This is a web version of the program for the dedication and burning of the mortgage conducted in January 1995, 15 years after the purchase of the former Little Neck School to be our Church. It contains a lot of the history of the congregation, and comments by many of the participants in the finding and acquisition of this wonderful facility. Of particular interest is the story by Douglas C. Johnson that concludes this brochure. It tells the story of the realization that this abandoned building could be our longed-for church home. Doug passed away in North Carolina on May 10, 2006.

A Service of Dedication

&

A Celebration of Memories

With thanks to all,

past and present,

who made this day possible.

HISTORICAL SKETCH

1771 - Preacher Phillips, Circuit Rider, to Centerport - then Little Cow Harbor

1776 - First class meeting organized. Nathaniel Bunce - chosen leader

1776 - 1785 First Circuit Preacher - Philip Cox

1806 - First Camp Meeting - Kelsey's Wood (Eastbrook)

First Quarlerly Conference Circuit extended west to Jamaica and Flushing, South to Babylon, and across island to Cow Harbor (Northport)

Quarterly Conference - 2 day camp meeting - people came 20 miles.

1812 - House of Worship erected at Woodbine and 25A

1830 - Methodist Protestant Church , Centerport erected.

1833 - "Old" Methodist Church, Northport - Woodbine and Washington St. erected.

1853 - Northport Society erected new Church.

"Old" church sold and moved to west side of the pond at Centerport.

1900 - August 21st - Two Societies united. New Society incorporated, Oct. 15, 1900 as Centerport Methodist Episcopal Church. New church built on site of the Methodist Protestant Church

1901 - May 12 - “Present” church (Park Circle) was dedicated

1910 - Parsonage built next to Church on Little Neck Road

1941 - January 30th - Ground broken for new Parish House.

October 19th - Dedicated

1943 - 1951 - Remodeling of the “front” of the sanctuary -- Chancel

Mr. Henry Nilsson, Mr. Eugene Dittmar, Mr. George A. Bunce

1952 - Education Building constructed

1967 - Purchase of property at 37 Ft. Salonga Rd.

1971 - May 9th - Dedication of property at 37 Ft. Salonga Rd by Bishop Lloyd C. Wicke

1973 - February 4th - Congregational meeting secured a Fund Raiser for a new building on new property (37 Ft. Salonga Rd.)

1974 - Stewardship Crusade - January 18 - 29th

Harold E. Wagoner selected as architect

1975 - The design takes form

1976 - Detailed plans created

1977 - Plans completed. Building Fund Drive: 1977-1980

1978 - Plans abandoned. We look at options.

1979 - We purchase Little Neck School May 18. Three-year mortgage with School District. Herbert Neumann picked as Architect, Ted Cumella as Contractor for renovation

We consecrate our new church; Bishop W. R Ward - Dec. 16.

1980 Fifteen-year mortgage with Board of Global Ministries of UMC

thru Park Circle property sold to marine engineering firm.

1983 Bond program allows parishoners to make long-term loans to Church

New Parsonage erected on Little Neck Rd Property, Ft Salonga Rd property sold.

1995 - Mortgage Burning and Dedication; Bishop Forrest C. Stith - Jan. 22.

Memories Contributed by Members

Our memories of Centerport Methodist are all filled with beauty. Beautiful people who worked hard together to fill a dream. People like Fred and Mary Hill, Harvey and Cora Dallas, Dick and Nora Phelps, Bob and Adie Watson, Bob and Sharleen White, Barney and Dot Loughlin, Ralph and Ethel Abbott, Dick and Sue Oman, Doug and Cheryl Johnson, Bill and Judy Wilhelms, and oh so many, many more. The beauty of togetherness, the caring and struggling, the hours of real time and labor, contributed along with monies. It was a beautiful experience of sharing.

The parsonage setting was a source of beauty, too. George and Hazel, that graceful pair of swans that each spring brought the cygnets by for us to admire and then watch grow. Memories of Lakeside Services that even “Cutie”, our dog enjoyed. The rambling ranch that kept expanding to welcome those beautiful people. There were so many activities especially during preparation and construction time: board meetings, committees, youth groups, Bible classes, fashion shows. All these “doings” brought young and old to that beautiful setting.

Our memories are full of God’s goodness to us in a superb staff: Mickey Williams, our caring secretary; Ted Cobb, our loyal sexton; and the Margolf and Bobo families filling our hearts with glorious music. God was good to us all. Our memories are beautiful. May God keep your memories rich and beautiful, too.

