UU Lansing Pledge Drives: A Journey Through History (Part 2, early 1970s)
by Ed Busch
As we prepare for our upcoming Pledge Campaign in September, I’m continuing a trip through our archives to explore the history and significance of our pledge drives at UU Lansing. In this blog post, I’m taking a look at the early 1970s – a time when our church faced financial challenges but also showed remarkable resilience.
In September 1970, Rev. Bob Green took the pulpit and pledge drives (then called Finance Drives) took place in October or November. To support these drives, the church often organized additional fundraising events like a fall rummage sale, craft shows, newspaper collection drives, and even an Art Auction in March 1975.
The 1970s were a financially challenging time for UU Lansing. With only 70 to 80 pledging units and the purchase of a new building on Grove Street (East Lansing) in 1971, the church struggled with deficit budgets. To attract new members and increase financial support, the church began advertising in local newspapers and placing notices on the MSU campus.
An article titled “A Matter of Money” in the September 8, 1972, church newsletter opened with a mix of humor and urgency: “The good news is that we are not broke! The bad news is that we will be soon.” The article addressed the common issue of pledges not coming in during the summer months and urged members to send their contributions to Financial Secretary Irene Kievat as soon as possible.
Just a month later, the October 13 newsletter featured an “Invitation to Participate” letter from President of the Board, Bill Kemper who emphasized the importance of thoughtful budgeting: . “A budget implies goals and priorities. These may be established consciously, intentionally, thoughtfully – or by inertia, implication, default. Hopefully we are following the former course.”
In the November 10 newsletter, Rev. Bob Green discussed the reality of unmet pledges and their impact on the church. He concluded with a call to action: “We are in no way a dying society; we have doubled the budget in two years if we include the cost of our building fund. We are a growing and vital church; our problem is that a growing and vital church needs funds from its limited membership on an even more significant basis than does a large church. That is the kind of sacrifice we are asking you to make individually for 1973. I hope that you will consider this need carefully before a canvasser comes to visit you this Sunday.”
By January 1973, the challenges had become even more pressing. in a newsletter article titled “Minister’s Message,” Rev Green candidly addressed the budget crisis pointing out that it was not unique but had its own distinct causes. The article laid out the significant financial issues facing the church, including a looming $2700 property tax bill on the new building:
“For some months now, I have been reading articles in the various church newsletters concerning their present budget crisis. Now, I find it is my turn. I begin in this way, however, in order to make it clear that our situation is not unique, thought I think it is substantially different in its underlying roots.” The article continued to present the significant financial challenges facing the church. The congregation was presented with a budget sheet comparing the 1972 approved budget, actual expenditures, a proposed 1973 budget, and a revised 1973 budget reflecting more realistic income expectations. Despite steady pledge income, two major issues loomed: an unexpected $2,700 property tax bill on the new building and a shortfall in capital fund pledges, leading to a projected $3,500-$4,500 mortgage payment deficit. The Finance Committee's revised budget left little room for essential church programs, forcing the congregation to confront the harsh reality of either increasing income or cutting expenditures. The situation was so severe that the Board of Trustees refrained from making any budget recommendations, leaving the decision entirely in the hands of the membership, who were urged to attend a critical meeting to determine the church's financial future.”
A critical Congregation meeting was held on Sunday January 28, 1973 and continued the following Sunday. The primary discussion centered on a proposal to eliminate a paid R.E. Director position. During the second meeting, church member Burr Osborn proposed a solution focused on addressing the $2700 tax liability. His plan involved 52 pledge units each making a one-time payment of $52, which would resolve the issue. The congregation was left to consider this proposal. The March 3, 1974 Congregational meeting shows that the budget was passed, thanks to creative thinking and the congregation’s deep commitment.
In the fall of 1973, the Finance Committee proposed a budget of $38, 873 for 1974, including 415,00 for the minister, $1585 for the office secretary and $1000 for the R.E. Director. The accompanying letter highlighted the challenge of a 10% attrition rate between what was pledged and what was actually received over the past three years. Despite these challenges, the church had 78 pledging units that year. Rev. Bob Green’s letter included this powerful closing paragraph:
“I don’t think there is any way to place a monetary value on this Church or what part it plays in your life. Let not that be the question. I prefer to assume our Church is important to you. I prefer to assume you are committed to its continuance. And that, I hope, will be the test of your pledge – not how valuable is the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing, but how much can I provide to see that my Church continues to serve the people of this community.
Robert Edward Green, Minister”
We’re still here today so it’s clear that the church prevailed over these financial challenges in the early 1970s! In my next blog post, I’ll continue exploring the 1970s and highlight the beginning of the Pledge Show period at UU Lansing.
I'm excited to share some great news regarding our UU Lansing 175 activities! Our Historical Marker text has been officially approved, and the order for its construction should of been placed before this blog is posted. We anticipate its arrival and installation in the spring of next year, so stay tuned for more details. We'll be planning a special event to celebrate its placement—keep an eye out for that announcement!
While going through our newsletters, I came across an interesting piece of history in the January 19, 1975 edition. The newsletter mentioned an opportunity for congregants to contribute funds towards the Malcolm X Historical Marker, which was to be placed at his father’s home at 4705 S. Logan Street (now MLK Jr. Blvd) in Lansing. Congregants were encouraged to identify themselves as members of UU Lansing when donating. The marker was successfully installed on October 12, 1975.
Interestingly, I also discovered that the marker was damaged in 2021 when it was struck by a car. Thankfully, it was restored and reinstalled in May 2022. Today, you can visit the marker at the corner of Vincent Court and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
As we begin the 2025 Pledge Campaign, let’s remember the rich tradition we are part of, and consider making your pledge early to support our beloved community.
If you have ideas for a blog topic or questions or correction, please let me know at uucgl.archives@gmail.com.
Sources:
1. Busch, Ed, Shirley Beckman, Harry Schwarzweller, “Dedicated Lives: 162 Years of Liberal Ministry and Its Ministers in Lansing, Michigan 1849-2011”, 2011.
2. September 8, 1972, UU Lansing Records, Church Newsletter.
3. October 13, 1972, UU Lansing Records, Church Newsletter.
4. November 10, 1972, UU Lansing Records, Church Newsletter.
5. January 26, 1973, UU Lansing Records, Church Newsletter.
6. February 2, 1973, UU Lansing Records, Church Newsletter.
7. 1973-1974 Annual Report, UU Lansing, Church Newsletter.
8. 1963-1989, Budgets, UU Lansing Records, Financial Records – Budgets, Box 23, Folder 5. UU Lansing Archives.
9. January 19, 1975, UU Lansing Records, Church Newsletter.
10. “Malcolm X marker ready for unveiling”, Lansing State Journal, October 6, 1975, page B-8.
11. “Lansing Historic Marker honors family of Malcolm X”, https://www.wilx.com/2022/05/21/lansing-historic-marker-honors-family-malcolm-x/ , May 21, 2022.
Images:
Rev. Bob Green
Removing fraternity house letters from the church building on Grove St., East Lansing (circa 1971)
Front of UU Lansing on Grove St. (circa 1970s)
Image from Finance Drive 1974 materials
Rev. Green letter
Art Auction, March 1975. (Shown are Maxine Herbert, Rev. Robert Green, and Elizabeth Winder)
