History of the Manchester Church of Christ
Manchester, Connecticut

The Early Years

            In the early 1960’s, a call went out through Christian colleges across the country for leaders willing to nurture new churches.  One of the areas of greater need was the Northeast.  In 1960, Eugene Brewer, a new preacher from Stamford, Texas, and W. E. Hebbard, a West Hartford accountant who started the church meeting in the Hartford area in 1947, began a correspondence.  Mr. Brewer was searching for a likely place in the Northeast to begin a congregation, and Mr. Hebbard knew of such a need east of the Connecticut River where six families in the West Hartford congregation (later the Farmington church) lived.  After a visit to Manchester in the fall of 1960 by Mr. Brewer and two elders from his supporting congregation in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the decision was made to start the new work in September 1961.

            Mr. Brewer and his wife Barbara moved their family to Connecticut in late July 1961.  The Orange Hall on East Center Street in Manchester was rented as a meeting place for $25 per month.  After initial publicity, on September 10, 1961 seven families began meeting.  They included:  Richard and Betty Crehan and four children of Colchester; Edmund and Eva Post and three children of Marlborough, A.J. and Polly Todd and three children of Vernon, Martin and Nelda Gay of Manchester, Marion and Claudia Springer and a child from South Windsor, Jim and Connie Herndon of Vernon, Alison Buxton (Nadeau) of Tolland, and the Brewer family—30 people, including 17 members.  Eugene began his long service as minister of the new congregation.

            Monthly business meetings were quickly instituted, and a weekly budget of $125 was established.  The first edition of the weekly bulletin, The Manchester Reminder, was printed using borrowed equipment and issued September 24, 1961.  On October 4, a ladies’ Bible class began meeting from house to house.  In November, a committee was formed to begin the search for a building site, and a building fund grew steadily.  Rose Bergeron was the first person baptized through the new congregation.

            Some goals were established early for the young church.  Members wanted to be in their own building within three years, and self-supporting within five.  They met their building goal with four months to spare, and were self-supporting within five years and nine months. 

            In 1962, several young people attended Ganderbrook Camp in Maine.  On March 17, Mrs. Edith Greenwood became the youngest, and yet the eldest, member when she was baptized.  Several families placed membership with the Manchester church, including Don and Juanita Nelson and three children, and Jim and Fran Todd and two children.  The young church set an attendance goal of 80 for their first anniversary.  The goal was surpassed as 92 people attended the worship service on the first anniversary date—September 9, 1962.

            In April 1963, the lots on the corner of Lydall and Vernon Streets in Manchester were purchased for $10,500 from Edward Lynch who lived across Vernon Street.  In June, a door-to-door campaign of about 17 Christians from Oklahoma and Texas was conducted.  In July, a contract with Paden Construction Co. of Cleburne, Texas was signed for constructing the new building, and work (much of which was done by members) began in November.  The cost of the building was approximately $65,000 plus the lot and parking and landscaping.  A total of $75,000 was borrowed for this project.  In September, the first wedding from the congregation joined Jerry Todd and Helen Dlubac.

            The church met in their new building on Lydall St. for the first time on May 3, 1964 with 45 attending Bible class, 60 attending worship service, and a contribution of $168.  The first vacation Bible school was conducted in August with an average attendance of 97.  George and Elaine Caruthers and one daughter were added to the membership in November, and the members met for the first annual New Year’s Eve party.

            Another tradition began in 1966 with the Nelson family hosting a Memorial Day cookout.  The church celebrated its fifth anniversary with a record 235 for morning worship.  An annual retreat for young people was begun in June 1967.  In June another annual custom was inaugurated—the banquet honoring graduating seniors.  In mid-1967, the church assumed the final portion of the minister’s salary, and so became self-supporting.  Art Risley started taking care of the custodial duties of the new church building in 1967.

A Growing Church

            And the church continued to grow.  Seven were baptized in 1968, nine in 1969, and five in 1970.  After a 1971 campaign, 25 were baptized, and 23 more in 1972.  In 1972, the first session of Tidal River Christian Camp was conducted at Camp Bethel in Haddam, CT, primarily by Manchester Church of Christ members.  Eugene Brewer was the first camp director, assisted by his wife Barbara.

            In 1973, some members began a new congregation in Storrs.  On September 30, 1973 A.J. Todd, Don Nelson, and Eugene Brewer were ordained as the church’s first elders.  The process to appoint elders began in 1971 and on the first attempt in 1972, not enough men were willing to serve (the congregation had previously agreed that a minimum of three elders were needed). To transition from the traditional men's business meeting to oversight by elders took a few months for the men/congregation to get used to the concept.  On December 30, George Caruthers, Ken Arey, Jim Todd, Ken Wagner, Ed Post, and Don Summers were ordained as the church’s first deacons.  Sixteen were baptized in 1973 and sixteen in 1974.

            Eleanor Arey was employed as the church’s first secretary in 1975.  The area wide annual ladies’ retreat began at the Hungerford  House that same year.  Levon Carter and Mel Thurston were appointed deacons.  Four were baptized.

            Friday School for pre-schoolers began in October of 1976.  Juanita Nelson became the church secretary, and Mike Lawlor became the church’s first co-minister in August.  Sixteen were baptized.

            George Caruthers was appointed as an elder on May 22, 1977.  The church had grown to the point that more room was desperately needed, and ground was broken for an addition.  The church moved into the addition in September 1978.  A pictorial membership display was started on the church bulletin board to help members keep up with the fast-growing church.  Eighteen were baptized in 1977 and 14 in 1978.

            In 1979, a busy year for the Manchester church, Bible Call was inaugurated and Abilene Christian College A Cappella Chorus presented a May concert.  The Manchester church participated in a Northeast Awakening Soul-Winning Workshop in August in Danbury, and many members became involved in supporting the fledgling Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch on Long Island.  A. J. Todd resigned as an elder because of health reasons.  Steve and Lynn Holt arrived, and Steve assumed duties of co-minister.  In the fall, several members became involved in World Bible School, an evangelism-missionary effort by means of Bible correspondence courses.  Nine were baptized.

