Remembering
by Dorothy Chamberlin
(About our Historian Dorothy Chamberlin
*)
Part I - Getting Started
Did you ever wonder how Orangewood Presbyterian Church came to be? Who started it? Why this location was chosen? Where in the world the name "Orangewood" came from?
In the beginning it was a vision of. Rev. Doug Vance, First Arizona Synod Executive. He appointed the Rev. Claude Morten, a representative of the Presbyterian Board of National Missions, and the Rev. "Pat" Patterson, organizing pastor, to lay the ground work for a new Presbyterian Church in this area.
During the summer of 1953 "Pat" and Claude walked miles of streets in this area telling residents of the new church and inviting them to services in the home of "Pat" and his wife, Helen. By September the group had outgrown the Manse, so arrangements were made with the Madison School District for the use of the Simis Elementary School Cafetorium for Church School and Worship services.
50 years ago this area was "way out in the country” - the Arizona Canal at Indian School was the northern boundary of Phoenix. This area of the Madison School District was only 30% settled. The first choice for the location of the new church was Glendale and 12th Street, but that had been designated for Our Saviors Lutheran Church.
This area was mostly citrus groves. Mr. Wasser, an elder of First Presbyterian Church, and owner of Wasser Nursery on 12th Street just north of Glendale Avenue deeded us 3/4 acre; we bought 1 1/4 acre for $5,000 with an option to buy an additional acre for $1,000. In 1963 we bought another acre for $13,000; 1/4 acre was set-aside for the Manse. Wasser gave $6,000 in land the first 2 years.
At one time there was a trolley that ran on Glendale Avenue from the Village of Glendale through agricultural areas to 7h Street. This community was called "Orangewood." Betty Waters, a Charter Member, suggested our church be called "Orangewood." She won the name contest.
Part II - The Early Days
It was an exciting time! We had looked forward eagerly to the day we would be worshipping in the Simis Cafetorium. It was a joyful and enthusiastic congregation that met for its first services in September 1953. Following Sunday School and Worship, the first order of business was to elect a Planning Committee. Paul Hughes, Harold Wagner, Bob Capps, James Carter, Bob Ash, Ona Hardy and I were elected. * (Silver Chalice Story)
We spent many hours dealing with the "nitty gritty" details involved in planning for our organizational meeting which was scheduled for December 13, 1953. Our last task was to choose a slate of Elders for the congregation's approval.
We nominated Paul Hughes, Harold Wagner, Bob Ash, Glenn Jones, Fred McFarland, and James Carter. They were duly elected by the congregation and ordained during our Organizational Service, December 13th. Their tenure was determined by drawing lots. Fred McFarland was Orangewood's first Clerk of Session. John Waters was appointed Sunday School Superintendent.
The Commission on Church Extension of the Presbytery of Phoenix was in charge of our organizational services. The Rev. Doug Vance had the sermon -"The Keys of the Kingdom." There were 100 members received as Charter Members, * and the Charter was extended to all persons joining Orangewood on or before January 10, 1954. Charter Membership Certificates were given to 116 members on January 16,1954. Our budget for that first year was $4,033.60 - total collections for 1954 were $6,000. The Board of National Missions paid our Pastor's salary - $3,600; Rent - $900; Pension - $372.62.
Of course, the "fly in the ointment," so to speak, was that we had the use of the Simis Cafetorium only on Sunday mornings. If we wanted any socializing, it was up to us to do some creative planning. No problem!
Orangewood's first Ice Cream Social was held in John and Betty Waters' backyard. Those responsible for making the ice cream met in the home of Chuck and lone Bullard, bringing their freezers with them. There they did the mixing and freezing and then carted it all over to the Waters' home. A wonderful time was had by all!
Chuck Bullard, who was working for a school district, organized a "Watermelon Feast and Swim Party" at the Community Pool at Dunlap and 2nd Street. They reserved the pool for a weekend evening. The schools in Chuck's district paid $20 a ton for watermelons, so he was able to get our melons CHEAP .He also knew a vendor at Central and Osborn who let him cool the melons in his walk-in cooler. Chuck and his helpers trucked the melons to the pool site, but since the pool was fenced in, they had to park the truck on 2nd Street as close to the fence as possible. Some of the men then tossed the melons over the fence to others to catch. What fun!
