Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern
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Case Statement
In the
early morning hours of September 12, 2006 fire broke out at
the Meeting House of the Unitarian Universalist
Congregation at Rock Tavern. On this, the morning after the
fifth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in 2001, firefighters
again rushed to the scene of a tragedy they could not
avert.
A
Proud Tradition
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern's
history extends back to the middle of the 19th century. It
began in Fishkill, NY, on the 2000 acre estate of John
Peter De Windt and his wife Caroline Amelia De Windt, nee
Smith, a granddaughter of the 2nd U.S. President, John
Adams, a noted Unitarian. Unitarians gathered in Fishkill
until through changes and time, including losing that first
meeting place to fire, the congregation moved across the
river to Newburgh, NY. They met in the Newburgh Court House
on Grand Street until they built their own church in
Newburgh, on the corner of South and Johnston streets,
across from St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, which was
dedicated on July 17, 1870. The Congregation incorporated
themselves as Church of Our Father: Unitarian. The
congregation remained in Newburgh for a century, until the
late 1960s, when a decision was made to sell the building
and relocate to Rock Tavern. A new building known as "the
meetinghouse on the hill" was constructed at 9 Vance Lane.
The meetinghouse was dedicated in 1970, with the
congregation naming itself the Unitarian Society of Orange
County. It revised its name in 1992 to the Unitarian
Universalist Society of Orange County and in 1995 became
the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern.
During these years, the congregation and its meeting house
have served as host and gathering place as well as a free
and open platform for free thinkers, political and social
activists, poets, musicians, and artists. The Congregation
has continuously represented an educated, liberal religious
alternative to traditional faiths in Orange County. Through
its programs and services, it has focused on all the world
religions as well as humanism in its faith perspective.
Those who seek spiritual growth have been encouraged and
supported in their endeavors by the UUCRT, whose
denomination remains creedless. In keeping with its seven
principles, the Congregation has sponsored a local chapter
of Amnesty International, and opened its space for use by
anti-war groups, environmental groups, 12 step-programs,
along with holding classical and folk concerts, and Eastern
dance recitals. It has held numerous art exhibits of the
works of local artists, and it is actively involved in
community service and social justice.
The
Unthinkable
The surrounding community, like the members of the
fellowship, assumed that the meeting house and its
congregation would always be there. But then........the
unthinkable happened. The building was destroyed by fire.
Most of the historical records, the artwork on display in
the sanctuary, irreplaceable photographs, the antique
baptismal font from the building in Newburgh, and a century
old Steinway piano - everything was lost in the fire of
September 12, 2006.
The Promise of the Future
In spite of this immense tragedy, the congregation came
together in a new way. Meetings were held in members' homes
and other local church buildings. People grieved and were
overcome with emotion. The children of the UUCRT wrote a
song about their feelings of loss and their hope for the
future, called Rebirth,
which was professionally recorded on a CD by the children
and sold for fundraising. The congregation has been
fortunate to have been offered the use of the facilities at
St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Washingtonville until its
meeting house can be rebuilt.
Remarkably, the
membership count has grown significantly since the fire.
Even without the building and with so much uncertainty,
membership has increased by more than 20% since the fire.
The UUCRT is filled with hope and resolve to rebuild and
renew its strength. The commitment to provide worship which
explores all world faiths and theologies remains strong. It
is committed to providing the children with instruction in
religion and ethics, teaching them how to ask the important
questions. The Congregation is committed to continue to
address the ethical issues of the day, including those of
war and peace, treatment of human beings, stewardship of
our planet, and healing the worlds of people and nature. It
is committed to be a forum for groups lacking a platform to
express themselves. It is committed to continuing to
provide intellectual and musical enrichment to our
community.
The future is growth, dynamic growth, renewal and rebirth.
It is also about spreading the message of Unitarian
Universalism: that one can think freely and independently;
that revelation is still continuing and ongoing; and that
there need not be conflict between science and religion.
The future of this congregation is exciting, and it will
offer everyone opportunities for spiritual growth. A new
building is essential if this congregation is to reach its
potential.
Orange County is the fastest growing county in New York
State. It is a dynamic, evolving place to live. Clearly
there is a need for this Unitarian Universalist
congregation.
The Reality and the Need
The
congregation received a settlement from its insurance
company and an Ad Hoc Building Committee was formed to
investigate options. The Congregation unanimously decided
to rebuild on the Vance Lane property. The Building
Committee worked diligently to identify and hire an
architect who shared our world-view and principles as well
as being committed to building an
environmentally-sustainable building. Along with an
environmentally sensitive engineer, and a church builder
new plans have been created to meet the growing need of the
Congregation.
While the congregation has resources available to it,
including the insurance settlement, a modest endowment, and
wholly owned property at Vance Lane, there will be the need
for significant fundraising to complete the project.
The Challenge to the UUCRT's Members and
Friends
To meet its vision for the future the UUCRT will seek to
raise capital funds for the new building, increase annual
contributions in both dollars and donors, enhance its
endowment, and attract more members to its services and its
programs.
Since 1830, this congregation has been a beacon of hope to
seekers of truth, spirituality, community, justice and free
expression. The fire and its aftermath have presented a
historic moment in history - a moment filled with promise.
You are a stakeholder in the future of this congregation
and in building a legacy into the congregation's third
century.
What impact will
you
have? How will
you
make a difference? This is the moment. Now is the time.
What will
you
do?
Our Old Building, 9 Vance
Lane, Rock Tavern, N.Y.
Sunday
Worship
The Fire
The Aftermath
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PLEDGE FORM
Please mail
donations to
Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern
P.O.Box 502,
Washingtonville, N.Y.
10992-0502
Capital
Campaign Progress
"Individual
commitment to a group effort-that is what makes a team
work, a company work, a society work, a civilization
work."
Vince Lombardi