The 1980’s

            Jim Todd was appointed as an elder on March 2, 1980.  Loma Lorbier, a Laotian refugee, began Bible classes for Laotians of Manchester.  In September, Landon Saunders conducted a weekend Feeling Good About Yourself seminar.  A young married and singles group began, and in the fall, members became involved in the nationwide Cleanup TV campaign.  Don Nelson resigned as an elder because of health issues.  Twenty-six were baptized that year.

            Teams from the youth group participated in an area Bible Bowl competition in 1981.  The Meister Singers from Lubbock  Christian College presented a May concert.  Landon Saunders conducted another seminar under the sponsorship of the Manchester church.  The newly-filmed Marriage Enrichment Seminar was presented on Sunday evenings from September to November.  A group also presented this series in East Hampton with over 100 from the community attending.  In September, what the Brewers thought was a 20^th anniversary celebration for the congregation turned out to be a banquet in their honor at the Colony Restaurant.  The church participated in the nationwide food relief drive for Poland.  Twelve were baptized in 1981.

            A church library was founded in 1982.  The elders and their wives began their annual retreats, and the church began to be involved in providing food for the Honor Court program.  A dinner was given honoring Jonathan and Evelyn Law on their 60^th wedding anniversary.  Loma Lorbier was assaulted on a Manchester street; in defending himself and his family, he fatally injured his assailant and was charged with murder.  The church provided security for his release, and members contributed more than $8000 to his legal defense fund.  Debbie Hanley succeeded Juanita Nelson as church secretary.  Seventeen were baptized.

            In 1983, the Lorbier family prepared a Laotian dinner for the church in appreciation.  Joe Cannon, veteran missionary to the Far East, and Ted Lindgren, missionary to Laos and Thailand, both spoke at the dinner.  Word processing equipment was purchased that year.  Steve Holt terminated his work with Manchester to be one of the ministers at the new congregation in Windsor.  Support for Arthur Barry was begun while he was in preacher training school.  Alison Nadeau succeeded Debbie Hanley as church secretary.  The Heart of the Fighter film series attracted the attention of the surrounding community.  Money was contributed for food relief in Ghana and Southeast Africa.  Sixteen were baptized.

            Loma Lorbier was declared not guilty in his 1984 trial.  Support was sent to a New Guinea missionary that year.  A new, self-supporting church was formed in Tolland with five Manchester church families forming the nucleus.  Gary Babcock was their first minister.  Members contributed $4,415 to the food relief program in Ethiopia.  Twelve were baptized.

            In 1985, a Bible Talk workshop was held, and the church hosted the Youth Bible Bowl.  Members also assumed sponsorship of Arthur Barry and his family as they began their work with a small church in Manchester, England.  Members contributed $1,142 to earthquake relief for Mexico City.  Seven were baptized .

            In January 1986, Gareth Flanary joined the church as a minister of evangelism.  The Manchester church again hosted the Youth Bible Bowl.  A carton of Bible class material was shipped to Ghana, and a system of home Bible studies began.  The elders’ wives planned the first area wide Ladies retreat at the Channel 3 Country Camp in Andover.  The church also helped initiate the first Northeastern States Men’s Retreat in Pawling, NY.  In June, the church observed its 25^th anniversary with a homecoming.  Later that summer the Brewers were sent to England to visit the Barry’s.  A system of Life Group meetings in homes was inaugurated in the fall.  Eight were baptized.

            In 1987, the church assisted two of its college students to participate in evangelistic campaigns—Denise Johnston in Australia and Martha Lacoss in Europe..  Family Night was added to the calendar at the YMCA which was reserved for an evening of recreation and fellowship.  A monthly men’s prayer breakfast was started.  The Arthur Barry family whose mission work in Manchester, England was sponsored by the Manchester church was brought to the states for a one month’s furlough in July.  Nancy Madrak succeeded Alison Nadeau as church secretary in June.  In November the church hosted James Walters for a weekend Spiritual Development Seminar.  Eight were baptized in 1987, and nine placed membership.

            Early in 1988, the men in the congregation participated in a Prayer Breakfast and Worship Workshop.  Teachers of classes grade 6 and below were involved in a training workshop.  A Secret Sister program was initiated.  A major refurbishing of our auditorium, foyer, and hallway included restoring the paneling and papering the walls in the foyer; padding the pews; carpeting the floors; and replacing the lights in the foyer and hall.  All this was financed by individual donations.  Charles  Brown, Darrel Conaway, and John Geysen were appointed to be deacons.  Robert Jarvis was appointed to serve as an elder, giving the church four elders and eight deacons.  A special evangelism offering exceeded $15, 000, part of which financed a campaign in Manchester, England.  $2000 was used to help Maurice Gideon, an Arab from Nazareth, Israel, to attend the Preacher Training School in Lubbock, TX.  Also, $500 was sent to Timothy Tarbet for his summer campaign work.  A special offering of almost $1000 was sent to hurricane relief in Latin America.  Seven were baptized and one placed membership. 

            In 1989, Dr. James Walters was the speaker for a Spiritual Enrichment Seminar hosted by the church.  Five members, led by Gareth Flanary, attended the Tulsa Soul-Winning Workshop.  A special multifaceted offering totaled just under $9000 with help going to:   Maurice Gideon and Samuel Matthews in preachers schools, Decker Clark’s mission efforts in Massachusetts, Martha Lacoss preparing for a two-year mission in Italy, and a church in New Bedford, MA.  A new copier was purchased for our office.  Monthly social times were begun to honor those with birthdays.  Neighborhood Bible studies were begun as a planned program.  $1600 was given for Hurricane Hugo relief and $1952 was given for San Francisco earthquake relief in special offerings.  An evangelism ministries fair was a great success.  Nine were baptized and 12 placed membership.