Lou and Jean Young

Center Harbor NH

From: That “Darling Little Old Church,”

To: A huge old, red brick school house.

From: That inadequate parking lot,

To: The back acres, play yards and parking grounds.

From: Sunday School taught in the kitchen,

To: Choice of classrooms

From: Wesley Hall, jammed with people

To: Wesley Hall for dinners, coffee, lunches and muffins, and adequate kitchen and dishwasher.

From: Two Sunday Services to seat the people,

To: a Sanctuary as large as a gymnasium.

From: A basement stage with no lighting

To: A curtained, lighted, elevated area, to present drama and Hallelujah songs for the Glory of God.

May 97 Little Neck Road continue to flourish as a House of God.

Dick and Nora Phelps

Maryville TN

In order to save money and time during the remodeling, volunteers were needed to clean up the debris left by the workers during the day. It happens Helen Powers and I worked in the same room so we got busy with rags and vacuum cleaners. After many weeks working, the final week had arrived and lo and behold here we were back in the same room, completely finished. When Rev. Louis Young passed by I called him in and said we would like a plaque put up on the wall. “Helen Powers and Mina Zink swept here”!

You had to be there to experience the final emotional night. Everyone was rushing around putting on the final touches. I believe it was Max Fields and Walter Hahn holding the ladder so Milton Radimer could reach the lights. Jim Bobo was playing the organ, and our new pews were in place and as I sat there with our fellow grimy workers it was such a wonderful feeling to have come this far and accomplish our mission.

May those who will follow love and treasure our church as I do.

Mina Zink

One of the perspectives from which to view the flow of God's story in the Bible is the perspective of PREPARATION. God's Spirit moving in and between people creating the next opportunity, the next transformation.

PREPARATION. When I arrived in Centerport in July of 1980 and pulled into the circle in front of the church, there were bright yellow bows on the front doors of our brand new church which shouted, WELCOME HOME!

All had been done in preparation for the next opportunity, the next transformation. I was the heir of a congregation pastored by Louis Young who had guided the people in their wilderness experience of searching for a new home. I was to be pastor of a people who had been seized by a vision, and who committed thousands of dollars and hours to shaping that new home.

If you stand on Little Neck Road and look at the building which houses the church, it fits the land with a certain regal gentleness. As you wander around inside the same themes of gentleness and sensitivity are experienced. The sanctuary is warm and hospitable, it communicates its deep respect and appeeciation for the people who have been a part of the story and who will join that tradition of mission and ministry.

This celebration is an act of remembrance: our minds are flooded with the images of sisters and brothers who wrote the checks and lifted the burdens and provoked laughter and tears. Why did you do it ? To house the community of faith; to be ready for God's next opportunity, God's next transformation

Dave Houston

Norwalk United Methodist Church,

Norwalk, CT

I remember being very upset that building costs were so high we wouldn’t be able to build a sanctuary and education building on the Lake property (37 Ft. Salonga Rd). We had almost decided that we could manage a building with a multi-purpose room, which would be used for church services until such time as we could afford the sanctuary, when along came a directive from God. Our eyes were opened to the possibilities of the Little Neck School as our new church home! Joy to the world!

The UMW held their annual Fashion Show and Luncheon in May 1979, a week after we bought the building. We always held it outdoors at the Lake parsonage, but in the event of rain we had to have it in the church. No work had been done in our newly purchased building--Wesley Hall was not in good shape, (to say the least) and neither was the rest of the building. I was in charge of the event, and I agonized over what we would do if it rained. The day before the Luncheon we were setting up at the parsonage, and I looked down and found a four leaf clover! I knew then we would have clear weather, but the next day it poured rain!

I was chairperson of the first Christmas Fair in our new building. Brenda and John Piper were custodians and the three of us spent many hours setting up for the event. In those days the Fair was held on a Friday, and just before the doors were to be opened to the public, a crew of workmen arrived to do some work which would be noisy and also would block the entrance! Jean and Lou Young had to convince them to come back another time. Allotting space for the various booths was not easy, since tables were at a premium. I thought I had supplied Myrtle Dionne’s booth with enough display space. To my dismay she had a lot more of her lovely stuffed dolls and animals than I had planned for. Somehow the problem was solved, and I didn’t forget to give her more room at the next Fair. No longer were we crammed into the small basement on Park Circle; we had ample parking for our customers, and we gloried in the freedom of having room to spread our wings and display our talents.

