Built in 1894, and vigorously protected from the fire in 1901, the Union Congregational Church of Ward is one of the oldest and best-loved buildings in Ward. It began its life as a Congregational Church with all of the democratic implications of that denomination. It lost its way for a time but with the support of the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Church of Christ, it’s returned to life as a community place to gather for spiritual renewal in many different faiths, a place to sing, to dance, to hold community meetings (it’s the biggest building in town too) and to celebrate life in Ward.
We’ve had community dinners, Dances of Universal Peace, Gospel performers, Pesach Seders, Permaculture conferences and workshops, Easter services, Children’s celebrations, it hosts a weekly women’s singing group, Maypole dances, community emergency preparedness meetings among other events. In short, it’s the heart of our community.
And it’s completely dependent on donations for building maintenance, insurance, heat, capital improvements (we need a modern heater and better insulation in the ceiling would be sweet) and to meet all of its physical needs. All of our staff is volunteer and we are blessed with several members who regularly donate their services to perform maintenance. It is truly a well-loved building.
But as simple as our needs are, we are challenged by the economic climate and would like to appeal to the broader community for help in meeting our fundraising goals.
Please use the PayPal donation button to donate using your credit card, even if you don’t have or want a PayPal account. Your donation is to a 501(c)3 organization and therefore tax deductible. But for a LOT more fun, we’ll be holding a fundraiser on July 22 and July 23, 2011, and a summer service on July 24, 11AM with our friend Bruce MacKenzie, at the historic Modoc street church and we’d encourage you to come visit and see our building and celebrate summer, and maybe drop a little money in the donation box. At the fundraiser we’ll have an art show, games, food, music and entertainment, so come visit us. The schedule will be posted soon.
Thanks for your time.