The 1990’s, a Church in Transition

            In 1990, six members from Manchester attended the Tulsa Soul-Winning Workshop.  Special offerings were sent to various benevolent mission works:  $3000 to Worldwide Day of Prayer and Eastern European and Soviet Union missions; $1000 to Romanian Relief; $300 to Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch and $300 to Country Acres Girl’s Home; $906 to help pay for a bone-marrow transplant for a girl in a Christian family in Venezuela; and $1500 was sent to Eastern Europe to help with relocation expenses for Charles Chandlers.  The Ohio Valley College chorus was our guest on its spring tour.  The Arthur Barry family returned from Manchester, England closing a five-year mission stint under our oversight.  On a sad note, Ed Post, one of our charter members, died of a heart attack, and Rose Bergeron, our first convert here, died following a lengthy illness.  A new heating and air-conditioning system was added.  Our World Bible School volunteers grew from 22 to 32.  Eleven were baptized and two placed membership.

            In January 1991, we began a new mission work sending the David Tucker family to help start a new church in Townsend, Massachusetts.  A special Gifts and Ministries study was conducted for the adults and youth.  A special Evangelism Training Class was taught by Gareth Flanary.  A new group, the Senior Saints, was born.  Care packages were sent to servicemen and women in the Persian Gulf.  Children’s Bible Time was begun during the Sunday morning sermons.  Numerous contacts came to us from the One Nation Under God Campaign resulting in several Bible correspondence courses and two personal Bible studies.  In September, Gareth Flanary resigned as our Evangelism Minister and moved to Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts where he accepted the position as that church’s pulpit minister.  Teacher Talks were begun to inform and encourage our children’s Bible class teachers.   Scott Stafford resigned as a deacon, leaving us with six.   An Evangelism seminar with Bob Danklefsen was conducted.  Just before Christmas, the first annual Seasonal Sharing Night was a great success with several families being assisted with food, clothing, and other needs.  Seven were baptized and two placed membership.

            In 1992, Arthur Risley resigned after 25 years of service as part-time custodian.  He was succeeded by Lola Johnson and later by Mark Nadeau.  A very effective teacher workshop was conducted in our building by four instructors from Texas.  The church lost its senior member as Evelyn Law died in July at age 95.  A major milestone was reached by the church as its founding minister, Eugene Brewer, retired after 31 years of service.  He was honored at a formal retirement dinner in July at La Renaissance.  Raul Fonseca from Florida was selected to serve as the church’s new minister starting in September.  The church hosted a family seminar in October with Paul Faulkner of Abilene Christian University.  A mother’s encouragement group began in the fall with Nancy Fonseca in charge.  Seven were baptized into Christ during the year and nine placed membership.

            In January 1993, Eugene Brewer was invited to serve as Missionary –In-Residence at Oklahoma Christian for the trimester.  A training class for the development of additional deacons led to the appointment of three men at the end of the year—George Perron, Peter Scanlon, and Gary Yeats.  In the meantime, two deacons were lost as Ken and Mary Ellen Wagner moved to Missouri after 25 years in this congregation, and Van Frasher gave his resignation.  A World Bible School mail-a-thon resulted in the mailing out of 1000 introductory lessons to students primarily in Africa.  Three “Bring Your Neighbor Days” were held.  The Tolland Church of Christ merged with Manchester, and 30 from that congregation placed membership.  Other events during the year included ladies devotionals, a teacher appreciation dinner, a teen hosted Halloween party for the children, and a children’s Bible class open house.  A special contribution for flood relief in the Midwest amounted to $1238.  A parent support group was initiated.  Nine were baptized during the year.

            In 1994, we had the opportunity to host the Michigan Christian College Chorus.  Many from the congregation furnished housing and camperships for ten children from Russia so that they could attend Tidal River Christian Camp.  We shared our resources with those in need:  $926 to earthquake victims in  California;  $325 medical support for the Defillipi family; $1550 in flood relief for the Jeffrey Pointer family in Georgia; and $725 for Russian missionary support.  A computer and new copier were purchased to update the office.  A two day evangelistic training seminar was conducted by Robert Oglesby of Richardson, Texas.  Eugene Brewer was again invited to Oklahoma Christian as Missionary-In-Residence in the spring and then again in 1995.  During the year, several of our members passed away:  Percival Buxton, Betty Pointer, Andy Perruzzi, and Millie Isham.  Our hearts were further saddened by the death of former member Helen Todd.  Raul Fonseca’s position as minister ended  in September.  Nancy Madrak resigned as church secretary after seven years of service and was succeeded by the return of Alison Nadeau to a second term in the position.  Our numbers were increased with ten baptisms and 17 placed membership.

            During 1995, the men of the congregation shared the preaching duties.  In August, Charles Wilson was selected to fill the pulpit, and he began preaching on September 11.  Fellowship opportunities included a Men’s Spades Tourney, breakfast excursions for the women, a ladies’ English tea, three Bring Your Neighbor Days, quarterly ladies’ devotionals, Seasonal Sharing, and an “Over 50’s” banquet.  We were saddened again by deaths of former members Kristy Wagner and Bobby Thompson.  A group of 18 from our congregation toured the Holy Land together in November 1995.  Several of our members were involved in personal Bible studies, and 13 were baptized and 12 placed membership.