I remember having church services downstairs in what is now a nursery school classroom (with the fireplace). We were all squeezed into the room but we didn’t mind because we knew that soon we’d be in our big sanctuary.

In March 1980 we had an 80th birthday party in Wesley Hall for Mom Oman. Many of her friends from the Hempstead and Setauket Methodist churches were present. Dick and Bob White took them on a tour of the building, and they went back to their respective churches awestruck at our good fortune.

Many people have written about the friendships that were cemented while renovating the building. There is something about working together toward a common goal, that truly sets the foundation for the caring and sharing we now experience. That work effort is now history; we now have a building that needs a new kind of effort...one that could be as gratifying as the first. Together we need to perhaps go a “third mile”: the upkeep and refurbishing, and continued maintenance of our church home. As we joyfully burn the mortgage and dedicate the building, I look forward to continued fellowship and Christian love, as we worship together in “This Room” and work together for our “church home”.

Sue Oman

Ever since 1957 when the Addington-Dallas families moved from Brooklyn and we met Rev. Joe Geary and his wife Audrey , we felt this was the church for us.

We joined the church and met and made friends with some wonderful people. Though some have moved away or passed away, there have always been new folks to take the place of old. Harvey and I have held various offices through the years as did Sue and Peter until they left us to go on with their education in different fields.

In our 38 years of having new ministers and their families come to us, this church has been blessed, and so has this whole congregation. Let us all keep the spirit and the friendliness alive for years and years.

Cora and Harvey Dallas

Here are a few of our family’s favorite memories of CUMC:

One Sunday in the old church building when Doug Johnson said to us, “Come on up to Little Neck School. I have an idea.” I especially remember the kindergarten area - seeing the little toilets and wash bowls and envisioning the nursery school.

Our Bill (now 15 1/2) was the last baby baptized in the old building. The pews had already been moved out. It was summer and we were supposed to worship outside, but it rained. So we met in the basement of the old church and sat on lawn chairs - and Bill was baptized!

Short quotes from our children:

“Mrs. Clarisse (Corrie) always had shells and fabric mice in her purse and would pull them out to give them to us.”

“Mrs. Phelps was always selling nuts.”

“Mr. Wilhelms was a great Sunday school teacher.”

“One of the Bobo girls and Annie Domencetti did a great comedy routine in the talent show - making and eating a peanut butter sandwich.”

“The Hahn boys and our boys skipped Sunday school and went to the attic. They found a bowling ball, rolled it, someone downstairs heard it, and chased them out.”

Sally, Jim, Jim, Dan and Bill Ryerson

Phoenix, MD

Children coming and children going - parents coming and going - all this activity directed toward what was known as the Little Neck Road School. Five days a week there was a Principal and teachers in charge. Such purposeful hustle and bustle took place for many years iin the building known as the Little Neck Road School and now recognized as the Centerport Methodist Church. There was a very happy, wholesome academic atmosphere there and it was loved by all. Really, not too much has changed except that Kindergarteners through sixth graders do not come into the building on school days- they are bussed to Lahey in Greenlawn. However, the Pre-schoolers are in the building every day and these children and their parents do come and go five days of the week. Oh, yes, in its recognition as a church there is a Minister in charge instead of a Principal, and there also is a Secretary - all just as it was before the change over. So one can see that the transition from Centerport School to Centerport Methodist Church, while different in specific curriculum, affords the community a purposeful and beautiful environment in which to worship our Lord.

Mary Syracuse Springfield, NJ

There are so many memories, that it is hard to condense into a short article, but I’ll just ramble on, and you can stop reading when you have had enough.

The first, in relationship to the building on Little Neck Road, is of Doug Johnson telling us that the Little Neck School was available and that he had arranged for the building to be open one Sunday after church on the pond, so that we could tour it.

As I entered the building for the first time, and walked into the gymnasium and looked around at the green tile walls that were covered with graffiti, broken windows, curtains on the stage hanging loose, I let my gaze turn upward to the cathedral ceiling and I could immediately see how the Lord was at work when this building was built in the 30’s. Yes, this could be a church, it was meant to be a church, and somehow we COULD do it! I never looked back to other possibilities. I knew that God, in His infinite wisdom had sent us here.

After the building committee was formed, with Bob and Barney Loughlin in charge, I took on the job of color/decoration person. Due to other commitments, Barney dropped out and the job was in Bob’s hands, along with other committee members.