We wanted to have a Vacation Church School, so we came up with the idea of "Carport Vacation School. " Each class was held in a carport of neighboring members. Can you imagine such a thing-taking place today? It worked beautifully for 2 weeks in June 1954 and 1955.
The Women's Association, which was organized in January 1954, sponsored a Spaghetti Dinner in the Sunnyslope Presbyterian Fellowship Hall. It was also on a hot summer day, and the Hall was not air-conditioned - just ceiling fans!
These are a few examples of our extensive activities. Don't you agree they are "creative?"
Part III - Bits and Pieces
Here are some bits and pieces of Orangewood’s early days – not necessarily in chronological order.
January 19, 1954, the women of the church were invited to the home of Helen and “Pat” Patterson, our first pastor, for the purpose of organizing a Women’s Association (which later became United Presbyterian Women). Three Circles met morning, afternoon and evening. The Association held its first Fiesta in November to raise money for small essentials for the kitchen. They also had a “Dish Towel” Morning Coffee. Each guest was asked to bring a dishtowel for our kitchen.
On March 4, 1954, the Women’s Association started serving coffee following Sunday services. This was a ”responsibility delegated” by the Session. In March we also began having Church greeters on Sunday morning. We were still meeting in the Simis Cafetorium.
The “Men’s Club” was organized for the “express purpose of encouraging fellowship and growth in our church through calling activities”. At one period, the women’s Circles took turns serving the “Men’s Club” dinner before they went calling. Both men and women called on prospective new members and people who hadn’t been to church for a while just to see how they were and have a visit.
In June we began the tradition of presenting Bibles in church to those children from the Primary department who will be entering the Junior department of Church School.
John and Betty Waters felt it was too bad we couldn’t have a reception for New Members. On November 17, 1954, they had such a reception in their home. They don’t remember doing it, but I found out about it!
By fall 1954 we were excited as we faced the challenges of Orangewood’s first Building Fund Campaign. It was scheduled for November 1-7, 1954, and our goal was $30,000. At the end of the week pledges totaled $31,628.
On April 28, 1955, the contract for $46,236 had been signed with Ray Peterson to build Fellowship Hall and the South Wing of the Christian Education facility. This did not include heating and cooling equipment. Harold Burns was concerned about the possibility of fire while the buildings were being constructed, so he furnished $50,000 in fire insurance.
September 25th at 7 pm, a joyful congregation gathered for the dedication of our new buildings and to accept the keys from Presbytery for Fellowship Hall and the South Wing of the Christian Education facility. Our first worship services in Fellowship Hall were held September 29, 1955.
A Home of Our Own - c.1955 (Note Dirt Road)
Part IV - Mission and Fellowship
Two organizations contributed greatly to the life of Orangewood in the early days – the Women’s Association and the Sandjammers.
Our Women’s Association was very active in all phases of life at Orangewood and in Presbyterial (Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of the Grand Canyon). In 1969 they “disaffiliated” from Presbyterial and our women regrouped as Orangewood Service Group. They met twice monthly for fellowship and work. Over the years until 1983, the Service Group made and distributed thousands of articles to Desert Mission, “Back to School Clothing Drive”, NPCM (North Phoenix Corporate Ministry), Visiting Nurse Service, VA Hospital and the Esperanza Hospital Ship. They also took an offering each month and gave money gifts to Human Resources, Tsan Family, Desert Mission, Salvation Army, Navajo Health Foundation, and Headstart. In 1983 they again joined Presbyterial as UPW (United Presbyterian Women). Our PW at Orangewood are still involved in Bible study, mission, ministry and friendship. Current mission projects include: Fellowship of the Least Coin, Cook College, Ganado and John C. Hyson School for Native American Children.
Several years ago Evelyn Burns wrote the history of the Sandjammers: Traditionally the couples clubs (or Mariners) of the Presbyterian Church were named for Clipper ships, but we felt our name should be indicative of the desert…the name “Sandjammers” seemed appropriate.
Our first priority was getting acquainted and accessing the talents of our members. In the beginning most of the maintenance of the church was done by volunteers, and most Saturdays were workdays. The men mowed the lawn, built cabinets, tables, etc. The women brought flowers for the altar, cleaned and arranged the Church School rooms, and always kept the kitchen in order.
We tended the nursery on Sunday Mornings as our “Cargo.” We brought cans of food to our meetings and regularly donated food and clothing to the food and clothing banks. Our pancake suppers were our number one fund raising events. We even had Aunt Jemima herself several times!
