1950’s
Easter Sunday March 21, 1951: The first services in the new sanctuary are at 9:30 and 11:05 AM. Rev. Boynton preaches on “New Life for Old”. 924 attend these services. On April 1, 1951 the new sanctuary is dedicated with Rev. Boynton preaching the dedication sermon and Dr. Howard Stone Anderson pronouncing the benediction. Rev. Boynton retires and Dr. Anderson becomes Minister and Pastor.
November 12, 1951: The bylaws are revised to create a Church Council of 17 members, replacing the Board of Officers of 35 members. The principal lay officer is changed to Moderator. Carleton Everett is elected Moderator, the first to hold that title. (In 1998 his son, Robert, is elected Moderator.)
March 14, 1952: The Eastman Chapel, donated by Mrs. Lucius Eastman, is dedicated in memory of her husband “who lived to serve”.
September 7, 1952: Claire v. g. Thomas, Master of Music from Northwestern University, is now Organist and Director of Music – later to be named “Minister of Music”.
November 24, 1952: In a corporate meeting we agree to remodel Dyckman Hall into a Parish House.
February 21, 1954: The Church Council approves use of the Sanctuary by the Westchester Reform Congregation.
April 4, 1954: In a special corporate meeting, remodeling the Parish House at a cost not to exceed $256,000 is approved. Robert Chamberlin reports the generosity of the late Warren W. Cunningham will allow completion of a Children’s Chapel in his memory. The remodeled Parish House is dedicated on April 17, 1955. The Guild has provided $28,800 for furnishings.
November 21, 1955: In a special corporate meeting the purchase of the McKune property at 2 Heathcote Road is authorized for “parking and other Church purposes”.
January 18, 1956: The East Harlem Parish is added as a church project with Rev. George E. Calvert as the Church representative.
June 25, 1957: The United Church of Christ is formed in Cleveland OH with Oscar S. Blinn, Dr. Howard Stone Anderson and Marlowe Addy Anderson in attendance from this Church.
February 4, 1958: After a report overseen by Grosvenor Dana, by a vote of 71 to 55 the Board of Education is authorized to undertake a church-sponsored, non-profit Nursery School beginning September 1958.
February 22, 1959: The new Pilgrim Hymnals, gifts from Mr. and Mrs. George P. Moffat, Jr. in memory of their fathers, are dedicated.
May 1 – 3, 1959: The Senior Youth Fellowship (SYF) holds a retreat at Croton Point.