Was it an easy job? Not in the least, but became one that absorbed our complete attention for the many months until the dedication. We spent just about every evening in the building, and most weekends, with many, many others, as there was so much to do, and with our limited funds, we tried to do as much as possible.

Our before and after pictures still hang on the wall in the vestibule. There is one showing either Bob or Brian, with a sledge hammer, swinging at a partial wall. This was the wall in the dining room. The small room was the nurse’s office, and as we needed more space for a fellowship hall, it was decided to take the wall down. Ted Cumella ulltimately took the wall down, but all of us (the White’s) took a swing at it.

One memory that I have, is of Bob and Lou Young, nose to nose, in some argument (one of many) over how something should or should not be done in the building. Take two very strong personalities, and put them in a trying situation and you have instant friction. We have had many a chuckle with the Young’s over this.

I also had my disagreements along the way, and the major one was with the architect in regard to his original plan for the sanctuary. He thought that we should have a very contemporary design, and was quite taken back when I told him that a contemporary design was unacceptable, and to rework his idea. Fortunately, he did listen, and came up with the design as you now see it.

I also suggested the cabinets at the end of Fellowship Hall, to be used by outside groups who rent space in the building,(Is that still being done?) and designed the coffee bar unit , to take away from additional confusion in the kitchen. And, I am also responsible for the high counter top, to be used for serving. Wonderful for taller people, but a trial for the shorter ones.

And just a ramble of memories:

The painting parties, with pizza at the end of a busy day. Wallpapering, with many coming to help, and upon saying they had never wallpapered, finding themselves at the end of the day, busy with brush and cutter. Ordering the narthex chandelier and delivering it to the church in my little station wagon. Summer meetings out on the front lawn, as the committee decided on pew choices. Taking down the huge stage curtain and delivering it to the company for fireproofing and cleaning, and then ordering additional curtains to replace those so damaged. Going to the Young’s about an additional something we needed to spend money on, and being told by Jean, “Do it now, now they will spend the money, but not later”. Standing on the oven hood while hanging paper in the kitchen. Pizza again. Being in the pantry with Bette Helgesen, where for some reason as we painted together, she discovered that I was just a person, and not “superwoman” that she always thought I was. Going with Marge Margolf to select the choir room curtains. Choosing the wallpapers and other curtain selections and wishing we could do all the rooms. After being told we couldn’t have coat hooks in the halls, going out and buying them, and while I measured, Bob put them up. Trying to keep the pantry straight (a later memory).

And somehow, with all the many hours of labor: scraping, patching, painting, electrical, plumbing, carpeting, wallpapering, it finally came to an end. Did we say “whew, we’re done, and now on to other things?” No, we and everyone involved missed this special time together.

As we sat at the dedication we could say, "Look Lord, you were right. We have pulled together as a family, we are one, we did it...Yes, Lord...WE DID IT!!!"

Sharleen White

Arnold MD

We started coming to CUMC in the early 60's. Bob sang in the choir and I taught Sunday School. We had looked for a church for a long time. We grew up with the church being a very big part of our lives. When we first visited CUMC we knew this was the church we wanted to join. After we had been attending for a while, I realized something was missing. It wasn't with the people, they were wonderful and I loved teaching Sunday School... and then we bought this building.

Working together towards the same goal; all ages, all abilities, made me feel needed and part of it all. This is where I REALLY got to know most of the people. This is where I met one of my best friends, a girl I was always in awe of - who could do anything she set her mind to. Well, we painted the kitchen closet together and she made a bigger mess than I did. That's when I knew I was part of this church.

These wonderful, caring people. This is your church - the people are the church. Paint a room, come to MOCS Days (Make Our Church Sparkle) - pick up a paper wrapper in the hall -- it's the best warm fuzzy you could get.

Bette Helgesen

How disappointed I feel not to be able to attend the Mortgage Burning Ceremony. Travelling from Maine at this time of year would not be very feasible for me.

Many wonderful memories of Centerport UMC are a big part of my life. Such a warm, caring group of people. I will never forget you. God Bless You all!

Mickey Williams

Union ME

After teaching in the kitchen, behind curtains and in the choir room at the old church, I was delighted to have such big spacious classrooms. Every week I changed the tables and chairs. Finally, I got the message that children like things the same, when Jeff Stempak looked in and said, “Is this our room?”

