THE BRIDGE BUILDER

Bridgebuilders Class History The compilation of Bridgebuilders history has come about with the help of many, many people; however, special thanks should go to Tom and Lanella Gray, Jerry and Jane Harper, Jerry Miller, Franklin and Gail Olson, Tommy and Helen Simons, Tom and Elaine Terrell, and Bob and Edith Zurik. Joy Davis Updated February 2008 File: History.doc 1 THE BRIDGE BUILDER An old man, going a lone highway, Came at the evening, cold and gray, To a chasm vast and wide and steep, With waters rolling cold and deep. The old man crossed in the twilight dim, The sullen stream had no fears for him; But he turned when safe on the other side, And built a bridge to span the tide. "Old man", said a fellow pilgrim near, "You are wasting strength with building here. Your journey will end with the ending day, You never again will pass this way. You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide, Why build you this bridge at eventide?" The builder lifted his old gray head. "Good friend, in the path I have come", he said, "There followeth after me today A youth whose feet must pass this way. The chasm that was as naught to me To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be. He, too, must cross in the twilight dim Good friend, I'm building this bridge for him". by Will Allen Dromgoole File: History.doc 2 BRIDGEBUILDERS CLASS HISTORY On a Sunday afternoon in late summer of 1964, Rev. Jerry Harper, who was then serving as the first Associate Pastor of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, met with a group of young couples to discuss forming a new Sunday School class for their age group. There were four couples in attendance: Gerald and Andy Applewhite Tom and Lanella Gray Franklin and Gail Olson George and Barbara Robbins There was much enthusiasm and it was agreed that they would begin meeting in the Scout House at 9:30 a.m. on the first Sunday of September 1964. Tommy Simons was asked to be their teacher. He accepted and the next order of business was to choose a name for the class. Much discussion and many name suggestions followed. The name Bridgebuilders, based on a poem by that name, written by Miss Will Allen Dromgoole, was chosen. The group thought the name would be indicative of their role in the growth of the new church. Members, new and old, have loved the name and continue the endeavor to "build bridges." CHARTER MEMBERS Gerald and Andy Applewhite Jim and Lady Barr Tom and Lanella Gray Jane Harper Joe and Ann Huffman Ray and Shirley Rabke Mark and Jane Johnson Franklin and Gail Olson George and Barbara Robbins Tommy and Helen Simons Francis and Jeannie Teas Tom and Elaine Terrell Craig and Nancy Wood Like most other adult Sunday School classes at that time, the Bridgebuilders studied the International Adult Lesson Series. This study continued for several years until it was decided that the class would study books by some modern theologians such as Martin Buber, Harvey Cox, C.S. Lewis, and others, until the new Methodist Church School literature became available. Some of these studies were led by class members. Some of the teachers assisting Tommy during the years 1964-68 were Ed Chambliss, Jim Keeny, Otto Glade, Franklin Olson, and Dick Sanderson. The class became somewhat of a training ground for prospective Sunday School teachers. Many new members joined, other members moved on to teach and lead in other areas of the church school and youth programs. The class grew steadily and in the 70's the meeting place was moved to the church parlor. Membership then numbered over fifty. After the church fire in 1979, the class moved to Room 115. Wesley Hall became the permanent meeting place in 1981. In 1983 the one hundredth member joined, and in January 1995 there are 237 members. As the membership grew, more guidelines were adopted, more projects undertaken and more traditions inaugurated. Bridgebuilders File: History.doc 3 strive to grow not in numbers but in quality of faith. It is that spirit that has brought the class from the few couples who built such a strong foundation to the many individuals who now make up the warm, rich fellowship. In 1976 the class voted to retain one-half of the loose plate offering each Sunday in order to have funds readily available for projects and activities. Class members usually put $1.00 into the offering each Sunday. Helen St. Martin wrote and distributed a newsletter to class members in 1975 and again in 1976. The first Bridgebuilders Bulletin was composed by Bob and Edith Zurik in October of 1982. They planned, edited and printed the Bulletin once each month through 1990 when they asked to be relieved of the responsibility. They expended many hours writing the newsy Bulletin so that the class members were kept abreast of all happenings. Bridgebuilders are doers! In 1984 it was