Ultimately there were four couples clubs distinguished by age ranges: Sandjammers, Cactus Clippers, Road Runners and Desert Dinghies. The Desert Dinghies remains and became an active fellowship group with not only couples but also singles. Members continue to plan monthly activities for the group. The age range is generally 50-70 now.
Under Pastor Patterson’s leadership, Orangewood began a long history of sharing itself with refugees from other countries. In most cases this has been an especially rewarding experience. Learning to live in a new country and changing habits is sometimes hard for adults and most churches find an occasional situation where it doesn’t work out. There are others who are extraordinarily adaptive to change and come with a terrific attitude. Such people were Jake and Nancy Hartkamp and their four children who came to us in 1960. The Mission Board was urging churches to invite families from the Netherlands where there had been much immigration from Indonesia. Jake had been in a Japanese prison camp in Indonesia, and upon his release returned to his homeland. Len and Jake and Nancy were very much a part of the congregation and were invaluable in assisting with other newcomers. Nancy is still an active member.
The Tsan family was among the “boat people” from Laos. * Speaking no English they only wanted a job for the father, Chu Nam, and school for their four children. Many members helped them learn English and how to function in Phoenix. They developed a restaurant in Tempe and then started The Great Wall Buffet in Sun City. Many other family members subsequently came to Phoenix. They have all prospered and brought great satisfaction to those who knew them.
“Pat” Patterson had been hired as our organizing pastor and with strong support from the Synod and our session he stayed on until October11, 1960, when he announced he would be leaving. He left on March 1, 1961. The Rev. Sam Lindamood was called in July and was installed as pastor in September 1961.
Part V - "The Lindamood Years"
The Rev. Sam Lindamood, his wife, Ann, and their 3 delightful little daughters, Robin, Wendy and Peggy, arrived Sept. 1, 1961. It was the dawn of a new, exciting period in the life of Orangewood.
Sam challenged us to see beyond our orange grove, to go into the community to serve, but to always return to the Church for spiritual nourishment to strengthen us for the tasks before us. He admonished us to enjoy and make the most of each day, to discover who we are as human beings and to accept our responsibilities as Christians.
It was a joy to work with Sam, and we tried many programs. One such program that Sam and Duane Holloran (an assistant pastor) led was small groups of 8 persons. The purpose was to learn, support, care and trust one another with love. Lifelong friendships were forged.
Sam didn’t always get his way. The first year he was here, he suggested we discontinue the tradition of giving bibles to the Primary children entering the Junior Dept. He felt very strongly that should be the responsibility of the parents. We agreed, BUT we pointed out that in all probability some parents would fail to give bibles, and we would have hurt and embarrassed children. It took several years but Sam finally gave up. Therefore our tradition of giving bibles continues today.
One of Sam’s favorite quotes was that he “came to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable,” and that he did! In all his years at Orangewood, Sam never permitted us the luxury of self-satisfaction!
Under Sam’s leadership, we became amazingly open to new ideas, accepting innovation and new methods. Individually and collectively the members of Orangewood became very active in community services. To mention a few: North Phoenix Corporate Ministry, Ministry to Urban Phoenix, Barrio Youth Project, League of Women Voters, Arizona Boys Ranch, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Food and Clothing Banks, LEAP, Mobile Angels Meal Service (MAMS), etc.
In July 1962 the Rev. Robert Schmidt became our first Assistant Pastor. Bob worked with the youth and Church School for 2 years before returning to continue his studies at Princeton. In January 1964, the Rev. Lawrence Manross was added to our staff and later became Associate Pastor. .
On World-wide Communion Sunday, 1964, a joyful and thankful congregation gathered for the dedication of our present Sanctuary. To describe the unique symbolic beauty of our building, I will use excerpts from Sam’s dedication sermon “The Shape of Tomorrow.”
…”Our new building contains certain things that are helpful, symbolically at least, as we think about shaping tomorrow…..as you enter our building, your eye is caught by the communion table. Everyone sits close around this central symbol. Then the eye sees the central pulpit which speaks eloquently of the centrality of the Word of God…..But the eye keeps moving until it meets the most prominent symbol…..the empty CROSS of Jesus Christ. Empty because we celebrate the Risen Lord…..Our lives have been shaped by what God has done for us. Our building expresses it…..We can only shape tomorrow if we keep the CROSS right where it is in this building – IN THE CENTER.”
