APPENDIX B

 

History of Christian Education at Rye Presbyterian Church

 

Based upon a careful reading of David Gile’s Rye Presbyterian Church 1956-1995 A Historical Update, (“HU”), it quickly becomes clear that Rye Presbyterian Church (“RPC”) successes in Christian Education since 1986 for Senior High youth and 1973 for adults generally have been too often brief in duration and modest in scope, despite (1) Session’s repeated affirmations based on a number of congregational surveys emphasizing the centrality of Christian education to the mission of the Church and (2) the Christian Education Committees’ laudable efforts year upon year, to effect those affirmations.  For youth, this period has been notable for (1) a well run children’s Sunday School program, (2) a consistently effective Confirmation program now led by Rev. Daniel Love, (3) extended inactivity in Church ministry to and training and fellowship for Senior High students since around 1986 with a very abbreviated renaissance under the leadership of Rev. Kate Pate, and (4) an increasingly entrenched indifference shown by the vast majority of our older teens towards Church life and matters of faith.  Likewise, Adult Education mostly has waned dramatically since 1973.  Interludes of exciting activity in Adult Education, such as the fall and Lenten courses offered under the ministry of Dr. Dick Murdoch and Rev. Dan Love’s long running Wednesday morning Adult Bible Study and Sunday evening Men’s Bible Study, occasionally interrupt this overall pullback.  A review of the Historical Update makes plain these points. 

In 1956, Adult Education takes place between the 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services.  A Mrs. Jack, Director of Religious Education, runs the education program until her resignation in November of 1957 with the implication that salary could be at least part of the reason for her resignation.  At the time, Senior Highs participate happily in Youth Fellowship with 20-25 participants, an Adult Bible Study kicks off with some seventy (!) members, and a Senior High Bible Study commences with sixteen members.  The Christian Education Committee reports a total of 621 church school students (including adults) (HU p. 1-2).

 

By 1959, Rev. Millspaugh, Assistant Minister, departs, and close on his heals (but after Rev. Dick Martin’s arrival to replace Rev. Millspaugh) Rev. Wesson leaves his post as Senior Pastor.  Staff in 1959 consists of three clergy “during all or part of the year” and ten non-professionals with a congregation of 1496 members.  Duly noted this year is the request for an addition to the staff in the form of a “psychoanalytic pastoral counselor” with no follow up recording of how Session addressed the request (HU p. 13). 

 

David Gile describes the RPC Youth Group of 1959 as follows:

           

Although much concern and attention would be devoted to the appropriate programs for junior and senior high school students, there were minimal problems in 1959, as evidenced by the existence of two study groups for the latter, one for tenth and the other for eleventh and twelfth graders.  The premise underlying their existence was the fact that their knowledge of Christian faith was seriously lagging behind their secular education.  Named Senior United Presbyterian Youth, it met on Sundays from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. under the leadership of Rev. Martin.  Some of the subjects discussed were “What Is Greatness?”, “What Is Success?”, “What Is Life All About?”.  That year there was a meeting with an Alcoholics Anonymous speaker, a visit with the Princeton Gospel Team, a weekend retreat, a meeting with the Methodist Church Group once a month and the Jewish Youth Group at the Rye Synagogue.  There was also a social component with swimming and dancing at the Rye YMCA.

(HU p. 14)

 

Additionally, the Junior Choir enjoys the participation of 36 members, and the Westminster Choir, made up of middle school and high school age girls, enjoys the participation of 60 (!) members.  Thus, RPC enters the 1960s with strong participation in its youth and adult programs, and, in 1960, Rev. Dr. Joseph P. Bishop answers the call of RPC as the Senior Pastor.

 

The “high water mark” of participation in Adult Education and youth programs arrives probably in 1963 (HU p. 22).  Session initiates a “School of Religion” during Lent featuring “teacher training, Bible Study, and the place of art in religion” with outside speakers on occasion (HU p. 21).    Registration for Church School numbers 723; also, 114 children attend Vacation Bible School that year (HU p. 22).  The Director of Religious Studies, Miss Reiff, resigns that year to teach in Asia.  Due to financial constraints Session adds her responsibilities to those of Rev. Martin (HU p. 22).  By 1964, Rev. Martin marries the beloved Anne Martin, and Mrs. H. Paul Sloan, Jr., a clergy widow from Detroit, assumes the responsibilities of Christian Education Director for RPC (HU  p. 23) .