Ruth Saunders Collier Hendersonville NC

I remember an exciting staff meeting in the parsonage by the lake, with Lou Young , our minister, and the architect asking about where the choir loft should be, the seating capacity, etc. At that time, I had 15 choir members, but I was asked to envision my fondest dreams and make allowances for such an eventuality. So I asked for enough space to seat 30 choristers -- and my dream came true!

We rehearsed in what is now the nursery school, using an old upright vinyl-covered piano, generously donated by Peg and Jim Livers. Today we have 2 baby grand pianos, given as memorials by the Roesch and Washburn families, a recording system, and a wonderful organ, given by the people of this church. Our sanctuary is particularly beautiful, thanks to the dreams of many other people, and a joy in which to sing the praises of God!

Marge Margolf

Now it could be said that I am short on patience although it seems to be growing with age. But I recall a lot of patience on the part of Fred Hill and myself when trying to wallpaper the hallway outside the kitchen. Two very inexperienced people trying to get the paper straight and to stay up (me never before hanging paper and NEVER AGAIN), one of us on each side of the hall, laughing and grumbling. Finally we decided we needed 20 hands so we joined forces and worked together on one side until we got it perfect. Boy, were we proud!!!

Arlene Leskowicz

My memories of the journey from Park Circle are rich and varied. I think of sudden outbursts of steam when we fired up the boilers, and lots of exciting trips through the pipe alley. I think of Doug Johnson calling me and many others to go take a look at this old school, and “..give it a chance to become the Church it was meant to be.” I think of Bob Watson wondering what we would do if “we suddenly find we have to replace all the windows”, which we have since found out, in spades. I think of Tony Dionne, coming up to me with a big grin to announce that he was going to restore the brass lanterns on the front of the building, and how valuable they are. I think of the first time I saw how thick the walls were built in this building, and how that excess structure, designed and built when I was still an embryo, made it an economic necessity for the School District to sell to us instead of a developer. I think of Bill Wilhelms cornering me one day to express his concern that we were spending more than we had, and how that led to a bond program, in which you and your predecessors lent some of your reserves to the Church to give us the cash flow we needed.

But mostly I remember the night the School Board held a final hearing to enlist voter approval for our purchase. We were paying the $98,000 in three years, having a short mortgage with the school district so they didn’t have to spend the money in a single year. Some woman expressed her concern with that mortgage: “How can we be sure that these people won’t just walk away from the payments? Do we have any security?” Without missing a beat, the President of the school board replied, “Well Madam, the organization they represent has been in business for almost 2000 years, so I guess we can trust them for another three.” And so they could.

Dick Oman

In January 1979, Bonnie auditioned for the Harborfields PTA Scholarship Show. The rehearsal pianist was Marge Margolf, who noticed listed under “other performing experience” the words Penn State University Chapel Choir. Our family was new to Greenlawn, and still church-shopping. Well, Marge, here we are (15 football seasons later!). We didn’t do too much comparison shopping after getting to know more of the wonderful CUMC people who were involved with the Scholarship Shows, and attending services and Church Mice activities.

CUMC has been a huge part of our lives - friends, fellowship, service to the church. Thanks, CUMC family - may there be many, many more good years with you all!

Bonnie, Howard, Craig and

Brian Fichtel

We joined the Centerport United Methodist Church 26 years ago. Who would have known then how much it means to us now. Our children were confirmed there, some were married there and one was buried from there.

We will probably never know such love, fellowship and friendship from people we know and people we didn’t know.

I guess our most poignant memory would be what was given to us and our family when Brett was ill. Even though we had been away from the church for eight months and Brett was ill for ten months and he had not atttended since he and Laurie were married, I never thought that we would find such love and support during his illness. Your prayers, concerns, gifts and support will live with us forever. Thanks again to each & everyone of you.

Shirley and Jerry Patton

Charlotte NC

When Pastor Lou Young called on us late one night to talk about an electrical problem holding up work on the new church, he triggered an astounding chain of events. A group of older men, past the time of manual labor, gathered together and completed the electrical work. Just a few phone calls and we slowly joined and did it over a long period of time. Did it with joy, with good humour, and warm companionship!

The time to speak is when your heart is full. I hope to speak for all, those still here and those who are gone: Walter Hahn, Tony Dionne, George Klaus, Bob Samek, Milt Radimer, and lots of others.