            The year 1996 began with the installation of Toimi Martikainen, Steve Pratt, and Kerry Richardson as deacons and the reaffirmation of our elders by the congregation.  The theme of “Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace” was selected as a goal for 1996.  A basketball team was formed under the leadership of Charlie Wilson to compete with other teams in Manchester.  Our ladies joined together to make quilts for individuals in need of encouragement and for clients of area shelters.  In addition, toiletry items were collected at ladies Bible classes for distribution to the young people at Country Acres girls’ home in New Hampshire and Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch on Long Island, New York.  A mission Sunday was held with Don and Carol Vinzant, missionaries to Brazil, as our special guests.  Charlie and C.J. Wilson made a missionary trip to the Ukraine.  Our children prepared money packets and art work to send with the Wilsons as gifts for Bible students, and our members offered financial support for this trip.  We also supported mission efforts of Matt Goodman in Warsaw, Poland; Annie Baladenski in the Ukraine; and Paul Breakfield in his work in Jerusalem.  Also, donations were sent to Corrie Brown who was in Athens, Greece for the purchase of coats for Kurdish refugees. A Vacation Bible School was conducted in Manchester under the leadership of the youth and accompanying adults from the Turner Road Church of Christ in Dayton, Ohio.  A worship training seminar was held for our men, and a gospel meeting was conducted by Paul Methvin of Orangevale, California.  Eight were baptized and six placed membership in 1996.

            In April 1997, the Manchester ladies hosted the Connecticut Ladies Retreat with the theme “Ladies of Ages.”  A ladies quarterly newsletter Words, Wit, and Wisdom was initiated.  Manchester hosted an area wide youth devotional on March 9 with over 250 in attendance for the Sunday evening worship.  A facility remodeling project was completed with many members donating their labor and talents to expand the foyer, put in a handicapped bathroom, and add two exit doors in the rear of the auditorium. A new young singles and married class was started by Gary Yeats and Neal Coates.  In April, the $1225 was collected for flood relief for several Mid America states.  We were saddened by the death of A.J. Todd, a former member who was also one of our founding members and one of our first three elders.  Our first website was launched, designed by Kelly Brown and later revised by Phil Ginsberg.  Art and Marion Risley celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary.  The church hosted a Church Growth Workshop with speaker John Ellis from the Center for Church Growth August 22—24.  In September, the church hosted a Gospel Meeting with Paul Vertz as the speaker.  In October a Teacher Training Workshop was held with Larry Ice from Ohio Valley College managing the program.  Charlie Wilson resigned as our pulpit minister to take a position in Savannah, Georgia.  In November, Manchester hosted a Giant Southern New England Youth Rally with Don McLaughlin as the speaker with more than 350 in attendance.  Twelve were baptized and twelve placed  membership in 1997.

            On March 1, 1998, Arnie Holmes began his service as the pulpit minister at the Manchester Church of Christ.  During 1998, $2948 was collected for the mission effort  of supporting Spencer and Debbie Seeley in Montpelier, VT.  Ken and Eleanor Arey donated a new church sign to display in front of the church building.  The congregation donated $1616 to Dwight Albright for mission work in Japan.  Tidal River Christian Camp celebrated its 25^th anniversary in July.  Gene and Barbara Brewer celebrated their 50^th anniversary.  The church hosted a seminar entitled “Becoming More Christlike” on October 11-14 with David Tarbet as our speaker.  Neal Coates was installed as a deacon on October 25.  One of our former members, Bill McKinney, passed away.  During a congregational meeting on November 22, the elders presented a 10 year plan for spiritual and numerical growth.  Twenty placed membership and 18 were baptized during 1998.

Plans for a New Building

            In January 1999, Kerry Richardson began as youth minister of the congregation.  The elders initiated a new shepherding plan.  A series of TV advertisements began on Cox and TCI Cable telling the community about our church.  On March 6, Gareth Flanary led a Group Ministry Mini-Seminar.  On April 4, the Manchester congregation began two Sunday A.M. services, one at 8:30 A.M. and the other at 10:45 A.M.  $5500 was donated by our members to aid the efforts of the church in Tirana, Albania as they helped refugees fleeing Kosova.  June 21 to 25 the church conducted a Vacation Bible School, the first in many years.  The church began the process of searching for land on which to build a new building.  Neal Coates resigned as deacon as he and his family moved to Abilene, TX, leaving Ken Arey, Charlie Brown, John Geysen, Toimi Martikainin, George Perron, Steve Pratt, Peter Scanlon, Charlie Silva, and Gary Yeats as deacons.  Alison Nadeau resigned as church secretary on July 9 after a total of 9 years of service.  On October 9,  $51,556 was donated by members of our congregation for the building fund for a new building.  Gary and Susan Yeats planned the first annual Harvest Fest for our children and as an outreach to the community.  Pat Mosher began her tenure as church secretary on November 1.  Artie Shaffer presented an outreach seminar for our members Nov. 7 to 15.  Six were baptized and 12 placed membership in 1999.

            In 2000, Ken and Eleanor Arey celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary.  Kerry Richardson resigned as youth minister, and Charlie Brown became the deacon youth leader.  In May, the church sponsored a workshop to help establish care ministries-- facilitated by Bill McDonald.  George Perron resigned as deacon, and Steve Pratt resigned as deacon when he and his family moved to California.  J.P. Conway started his tenure as our youth minister on September 1.  Around $50,000 was collected on October 1 in a special collection for the new building fund.  The church sponsored a family night and Southern New England Youth Rally on October 21 and 22 with Jeff Walling as guest speaker and approximately 300 in attendance.  On October 29, two additional elders – Charles Brown and Toimi Martikainin—were appointed by the congregation bringing the total to six.  Five additional deacons – Jeff Brissette, Steve Ellis, Jeff Hannington, Scott Stafford, and Phil Stice—were appointed bringing the total number of deacons to ten.  The church helped approximately 23 missions this year, spending $18,775 to do so.  Ten were baptized and 25 placed membership.

