvie Road.
Minister: Rev. Fred Cappuccino
President: Marilynn Kuhn
2000
The Second Annual Membership Campaign was launched by Fred Cappuccino, helped by Ruth Milne who scheduled his 17 visits to prospective members.
On April 29th a baby shower was held for Nexmije Avdiu, one of our Kosovo refugee family, whose baby was expected in May. Unfortunately, Nuhi Avdiu, Nexmije's father-in-law was diagnosed with colon cancer. He had surgery but decided against chemo after the first session. Young Arta Avdiu received three awards at school, including “Citizenship.” She started the year with hardly any English, but she made amazing progress.
Fred Cappuccino, in the recent past, had informed the Board that he would like to be relieved of his duties, in order to spend more time with Child Haven administration. A Search Committee was formed and in April 2000, the Ministerial Search Committee announced that it had a candidate, Bonnie Lee. Bonnie spoke at the Fellowship on May 7, after meeting members of the congregation the previous weekend. At a congregational meeting following the service, Bonnie was overwhelmingly “called” as our half-time minister for the coming year. The installation Service for Bonnie was held on the evening of September 17, 2000, and it was a memorable event, attended by Bonnie's husband, Michael, and her two children, Colleen and Theo Chan, who were featured in musical presentations. Also taking part were our first minister, Rev. Fred Cappuccino, Rev. Brian Kopke, Rev. Liz Benjamin, and our President, Audrey O'Callaghan. The sermon, Unity Amidst Diversity, was given by Dr. Martin Rovers.
Daphne McCree was involved in the project in Guatemala sponsored by First Unitarian Church of Toronto and World Accord. She requested donations of office/school supplies among other things.
A grant of $1,900 was received in July from the Toronto Congregation, to be used for publicity.
Each year in October there is a congregational meeting to approve a preliminary budget. The canvassers' training is scheduled next, followed by the Pledge Campaign Kick-off. In 2000, the Kick-off took the form of “Fred's Free Feast & Pledge Campaign Kick-off.” It was held at, and catered by, the St. Thomas the Apostle Church on Alta Vista Drive. There was entertainment – Bonnie was presented with a huge pair of boots (to illustrate that she had some big shoes to fill on following Fred) and Fred got a white shirt to make a change from his usual vivid purple or pink eye-catchers!
$1,000 was allocated to purchasing a CD player and a hand-held wireless microphone.
The Fellowship was listed in the Ottawa phone directory. Anyone reaching our number would hear a recorded message including a name and number to call if they wished to speak to a person.
On October 28, there was a vigil on Parliament Hill to show concern and draw attention regarding the death of Ahmed Ali Hashi, who, on St. Patrick's Day, 1999, in west end Ottawa, was attacked by a gang and kicked to death. Two people were arrested and tried, but were not convicted. The Fellowship gave support to his widow, Carol Allen, a U.U. from Boston. A Scholarship Fund in his memory was set up at Carleton University.
In November, Fair Trade coffee was served at the coffee hour, and this later developed into the congregation buying “Fair Trade” coffee, tea, cocoa and sugar for home use.
By the end of 2000 the Fellowship had 82 members.
Minister: Rev. Fred Cappuccino / Bonnie Lee
President: Marilynn Kuhn / Audrey O'Callaghan
2001
In the Special Speakers Services, the Fellowship was honoured and delighted to have the well-known Dr. Robert Buckman speak. His topic was “Can We Be Good Without God?” His book on the subject was available for sale, and Dr. Buckman signed every copy sold.
Another speaker of note was the Honourable Lloyd Francis, a former Speaker in the House of Commons. He spoke on “Should Public Funds Be Used To Sponsor Religious Charities?”
Members of the Fellowship contributed books to a shipment to Somalia. An appeal was made for more books, school supplies and crutches.
We were saddened by the death of one of our first members, Harriet Lang, wife of our Treasurer, Vernon Lang.