Max Fields

During the Building Committee's first trip to Little Neck School, we stood in the all purpose room and envisioned how it would look and be used as a sanctuary. We decided that the pews would have to be moveable so many activities could be accomodated. At this point, Jean Young turned to me and said, "Ethel, you can't put basketball hoops or volleyball nets in here!"

Well, in our Sanctuary our youth have had talent shows, given worship services, been confirmed, played sardines and manhunt, played Methodist squares, listened to sermons, sang in youth choirs, watched films and learned to acolyte.

In Fellowship Hall and the classrooms, they learned to cook breakfasts and dinners, had haunted houses, fasted, did Bible studies, had lock-ins and retreats, rolled bowling balls in the atic, went up to the bell tower, had scooter hockey games, attended Church School, ran games at the Fair and made good friends.

Outside they played softball and volleyball, had water balloon fights, had picnics and cookouts, gave Easter Sunr ise Services, tossed frisbies, had Rally daus and flew kites.

I'd say they did just fine without basketball hoops in the sanctuary. Thanks to all for making OUR church such an important part of a teenagers life.

Ralph and Ethel Abbott

Before negotiations started on the purchase of the old Centerport School, I received a call one Saturday morning quite early from Doug Johnson who lived down the street from me. He knew I was working for the Harborfields School District at the time. He told me our church was interested in purchasing the Centerport School. He wondered if I knew whether the school was still for sale. As far as I knew, it was. I told him who should be called for particulars. I gave him the name of Dr. Robert Johnson, who was then Superintendent of the Harborfields School District, and his home phone number. Doug wanted to know if I thought it was too early in the morning to call Dr. Johnson. I assured him that no time was TOO early to make the call he wanted to make.

Bernice Perks

Thank you for the invitation to attend the Mortgage Burning Ceremony and the Dedication of the building to be held on Sunday, Jan. 22, 1995. It should be a wonderful, fulfilling event. Mary and I shall not be present in person, but certainly with all of you wonderful people in spirit.

We understand you as a church are planning what to do in the future to make the building and the church community more effective. This is wonderful to hear, and we await the outcome of all the planning that is underway. We commend you for it.

We had as fine an eight years at CUMC as we could have had. It was a terrific way to conclude one’s ministry. This is one reason Mary is retaining her membership there, and why I am having my required Charge Conference membership in Centerport. We shall continue our support in prayers and gifts, even though not in presence and on-site service.

We recall how we all looked forward to the time the mortgage would be paid in full. I cannot tell how many times I got out the schedule and went over the payments to count up the months and the amount of interest yet remaining. I knew I would be retiring before the final payment, but also knew that I had to do my best to see that the church attained it, as well as all other financial obligations. It was not easy, and we did not pay everything as we had hoped we would. But that is the past.

Your future can be as wonderful as you as a congregation are willing to make it. There is no limit other than that you set yourself, no goal unattained that you intentionally strive toward. Our prayers and blessings are with you as you develop your future.

Carl F. W. Kohn

Carroll Valley PA

The first thoughts that I had prior to moving to 97 Little Neck Rd. were the many disappointments that we had on building a new church on the lake property. Then one day Doug Johnson asked a group of the church members to go look at the old elementary school that was available. I think that most went to make Doug happy, but the tour of the building then really began to make sense. It gave us all that we were looking for, even to the rooms downstairs with the small sinks and commodes for the preschool children.

The school had been empty for about five years and so we began the negotiations with the school board to buy the property. It looked for a while that we would not be able to make a deal, for as soon as word got out, the developers started coming out of the woodwork, due to the large parcel of land. All they could see were new houses, but as time went on because of the construction of the building, thick walls, and concrete floors in the attic, the cost became too high for them to demolish and remove the trash.

Our original bid price for the building I believe was eighty nine thousand dollars. The school board felt that they could not accept much under one hundred thousand, so we raised our bid to ninety eight thousand, and in return received ten thousand gallons of oil. We also agreed to use the building as much as possible for community projects: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc., which also included use of the ball field.

As many of you have seen from the pictures hanging in the hall, I set up the folding chairs and tried to get a good idea of what it would look like and wondered how would we ever get the walls repaired and the leaks stopped.