            On January 31, 2001, the church purchased 4.5 acres of land at 601 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester for $125,000.  The first Abilene Christian University spring break campaign was March 10—17.  J.P. Conway continued to develop a very active and spiritual youth program.  On April 27, the first church softball team was started.  The Simsbury Church of Christ disbanded, and many of their members placed membership at Manchester Church of Christ.  Steve Ellis resigned as deacon as his family moved out of state.  J.P. Conway took a group of teens to the Mid Ohio Valley work camp in West Virginia for the first time.  Another one of our founding members, Polly Todd, died in July.  The first annual 6^th Grade Blessing was held in August to welcome the new 6^th graders into the youth group.  An adjoining property to 601 Tolland Turnpike was purchased for $132,500.  The Genesis Group with Bill Ivey was retained to assist the congregation with a major capital fund raising campaign for the new facility to be built on Tolland Turnpike at an estimated cost of $3.5 million.  Friar Associates was hired as the architect firm.  The first annual children’s musical “Don’t Rock the Ark” , written and directed by Janet Stice, was performed by our children on November 18.  Youth minister J.P. Conway married Beth Lavender in December.  Nine were baptized and 39 placed membership in 2001.

            February 10, 2002 was kick off Sunday for the Capital Fund Campaign for our new building with a goal of $1,000,000 commitment over 3 years.  The church received a large anonymous donation to this fund.  March 24 was Awareness Sunday.  The new facilities committee was meeting regularly this year to plan the design of the new building.  On May 2, the leaders of the congregation met and committed to donating $605, 874.  On May 19, Commitment Sunday, the remainder of the congregation made their commitments to the capital fund campaign bringing the total committed by the congregation to $1, 181,000+.  On First Fruits Sunday June 2, a total of $111, 283.21 was collected for the building fund.  John Ellas conducted a Sharing Ministry Workshop on September 7 and 8 to provide training to help us serve our guests who come from the community to visit our worship service.  On October 27, seven new deacons were appointed:  Larry Evans, Eric Foley, Robert Klein, Steve Klein, Russ Mosher, Richard Sale, and Dave Stewart—bringing the total to 16.  The children’s musical “Once Upon a Starry Night” (written and directed by Janet Stice) was performed by our children on December 8 with 305 in attendance.  In December, the final payment was made on the old church building at 394 Lydall St.  Fourteen were baptized and 21 placed membership.

            In February 2003, ten teens and J.P. Conway went on a 4200 mile trip to Winterfest in Tennessee and then to visit the Christian colleges of Lipscomb, Harding, Abilene, and Oklahoma Christian.  The youth group gave their first choral presentation on April 6.  The ladies of the church put together a cookbook.  The hardworking new facilities committee, after months of investigation and meetings, selected Borghesi Builders to build our new church building on Tolland Turnpike.  Mike Post was named our first summer intern for our youth ministry.  Eugene Brewer led a study on Developing Elders in the Churches at the 18^th annual North East States Men’s Retreat in Kent on June 6, 7 resulting in many churches in New England starting the process of naming elders.  On July 1, the congregation made a commitment to support Billy Strachan, a youth minister in Peterhead, Scotland on a regular basis.  In the fall, a class for step-families was held.  Children’s musical “The Great Adventure,” directed by Janet Stice, was performed by our children on December 7 with 212 in attendance.  On December 31, Eugene Brewer resigned as an elder after having served over 30 years in this position.  He continued on as education director.  Ten were baptized, and nine placed membership this year.

            On January 17, 2004, an appreciation dinner was held for the Brewers for their many years of service.  Don and Juanita Nelson celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary on January 21^st.  On May 8, a Manchester Church of Christ Ladies Day was held at the WaWa Center in Chaplin with the theme of “But Only One Thing is Needed.”   The Harding University choir from Searcy, AR performed at our building on May 23.  Todd Brumley became our second youth ministry summer intern.  The youth group performed the musical “The Only One” written by Gary Yeats on Sunday evening May 23 with 200 in attendance.  On May 31^st, the congregation was shaken by the unexpected death of Barbara Brewer.  Hundreds gathered at the church building to mourn her loss and celebrate her life.  She and her husband, Gene, were responsible for starting this congregation, and she devoted her life to His service.  Barbara had touched so many, and her loss continues to be felt by the congregation.  On June 16, the congregation gathered at 595 Tolland Turnpike for a ground breaking ceremony of our new facilities.  On July 31, a group of 12 from the Manchester church, headed by J.P. Conway, left on a one week mission trip to Honduras.  Larry Evans resigned as deacon due to a move of his family to New Jersey.   The musical “Bugz” was performed by our children on September 12.  On December 5^th, a revised 10 year plan was presented to the congregation at a congregational meeting.  Fourteen were baptized and 38 placed membership.

Move to the New Building

            In January 2005, a new class on dealing with finances was conducted by Charlie Silva.  $3536.83 was collected in January for victims of the tsunami.  On April 10, over 316 people gathered for the last worship service in the building at 394 Lydall St.  where many fond memories had been formed.  The long awaited first worship service in our new building at 595 Tolland Turnpike was attended by 335 people on April 17.  One of our members, Betty Jean Spencer, passed away on April 19.  The musical drama, “The Prodigals”, which was written and directed by Gary Yeats with music directed by the Conway’s was performed on May 15 with a record of 440 in attendance!  Summer youth ministry intern Kellen Morgan arrived just in time to see the performance.   An open house was held in the new building on June 12 to welcome the community and celebrate the perseverance of our members in accomplishing the great feat of planning, raising funds, and building a new facility.  375 attended this celebration.  In September, Charlie Silva resigned as deacon, but remained the church treasurer.  Kate Downing and Gary Moule became the first couple to be married in the new building on September 30.  Six new deacons were appointed on October 23 bringing the total to 20.  The following men were appointed:  Dave Berberian, Chris Costa, Dick Courtney, Jim Lietz, Mike McHugh, and John Ramaglia.  Graeme Davidson and a committee revised the website to display up to date information.  Jim Todd announced his retirement from the eldership on October 30 after 25 years of dedicated service in this office and 7 years as a deacon.  A large area wide youth rally was held in our building on November 11-13 with Don McLaughlin as the guest speaker.  The children’s musical “Motion in the Ocean,” written and directed by Janet Stice, was performed on Dec. 4 with 290 in attendance.  Twenty-five were baptized and 28 placed membership.