In the summer of 2001, the Fellowship was deeply shocked by the accidental death of Michael Chan, our minister Bonnie Lee's husband.
The terrorist attacks on the U.S. on September 11 appalled everyone. Our October Newsletter conveyed the concerns of our Minister, President and CUC Executive Director.
At the end of 2001 we lost two cherished members, Edith Osberg and Bruce Cox.
A special evening meeting was held in December for those who had suffered a recent or earlier loss. A potluck meal was held and those attending shared their experiences with others who could relate to the feeling of loss.
Minister: Bonnie Lee, Ph.D.
President: Audrey O'Callaghan
2002
A series of Theme Dinners were held during the winter months. Subjects ranged from “How Do You Apply Unitarian Principles to Your Life?” to “What Happens After Death?”
The Terms of Reference for a Caring Committee were published in the January Newsletter.
An afternoon study group on “Building Your Own Theology” was started in February.
In March, the first of many “SOUPçons” was held at the home of Marilynn and Helmut Kuhn. A lunch of soup and bread was followed by a discussion of social responsibility issues.
On April 4, Anne Hubbert, who suffered as a result of botched surgery and radiation for breast cancer, gave a presentation to the Romanov Commission on Health Care. When Roy Romanov asked Anne how to pronounce her name, she replied, “Just call me Anne,” and Mr. Romanov responded, “O.K., just call me Roy!” The room broke up in laughter. Anne made helpful suggestions to the commission.
Two meetings were held in April for newcomers to meet each other and to learn more about UU practices and customs.
The young people of the Fellowship organized a fund-raising project to provide school supplies for a school in Mongolia, where Sally Olsen was teaching. Rod Olsen was able to deliver the supplies when he visited Sally in June.
The Fellowship moved to a new location in the summer of 2002. This time it was to the Gloucester Senior Adult Centre, where the rent was very reasonable, but the drawback was the limited space for the R.E. program.
In July the CUC voted to separate from the UUA. Unitarians were quite divided on this issue, but it was agreed that once the decision had been made, everyone should support it. The CUC divided Canada into four regions. Ottawa and Kingston were asked to choose their affiliation, and they opted to join the Eastern Group.
When Virginia Cameron and Vernon Lang announced their forthcoming wedding during the Joys and Concerns part of the service one Sunday morning, there was a wild burst of applause followed by a standing ovation! Both Virginia and Vernon were long-time members of the Fellowship, and each had lost their spouse in the recent past. The wedding was held on October 12, and was catered by the Fellowship Committee.
Another regular social event was launched on December 1 – Breakfast at Gabriel's, held before the Sunday service once a month.
A basket for food donations to the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard was made available each Sunday morning.
Minister: Bonnie Lee, Ph.D.
President: Audrey O'Callaghan / Ken Lund
2003
Child Haven International, co-founded by Bonnie and Fred Cappuccino, was visited by one of our older members in March. Mary Dubash arrived in the Katmandu, Nepal, home and quickly settled in for an interesting stay. Keith Shackleton and Diane Ziegler also visited Child Haven in the summer. A new member, Angie Kretzschmar spent four months with Bonnie Cappuccino, visiting homes in Nepal, Tibet and Bangladesh.
Each June, we hold a Flower Communion, a ritual where each one is invited to bring a flower to the service. At the end of the service, the flowers are distributed so everyone takes a different bloom from the one they brought, symbolizing our diversity – what we bring to the Fellowship and what we receive there.
Mr. Samsu Mia had worked for a Banglasheshi High Commission official and was mistreated. He applied for refugee status but was refused and was about to be deported when First Unitarian offered him sanctuary. He was to live in the building for 17 months. Members of our Fellowship visited Mr. Mia – he had someone with him 24/7, and some members of the Fellowship volunteered to stay overnight. (In June 2004, Fred Cappuccino went into voluntary sanctuary with Mr. Mia. He was there for six months, then the government relented and allowed Mr. Mia to stay and his family from Bangladesh was allowed to join him).