Then the many meetings of the church members were held to try and decide how we could best spend our budget, what to buy new, what to move from the old building, and how much could we do ourselves. Little did I know at this point, that the new church would become Sharleen’s and my second home for the next six to eight months. It was amazing as the project caught on, how many people with little talent, found that with the Lord’s help they were able to answer our needs to keep the cost down. Most of all the group I called the “over the hill gang”, that did almost all of the electrical work in the building with the guidance of Max Fields. I could write a short story with all the memories I have. There are a few I remember the most: First, of the many discussions that Lou Young and I had on the way some things should be done, and one meeting in particular where people were leaving the room as he and I stood toe to toe, and of course, he won some and I won some.

Also, one of the late nights that Dick Phelps and I wallpapered the foyer, and then breaking all the rules about wallpapering with your wife, as Sharleen and I did much of the kitchen. Last but not least, the hall project, when we had so many people putting up wallpaper that had never done it before.

When the end came, and the project was over, I sat in the sanctuary to marvel at the end result and thinking I was by myself, heard a voice from behind me saying “Look at the bottom of the Appleyard Window, it says it all: YE HAVE DONE IT”, and turned to see Bob Domencetti several pews behind me.

Due to the total devotion of the membership we were able to bring in the building project at just ten percent above our original budget. I believe the many new friendships and stronger bonding of older friendships that happened while making a school into a church, made CUMC what it is today. A bonding that like most of us who have moved away have never been able to replace, and when we are low or in need of support, turn to our Centerport family.

Bob White

Arnold MD

Bishop Forrest C. Stith

Bishop Stith has episcopal oversight of the churches and pastors in the New York area of the United Methodist Church. ("Episcopal" is the term for the office of bishop.) The New York area includes roughly 520 churches and 170,000 members in eight districts extending from eastern Long Island to the Catskills and the western two thirds of Connecticut.

He was consecrated a Bishop on July 18, 1984 and assigned to the Western New York and North Central New York Annual Conferences. He was transferred to the New York area effective September 1, 1992. Bishop Stith is a native of Lincoln, Nebraska. He has served as a pastor in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, and was a District Superintendent in the Baltimore Conference. He was a charter member of the Black Methodists for Church Renewal, and is currently president of the General Council on Finance and Administration of the UMC. He and his wife, Josephine, are the proud parents of one daughter, Lori Crystal Stith, who is a practicing attorney in New York City. As a family, they have enjoyed visitation throughout the world, beginning as short term missionaries to Liberia in Africa.

Issues of special concern to Bishop Stith are peace and justice, inclusiveness, discipleship, and holistic spirituality. His interests are reading, the study of history and civilization, photography, and sports.

A Service for the Dedication of

THE CENTERPORT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

January 22, 1995

PERSONAL PRELUDE

"On acquisition or completion of any church building, parsonage, or other church unit, a service of consecration may be held. Before any church building, parsonage, or other church unit is formally dedi-cated, all indebtedness against the same shall be discharged." -- The United Methodist Book of Discipline, Paragraph 2545

PRELUDE

INTROIT

+126 HYMN "Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above"

+THE CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Whitfield

Grace and peace to you from God our Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord."

This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

Blessed be the Lord; may God's glory fill the whole earth.

+883 AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

+THE WESLEY DOXOLOGY

To God the Father, Son, and Spirit, one in three,

Be glory as it was, is now, and shall forever be.

Amen.

WORDS OF WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

THE UNISON PRAYER

Eternal God, let this building, which we dedicate to your name, be a house of salvation and Grace where Christians Gathered together may worship you in spirit and in truth, may learn of you, and may Grow together in love. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE LORD'S PRAYER

ANTHEMS "Hallelujah!" - Smith Cherub & Youth Choirs

"All Good Gifts" - Sleeth Youth Choir

THE WORD FOR YOUNG HEARERS Bishop Stith

+559 HYMN "Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation"

SCRIPTURE LESSONS

I Kings 8:22-30; Rev. Young

I Corinthians 3:10-23 Rev. Houston

ANTHEM "And the Father Will Dance" Chancel Choir

SERMON "Symbiosis and Faithfulness" Bishop Stith

PRESENTATION OF OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

+95 DOXOLOGY

+PRAYER OF DEDICATION

All things come from you, O God, and with gratitude we return to you what is yours. All that we are, and all that we have, is a trust from you. Accept our Gratitude as we renew our commitment to serve you with our hearts and our lives, within these walls and beyond them in all the world. Amen.

REMINISCENCE Bob White

HYMN "This Room" (in Booklet)

THE BURNING OF THE MORTGAGE

by the Bishop and present and former Pastors

+THE ACT OF DEDICATION

The Pastor:

Dear friends, now that all indebtedness on this building has been paid, let us dedicate this house and rejoice in its holy use.

