newhorizons1971to1980

       In July, 1971, Woodland Church was most happy to welcome Jon and Cindy Freshwater with their two sons, Todd and Blake. With their coming a need was felt for a newer parsonage and a house was purchased for the sum of $44,000. So on October 26, 1971, Jon and Cindy moved again, this time from 1522 Delia Avenue to 853 Mark Drive, and breathed a sigh of relief that they could finally settle down. On December 19th, they graciously opened their home to the members of the congregation, and the afternoon and evening were enjoyed in fellowship tea, the singing of Christmas carols, and asking God's blessing upon the parsonage and its family.

       In the fall of 1971, with the need to improve our financial condition, an Every Member Visitation was carried out, with volunteers calling on every member of the church, hoping to renew their interest in the church.

       The Long Range Planning Committee gave its report early in 1972. With our new church and new parsonage accomplished facts, the New 'Woodland sets its sights on the future beyond our doors. We pledge ourselves to be of greater service to our surrounding community and to all mankind.

       A leadership training retreat was planned for April 7-9th, 1972, at the ~C Center in Shelby, Ohio. Instead of balmy spring breezes, we were greeted with ice, snow, and blustery winds. Everyone arrived safely, and as all accommodations were in one building, there was not the slightest inconvenience to anyone. Our hosts were most gracious, and the sessions helpful and inspirational. All who attended were very enthusiastic and agreed that it had been a worthwhile experience.

       Since the merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church in l968, forty-two members of the former Emanuel E.U.B. Church on Madison Avenue have been attending and united with us. They have added greatly to all phases of our church work,

       In October, 1972, the work of a new church directory was begun. Each family donned their finest clothes and brightest smiles for a photographer who came for ten days, as this is to be a pictorial directory, a first for Woodland Church.

       Through the years members had moved away without transferring their memberships or were not attending church anywhere, until our inactive membership roll had become quite large. After doing their utmost to contact those who had not shown the slightest interest for a period of three years or more, the Evangelism Commission recommended that their names be droned from the roll. Consequently, in December, 1972, the church removed one hundred fifty-seven names from member-ship (S'? by Charge Conference action, 55 withdrawn, 15 transferred to other churches).

       Many young adults are uniting with our church, and in the autumn of 1972 an adult church school class--"Crosstalk"--was started. The United Methodist Men's Club and the two youth groups became activated again in 1972. Also, there are two
       Girl 2cout troops meeting in our church. And we now proudly sponsor our own Boy Scout troop #66.

       Gratefully we reflect that Woodland Church is moving forward in many ways.

       Key 73 was an interdenominational effort in the area of evangelism. The Lenten season was a time of reaching out to our own members and members of the community. To this end we had a Key 73 Series of Sunday evening programs. March 11 was a Choir Festival uniting choirs of Woodland and High St. Christian Church. March l~ we united with the First Baptist Church for a dialogue presentation on the meaning and importance of evangelism and Key 73. March 25 after a dinner at the church, Mr. Edmund Johnston presented a dramatic reading "The Sermon on the Mount?~. April 1 we were again with the First Baptist Church for dinner and Madrigal Singers from Firestone High School. April ~ was a special program "Shades of Light1' presented by youth from Mayfield United Methodist Church, Cleveland.

       During Lent, Rev. Freshwater delivered a series of first-person sermons
       "Persons Related to the Passion", featuring on successive Sunday mornings
       Herod, Peter, Barabbas, Judas, and Dysmas, and ending with "I am One in the
       Crowd". Each of us is one in the crowd, and what are we going to do with
       Jesus? The sermons were outstanding in the minds of all who heard them.

       At the morning service on April ~, a set of handsome hand bells were presented to the congregation. They were given by the family as a memorial to Edward and Ferne Swartz, long time members of Woodland Church. A bell choir under the direction of Linda McDonald will be organized.

       This year, our church was host to the Akron District Workshop, with 400 people in attendance.

       As part of Key 73, Woodland Church and The First Baptist Church united in conducting a census on June 3 of the areas surrounding the two churches, witnessing of our love for Christ and our interest in them, and ascertaining their church preferences.

       The long felt need for a Youth Director was filled when in May the services of Mrs. John Ferrell (Pam) were acquired. She immediately organized a Children's Choir and their singing has been enjoyed often. The Youth Fellowship group has grown and become very active with fun outings, retreats, ice cream festival, car washes, etc. On one Sunday they took complete charge of t of the morning service and it was an excellent one. We are all glad to see the youth remain so much interested in the church and we are more than willing to help them.

       New cupboards have been built in the lower level. The material was the gift of the Pre-School and the labor was the gift of several members of the church.

       In November, a Family Retreat at Camp Asbury was well attended and was very meaningful for all.

       The attendance at the Family Night dinners and programs has been very good and we are looking forward to their continuance.

       The services for the entire Advent season have been well attended and have helped us rejoice once again in the birth of our Christ.