            In February 2006, a new program for the women in the congregation began entitled GEMS  (Growth, Encouragement, Ministry, and Service).  A new Sunday night format for the 4^th Sunday of each month was adopted allowing the GEMS groups and other groups opportunity to meet.  On May 6 and 7, our youth performed to a full house the musical drama “Sandcastles” in a dinner theater setting.  The play was written and directed by Gary Yeats with the music directed by J.P. and Beth Conway.  The performance was followed by 13 weeks of Wednesday night classes on Family Faith Formation written and taught by J.P. Conway on the issues presented in the play.  Todd Brumley was the summer youth ministry intern and Mallory Evans was the youth girls counselor for the summer.  The Manchester ladies hosted the 2006 Connecticut Ladies Retreat in our building on May 20^th.  The church was saddened by the death of three members in 2006.  Kim Merrill succumbed after a long courageous battle with cancer on May 29.  Jeanette Beaulieu died in July, and Fran Todd passed away on September 26.  Fran had served the church faithfully as an elder’s wife for more than 25 years, and she continues to be greatly missed by the congregation.  J.P. Conway announced to the congregation that he would be leaving his position as youth minister effective December 31. A mission trip to Honduras was taken by several from our congregation on August 5-11 headed by J.P. Conway.  “The Bigger They Are,” a children’s musical written and directed by Janet Stice, was performed on December 3 with 330 in attendance.  On December 9^th, the congregation gathered together for a farewell dinner for youth minister J.P. Conway and his wife Beth.  The Conway’s moved to Tennessee where Beth became a professor at David Lipscomb University.  J.P. Conway served the congregation well during his seven year tenure—growing the youth group from 28 to 52 and developing a premier youth program.  In 2006, ten were baptized and 17 placed membership.

            On January 1, 2007, Bryan Gray began his position as youth minister of the Manchester Church of Christ.  The Young Adults Group (ages 18—40) began regular bi-weekly Friday evening devotionals.  In March, a ten week Wednesday night parenting class was launched by Chris Costa using material entitled “Effective Parenting in a Defective World.”  On April 6 and 7, our teens performed the musical drama “Masquerade”, written and directed by Gary Yeats,  in a dinner theater setting.  On April 14, the church was shaken by the news of the severe assault of the daughter of one of our families.  The congregation rallied to support the family in their time of need.  In June, Larry Muller and Michael Cain were installed as deacons of the congregation.  Robert Klein resigned as deacon this year, so currently, the following men are serving as deacons:  Ken Arey, David Berberian, Jeff Brissette, Mike Cain, Chris Costa, Dick Courtney, Eric Foley, John Geysen, Jeff Hannington, Steve Klein, Jim Lietz, Mike McHugh, Russ Mosher, Larry Muller, John Ramaglia, Richard Sale, Peter Scanlon, Scott Stafford, Dave Stewart, Philip Stice, and Gary Yeats.  On July 1, 2007, Anthony Melakian began his work as our third full-time minister--in the role of Outreach Minister.  From August 4 to 10, 20 of our members participated in a mission trip to Honduras.  On September 21 to 23, the congregation hosted a “We Care” seminar.  $2066  was collected for  Orphans in Russia and $2,620 was collected for victims of a typhoon in Bangladesh.  Manchester Church of Christ, along with Ward St. Church of Christ, hosted a Greater New England Youth Rally November 9 to 11 with 286 in attendance.  On December 2, a snowy and icy evening, the congregation was treated to a musical “The Dreamers”, performed by our first through fifth graders, and written and directed by Janet Stice .  210 people attended. 

During the year 2007, a total of 8672 different people from 71 countries accessed our church webpage (www.manchesterchurchofchrist.org) which is kept up by Graeme Davidson.  Our weekly budget was $8784, and our average weekly contribution was $8794.  Our average Sunday A.M. attendance was 283, and our approximate baptized membership was 260.  In 2007, 28 people were baptized and 21 placed membership.

In March, 2008, the Manchester Church of Christ hosted the first annual New England Church Growth Conference with attendees from all over the Northeast.  In April, Chris Costa facilitated a 13 week course entitled Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University which was designed to help attendees learn to manage debt.  The class was so successful that it was repeated in the fall.  The Senior Saints ministry conducted monthly activities.  In April during spring break for most school children, the church hosted a Family Fest with the theme of Fiesta.  During 2008, Michael Cain, Larry Muller, and John Ramaglia resigned as deacons.  On May 4, our youth group performed two performances of  the musical drama “Vanishing Act” , written and directed by Gary Yeats, to a “full house.” Emma Scanlon served as a youth girls’ counselor for the summer.  In August, a group from Manchester traveled to Honduras on a mission trip.  In August, the congregation gave away 120 backpacks stuffed with school supplies and Bibles to area school children.  World English Institute classes were started this year offering free English language classes to the community using the Bible as the text.  On Sunday October 5 we “Packed the Pulpit” with groceries for the food pantry.  Our annual Harvest Carnival was a huge success with over 400 in attendance and attracting  many visitors from the community.  $2128 was collected for the Lifeline of Hope for orphans in Russia.  One of our members, Carol Clark, passed away on November 24.  On December 7, our first through fifth graders performed the  musical play “Bows of Holly” written and directed by Janet Stice.  The play focused on the theme of giving to others, and it was followed by our annual “Seasonal Sharing.”  321 attended the worship service that day.  Bryan Gray resigned his position as Youth Minister, and his last day of service was December 31, 2008.