The Bishop, with the congregation responding:

To the glory of God, who has called us by grace; to the honor of Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us; to the praise of the Holy Spirit, who illumines and sanctifies us;

we dedicate this house.

For the worship of God in prayer and praise;

for the preaching of the everlasting gospel;

for the celebration of the Holy Sacraments;

we dedicate this house.

For the comfort of all who mourn;

for strength to those who are tempted;

for light to those who seek the way;

we dedicate this house.

For the hallowing of family life;

for teaching and guiding the young;

for the perfecting of the saints;

we dedicate this house.

For the conversion of sinners;

for the promotion of righteousness;

for the extension of God's reign;

we dedicate this house.

In the unity of the faith;

in the bond of sisterhood and brotherhood;

in love and goodwill to all

we dedicate this house.

In gratitude for the labors of all who love and serve this church;

in loving remembrance of all those who have finished their course; in the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord;

we dedicate this house.

We now, the people of this church and congregation, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, grateful for our heritage, aware of the sacrifices of our mothers and fathers in the Faith, and confessing that apart from us their work cannot be made perfect, dedicate ourselves anew to the worship and service of almighty God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+THE DECLARATION OF DEDICATION Bishop Stith

With due reverence, and in confidence that our God accepts that which we do in God's name, I declare this house to be dedicated to the worship and service of almighty God. "Yours, O Lord, are the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all."

+545 HYMN "The Church's One Foundation"

BENEDICTION (seated ) Bishop Stith

CHORAL RESPONSE

POSTLUDE

+ + + + +

The Congregation is invited to a fingertip buffet luncheon in Wesley Hall after the service.

+ + + + +

We are honored today by the presence of Bishop Forrest C. Stith and his wife, Josephine; and by the returning clergy families of Lou and Jean Young, and Dave and Ann Houston, who have given so much in service to this church.

We welcome back Bob and Sharleen White who together led us through the renovation of the building .

ALSO IN MINISTRY WITH YOU TODAY:

Chancel Choir Director: Marge Margolf

Cherub & Youth Choirs Director: Betsy Bobo

Organist: James Bobo

Greeters: Bob and Sharleen White

Ushers: Howard Fichtel, Bill Somerville

Bob Damiano, and Bill Chea

Acolyte: Ryan Viets

Flowers are given for the glory of God and in loving memory of Margaret and Richard Loughlin by Harry and Margaret Burr.

"GOING THE SECOND MILE"

Doug Johnson

On a sunny but very chilly April 1, 1975, my wife Cheryl, my seven year old daughter Kyllan, my four year old daughter Kelly and me moved into our house down at the end of Prospect Road. It would become our home for the next fourteen years.

The next Sunday, we made our first visit to Centerport United Methodist Church. Getting into the church was no easy task. Where does a stranger find a place to park? Quickly I learned that Methodists were maybe exempted from public and private parking restrictions. Once inside the church, finding a seat was almost as difficult.

The little white wooden Church on Park Circle seemed the perfect complement to the beautiful historic Centerport community. Little did we know that the wonderful "angels" of Centerport United Methodist Church would also become our family.

We were transferees from Commack United Methodist Church. There my major Finance Committee Chairman responsibilities were to keep LILCO's power turned on each month. It was now a great relief to see a congregation without major financial problems. After an experience where a congregation couldn't support its new facilities, it was a pleasure to be a member of Barney Loughlin's Finance Committee. I was amazed to see operating budgets that covered expenses.

Even more amazing to me was the presence of a building fund to accommodate past and future member growth. The Centerport faithful, through disciplined savings and concerted fund raising efforts over that past decade, had accumulated a respectable down payment on a new dream.

During the next two years, the dream continued. The land was available and architects were drawing and revising. With the high inflation and instability of the nineteen seventies it started to seem that our dream would probably be truncated. It appeared we might end up with only a sanctuary, a few offices and a couple of classrooms-hardly what we needed. The congregation put a lot of thought and prayers into the solving the problem. Somehow I was appointed to put together a brochure for the building fund finance campaign. Our theme-- "GOING THE SECOND MILE".

The Centerport faithful always came through. Pledges were pretty much on target. Still, despite our best efforts, a large share of the congregation realized it would take a long and uncertain amount of time to acquire the facilities we needed to fully function. One