 

For the following year, 1965, David Gile notes:

 

The church school had been operating on an even keel for several years but beginning in September the first service was reduced to 45 minutes for students and their parents, followed by 40 minutes of class and concurrent adult education.  In what must have been a blow to those youngsters affected by the change, Junior Highs were dropped from the Westminster choir to provide them more class time.  As we know, this [lack of classroom time for members of the Westminster Choir] had been a concern for some time.  A further reason for the change may have been an effort to stem the beginning of a decline in church school attendance.  (HU p. 25)

 

Another major staff change occurs in 1966 with the departure of Rev. Dick Martin and the hiring of Donald Poole, “a young seminary graduate not yet ordained,” who immediately “took over supervision of the youth activities” (HU p. 27).  In 1967, Session approves the use of the Undercroft by the Senior High fellowship for “coffee, reading of poetry, discussions, and music” (HU p . 28).   Mr. Poole establishes a successful “Coffee House” for the teens in a cultural climate noted for heavy drug use, and Session acknowledges favorably Mr. Poole’s successful efforts with this group (HU p. 28).  By 1968, however, Session closes the Coffee House briefly partly in response to a statement signed by 47 members of the Coffee House group stating that “while they were not passing judgment, the drug habits of their peers merited the community’s attention” (HU p. 30).  The Coffee House reopens after Session determines that the program basically is well run (HU p. 31).  David Gile points out:

 

The Coffee House was part of a program called “Experiment in Cooperation” for grades 9-12 which included a weekend retreat, special social events on Saturday nights, Sunday afternoon workshops and creative projects such as filmmaking, creative writing and seminars on problems of adolescence.” (HU p. 31)

 

Additionally, a “goodly number of 7th and 8th graders met every other Sunday” for 2 hours and participated in other social activities.  At this particular point in 1968, 59 children participate in the Junior Choir, and 30 teenage girls sing in the Westminster Choir (HU p. 31).

 

Little is said about the youth, still under the leadership of Mr. Poole, for the year 1969, aside from the two following points: (1) “Youth involvement continued to be an ongoing priority, and their groups were invited to attend the November Session meeting as well as attending the meetings of other groups” and (2) “The Youth service on October 26 was widely commended for ‘an imaginative and inspiring service.’ For their part the youngsters expressed a wish to duplicate their experience with the ‘inclusion of some older adults in their services’” (HU p. 33).

 

By 1970, the youth organizations hold experimental worship services on May 10 at both the 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services with the “youth dimension at the forefront during the year, continuing the effort to cope with continuing social pressures [“social pressures” refer to the widespread social changes wrought by the 1960s including drug use, the sexual revolution, and antipathy toward the Viet Nam War]” (HU p. 36).  Also, noted during this year regarding Sunday School is that “enrollment was 465 at year-end, with attendance up and down.  Teachers are asked to contact parents as to why their children were not showing up” (HU p. 36).  The youth organizations continue with a high level of activity outside the worship services. 

 

The Junior Fellowship adopted an American Indian boy in Arizona and performed other fundraising and service events.  The Senior Highs sponsored a Lenten breakfast series, a skiing weekend, participation in Mayfair at Playland, church discussions and dances. (HU p.37)

 

In 1971, perhaps because of the illness of Mrs. Carola Bishop, wife of then Senior Pastor, Rev. Joe Bishop, Rev. Poole becomes “Associate Minister” and Rev. Al Sunderwith becomes “Assistant Minister” on a part-time basis while continuing his doctoral studies (HU p. 39).  Commenting on the youth activity for 1971, David Gile states:

 

The Junior and Senior Highs, whose program activity waxed and waned over the years, were especially active.  The latter’s roster stood at 65 for most of the year, and in the fall included their friends from Christ’s Church, Resurrection Church and the Rye Synagogue” (HU p. 40).

 

  Also noteworthy are the financial concerns in 1971.  As David Gile describes:

 

The seriousness of the financial situation was underscored by a letter to the Session from the President of the Trustees, a highly respected and experienced church leader.  Enumerating a list of negative actualities and dismal probabilities, he cited a low-key canvass, failure to hire a third [full time] pastor as a lost opportunity, failure to appeal to the congregation for funds in connection with a major manse renovation, borrowing from the endowment, thereby reducing its income, giving members “…the impression that the church is well-heeled” and that therefore “…they don’t need me…” (HU p. 39).  