       As 1974 was a great historical year for Woodland Church, it was decided to celebrate with a special day, honoring the eightieth birthday of the church and the tenth year in our new church home.

       October twentieth was chosen to be Heritage Sunday. The morning service began with a quotation given by Dr. Rider, Akron District Presiding Elder in l894; "Never in my experience were the leadings of a Divine Providence more evident than in the establishment and organization of Woodland Church."

       During the prelude candles were lit for a Happy Birthday. The anthem by the Adult Choir was Happy Are They That Dwell in Thy House, and after the Scripture from Hebrews 11:1-3 and 12:1-2 read by Vivian Fesler, we enjoyed an anthem by the Youth and Children's Choirs.

       Peg Starcher, our lay Delegate to Annual Conference, gave an interesting viewpoint of a layman about Woodland Church.

       The sermon was given by Rev. Harold Milford, the minister who guided us through most of the trials and tribulations of building a new church. We were very happy to have him share the day with us.

       At 5:30 p.m., there was a Potluck dinner at the church and I wish everyone could enjoy such delicious food! Former ministers and members who came "home" for the day were invited to speak, then we ended the day with an old-fashioned songfest.

       In the past nothing has been recorded about our Vacation Church School. This has bec1ome an outstanding tradition at Woodland. In the year 1974 seventy children four years old through sixth grade attended, under the supervision of 26 ladies and seven young people. Bible teaching, music, crafts, recreation, and snack time were included. Every person attending, young and old, had only words of praise for the wonderful fellowship engendered and the work accomplished. We hope it will be continued for many years.

       The United Methodist Men's Club is too often unnoticed. This year (1974) they donated $100 for lawn care, $125 to the special Parking Lot Fund, $100 for the Crib Room improvements, $75 to our Boy Scout Troop, and $75 for the men's softball team0

       Woodland's thankfulness for its rich heritage was expressed Sunday, October 20, 1974. It was a fitting date, chosen because eighty years ago Woodland had its beginning, and ten years ago we moved into the new building at 444 North Hawkins Avenue.

       The first meetings of the church were in homes during the fall and winter of 1894; then a small chapel at the corner of Balch and Woodland was dedicated in the spring of 1895, with thirty persons received into membership. By 1902 a larger building was needed and erected at the corner of Balch and Crosby Streets. This sufficed until 1958 when it was voted to build a new church, and the present site on North Hawkins Avenue was chosen.

       So, in grateful appreciation of the dreams and hard work of former and present members, Woodland celebrated Heritage Sunday. Lovely music by the three choirs was greatly enjoyed. Rev. Harold Milford, pastor from 1960-1969 at the time we were building our new church, was welcomed back to preach the sermon. The church was crowded with present and former members, and a program by "Life" singing group. It was a glorious time of rejoicing for all.

       During the Lenten season in 1975 our minister, Jon Freshwater, delivered another outstanding series of "First Persons Sermons1g" These focused on lives of
       persons in history as they faced critical times. The lives of Lot, Pilate, Bishop Francis McConnell, Dag Hammerskjol, and Rose Kennedy were portrayed, with emphasis on the part their faith played in making decisions and living through crisis. Through their example we are all inspired.

       In 1975, Mary Lyon organized five teenage girls to form an Interpretive Movement Group who use rhythmic body movements to illustrate songs sung by the choir and by soloists. The girls, Jaqueline and Jennifer McMellon, Carol and Karen McCormick, and Dorothy Leisher, have been well received in their presentations. On Christmas Eve, in a candlelit church, they portrayed The Three Wise Men, the Christ figure and the Virgin Mother to the song "Love Came Down at Christmas'1. In one of the most impressive translations, James Focht read Psalm ~ 1'Oh, Lord oi2r Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth."' and the girls interpreted the message.

       On February 22, 1976, Rev. Freshwater presented a sermon on the theme '1The Right to Die?". The following Sunday the same subject was explored from medical, legal, and moral angles. The minister, with Dr. Gary Benfield, Children's Hospital neonatal unit director, and Patrick Reymann, an Akron lawyer, formed a panel with Dr. Ross Black as moderator. Such a subject is an extremely important one in these days when modern science and technology can prolong life, perhaps long be7ond the patients desires.

       During Lent of 1976, Rev. Freshwater presented a series of sermons, "Freedom Is For Everyone". In these, he portrayed Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Woodrow Wilson, educator John Dewey, and Francis Asbury. As the scripture says, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave or free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus".

       July 4, 1976, the two hundredth birthday of our country, came on a Sunday and Rev. Freshwater, with the enthusiastic help of some of the members, planned a commemorative service.

       The Prelude was a Patriotic Medley ending with the congregation standing and singing the National Anthem.

       The Litany celebrated Our Freedom In Christ, reminding us of the words of the Apostle Paul who has said, "My brothers, we are not children of a slave system, but of a free society", and the minister admonishing us to live and act as God's free people and to thank God for our blessings.

       Special music "Heritage" was by Betsy Wolf and Mary Lyon who sang a beautiful medley of songs: This Is My Country, My Country Tis of Thee, Our Father's God to Thee, and God of Our Fathers.