decided that the class would make a minimum contribution of $100 each month to the Larkin Street ministry. The money was to come from individual donations, with any additional amount needed to reach the minimum taken from the class treasury. It was decided in 1985 that flowers not to exceed a cost of $20 be sent to class members if they were hospitalized overnight or longer. In the event of the death of a member, spouse or child living "at home", a memorial or flowers would be sent. This amount was not to exceed $50. In 1985 it was decided to devote a short time during the class session to "Special Occasion Time". Members having birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions would be recognized. They in turn would contribute $2 for an anniversary and $1 for any other occasion. These funds were to be placed in the party fund. In order to be in accordance with the Adult Sunday School Councils' plan to have all Sunday School officers change uniformly, the Class voted in 1986 to change its election to December and have the officers and committees serve on a calendar year basis. In 1987 a Memorial Fund Committee was created to receive memorial gifts, administer funds, and recommend projects. In 1989 a Project Committee to research available resources and review and present projects to the class, was created. The members of the committees were appointed by the Class President. In 1987 song books for the class were donated by an anonymous donor. In 1988 it was decided that flowers would be taken to members hospitalized for more than one night. The flowers would be taken to the member by a couple who volunteer to be "Flower Stewards" for one month. They would be notified by the "Sunshine" Chairman or President. The policy of calling a planning meeting very early in the year for new officers and committee chairpersons was begun in 1988. The meeting is called by the incoming President. The immediate Past Presidents are included in this meeting. In 1989 the Class voted to continue refreshments (coffee, juice and "nibbles" served before class). Due to increase in size File: History.doc 4 of class and in consideration of choir members who must leave early, the following policy was adopted: * Two hosts/hostess couples/singles to serve each Sunday. * Class members may choose to be on either coffee/juice list or the * "goodies" list. The schedule appears in the Bulletin each month. At the same time in 1989, the class voted on a "projects" ballot to define objectives in the area of class projects. The following objectives were approved: * Projects considered by the committee should be both financial support and/or service (work projects). * Projects should be considered on a year-round basis (not just special * holidays). The target level of project expenditure for the year was established at $1870 (the average of suggestions made by class members voting). escalating term. In 1992 the Organization for Service (copies available) was issued. This describes the duties of each officer and committee. The officers and committees expend many, many hours, but much satisfaction comes from the cooperation and Christian spirit shown by each member. In fact, there are so many talented members that the teachers are usually recruited from within the class - a different person each Sunday. One Sunday each quarter, a "guest" teacher is invited to teach. The International Adult Series is the study guide. A different class member is asked to give the Morning Prayer each Sunday. Bridgebuilders is a group of caring, knowledge-seeking individuals who enjoy worship, fellowship and fun (see "Social Scene") as a class of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. PROJECTS By sponsoring worthy projects, the class endeavors to benefit many beyond the realm of the immediate membership. Some of the projects the class has undertaken in past years have included: * Helped the Nguyens (a Vietnamese family) and provided a tree, decorations and gifts for their first Christmas in America * Contributed a minimum of $100 per month to Larkin Street ministry since 1984 * Made contributions to Anchor House, Yahweh Mission, Youth Camp Scholarships, Happy Harbor, St. Stephens Society, Basse people of Liberia to help ministry with teaching and treating clinic, Memorial Assistance Ministries The Class voted in September of 1990 to change the name "Flower Stewards" to "Visitation Stewards" and in most cases to have them take a glass Bluebird of Happiness (in lieu of flowers) to hospitalized members. In 1990 it was decided to add to the elected officers the position of Second Vice President. This person has become one of the most active and needed officers, substituting for the President when needed and "setting up" the classroom, sound system, and in general seeing to the details of a smooth class