During 2008, a total of 9048 visitors from 77 countries accessed our webpage.  Our weekly budget was $9455, and our average contribution was $8959.  Our average Sunday A.M. attendance was 280, and our approximate baptized membership was 273.  In 2008, 30 were baptized and 20 placed membership.

On January 6, 2009, the Manchester Church of Christ hosted the David Lipscomb University chorus.  A variety of classes were offered to the membership and community this year in addition to regular, weekly Bible classes.  These classes included “Fireproof Your Marriage” and Financial Peace University classes on managing debt.  Two new elders, Scott Stafford and Peter Scanlon, were installed on February 8 bringing the current number of elders to six.  “Conversations with the shepherds” were held periodically in 2009, giving members an opportunity to visit with the elders and their wives.  On March 13-15, Manchester once again hosted The New England Church Growth Conference drawing attendees from all of New England.   On April 20-22, the church hosted a “Family Fest” with the theme of “Power Lab.”  On June 7, 2009, Art and Marion Risley celebrated their 62^nd wedding anniversary—a milestone few attain—currently more years than other couples in the congregation.

On July 1, 2009 Brady Easter began his service to the church as youth minister.  After 36 years of being located in Haddam, Connecticut, Tidal River Christian Camp for our youth was moved to Huntington, Massachusetts to a camp owned by Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch.  Hundreds of children have benefited from camping in a Christian setting since this camp was founded by members of the Manchester church in 1972.  On August 7, George and Elaine Caruthers celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary.  On November 13-15, Manchester hosted the Southern New England Youth Rally with guest speaker J. P. Conway and theme of “Louder Than Before.”  Over 300 youth and chaperones from the New England area attended.  On December 4, one of our newest members, Esther Chase, passed away.  Twice during the year, members “packed the pulpit” with thousands of dollars worth of groceries which were donated to the local food pantry.  Members donated $2,417.81 to the Lifeline of Hope orphans organization; members also donated coats, gloves, and hats to local children who needed warm clothing.  On Sunday, December 6, our children in grades 1 to 5 presented their musical “Elijah” to the congregation and guests from the community.  “Elijah” was the 9^th children’s musical written and directed by Janet Stice and presented to our congregation.  During 2009, the Manchester church sponsored basketball, volleyball, and softball teams.

During 2009, a total of 11,125 people from 95 different countries accessed our website.  Our weekly budget was $8800, and our average weekly contribution was $8730.90.   Our average Sunday A.M. attendance was 291, and our approximate baptized membership was 287.  In 2009, 22 were baptized, and 29 placed membership or were restored.  At the end of 2009, discussions were started as how to best commemorate our congregation’s 50^th anniversary which will be September 10, 2011.

      In 2010, the Manchester church once again hosted the New England Church Growth Conference—this year with speakers Jerry Tallman, Monte Cox, Billie Williams, and Gareth Flanary.  On March 27, Rebecca Brewer Todd was the speaker for the annual ladies’ breakfast devotional.  Once again, the church hosted the Financial Peace University classes, facilitated by Chris Costa.  Many members and people from the community have benefited from these classes that help participants learn how to eliminate personal debt.  A Family Fest with theme of “High Seas Expedition—Exploring the Mighty Love of God” was held in April, and many children from the community attended and learned more about God.  An outreach newsletter ministry was initiated by Anthony Melakian this year.  Twenty-five different gospel newsletters were delivered to approximately 250 local households throughout the year.

Members showed their generosity this year by contributing $6583 to Haitian earthquake relief, $2249 to Rhode Island flood relief, $5309 to the Honduras mission trip, $7985 to missionary Billy Strachan in Scotland, $1990 to Lifeline of Hope, and by donating 81 coats to needy local children and 41 boxes of goodies to seniors at Orford Village in Manchester.  Our youth group and youth minister Brady Easter had a very busy year.  Among other things, they attended youth rallies in Wallingford, CT;  Waterbury, CT; and Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  They participated in the Ohio Valley youth work camp, and many attended Timothy Hill Christian Camp in Massachusetts.  They conducted several service projects including a “Prayer Experience.”  A record number of seniors—12—graduated from high school this year.  In August, 21 people spent one week in Honduras building houses for families in need and working in local medical clinics.  On September 12, the Manchester church entered its 50^th year of existence.  The theme of “Back to the Future, Remembering, Rejoicing, and Rededicating”  was adopted for the upcoming anniversary year.  “Semi-centennial minutes” will be published each week in the bulletin until the anniversary date of September 11, 2011.  Ken and Eleanor Arey celebrated their 60^th anniversary this year.  Our church building was broken into on June 8, and some cash and laptops were stolen.

 Michael McHugh and Ken Arey resigned as deacons leaving Dave Berberian, Jeff Brissette, Chris Costa, Richard Courtney, Eric Foley, John Geysen, Jeff Hannington, Steve Klein, Jim Lietz, Russell Mosher, Richard Sale, Dave Stewart, Phil Stice, and Gary Yeats as deacons.  Amelie Gannutz became our oldest and youngest member when she was baptized at the age of 94!  In October, Keith Lancaster conducted a very successful a cappella singing workshop.  The church was deeply saddened by the death of Rebecca Brewer Todd on December 19.

In 2010, the Manchester church sponsored softball, basketball, and volleyball teams.  Our weekly budget was $$9,120 and our average weekly contribution was $8923, helped by a large, one-time gift from a non-member.   Our average Sunday A.M. attendance was 284, and our approximate baptized membership was 289.  In 2010, 23 were baptized (which included 10 of children of members), and 18 placed membership or were restored.