In September, we are asked to bring water representing our summer experiences. The water is then poured into a receptacle while the person speaks briefly about where it was collected.
The Fellowship presented the Fred Cappuccino Award to George Wilson in recognition of his environmental activities. The Children's Fellowship undertook the process of choosing the person most worthy of the award.
Our first “Hunger Sunday” was held in October. Instead of having “goodies” during our coffee hour, everyone was encouraged to bring non-perishable food for the Food Bank.
Twice a year, the Fellowship undertakes to provide lunch for the High Horizons group, held at MacKay United Church. Children in our R.E. help make peanut butter sandwiches and cookies.
Bonnie Lee gave several sessions on “Deep Listening,” where participants learned how to communicate more effectively.
Minister: Bonnie Lee, Ph.D.
President: Ken Lund
2004
In January, “Meet Me at the Movies” was started. Those who wished to see the movie at the ByTowne Cinema on Sunday afternoon would meet afterwards at a local restaurant to socialize and discuss the movie.
A series of six discussions were held from January to April on the subject of “The Jesus Enigma.”
In May, the Fellowship sponsored a Theatre n' Dessert Evening, “I Chink” – a fund-raising effort that proved both enjoyable and profitable. $1,459 was raised by this venture.
The Newsletter gave profiles of some of our older members and friends. They included Anna Dunkley, Virginia Cameron Lang, Mary Dubash, John McMurran, Vernon Lang, Ilse Wulf, Larry Osberg and Peggy Bolster.
Louise McDiarmid and Jim Jordan appealed for recipes for a UUFO Cookbook – a fund-raiser for our Building Fund.
Gilles Marchildon produced the first of many French columns for the Newsletter.
In October, a Book Discussion Group was formed. It met at Anna Dunkley's home, with the first book being “The Pagan Christ,” by Tom Harpur.
Sadly, Anne Hubbert died unexpectedly in October. She had been a member of the Fellowship since 1996. Anne was confined to a wheelchair, and her health had suffered as a result of being over-radiated during treatment for breast cancer.
In December, the UUFO Cookbook went on sale and every copy was sold.
Minister: Bonnie Lee, Ph.D.
President: Ken Lund / Elisabeth Churcher
2005
Members of the Fellowship responded generously to the appeal for relief for the Tsunami Disaster in the Far East. A total of $1,989 was donated, and this was matched by an equal amount from the federal government.
A new fundraiser for our Building Fund was started in January. Jean Ahmed started a paperback book table each Sunday. The books were donated by members of the Fellowship, and were sold for 50¢ each, hard covers were $1 each. The first year raised almost $500.
An unusual service took place on January 23, when Denise DeShaw, Executive Director of the Ottawa Deaf Centre “signed” her talk about the world of the deaf community. Her talk was interpreted by several speakers, including the daughter of members Lucie-Marie and Jerome Bower.
Our minister, Bonnie Lee, told the Fellowship that she would be leaving to take up a faculty position at the University of Lethbridge. Her last service with the Fellowship was on May 1. Bonnie held an “Open House” at her residence on May 28.
To bridge the gap until another half-time minister could be found, the Fellowship welcomed Leela Sinha, who was the Intern Minister at First Unitarian.
A happy event held in August was the wedding of two members – Gilles Marchildon and Gord Klassen.
In September, the Fellowship moved to a new home – the École élémentaire publique Séraphin-Marion on Loyola Avenue. The new location had plenty of room for the Children's Fellowship.
In October, members of the Fellowship contributed $630 for the relief of the Gulf Coast victims of the terrible flooding in the U.S.
A Search Committee was formed to find a new half-time minister. The committee circulated a questionnaire to determine the wishes of the members and it was delighted with the response.
Minister: Bonnie Lee, Ph.D. / Leela Sinha
President: Elisabeth Churcher / Martha Nabatian
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