An exciting new dimension was added to Orangewood Sept. 1, 1965, when Bob and Joyce Page signed a “one year” contract and joined our staff as Ministers of Music. 25 years later they retired. They had arrived in Phoenix in June with their five children – all being wonderfully talented musically.
The Pages organized Orangewood’s music program into five choirs: Adult, Senior High, Junior High, Junior (4th – 6th grades), and Primary (2ndand 3rd grades). At that time Orangewood was comprised predominately of young families living close to the Church. Families with several children each meant there were many children and youth in the church.
One of the problems facing the young congregation was a lack of classroom space. To make better use of our buildings, a very successful “Wednesday School” program for Primary and Junior departments was initiated. The Revs. Duane Holloran and Gene Lefebvre were added to our staff in 1966 and 1968. Under their creative leadership a dynamic and enthusiastic youth program developed
This was a very popular program. One year there were 98 fourth through sixth graders in the choir, and it was necessary to divide the group; the girls met with Joyce in the Banner Room while Bob took the boys on the old stage in Fellowship Hall.
The Senior High Choir and the Junior High Choir rehearsed on Sunday evenings, scheduled conjunctively with the youth groups’ meetings. On November 14, 1965, the Adult Choir led the 9:30 service and the High School Choir sang for the 11:00 am service, a responsibility they kept until that service was discontinued many years later.
Part VI - "Growth Through Music and Troubled Times"
Bob and Joyce Page, having spent years in the Church with a background of classical experience, found it difficult when Sam began early on talking about use of contemporary music. Sam proposed this form of worship to Bob about 1967, but Bob did nothing about it. Finally Sam told Bob, “Get your daughter or someone else to lead the people if you don’t think you can, because we are going to have contemporary services and contemporary music and very soon.”
Sue Ellen Page brought from Westminster Choir College, where she was a student, a copy of the “Rejoice Mass” which was a setting of the Mass with guitar, banjo, drums, and bass. It was used on Feb. 23, 1969, at both morning services with much excitement to most of the congregation. The second Sunday of each month had contemporary services at both worship services, using both the adult and youth choirs. Orangewood continued this format for at least a decade.
After a few months Bob had to admit to Sam, “You made a believer out of me.”
These choirs not only served by leading in Sunday worship services, but produced cantatas, oratorios, and sacred musicals. Something unique to Orangewood was the production of Menotti’s Christmas opera, “Amahl and the Night Visitors” by the Page family. In the fall of 1981 Bob started the Senior Highs on a secular work called “Twentiana”, a medley of 7 songs from the 1920’s. The students loved it, sang it well, and needed a further outlet. Thus the Dessert Theater was born in 1982. Nine of these productions, involving the music ministry and the Parish Life Committee, delighted Orangewood and visitors who found out about it. The Dessert Theater continued under Christopher Samuel’s direction for 11 more years, ending in 2001 with a gala 20th Anniversary review directed by both Bob and Christopher.
Christian Education at Orangewood during the late 60’s and early 70’s was enhanced by supplementing the weekly Church School and Sunday evening programs with occasional out-door adventure events.
The Youth and Adults worked together in groups to accomplish the adventure and develop a sense of Community, caring and mutual respect; at the same time developing a sense of self-reliance, self-esteem, and personal worth.
Orangewood’s good fortune to have these educational experiences derives from Gene’s being on the governing board of the PAK Foundation which was formed in 1968 by the Patmans and the Aikens, parents of two associates of Gene’s. One of their sons was accidentally killed on a backpack outing when an earth slide occurred. The other son was a marine killed in the line of duty. So, convinced that out-door experiences were beneficial to the development of youth, and especially under the gifted leadership of Church oriented persons, the bereaved parents formed the PAK Foundation. They chose Gene as its leader.
Orangewood’s program was used as the pilot for PAK’s main effort, the Challenge Program. Using the experience gained with the adventures at Orangewood, the Challenge Program was carried into various High Schools. In addition to the benefits to Orangewood, PAK and the Challenge Program benefited hundreds of youth in its 17 year existence.