 

With three abstentions, Session approves a course on sexuality in 1972 for the 9th and 10th graders.  This course proves to be popular for many years. As a side note, David Gile points out some problems RPC had with “the Way,” an independent organization using the church facilities.  Apparently “the Way” had attracted some 300 youngsters, all of whom crowded into a room designed for 200.  Session “decreed that the group should find other quarters by September with a sharp requirement for reduction in attendance until that time” (HU p. 45).

 

In 1973, Rev. Sunderwirth leaves RPC, and Rev. Poole flies back early from a one year sabbatical in Europe to cover for Dr. Bishop who departs for Europe upon the death of his wife after a long illness.  Pruitt Ashwirth also departs having “completed his duties as Youth Minister and is replaced by Howard Major, a Union Theological Seminary student” (HU p. 47).  About him David Gile records:

 

Howard Major breathed new life into the Youth Fellowships, however.  He introduced innovations in the junior worship services and introduced discussions on such subjects as ‘…concern about the nature and function of the church…their own perplexities over the nature and purpose of the fellowship and their relationship to the congregation as a whole’.  This addressed a feeling among our youth that the rest of the congregation wasn’t really interested in them.  There was also discussion on the ‘Role of Women in the Church’ which engendered the liveliest discussion of all.  Polarization among the sexes was inevitably created, with one rhetorical question from a young male: ‘Could our father confessor, Dr. Bishop, ever be replaced by a congregational mother figure—not in the near future!’  Major noted a spiritual deficiency within the fellowships, but was impressed by a strong sensibility and respect for the rights and feelings of others in the group.

 

Under his tutelage a Fellowship room at the end of the hall in the education building was established.  Its invitation via signage exhorted the congregation to ‘…come in and communicate with the youth of America.  You may sit, lie down, do yoga, stand on your head or even put your feet on the furniture’.  He also introduced a new Wednesday evening format because ‘…for many families in Rye, Sundays are the only days they have together as a family, particularly in the afternoon.’  It was felt that the shift would attract more youngsters and provide better opportunities for contacts with the ministers.  (HU p. 47-48)

 

The general decline in Adult Education, according to David Gile, begins in 1973 when “[a]dult education course offerings were considerably reduced ‘…because of conflicts with the worship services.’  This appears to be the first significant decline in adult education but by no means the last.” (HU p. 47)

 

In 1975, Rev. Poole resigns along with Rev. Renita Banks, another part-time minister who worked with the youth.  As with Rev. Ashwirth, it is not entirely clear when she joined the church staff.  Rev. John Charles Chendo accepts the call to replace Rev. Poole whose departure is considered a heavy blow to the church and who is made a “Parish Associate” of the Church, a relationship that would continue for some years.  Howard Major again joins the staff as a “youth counselor” and a “young man named C. Michael Reid, a church member and student at Yale Divinity School, was hired for one year commencing in July to work with the youth fellowships.” (HU p.54)  Of the Christian Education program in 1975, David Gile records:

 

The reality of the educational scene begged for new ideas.  Adult education generally continued to slip in terms of quantity, and at the younger level the confirmation class was characterized that year by ‘…a lack of clear preparation, inhibiting meaningful discussion of biblical meaning, and moral and ethical questions of Christianity’.  And the younger children seemed to have little sense of the meaning of worship in the form of liturgical practices.  This problem was met initially by the creation of a new curriculum sub-committee of the Christian Education committee, composed of members and teachers.  Nor were the youth fellowships without problems.  Michael Reid, after a short time on the job admitted his inability to guide the students’ energy successfully, but said that a program of ‘copious athletics’ seemed to help. (HU p.55)

 

By 1976, Mrs. Chendo, who had an education degree, takes over many aspects of the Church School while Linn Sloan, the Director of Christian Education, continues to manage day-to-day operations (HU p.57).  Michael Reid, who had gotten off to a rocky start, reports that the Senior High youth fellowship group had coalesced and “progressed toward greater self-understanding in the light of the Spirit” (HU p. 57).  By October of that year, the Chendos, who just arrived in 1975, announce their intention to depart immediately, and a successor, Rev. James Longstreet, accepts the call to replace Rev. Chendo in December of 1977.  (HU p. 60)

 

