November 2023
1972. Richard Nixon was re-elected President and Gerald Ford was installed as Vice President. Ronald Reagan was Governor.
The Meals on Wheels concept originated in Great Britain during World War II during the bombings of the London Blitz. In 1947, the modern program began there with meals delivered to frail elderly citizens. Philadelphia started the program in 1954 and then spread to all 50 states; currently there are over 5,000 organizations. In 1972, Meals on Wheels arrived in Woodland, California when St. John's United Church of Christ noted a need for nourishing meals among the homebound seniors in the community. In 2016 Esparto, Sunday’s Table was created in coordination with the Yolo County Food Bank, the Esparto Food Closet (under the umbrella of RISE), Trader Joe’s and Nugget Market to help feed the hungry folks of Esparto and surrounding area on the north side of Countryside Church. We soon realized that the amount of food, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, was inadequate. It was decided to always have an abundance and not to settle for less, so instead of limiting the quantities or quality of food given, more fresh food would be provided. Local people started donating fruit and vegetables from their gardens, Durst Farms brought seasonal produce to supplement, and Countryside Church increased its purchases from the Yolo Food bank. Soon Sunday’s Table was able to offer a plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, cheese, and other ingredients for a healthy diet. In 2018, the distribution was moved into the courtyard of the church because more space was needed. The amount of table space went from 4 tables to 14. Raised garden beds and 6 fruit trees were planted in front of the Manse in 2021 to raise seasonal vegetables on site to supplement the distribution and also demonstrate growing techniques to clients.
December 5, 1971. Congregational Meeting. Rev. MacFadden acted as Moderator. A quorum was present for the purpose of hearing the recommendation of the Pastor Nominating committee. Mr. Lyndol Cunningham reported a unanimous vote of the committee to call Mr. William W. Gearhart of Grants Pass, Oregon. The terms of the Call were to begin January 1, 1972, as follows: Salary $7,200, Pension 15%, Auto at $.10 mile to a minimum of $600. Manse or housing allowance of $100, special fund for utilities and emergencies $300. Study leave 2 weeks with a drawing account of $200. One month vacation and moving expenses. The count of qualified voters was 48. Mr. Gearhart was accepted by all 48.
December 29, 1971. Session Minutes. The minutes of the Congregational Meeting of December 5 were approved with the corrections of the terms of call: Salary $5,300, Pension 15%, Auto at $.10 mile to a minimum of $600. Manse or housing allowance $2,800, special fund for utilities or emergencies $600. Study leave of 2 weeks with a draw account of $200 and the study leave to be cumulative. One month vacation and moving expenses.
April 11, 1972. Session Minutes. Bob Hayes and Joe Bradshaw reported on the proceeds of the Fredericks Estate. $5,000 was placed in regular savings; $6,000 was placed in a one-year Gold account; $6,000 was placed in a two-year Gold account; $1,500 was left in reserve in the general fund. A motion was made to authorize Trustees to sell the pump and sprinkler pipe from the estate. Motion was carried and so ordered. A motion was also made to authorize the Trustees to sell a strip of land received from the Fredericks estate. Carried and so ordered.
July 11, 1972. Session Minutes. Elsie Rominger reported on Vacation Church School. Approximately 80 children attended between June 19 and June 29. Approximately 5 children are going to Clavin Crest to camp. Jim Durst reported that approximately $400 was raised locally for Debbie Durst to attend the Ecumenical Institute in Chicago. An exact report will be received when Debbie returns from Chicago. Stained Glass Report: Mr. Gearhart reported all dealings with Hogan Studio have been set aside at this time and new arrangements are being made with Cummings Studio. Joe Bradshaw and David Herbst will go to see some of their works.
September 13, 1972. Session Minutes. A motion was made that we give Jim Durst permission to use the building for the RS-1 Ecumenical Institute on October 13-15, 1972. Carried and so ordered. A payment of $175 has been made for the first installment on stained glass windows to Cummings Studio. The suggested designs are to be submitted about October 15th. Joe Bradshaw will be our representative for the installation service for the Rev. Robert Dooling at Woodland on September 24, 1972, at 9:30am.
November 14, 1972. Session Minutes. Mr. Gearhart reported on the trip to Cummings Studio. Due to the delay in signing the contract they regret that it will probably be January 1974 before the Crucifixion window will be ready for installation. A motion was made to authorize the Trustee’s to sign the contract for the Crucifixion window. Carried and so ordered. The second window will be changed to the Ascension, sketches will not be ready before mid-January 1973. Guest, Rev. David Zollars extended an invitation to the Open House at the Religious House in Sacramento on Sunday, November 19, 1972, from 2-5pm. It is located at 2615 P Street.
December 12, 1972. Session Minutes. Janet Hayes gave the Building Improvement Committee Report. The action of the Session was as follows: 1.) Voted to purchase new carpeting for the sanctuary, entrance and down the stairway; 2.) Voted that the Improvement Committee select proper carpeting and arrange for installation, price range $3,000.; 3.) Voted to have the pews divided and add new ends. The committee will select the contractor from estimates received; 4.) Voted to repaint the entry before the installation of the carpeting; 5.) Mr. Gearhart will contact several architects about the improvements to the chancel; 6.) By agreement of the Session it was recommended to call attention to the improvements to the congregation for financial support for these improvements. Stained Glass Window Report. Cummings Studio will install the protective plexi-glass on the windows if they are both done at the same time. A motion was made that the last large window be in memory of the Original Founders of the church. Funds to be received from individual contributions. Carried and so ordered. Paul Stephens has agreed to be chairman for this committee, assisted by Hazel Sener and Madeline Bradshaw. The committee will have the responsibility to raise the funds for this window. A motion was made to accept this committee. Carried and so ordered. The theme of the window is being changed to the Ascension.
December 31, 1972. Special Session Minutes. The Session voted that we recommend to the congregation at the annual meeting that the by-laws be changed to reduce the size of Session and Trustees from 12 to 9 members and that the classes be divided into groups of 3 rather than 4. It was pointed out that this change will require another year to effect fully since the class of 1974 will continue to have 4 members. Upon motions carried, the meeting adjourned with prayer by the pastor, Mr. Gearhart, Moderator.