Everything was buzzing right along at Orangewood until the latter part of April 1972 when I received a letter from the Pastor Nominating Committee in the Community Church in Piedmont, CA, asking for a recommendation for Sam! For a moment I felt like giving Sam a good swift kick. Instead, I called to see if he was in his office and went down to see him. He told me he needed a new challenge; he was finding himself becoming complacent and he felt we were beginning to take him for granted. He felt we all needed a change. The following Sunday he told the Congregation he would be leaving June 1st.
In June 1973, the Rev. Kenneth Gates was presented to the congregation. In August he and his wife, Joan, arrived to join our Orangewood family. We looked forward to a new season of joyful growth under his leadership. As there are times within families when there is dissention, frustration, misunderstanding and heartbreak, so it was such a time with our Orangewood family. First, there was a group who felt they could not work with the Rev. Gates, and they also preferred contemporary-type worship. With the blessing of Orangewood and permission of Presbytery, a group left Orangewood and became Sunrise Presbyterian Church. They called the Rev. Gene Lefebvre to be their pastor. It continued to be a rocky time at Orangewood, until the Session finally asked Presbytery to intervene. In July 1977, Presbytery dismissed Rev. Gates; dissolved Orangewood’s Session; appointed a Presbytery Committee to oversee the care of Orangewood, and appointed Rev. Dr. Mark Koehler to be our interim pastor. Dr. Mark was indeed an Agent of Reconciliation, and under his loving care and the continuing ministry of Bob and Joyce Page, we came through our season of unhappiness and became the joyful, loving church family Orangewood has been since.
Part VII - "Team Bracey, Haddon, Clanton, and Stebe"
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Dale Bracey, Barb Haddon and Bob Stebe |
In November 1979 we enthusiastically welcomed the Rev. Dale Bracey, his wife, Barbara, and their sons, Jeff and Todd. It was truly a time of rejoicing. Under their loving leadership Orangewood once again began to flourish. Exciting new programs became THE thing!
A whole new dimension was added to the life of Orangewood when the Rev. Barbara Haddon was called to assist Dale. She, her husband, Bob, and their two daughters, Tina and Debbie, arrived in August 1980. As a team, Dale and Barb (as we called her) worked together closely and enthusiastically in pastoral and leadership tasks of the “Orangewood Family.” We were indeed privileged to have two such loving and caring pastors.
Because youth work was not making the permanent, significant impact on the lives of our young people that we desired, a group brainstormed what we could do to make a dramatic shift in our approach. The Youth Ministry Pilot Project was born. Orangewood was given a grant by group of businessmen to develop new models of ministry with youth that would accomplish the goals of commitment to Christ, a strong Christian identity, significant relationships with adults, and peer group support. The Rev. Ben Clanton joined our staff in October 1981 as a specialist in pioneering this project. Ben was a very special person. He had a zest for life, and loved the young, the old, and the in-betweens. They in turn loved him. It was exciting to watch the Pilot Project take form. In one short year he had accomplished much before he was brutally murdered in September 1982. We were all in a state of shock.
Barbara Bracey accepted the challenge of picking up the broken hopes, and steering the Project to focus on developing a team ministry of adults and youths. This focus shaped the Project for the following six years. In 1983 the Rev. Bob Stebe joined our staff as Director of the Youth Project.
Both Dale and Barb placed high priority on equipping God’s people for their ministries in the world. There were many super programs for all ages. They developed an extensive course for briefing and integrating new members. In addition, the new Elders and Deacons were prepared, through evenings of study and overnight retreats, before they were installed to office.
There was a focus on adult education and biblical equipping. Barbara Bracey and other talented lay people were teaching arresting, basic, and short-term courses on Sunday mornings. Dale and Barbara became certified to teach the 2-year course called “Crossways.” It is an in-depth survey of the entire Bible. It helped many Orangewood members to become better acquainted with the Bible. Their first class of 36 students was an exciting success. Barb Haddon also became involved in teaching “Crossways.” Interest grew to support five different groups of adults who completed the course. Upon completing the class, Bette Finley told us, ”Studying Crossways was the most faith expanding experience that I have had on my spiritual journey.”
Throughout Dale and Barb’s years as our shepherds, a number of small group activities were offered. Dale was no dummy! He recognized the importance of Adult Education, and turned one of the finest teachers anywhere loose to teach –Barbara Bracey! She worked with small groups and led FOCUS with Dale. She had recently developed courses in personal growth and understanding ourselves. Her favorite had to be teaching the Bible. One of her Crossways students remarked, “If the class was a ship, Barbara would be the wind behind the sails.”