The Christian Education Committee submits a ‘lengthy report’ that year due to Mrs. Chendo’s departure and Mrs. Sloan’s lengthy absence due to a “serious illness” (HU p. 61).  Despite the upheaval, the Christian Education committee involves the children in a number of services during the year and hosts two “church school breakfasts …with a combined attendance of 450.” (HU p. 61)

 

Reports from the youth groups that year indicate that the attendance diminishes somewhat with an average of 35 out of potentially 75 students attending the Junior High youth group, but a call goes out for “additional advisors to supplement the new team” due to the fact that “‘most meetings simmered just below a boil, threatening to erupt in chaos at any time.’” (HU p. 61-62)

 

The need for additional help does not go unheeded for by 1978, “65 of the 150 high school student members engaged in some kind of church activity, principally in the two youth groups…and Rev. Longstreet, aided by four advisors, divided the group into 7-8th, 9-10th and 11-12th graders”  (HU p. 64).  Remarkably, the Church enjoys five choirs that year as well—Cherub, Junior, Handbell, Westminster, and Chancel. (HU p. 65)

 

In 1979, the much valued Linn Sloan retires from her position as Director of Christian Education.  A Christian Education sub-committee convenes to find her replacement and determine whether to hire a clergy person or a lay person for the job.  Mrs. Sloan’s replacement is a seminary student with a solid education background, Penny Louise Newall (HU p. 66).

 

Also in 1979, the Youth Fellowship, in its second year under the direction of Rev. Longstreet, joins with the youth of Christ Church, which operates “under the direction of Rev. Fleming Rutledge”  (HR p. 67).  Unfortunately, Rev. Longstreet leaves RPC shortly thereafter due to “misconduct” reported by his wife. Because of this incident Presbytery urges RPC to form the Personnel Committee, which it does without delay. (HU p. 67)

 

Despite Rev. Longstreet’s departure, the Christian Education Committee report for 1980 indicates the year progresses smoothly “with the establishment of a church school library, a ‘clowning program’ instituted by Penny Newall, continuation for the 8th year of a course in human sexuality for teens and youth fellowships combined cooperation with Christ Church.” (HU p. 73)  Also, Rev. Poole returns to RPC to assist in the wake of Rev. Longstreet’s departure.

 

On June 7, 1981, RPC calls Rev. Penny Newall to be the Associate Minister.  Rev. Poole becomes the Interim Senior Minister, due to Dr. Bishop’s retirement, and Rev. Major becomes a full-time Assistant Minister with his principal duty management of the Youth Fellowship.  Revs. Newall and Major also share responsibility for the confirmation class.  A change to only one service that year creates the need for more Sunday School teachers, and there is some concern regarding whether there would be a sufficient number of volunteers for the Sunday School and the Youth Fellowships.  Also of note for this year is the production of two children’s plays written and produced by Rev. Major and Assistant Musical Director, Lisa Johnson.  Of Adult Education, David Gile discloses that “[i]t was decided not to offer a full program, but rather undertake a thorough re-evaluation of the program early in 1982.  It is the author’s opinion that adult education at our church never recovered its previous momentum, although it could be argued that other factors may have led to the same conclusion”  (HU  p. 75).

 

By 1985, Rev Major continues to lead the Youth Fellowship with assistance from Sue Uhl, who arrives with her husband, the new Senior Pastor Dr. David Uhl, in November of 1983.  The Senior Highs are described as being

 

“…seriously involved with the life of the church by contributing to the church school, worship and even kitchen service for several church dinners.  Two young ladies in the group served as members of the Session and the Deacons, respectively.  Rev. Major concluded his report by noting, ‘The Sunday morning “Focus” programs for Senior Highs have been up and down in attendance, though we hope that despite the early morning hour (11:15 A.M.) [sic] they will have more ups than downs in the coming new year.’”  (HU p. 87)

 

“Enrichment Time” for elementary school age children and “M and M’s” begin this year.  It is not clear who is responsible for initiating and leading these two programs.

