Our Governance History

What follows is the extraordinary answer given by Andy Hegedus, when asked by another member of the congregation, Tom Pierce, if there was any history to our's being a "Board of Management" instead of a Board of Trustees or Directors.  Andy is a long-time member of this congregation and has served in almost every major leadership position, most recently as the Treasurer.  His passion, as you will see, however, is history, in particular, our history.

His response to the praise directed at his work below included the following, which I think is worth celebrating and honoring as much as the history he outlines.

"Thank you for your praise, but this is not about me.  It is about the extraordinary Institution or enterprise with which we have the fortune to be associated.  Our history is relatively deep in this region of the state.  It is not about flashiness, but providing a place of spiritual and/or social comfort for restless individuals who fit neither into trailblazer nor conventional expectations in their time.    We are fortunate stewards.  Depending on criteria (the Ulster Presbyterian's church was burned down by the Calvinist in 1717 before they got to have their first service in their own edifice and our not counted by many Worcester historians), we were the eighth or ninth religious society in Worcester; we have survived and adapted giving "regular" folks an hour of joy on Sundays and more on  for nearly 175 years!  That deserves praise, resources, and recognition.  Don't let the lights go out!   There is something more here than any one of us and is worth continuing for future generations.   We have always been a small unconventional oasis seeking acceptance and recognition on our terms.  An unending quest since convention by its nature is plastic or malleable." (Andrew Hegedus, 11/20/14)

Please click here to view and download a copy of Our Governance History, by Andrew Hegedus.