This text was obtained via automated optical character recognition.
It has not been edited and may therefore contain several errors.

---

CONCURRENT HISTORY OF MAIN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
PART IV (1979-1988)
The advantage of a young "preacher-family"is the direction of youth orientated programs. Rev. Willis Britt enlisted Lee Harris to quickly organize the young male adults into a softball team. With his teen age son and other MYF-ers, a volley ball team was organized. Then he executized Mary Howard, the Choir Director, to organize the Melody Makers, another youth program, and, the Adult Handbell Choir.
To finance trips for the youth, he enlisted the drama talent of the church to put on "Talent Shows" at the Sy Rosenthal Building (Catholic Seminary) for 2-3 years.
Also for the youth, there was a Clown Ministry organized to visit shut-ins and old folks homes.
The Findlays - Herbert and Jerry - contributed the Church Chimes which alerted the city to the presence of church music.
When Jay and Naomi heitzmann got married in Main Street church, they installed the church's sound system. A1 Green built the stands for the speakers.
With Mimi Rhodes as chairperson, the Anniversary Dinners for the adults was sponsored as "do your wedding all over again without the nervousness".
The Methodist Day Care Center opened September 1, 1980 with 'Wendy Rupp as director and Rae Ann Ryan as assistant with 126 students, 3 months to 12 years old. This was a much needed service for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, summer camp and after school programs.
In 1982 five lovely memorial windows were installed and dedicated in the sanctuary. Also, the project of securing,’framing, and hanging the pictures of all the pastors of Main Street was completed by Alice and Bill Pitcairn, Katrina McDonald, and A1 Green.
In 1983 plans were made for a brick, $40,000 office and pastor's study building to be erected between the Fellowship Hall and the Educational Building.
And lastly, after much prodding, the Flower Fund was given a space on the communion offerings.
In June 1983• Rev. Curtis Moffat was the first pastor to occupy the new Office Building (the church secretary has an office in this office suite).