 

Revs. Newall and Major both depart in 1985.  Rev. Major, who expresses reluctance about continuing to minister mainly to youth, accepts a Senior Pastor position in New Paltz.  Once again the issue of whether to search for a clergy person or a lay person arises:

 

In the course of the discussion leading to Rev. Major’s resignation a basic question arose as to whether a clergy person should be selected as his successor, or a lay Director of Christian Education.  The author surmises, rather than opines, that the ultimate outcome may have been influenced by the fact that Rev. Newall was already supervising the church school, reinforced by the knowledge that the Youth Fellowships could well use strong clergy direction.  No doubt many on the Session recalled or were aware of the shortage of motivated volunteer leadership for these groups over the years.  In any event it was decided that:

‘The job description for the position…recognized the need for a third minister’.  At a special meeting in August, the Session created an interview team of five members headed by the chairman of the Personnel committee, to find Rev. Major’s successor. (HU p. 90)

 

Adult Education continues to limp:

 

The struggle for rationalization of the adult education program continued, and it was disappointing for the leaders to decide in February that the three-track program inaugurated in 1984 should be abandoned, primarily due to declining attendance and the feeling that the ‘…9:00 A.M. time was problematic.’  That left the Bible study track, which consisted of several series led by the clergy, and it was decided to await the results of a comprehensive church survey of members’ feelings about the church before making future decision.  (HU p. 91)

 

Rev. Vance Polley joins the clergy staff at some point in 1985 as Associate Pastor, and a search committee begins in 1986 to look for a third minister to replace Rev. Newall.  David Gile indicates that with “the benefit of ‘twenty-twenty’ hindsight the decision to seek a third clergy person might have been different” [it is not clear, but perhaps this refers to coming financial difficulties or the continual rapid turnover of third ministers], but the Session was compelled to follow the three-clergy policy as established in 1985 (HU p. 94).  In terms of what the Youth Fellowships accomplish that year, the following is noted:

 

The Junior High Fellowship, with reinforced leadership undertook and completed fundraising efforts on behalf of Habitat for Humanity with New York trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Night Watch program at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, among others.  The Senior group, under the leadership of Rev. Polley and a dedicated lady communicant, functioned at a level of activity unmatched in recent years, cooking dinners, helping at church dinners, ski trips, study trips to other places of worship, helping the M and Ms, a skating party, a nature walk, serving as teaching assistants, etc., etc.  One of their number served on the Session, while another served as a member of the Associate Pastor Search committee.  Truly a year to serve as a model for the future.  (HU p. 95)

 

Additionally, the Church sponsors three children’s choirs that year.

 

Ordained minister, Rev. Beth Shepherd, arrives on February 16, 1987 to assume duties as Associate Pastor.  Interestingly, at the June 20 annual Session retreat, the Session addresses the subject of youth involvement in the Church with the goal that they “attempt to make our younger members understand that they are the church and must show it by action” (HU p. 98).  Further, a Session member suggests that there is an “obligation” on the part of the youth “to act as members, rather than disinterested onlookers” (HU p. 98).  This attitude seems to backfire quickly.  The Junior and Senior Youth Fellowships continue along that year with some “changes in leadership,” operating on a diminished level “for the Seniors” (HU p. 99).  Also noteworthy in 1987 is the stock market crash in October of that year and a drop in Sunday School enrollment to 153 (“a new low”).  By April of 1988, Rev. Beth Shepherd submits her letter of resignation after 14 months at RPC.  Of this decision David Gile states:

 

Quite surprising therefore, was Beth Shepherd’s decision in April to leave Rye Presbyterian Church after only fourteen months.  In a beautifully written letter dated April 27, she explained her decision in part by saying that, ‘In my time with you, a sense of my own path in ministry has grown and taken on a more clearly definable direction…in areas that allow me to reach out to people in a significant way, whether that be through counseling, visitation, preaching, or mission involvement…Ironically enough, the community which has opened my eyes to these realizations about my call is also the one I now feel compelled to leave in order to pursue that path in my journey of faith.’

 

Beth’s resignation led to ‘introspective soul-searching’ by the Session as to what might have been done differently to handle the integration of Beth into the life of the church.  On a positive note, the same discussions produced ‘new directions for our existing ministerial staff—how to better balance responsibilities, as well as the importance we place in the need for an effective Christian Educational program.’  This led to a decision to seek a full-time lay director of Christian Education, rather than an Associate Minister with responsibility for education and other pastoral duties.  After a relatively brief search, Miss Terri Young, a Master of Divinity graduate from Yale Divinity School, was engaged in September as the Interim Director of Christian Education, with an informal agreement to be with us for 12-18 months.  (HU p. 102)

 

As the Session grapples with Rev. Shepherd’s unexpected resignation, they discuss the need for better communication among the governing boards and the “need for the Session to establish well defined (and communicated) priorities for the church” (HU p.102). 