period. The first year for this office was 1991. It is a 1-year non- File: History.doc 5 * Placed set of Interpreters Bible in church library * Bought "Shofar" for Sunday School classes * Underwrote permanent public address system for chapel and Wesley Hall * Funded food baskets for church custodial staff many years at Christmas and Thanksgiving * "Adopted" families for food, clothing and gifts at Christmas, 2 to 4 families each year * Outfitted several underprivileged school children with clothing * Gave Christmas and Thanksgiving food baskets to several inner-city area families * Gave monies to several students from Memorial Drive Church who were studying for Christian service * Bought gas range for Sister Gay's Yahweh Mission * Built and painted flats and served in many capacities for "Old Bethlehem" * Helped to underwrite altar kneeling cushions. (Class members Lucy Carter, Josie Collins, Mary Kirby, Margaret Ann Reed, and Barbara Stabler each needlepointed a cushion) * Decorated Christmas tree in Wesley Hall * Furnished workers, materials and funds to repair an inner-city house during Mission Week 1991; and for two houses in 1992 * Helped with Festival of Visual and Performing Arts * Bought television set for use in Sunday School rooms, especially the Children's Department * Helped purchase a helicopter for medical missionaries in Africa SOCIAL SCENE In 1972 Bob and Edith Zurik joined the Bridgebuilders Class. They have served in almost every class office and since 1981 have served as Social Chairpersons. They have built many traditions and keep members wondering where and what the next party will be. In 1981 the first Christmas breakfast was held. This event is always at the church and has become an annual event on a Sunday morning in early December. In 1986 many Bridgebuilders enjoyed dinner at Weimars' Old Country Inn, in Weimar, after the first annual Road Rally which carried this group over miles of interesting country roads. The annual Road Rally has become one of the favorite parties and is always filled with mystery, interesting sites, and good food. Through the years there have been many unique, interesting and fun times as Bridgebuilders strengthened their bonds. Some memorable parties have included: * Theater parties * Progressive dinners to various members' homes * Barbecue at Voorhees' farm near Weimar * Sweetheart Banquet at Family Life Center * Luau at Perkins pool * Tour of Tom and Lanella Gray's Arabian horse ranch near Brenham - Barbecue and File: History.doc 6 early wild flowers were enjoyed * Travelogue Mystery - Ice Cream Social * Dinner & Vespers - Southern Breeze at Navasota * Weekend at Lazy Hills Guest Ranch near Kerrville * Trip to Bayou Bend to view Christmas decorations * Fish fry at Pinckney's farm near Hempstead * Chili Supper * Picnic in the bluebonnets - Huffman's farm, Washington-on-the-Brazos * St Patrick's Day Dinner * Mexican Fiesta - Harris County Extension Service Auditorium * Lunch - Farris Hotel in Eagle Lake, followed by wagon rides through commercial wildflower fields * Super Summit Summer Supper * Rodeo and BBQ supper - Astroarena * Chinese Buffet - Great Hall * Mardi Gras costume party - Great Hall * Weekend trip to Galveston - sightseeing, beachcombing, fishing and eating; ending with early, early SS class in order to be in church for 11:00 a.m. service Bridgebuilders share each other's burdens and celebrate each other's joys, all the while studying to strengthen their faith and deepen their knowledge of God's Word. THE BULLETIN Helen St. Martin, Class Secretary, wrote the first newsletter on record in December 1975. Bob and Edith Zurik began publishing the “Bridgebuilders Bulletin” in November 1982 and continued through 1990. Marv and Louise Kiel became the new editors in January 1991. As near as we can determine, we began publishing on the church web page in October 1999. File: History.doc 7 PAST PRESIDENTS 1964-65 1966-67 1968-69 1970-71 1972-73 1974-75 1976-77 1978-79 1980-81 1982-83 1984-85 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 Gerald Applewhite Howard Pitman Bob Whittenburg Tom Terrell Tom Stevens Wayne Robertson Barbara McNerney George Voorhees Elizabeth Lay Jack Tulloss Jack Threet Rayford Kay Ed Causey Clyde & Janice Bane Alec & Norma Anderson Charlie & Martha Card Bob Ferguson Dick Sanderson Bob Shetler Tiger Morris Bob Holmes Buford Foster 1965-66 1967-68 1969-70 1971-72 1973-74 1975-76 1977-78 1979-80 1981-82 1983-84 1985-86 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 Mark Johnson Bill Pool Chuck Dixon Bob Garrett Richard Glanville Ray Sauder Bob Zurik George Collins Clarence Mantooth Doris Knight Hal Haltom John Kirby Joy & J.B. Davis Clay & Lucy Carter Betty & Lee Luntz Verna & George Lehman Pat Gidden Pat McKinley Peg Byers Lavella Chrisman Ruth Brady Marian Glade File: History.doc 8