There were “The Companeros” which were Covenant groups led by lay leaders whom Dale had trained and supported with curriculum. Barb Haddon frequently led book study groups. She also trained our first Stephen’s Ministry groups. I was privileged to be in her first group. It was an exciting experience. Dale and Barbara had marriage enrichment courses. Couples taking part in these courses said it was a wonderful experience that really enriched their marriages.
Worship was a vital area for Dale and Barb. Music was also a love of Dale’s. He pushed for variety, class and style in this area. The blending of worship styles, incorporating the best in traditional and contemporary liturgy and music was made possible because of the extraordinary music talents of Bob and Joyce Page. Drama, dance, and visual illustrations became an occasional part of worship. Dale’s creativity came out best at special seasons of the year. On Palm Sunday one year the custodian breathed a sigh of relief when the donkey, which Dale wanted to lead the processional down the center aisle of the sanctuary, refused to cooperate!
Thoughts of creativity in worship also remind us of Barbara Bracey’s contributions. Ten women from Orangewood meticulously hand sewed two dramatic banners which Barbara designed and directed the making. On one banner the Phoenix Bird, the earliest symbol of the Resurrection, rises from the ashes over which a cross is transposed. The corresponding banner symbolizes a new day dawning over Squaw Peak, the view from the front of our Church, signifying new life and resurrection. The banners truly represent a new spirit at Orangewood Church. Look for them in the sanctuary.
Dale and Barbara Bracey came to Orangewood in 1979 in response to a calling to love, support and rebuild a great Church. Dale writes: “Building on the firm and patient foundation laid by the Interim Pastor, Dr. Mark Koehler, and assured that the congregation was eager to put the past behind and turn the corner, we moved to Phoenix. Sure enough God had vital plans for Orangewood and we grabbed hold of that hope! Working with Orangewood was the most fulfilling period of my 41 years as a pastor.”
Dale and Barbara left Orangewood in 1990 to become Associate Pastor for Mission, Adult Education, Congregational Care and Nurture in the Presbyterian Church of Sunnyvale California. Dale has since retired.
Orangewood enjoyed a truly unique experience in 1990. Curtis Page, who had been one of our own teenagers in the ‘60’s, became our Interim Pastor. He was ordained at Orangewood on December 12, 1971. His parents, Charles and Alice Page, joined Orangewood in 1963. His mother was still a member. Curtis wrote such a heartwarming resume of his time with us, I am going to simply quote it:
Curtis Page writes: “I am a Minister, and I am the kind of minister I am, because I became of age during what I refer to as the “Lindamood years” at Orangewood. I have always incorporated creative visuals, practical preaching, and exciting high quality music into worship because that is what I experienced as a young man at Orangewood. I have focused on broader community issues because that is the type of pastoral leadership I saw at Orangewood. As a Senior Pastor, I have pushed my ordained and lay leaders to build their own powerful responses to Jesus’ call because that is what happened to me at Orangewood.
“During my college years, I found acceptance, intellectual stimulation, and leadership opportunities under Senior Pastor Sam Lindamood and Associates Duane Holloran and Gene Lefebvre…These unique mentors saw something in me and encouraged (shoved) me into seminary at San Francisco Theological Seminary.
“In 1990 when Orangewood began looking for an interim pastor, the search committee shared with me the Church’s desire to be aggressive in seeking its future during the interim period. A match was made.
“For a few minutes it seemed both strange and familiar to be in Sam’s office, to walk through the halls where I had worked with Duane and Gene as a college youth advisor, and to look out over the darkened sanctuary from the pulpit. But the pleasant memories quickly receded to their proper place, and we were off on new paths. It was fun to reconnect with people I had known from my youth, and to find they only thought of me as “that kid” for about a minute.
“Despite it being an interim period, the membership remained active and involved. The Christian Education program expanded. Jim Hamblin continued the Puerto Penasco/Rocky Point home building ministry.
“Orangewood, its leaders, and the entire congregation have been a part of me for my whole ministry. It was wonderful to both grow up there and to serve. God be with you always.”