       After the minister, as usual, spoke of the concerns of the Parish, a voice from the rear of the church asked for permission to be heard. Elaine McIntyre, dressed in colonial costume, came to read a brief history of Woodland Church, celebrating it's eighty-first year, as written by the present Church Historian.

       Rev. Freshwater gave us an interesting and inspiring sermon, "Underwriters for Freedom" about the lives and ideals of those who signed The Declaration of Independence.

       At the Offertory time, Betsy and Mary sang "God Bless America".

       The closing ~ was "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory" and booklets given by Frank Auchmutey, "Religious Freedom and You", were presented to the members of the congregation.

       To those who read this in future years, I would say, ~ sorry you missed the beautiful blending of the voices of Betsy and Mary as they sang the lovely patriotic songs and the inspirational feeling in the hearts of the whole congregation at the conclusion of the service. Indeed we pray, "God Bless America".

       Maundy Thursday Service, April 7, 1977 was unusual in that twelve men of the church, portraying the twelve disciples, told of their reactions to the Crucifixion. Then Rev. Freshwater spoke to us as Jesus might have spoken to his fellow workers on that night of the Last Supper. In a solemn, meditative mood we partook of Communion.

       The group of girls forming the original Interpretive Movement Group have reached the stage in life where they are going separate ways -- college or work in or out of Akron -- and thus are leaving the group. On May 29, 1977 they gave the congregation a parting gift of an entire worship program, "Seasons in Motion." It was an experience we will all long remember. We wish the girls the best of everything as they start out for new horizons and thank them for sharing a bit of their lives with us.

       With the beginning of a new Conference year, Rev. Kenneth Downing came to Woodland as Minister of Visitation. The congregation welcomed him and Mrs. Downing during a coffee hour in their honor on July 10, 1977.

       It was with deep regret that we learned that Rev. Freshwater will be leaving Woodland as of July, 1978. The distinguishing message of Jon's ministry has been Love and Joy... Love God and "make a joyful noise unto the Lord." . Love your fellow church members and "Behold my servants shall sing for joy." . Love all humanity and "Rejoice even with joy and singing." By his warm example, he has taught us, "...and the greatest of these is Love." His love is returned a hundredfold by Woodland members, and will go with Jon and his family everywhere.

       On June 25th Woodland Church honored the Freshwater family at a farewell dinner attended by over 200 of their friends. An appropriate and humorous program delighted the Freshwaters, and the audience as well. A framing of Jon's picture of the Laughing Christ, a new ministerial robe, and a gift of money were presented.

       July 1, 1978, Rev. David Freeman became the minister at Woodland, and on Sunday, July 2, we welcomed Rev. Dave, his wife Pat, and their children, David, Jr., Anne and Micah. We hope they will soon feel at home and be happy here.

       In September Rev. Derwood Troxell began his work as Youth Minister in our church.

       On Sunday, November 1, 1778, John Wesley opened the "New Chapel" in London. On November 1, 1978, after an extensive restoration project, Wesley's Chapel was reopened. People of Wesleyan heritage in ninety countries were challenged to celebrate "The Festival of the Open Door." The sermon by Rev. Dave, "God Opens Doors for You and Through You," was a challenge in itself. Closing the service, the front door of our church was opened wide in dedication as we look for new ways to reach out, to take a Christian witness into our community, and to share redemptive love with all persons.

       In December, 1978, Rev. and Mrs. Norman Prichard became associated with our church. Mrs. Prichard is a member of our congregation. Rev. Prichard works throughout this Conference, with responsibility for the missional priorities of Evangelism, World Hunger, and Ethnic Minorities.

       The impressive Lenten Series of 1979 culminated in a drama early Easter morning. The drama was written by Rev. Freeman, and directed by Mrs. Ed (Vivian) Fesler.

       July 8th was one of God's most beautiful days and we held a service of praise in song in Sand Run Metropolitan Park. The service will be long remembered by the ones attending.

       In 1979, Audio-Visual Equipment for the Sunday School was purchased in memory of Jack Ambrose, who was a faithful leader in the Children's Department for forty years, and who passed away suddenly in Sunday School in September, 1978.

       The report at Annual Conference in June, 1979, showed Woodland having 547 church members, with average Sunday School attendance of 113.

       In April 1980, to the complete surprise of everyone, David Freeman de?cided to take a leave of absence from the ministry and become a sales representative of religious books. Woodland was unexpectedly left without a minister until conference time.

       Into our midst came Dr. Paul Uhlinger and his wife Martha. He had recently retired from teaching at the University of Akron. No man could have filled this difficult position more ably, sympathetically, and delightfully than did Dr. Uhlinger. We will always be grateful to him.

       June 29, 1980 was the occasion for a farewell to Dr. and Mrs. Uhlinger, and a welcome to our new minister, Dr. Richard Pettit, and his family-?wife Mary, and daughters Martha, Elizabeth, and Lois.