From the Archives: Halloween at UU Lansing (Part 2)
By Ed Busch
In this continuation of our look at Halloween at UU Lansing, we’ll explore how the holiday was celebrated during the 1980s and 1990s. As always, Unitarian Universalists (UUs) embrace Halloween with a spirit of fun, community, and inclusiveness. UU congregations, including ours, host Halloween events that reflect our values of love, acceptance, and justice.
In 1980, the Lansing Uni-Universe church newsletter was renamed the Liberal Express. Much of the information regarding Halloween during these decades comes from its pages. Often, the annual pledge drive dinner and show would align with Halloween, which I suspect caused the adult Halloween parties to end.
Header for the 1981 Liberal Express
Header for the 1988 Liberal Express
Table 1: Ministers and RE Directors during Halloween in the 1980s and 1990s
Highlights from the 1980s and 1990s:
1980: In mid-October, the Religious Education (RE) program hosted a Pizza-Halloween Makeup Gathering. Participants designed their own pizzas before transforming themselves into cats, bunnies, vampires, and more with makeup. Around 50 people attended, and activities included decorating cakes, playing games, and more. This event was so successful that the RE Pizza Party became an annual October tradition.
Following the October 26, 1980 service, a carnival was held to raise money for UNICEF. Adults and children were invited to wear costumes and participate in the fun.
On October 30, 1982, the Halloween celebration encouraged costumes for all, with games and activities for both children and adults. Attendees brought board games, and prizes were awarded for costumes. During the October 31, 1982 service, the RE first-grade children transformed 30 pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns, which were sold to raise money for UNICEF. This pumpkin decorating and sale became a beloved annual tradition.
1997 Pumpkin Sale for UNICEF. 2024.0212
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the RE program (K-5) continued its tradition of pumpkin decorating and raising funds for UNICEF.
On a different note, have you heard about Lansing’s Walking Wednesday program? During the warmer months, this inclusive initiative brings together residents, City officials, City Council members, Lansing Police Officers, and others for a community walk. These walks highlight neighborhood assets. Walking Wednesdays foster connection and provide an opportunity to explore Lansing’s unique neighborhoods.
UU Lansing was the destination on June 10, and you can watch the video from that walk here. To learn more about this program, visit the City’s website at Walking Wednesdays.
I hope you enjoyed this look back at Halloween celebrations of the past here at UU Lansing. If you have ideas for future blog topics, questions, or just want to share your thoughts, feel free to reach out at uucgl.archives@gmail.com. I’ll be traveling next week so you’ll have to wait for a new posting.
[Editing suggestions provided by ChatGPT.]