 

Of the Youth Fellowships it is stated that they maintained the pace of the previous years albeit with “changes in lay advisors” (HU p. 104).  And the Church managed to field five choirs for the year.

 

Personnel changes continue to plague the youth and Christian Education programs with the departure early in 1989 of the new Interim Director of Christian Education.  The Personnel committee considers again “the merits of a second Associate Minister versus a professional lay Director of Christian Education.  The need for the latter prevailed” (HU p. 109).   A search committee again convenes in quest of a “qualified non-clergy replacement” and ends its search with Betsy Simpson, Director of Christian Education in Lewistown Presbyterian Church and student at Princeton Theological Seminary.  Of the youth that year David Gile notes:

 

Both Youth Fellowships had difficult years, especially the Junior Fellowship, which was described as “struggling”.  The Seniors, under the direction of a volunteer husband and wife team, utilized rented movie videos to depict aspects of life that would be met later in their lives, and Rev. Joe Simpson gave a slide presentation of his experiences as a Navy chaplain in Vietnam.  (HU p. 107)

 

Church School enrollment drops to 100 children.  Of Adult Education we read that “the Adult Education sub-committee adopted a two-paragraph ‘Statement of Mission’, but the program that year was, in terms of past years and decades, minimal” (HU p. 106-107).  “Various surveys over the years” demonstrate that “Christian education has consistently emerged with a high priority among the programs of the church,” but establishing and maintaining a vibrant Christian education program, at least for those above the age of confirmation, proves elusive for RPC, and, in fact, the possibility of establishing appealing programs erodes even further with a number of “vacancies” reported on the Christian Education committee (HU p. 106-107). 

 

By 1990, shortfall in pledge income necessitates budget cuts and reductions in the terms of call.  Church school enrollment increases slightly to 108, and Youth Fellowship and Adult Education programs are described thus:

 

The Junior High Fellowship was dormant until the fall, and again a lack of volunteer leadership was evident.  The Senior Highs met on a semi-monthly basis, with good attendance in “double-digit numbers.”  The highlight of the year was a white-water rafting trip on the Lehigh River planned by Mrs. Simpson.  The fall programs included quiz games on biblical subjects, a slide presentation on South Africa by Rev. Mohapi, and a scavenger hunt in search of items throughout the church.  Mrs. Simpson’s statement that: “Adult education continues to be a difficult area,” reflected continuing frustration as various efforts to stimulate attendance met with limited success. (HU p. 112)

 

The following year, 1991, Youth Fellowship and Adult Education slip again:

 

The Junior High Fellowship picked up in the fall after a slow spring, while the Senior Highs had a slow year generally, following the departure of their previous year’s leaders….the Christian Education committee had reported that it was being reorganized…In her annual report Mrs. Simpson was able to say that:  “We had a difficult spring with some misunderstandings, but good things have resulted for the [future of] the class of 1992”; one of these was to be the increased participation of the students in the life of the church.  Adult education continued to function at a minimal level…” (HU p. 117)

 

The year 1991 is a shocking one for the Church.  This is the year when the Church is named, along with the Pastor Emeritus, Dr. Joseph Bishop, and the Hudson River Presbytery, in a lawsuit alleging the retired Dr. Bishop’s prior sexual misconduct towards a minor. Later, a federal judge dismisses the suit without ruling on the merits of the case due to the running of the statute of limitations.  For the first time in a number of years, however, RPC covers operating expenses without income from the Endowment fund, and the Endowment fund jumps in value due to a large bequest and a 20% gain in the stock market.  

 

Mrs. Simpson studies Greek for six weeks at Yale during 1991 and works to become ordained with the assistance of Dr. Uhl.  Approved in the fall of 1991, this ordination officially is accomplished in early of 1992.  David Gile observes, “…at a congregational meeting on November 17 the call for her [Mrs. Simpson] to serve as Associate Pastor for Christian Education was approved…Interestingly, there was no recorded discussion of the change this would make in the Session’s declared policy in 1989 of having two clergy and a lay Director of Christian Education, as opposed to three clergy” (HU p. 116). 