Curtis was pastor in Ketchum, Idaho, 1971-80. He met and married a native Idahoan, Martha Poiteven, who was publisher of the local newspaper. In 1981, he became senior pastor of the Kirk O’ the Valley in Reseda, a section of L.A. They have three children: Allison, and twins, Abby and Charles (J.C.). After his interim at Orangewood, Curtis took a call as senior pastor at First Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, IN, where they are continuing an exciting ministry.
Barb Haddon was another home-grown minister. Her parents are Bill and Claudine Johnson, current members of Orangewood. She writes: “I first felt called to the ordained ministry when I was 12 years old. Discouraged by family members and church professionals, I deferred my goal into adulthood. When I finally began seminary (at Iliff School of Theology, Denver, CO), it was with the goal of becoming a Christian Educator. However, within the first quarter of my time there, I was challenged by a Presbyterian career counselor/minister to change degree tracks and seek ordination. I followed the advice, and have never regretted the decision. I most enjoy the preaching, teaching, and pastoral care: however, all the aspects of ministry feel like a match for my gifts and have drawn me into an increasing closer relationship with God and a deepening faith. When asked why I live and serve where I do, my answer has become, ‘Because I work for God.’ The Divine employer has provided a life filled with surprises, challenges, and joy.”
Barb came to Orangewood shortly after her ordination and was here for 12 years. In June 1992 she was called as Senior Pastor to First Presbyterian Church, San Luis Obispo and then in August 2001 she was called as Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Sherman Oaks, also in California.
Part VIII - Team "Paulson, Oller, Kerber and Pulido"
For the first 40 years of Orangewood, I was very involved in all phases of the Church’s activities. It was fun reminiscing, picking out highlights from the stacks of materials friends gave me, and writing articles on our church history. When I faced the job of writing about our 50th decade, I realized I had taken part in very few activities since Brian’s arrival. I had joined the “older generation,” so my part in writing this segment is from an entirely different perspective. My focus will be mostly on Brian and his family. I asked Ann Wohl to add to or take away what she felt was needed.
It was a happy April Fool’s Day 1993 when we joyfully welcomed Brian Paulson, Jill and their two wee children – precocious Annie and Benjamin, who was at the crawling stage. Members of Hospitality met them at the Manse with dinner and essential basic food. Having arrived before their furniture, the Paulsons were so excited over their new home they decided to unroll their sleeping bags on the floor and spend the night right there! Thus a new decade was launched for Orangewood.
Brian was born in Redlands, California, in a hospital set amidst an orange grove. Coming to Orangewood provided something of a homecoming to a land filled with citrus. Not only that, Brian enjoyed the leadership of Dale Bracey at the church in which he was confirmed while growing as a teenager in the seaside community of Palos Verdes.
Brian confesses that he “was very young to be given the honor of serving the good people of Orangewood. I couldn’t resist asking, “Aren’t you glad you had the Orangewood Family to grow up in?” He has been committed to bringing excellence to worship and preaching. Throughout his ministry he has sought to broaden the vision of the Church in an attempt to provide an exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven for a world in desperate need of Good News. He has worked to model and share grace and compassion in relationships amongst the congregation. It has been his concern to see members of Orangewood constantly strive to grow in faith and service to our Savior. He has encouraged small groups, triads and Bible study. He has labored to multiply the avenues for tangible missionary service with those in need. He has facilitated our relationship with Betania Church and in collaboration with the Amor Ministries and Jim Hamblin encouraged us to build homes for the poor in Rocky Point. He has reinstituted the Stephen Ministry under the lay leadership of Peggy Hagan and Millie Bartlett. He has encouraged and broadened the role of our Deacons. He has shepherded a Capital Campaign, which saw great renovations of our campus and the installation of our beautiful organ.
Brian continues to learn and grow. He completed his Doctor of Ministry at Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education in May 1999, and continues with study of Italian so as to better build relationship with the Waldensian Church in Italy.
An outstanding example of his compassion is his baptismal service for babies and very young children. Who can ever forget the baptismal service of the Norlings' granddaughters, Cheyenne and Dakota? Or when he gathers a baby in his arms and walks up and down the aisles, introducing us to our new member and reminding us of our responsibilities? Brian, we love you – you are indeed one of God’s special blessings to Orangewood.