      2011 was a landmark year in the history of the Manchester Church of Christ as it was the 50^th year of our existence.  Weekly “Semi-Centennial Minutes” were published in the bulletin.   In January, Sharon Costa and Jodi Dean participated in a medical mission trip to Haiti.  “Friday Night Alive” was started by Brady Easter—a monthly opportunity for the church family to come together in fellowship and worship.  In March, Manchester hosted the fourth annual New England Church Growth Conference with guest speaker Harold Shank.  Robert and Holly Klein facilitated a parenting series called “Effective Parenting in a Defective World” on Wednesday evenings starting in April.  In May, Manchester hosted the New England Ladies Day with theme of “Souls Knit Together” and with speakers Beth Stafford and Rae Holmes.  In May, another new tradition was started with the beginning of a once a month “Sunday Night Alive.”  In August, 20 of our members participated in a mission trip to Honduras.

            On September 10 and 11, 2011, the Manchester church conducted a weekend long 50^th anniversary celebration.  The celebration was kicked off on Saturday  with a picnic at Northwest Park followed by a talent show back at the building.  On Sunday,  Phil Stice presented a picture/musical video that he and his wife Janet put together that illustrated the history of the church over the past 50 years.   450 people, including former members from various states, attended the worship service on September 11.  Pictures were taken of the remaining founding members which included our founding minister Eugene Brewer and his daughters Janet Stice, Susan Yeats, Jennifer Blake, and Ann Brumley.  Other founding members in attendance were Eva, Bruce, Wayne, and  Greg Post, and Alison Buxton Nadeau.   A pasta lunch was served to the attendees, and the weekend ended with a hymn sing.

            In September, Gary and Susan Yeats started a new children’s Bible class program called “Safari Sundays.”  In November, Manchester youth group hosted the successful  area-wide youth rally with the theme of “Dead Fish.”  Sadly, three of our members passed away in 2011—Ken Arey, Eleanor Arey, and Ernie Nelson.  Ken was the longest serving deacon in the church.  The church donated to several missions this year:  $6403 to Japan tsunami relief, $4038 to Alabama tornado relief, $2191 to Lifeline of Hope, and other funds to area charities during our Seasonal Sharing Sunday.  In 2011, Chris Costa, Jeff Brissette, and Jeff Hannington resigned as deacons.

            In 2011, the weekly budget was $9046, and average weekly contribution was $9309.  Average Sunday morning worship service attendance was 281.  There were 17 baptisms, and 21 people placed membership.

Second Half-Century Begins at the Manchester Church of Christ

In 2012, the Manchester ladies started the year by hosting a Soup and Sisters event for ladies on the topic of women’s safety issues.  Officer Robert Johnson was the speaker; well over 100 people from the church and community benefitted from this program.  In January, the congregation kicked off a five month long Capital Stewardship Campaign with the goal of being able to pay down our mortgage debt and increase our ministries.  Rae Holmes and Jodi Dean traveled to Haiti to work with the organization Hope for Haiti’s Children.    In March, the Manchester Church hosted the 5^th annual New England Church Growth Conference with Evertt Huffard as the keynote speaker.  Over 200 people from all around New England and farther attended this excellent conference.

In 2012, Gary and Susan Yeats expanded the Children’s Ministry Center to include a new three-ring circus room.  An April newsletter entitled Children’s Ministry outlined for the congregation the curriculum for our children’s Bible classes.  The Ward Street Church ladies hosted the Connecticut Ladies Day in our building on April 28.  A Mother & Daughter Tea was held on May 12 for the ladies and girls of our congregation.  Brady Easter taught a four week class for adults on how to interact, connect with, and influence teenagers.  May 20 was Commitment Sunday for the Capital Stewardship Campaign.  On this day, a total of $586,098 was pledged by members of the Manchester congregation to be given over the next three years in order to help pay down our mortgage debt and to increase our ministries.  On June 3, about 260 people attended a celebration (headed by Susan Scanlon) of a successful campaign.

In August, 21 of our teens and adults went to Honduras on a mission trip to build houses and provide medical services to those in need.  In October, a ladies game night was held, and  the 13^th annual Harvest Carnival attracted over 300 children and adults.  In 2012, our members supported various missions and charities including Gareth Flanary’s work in W. Springfield, Billy Strachan’s work in Scotland, David Tarbet’s work in New Milford, Honduras missions, Lifeline of Hope, coats for local children, local food banks, local families who lost their homes, etc.  Sadly, two of our members passed away this year—Delbert Conroy and our beloved sister Anna Carty.  Dave Berberian and Russ Mosher resigned as deacons this year, and Mike Paden was installed as a new deacon.   Current deacons are:  Richard Courtney, Eric Foley, John Geysen, Steve Klein, Jim Lietz, Mike Paden, Richard Sale, Dave Stewart, Phil Stice, and Gary Yeats.  Current elders are:  Charles Brown, George Caruthers, Robert Jarvis, Toimi Martikainen, Peter Scanlon, Scott Stafford.  Eugene Brewer, the minister who founded our congregation over a half century ago, celebrated his 85^th birthday.  We are fortunate that he has been a member of this congregation for 51 years.

This history includes some of the highlights of the year, but it should be noted that week after week we worshiped our Lord each Sunday  morning, conducted multiple Bible classes, had many men’s breakfasts, had multiple Senior Saints meetings, fielded sports teams, and did lots of other “routine’ activities.  Our youth were very active with Bible studies, devotionals, service projects, homeless work camp, other Christian camps, youth led worships, fun nights, etc.

The weekly budget for 2012 was $9358; the average weekly contribution was $9092.  On November 9, $125,000 was paid to the bank from the capital campaign funds, reducing our building mortgage to $991,500.  The average Sunday morning worship service attendance was 289.  There were 16 baptisms and 16 people placed membership.

Special thanks to the following people:

--Art Risley who saved every church bulletin from 1961 to the present from whence much of this information was taken.

--George Caruthers who keeps accurate statistics.

--Gene Brewer who compiled the history of the early years of the Manchester congregation.

This history was compiled by Mary Brown