 

Additional turmoil besieges the Church in 1992 with the resignation of Senior Pastor David Uhl and deep distress within the congregation over the Bishop matter.  Church finances, however, continues to improve, and church school enrollment soars to 279 students.   Despite Rev. Simpson’s ordination and for reasons that are not at all clear, Youth Fellowships continue to disintegrate, as does Adult Education:

 

A major change was the inclusion of 6th graders in the Junior Fellowship and its re-naming as the Middle School Fellowship, with an average attendance of 14.  The Senior Fellowship was a “struggle,” caused in part by a lack of adult leadership: plans were made, however, for a revival in 1993….Absent from the annual reports for the first time, however, was any mention of adult Christian education.  (HU p. 123)

 

The M and M program for elementary age school children continues to thrive.

 

For 1993 the Christian Education Committee report notes that little changed, except the Middle School Fellowship meetings are reduced to one time per month in response to requests from parents (HU p. 128).  Also noted is the following:

 

Starting in 1992, questions had been raised about the quality of Rev. Simpson’s leadership in Christian education.  A special review committee was created, with representation from the Christian Education and Personnel committees, hopefully to reconcile past differences, and its final recommendations were due in March 1994 (HU p. 126).

 

The recommendation made in 1994 ultimately results in the resignation of Rev. Betsy Simpson and the hiring of Dr. Linda Fallo-Mitchell, “a member and parent with extensive educational experience” as “ Director of Education, Church School” (HU p. 130).  Church School and M and M’s steam along unfazed.  The Youth Fellowships are described thus:

 

The Middle School Fellowship, after a lackluster fall and spring, came to life in the fall under the direction of Olimpia Gheorghiu, a Brown University student on leave.  Several successful events, including a visit to the Blythdale Children’s Hospital were held.  The Senior Highs had their first meeting in October with the active involvement of Dr. Murdoch assisted by parent coordinators.  A plan was made to integrate our Senior High students with those from Resurrection Church and Christ Church under the direction of a youth professional to be recruited in 1995. (HU p. 132)

 

This, of course, is the program that eventually comes to be known as IMPACT.

 

In an Epilogue acknowledging the excitement of the RPC Bicentennial year with preparations in the works to mark well that landmark year, David Gile reviews the resignation of and fond farewell to Rev. Vance Polley, who leaves to accept a position as the pastor of the Sunrise Church in South Carolina.  Also, he points out the $30,000 operating budget deficit that year espressing high hopes that “with the current vitality and unity of our congregation, strengthened by our Christian beliefs,” the “challenge” of raising pledges to cover operating expenses “in a climate of ever-increasing fundraising requests from worthy organizations...will surely be met!”  (HU p. 135)  Thus ends David Gile’s most valuable Historical Update.

 

Following Rev. Vance Polley’s resignation, Rev. Dai Chung acts as Interim Associate Pastor and works with the youth through confirmation until Rev. Daniel Love accepts the call as Associate Pastor in 1997.  After his arrival, Rev. Love initiates the Middle School Fellowship, known as “Connections” and to this day keeps Connections and the confirmation classes well in hand.  Also in 1997, the very popular M and M’s bids its excellent leader, Chrissy Connor, good-bye and splits into two parts:  “music” in the form of a youth choir and “mission” through the Church School. 

 

Based on interviews with RPC clergy, an IMPACT board member, and a former director of IMPACT, it seems clear that IMPACT probably is the most successful, sustained Senior High youth program started at RPC.  Since its inception, however, IMPACT by all accounts has moved steadily away from its Presbyterian/ecumenical roots to an increasingly secular, service-oriented focus.  Currently, IMPACT, with its own professional directors supervised by an active board of parent volunteers from the wider community of Rye, plays a very important role in the community for Rye youth, but it does not and cannot substitute for an active Youth Fellowship at RPC.

 

Until her resignation in 1999, Dr. Linda Fallo-Mitchell runs the Sunday School well, but asks for additional staff support.  The Christian Education Committee Annual Report for 1997 discusses hiring someone to assist her, but she resigns before that can be accomplished.  Upon her resignation the Church hires Glee Bartlett as Interim Christian Education Director. 

 

After Dr. Fallo-Mitchell’s departure Session quickly convenes a search committee to find a new Director of Christian Education.  The Christian Education Committee Annual Report for 2000 states:

 

The Search Committee believes that the candidate for this position must have experience leading youth groups and have as a top priority the development of an exciting and enriching program for our older youth.