Brian and Jill have been married 16 years. They met at Princeton Theological Seminary. Jill is also an ordained minister. She is active in our Presbytery, serving on enumerable committees and has been a Commissioner from Grand Canyon Presbytery to the General Assembly. At present she is serving on the Disciplinary Committee. She also had experience serving as Assistant Pastor, Interim Pastor, Police Chaplain and Spiritual Advisor. If you don’t see her at Orangewood on Sundays, she is serving somewhere else. Annie and Ben are growing up too fast! Annie is now a teenager and is interested in modern dance and ballet. Ben, under Bob Page’s tutelage, is becoming a drummer and plays occasionally for our 11 o’clock service. He also sings in the Phoenix Boys Choir and has sung in Vienna and Carnegie Hall. This fall he is attending the Arizona School for the Arts. Aren’t we lucky to have such a wonderful family?
Over time Brian has fashioned a staff founded upon collegiality, creativity and mutual respect. The Rev. Cynthia Oller brought enthusiasm and new ideas to the youth and the hurting before returning to Oklahoma and a new marriage.
For six years the Rev. Keith Kerber brought great energy and enthusiasm to the Youth Ministry at Orangewood. Through programs such as NRG, working with the Senior High kids, and developing a contemporary worship service, he helped Orangewood move forward. He was energetic and encouraging in supporting Rocky Point.
Keith and Laurena moved to Phoenix after Keith graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary and Laurena received an MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University. She was offered a position at Allied Signal (now Honeywell). Their son, Nathanael, was born in June 2001 and twin girls, Linnea and Camille, were born in May 2003. Keith is currently a full-time Dad.
In November 2002 we brought another Californian, the Rev. Gloria Pulido, to be Associate Pastor. Gloria, who had been ordained at, and then became Associate Dean for Admissions at San Francisco Theological Seminary, brings a unique background as an entrepreneur, advertising and sales professional in radio, computer systems and commercial real estate. Her skills in strategic planning and organization, in addition to her wonderful people skills of relationship building, and her spiritual gifts of evangelism, encouragement and prayer complement and augment Orangewood’s staff.
Under Brian’s encouragement we developed the Health Ministry Council and brought in a series of wonderful Parish Nurses, beginning with Sandy Carucci, then Debbie Harbinson, and now Peggy Smith. What an addition to our congregational care.
Christopher Samuel had come to Phoenix to work on his Doctoral degree at ASU. He came to Orangewood in 1990. Carol Shafer was here at the time as organist and Jennifer Hayes was doing children’s music and the bell choir. In 1992 Carol moved on to Westminster Presbyterian as organist and Jennifer went to Nebraska with her family. Christopher completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting degree in 1998
Christopher had come to Orangewood assuming that he would be here a year or two. Bob and Joyce Page had been here so long and were so loved that it looked to be a transition job. However, with the Capital Campaign, which greatly improved the sanctuary and added our beautiful organ and piano in 1998 and which made it possible to support an Arts Program on a sophisticated level; Christopher is beginning to realize his dream for Orangewood.
Jeffrey Anthony was working on his Masters degree at the same time at ASU and began to share his great talent with various musical instruments at Orangewood. Jeffrey took over the bell choir from Jennifer and played flute, saxophone, bass, bells, clarinet, piano (and, it seemed, many other instruments) and blessed us for several years with his music. He is now in Minnesota completing his Master of Divinity Degree.
Adele Pfrimmer Hensley arrived in 1998 and is doing such wonderful things with our children’s choir. What a delight she is and what amazing results she produces with our children! Aren’t we fortunate?
Orangewood has been blessed with many retired Presbyterian ministers in its congregation. Over time we have called upon their services as Parish Associate Pastors to call on the sick and fill in as needed. In recent years we have called upon the Rev. Earl Chrisman, the Rev. Wesley Schlotzhauer and the Rev. Paul Moser. We thank you for your help.
What can we say about Bernale Wright, Associate for Christian Education? Bernale has more creative ideas than anyone and she is able to enroll others in making banners, designing classes and workshops and children’s church activities that are truly amazing. Her gifts of patience, creativity and stick-to-it-iveness are, indeed, gifts to Orangewood straight from our Savior.
Other staff members have added greatly to our effectiveness in meeting the needs of our congregation and the greater community: Jean Partoza, secretary; Ann Butrum, long time administrative assistant,; Shannon DeCindis, Assistant for Early Childhood Education; Christy Clay, Senior High Youth Leader; Christina Olson, Mid-High Youth Leader; Roy Webster, Custodian, and those who have gone before him. Thanks be to all.
