Slide #

Narrative

1.

Orangewood Presbyterian Church was organized in 1953.

2.

After meeting in Simis School for almost two years we were anxious for a home of our own.

3.

Our organizing minister the Rev. Leonard “Pat” Paterson helped us get underway our building campaign with a theme of “Building Now With a Strong Faith in Our Future”.

4.

A large group of people attended the ground breaking.

5.

In September 1955 the first phase of our campus which consisted of Fellowship Hall and the South Education Wing was completed.

6.

Of the 100 Charter Members 8 are still active in the Church.

7.

One of those members is Dorothy Chamberlin.

8.

Others are Leone Beers, Lu Erickson, Bob Beers, Ione Bullard and Chuck Bullard.

9.

Fred and Harriett McFarland are in the forefront.  Harold and Sue Wagner are in the background.  These Charter Members have given much to the church, even the planning of this anniversary celebration.

10.

In September of 1961 Rev. Sam Lindamood became our head minister, and we soon added two assistant ministers, Rev. Bob Schmidt and Rev Dr. Lawrence Monross.

11.

We added the North Wing and the Manse in 1957 and soon plans were underway for a much needed sanctuary.

12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. and 19.

Following ground breaking we watched with interest the construction of this unique round building.  It turned into our beautiful new Sanctuary which was dedicated on October 1964.

20.

Bob and Joyce Page joined our staff in 1965.

21.

In addition to a Choir Director and Organist we also got the talented Page children.

22.

The Pages have added to every facet of our church life with wonderful music.

23.

In addition Bob and Joyce Page won first prize for their costumes at a Sandjammers costume party.

24.

Few know of Joyce Page’s favorite MAD Magazine which she salvaged at a Shipwreck Party.

25. 26. 27. and 28.

Sam Lindamood was very observant and soon realized that there were many in the congregation that enjoyed camping.  So he organized an annual church family camp out.  He and Ann bravely went along but with little enthusiasm.

29.

Duane Holloran became Assistant Minister in 1966.

30.

Duane had many interests but camping wasn’t one of them.  What to do; we really needed another Assistant Minister.

31 and 32.

This time they found a real outdoor enthusiast, Gene Lefebvre

33. 34. 35. 36. 37. and 38.

We Gene Lefebvre was explored God’s beautiful world throughout the west.  We did camping with outdoor Communion Service, we did backpacking, volleyball and river trips.

39. and 40.

Rev. Manuel Zaldivar, shown at the head of this chow line, was our visiting minister for eight years.  His visits were always welcomed by the congregation.  He retired once again in March of 1979.

41. 42. 43. and 44.

The retired men’s group has spent many volunteer hours maintaining our buildings and grounds.  Work days are planned regularly with all ages participating.

45. 46. and 47.

The couples clubs have always been active working and playing.  They enjoyed many dinners together, played silly games and donated a vacuum to a halfway house as one of their projects

48

Hank Thomas and friend drew kitchen duties.  They baked a cake without a recipe.

49.

The photographer caught your dignified Master of Ceremonies in his pajamas at a “come as you are” party.

50.

The Bullards all dressed up for a Hobo Party.

51.

In 1976 we shared our Vacation Bible School with Shadow Rock Church.

52. 53. and 54.

Dorothy Chamberlin and Robin Kreider planned a bicentennial program that involved both teachers and students.  The program involved wearing clothing and costumes of the period.  Rev Kenneth Gates and many in the Congregation participated.  A colonial church service was held.

55.

Rev. Bob Harner was a part time Assistant Minister for a year.

56.

Rev. Jim McCall became an Assistant Minister in 1976.

57.

Dr. Mark Koehler our favorite Interim Minister must have been camera shy but we found him in the background.

58. and 59.

The S.A.G.E.S. turn out for their monthly luncheon and program.

60. 61. 62. and 63.

Our church belonged to the North Phoenix Corporate Ministry (NPCM).  We learned about other people and their religious beliefs.  We were involved with them in many programs and projects including arts and crafts.

64. and 65.

Our church sponsored a Boy Scout troop.

66.

We have held classes for all ages.

67.

On Palm Sunday a child experienced riding a donkey as Jesus did.

68.

The All American Picnic was a great experience.

69.

Getting acquainted at the annual bridge tournament.

70. 71. 72. and 73.

We have had our parties and many dinners but we have always remembered and shared with the less fortunate through our mission

74.

Rev. Dale Bracey became our minster in November of 1979.  We also acquired the tremendous teaching talents of his wife Barbara.

75.

In August of 1980 Rev. Barbara Haddon became our first lady minister.  Barbara came with a love of butterflies and rainbows.  Bob, her husband, shares her enthusiasm for her ministry.

76. 77. and 78.

Rev. Ben Clanton joined the staff in October of 1981 as Minister of Youth.  His tragic death a year later left us in disbelief, anger and grief.  We worked our way through the grief with the help of God and each other.  The youth group planted a tree in his memory.  Barbara Bracey agreed to serve as interim Director of Youth.

79.

Rev Bob Stebe and his wife Lisa arrived in July 1983 to take over the youth program.

80.

We love because he first loved us.  We are thankful that the spirit of fellowship at Orangewood has left us with many friendships that will last us a lifetime.

81. and 82.

All of our ministers have encouraged us to be better disciples for Christ.  So we face the future with hope of an even better tomorrow.

83.

The end.