 

After searching for a frustrating year the Search Committee concludes that it cannot find such a person—at least not a lay person with the needed expertise—and disbands.  Shortly thereafter a new Search Committee forms and is charged with finding an Associate Pastor for Christian Education.  That call is answered by Rev. Kate Pate in 2001.

 

Adult Education revives in 1998 with Dr. Murdoch and Rev. Love leading several well attended adult programs.  The adult programs continue to expand and operate with vitality during the following years.  Beginning in 2001, the programs benefit from the full participation of three ministers, which lasts until the fall of 2004, when Rev. Pate resigns and Dr. Murdoch dies unexpectedly.  Surely, the years 1998-2004 represent by far the most vibrant years in some decades for Adult Education.

 

By 2002, as manager of RPC Church School, Rev. Pate institutes a number of new programs including: (1) the “Cooperative Church School” model, which results in much greater parent participation in the Church School programs, (2) much expanded teacher training, (3) an improved resource room, (4) “Kid’s Korner” during Coffee Hour, and (5) Enrichment Sundays supplementing the regular Sunday classes with Game Days, an Agora Market, Advent Craft Sunday, and Mission Sundays (Annual Report 2002).  In addition to this work and her responsibilities as the leader of IMPACT, Rev. Kate Pate responds to a request from the confirmation class of 2003 and forms Neokirk, a very successful Youth Fellowship “specifically for the high school students of RPC…to foster community and spiritual growth” (Annual Report 2003).  Neokirk enjoys frequent, regular, well attended meetings through 2005.  Note that this group manages to sustain itself for a full year after Rev. Pate’s resignation in 2004 but predictably falls apart when the founding class graduates and goes off to college.  With Neokirk, IMPACT, and Connections, however, Youth Fellowship at RPC experiences, however briefly in the case of Neokirk, a glorious renaissance.

 

After the tumultuous fall of 2004, part-time lay staff, Susie McNiff and Yvonne Zuk, take over management of the Church School and to date keep it running smoothly.  Rev. Love ably and steadfastly carries RPC through the sad and troublesome times of that fall and the following couple of years with the excellent assistance of Rev. Dick Martin and Rev. James Brasel as Interim Senior Pastors.  In Adult Education lay church members respond to calls for leadership with the relatively recent launchings of a new Women’s Bible Study on Saturday mornings and an Adult Book Group.

 

For understandable reasons, Interim Senior Pastor James Brasel makes clear to the Christian Education Committee that it must bide its time until the installation of a new Senior Pastor before initiating the search for a new Associate Pastor.  And the Christian Education Committee does just that.  It bides its time, perhaps too patiently, during the search for a new Senior Pastor, offering some adult programming and very limited Senior High youth programming (four months) with the hiring of a Youth Intern, Carissa Cooper.  Because the Church continues to be without a senior pastor in the spring of 2006, it narrowly misses the opportunity to hire an excellent associate candidate, Rev. Katherine Laird, now the full-time Associate Pastor for Children, Youth and Family at Greenwich Presbyterian Church.

 

In the fall of 2006 and with great sense of purpose, Dr. Nancy De Vries answers the enthusiastic call from RPC to become its new Senior Pastor.  Now, near the one year anniversary of her arrival, the Christian Education Committee, having completed considerable research and engaged in much soul searching, is moving forward with its proposal to hire an Associate Pastor for Christian Education and Nurture.  In so doing the Committee thanks both Dr. De Vries and Rev. Love for their excellent guidance and support. 

 

Conclusion

 

To a member the Christian Education Committee understands with regret that the period beginning with Rev. Pate’s resignation and continuing to the present day is marked by losing entirely the cohesiveness of the RPC Senior High Youth Fellowship and with it the participation of these high school students in the life of the Church.  Also, the Christian Education Committee acknowledges the decades-long overall dearth of offerings in Adult Christian Education.  Therefore, the Christian Education Committee strongly urges Session to take action.  Adequate ordained (or soon to be ordained) clergy staffing is a clear prerequisite to successful programs in these areas.  Additionally, clergy staff must have:  (1) a passion and talent for youth ministry and Christian Education, (2) an adequate salary and reasonable housing opportunities, (3) excellent clerical support, (4) robust lay assistance, (5) funds for programming, and (6) a congenial work environment where all understand that the establishment of a vigorous Senior High youth fellowship and exciting Christian Education opportunities for all church members are top priorities.