History of the Chino United Methodist Church 1960-1999 | Opinion and commentary
Bobbie lane
WWith the unification of the Methodist Church in 1968, women’s societies have grown and grown. In 1973, all women’s groups became United Methodist Women (UMW). This would be the last name change as we are still known as UMW.
In the early 1970s, the congregation experienced a decline in membership and interest, which seemed to affect churches across the country. As the community began to grow rapidly, the congregation mobilized to meet the needs of the changing population.
Under the leadership of Reverend Stanley Creighton and Reverend Michael Higgs, the church continued to emphasize strong support for missions, quality music programs, and Christian education. In 1980, church attendance showed significant growth. We continued!
The shrine building was painted, new carpet and refurbished wood floors provided in 1995. Memorial funds were spent to purchase new choir dresses and acoustic panels for the organ bay.
A hand-carved wooden cross was donated in memory of Ty George by his nephew Sam Maloof, a famous American furniture designer and carpenter who was born in Chino in 1916.
His work is in many museums, including the Smithsonian. The White House has several of the rocking chairs. Presidents Kennedy, Carter, and Reagan all owned Maloof rockers.
In 1996, the church was focusing on children and youth. The Reverend Catie Coots felt that one of the church’s greatest needs was figuring out how to reach new people. A “think tank” has been set up to get new ideas.
The Holiday Moodsetter, an annual church-wide event to put the congregation in the Christmas mood, was started by Barbara Pine and Helen Searfoss. The mother-daughter potluck took place on May 8, 1997, the Thursday before Mother’s Day. It was a great success.
In May 1998 a new Minister, the Reverend Richard Bentley was appointed. The rectory renovations were completed in preparation for the arrival of Reverend Bentley and his family, which included his wife, Ruth, and their seven-year-old daughter, Hope. Reverend Bentley started in July 1998. He was from Rosewood United Methodist Church in Los Angeles. He helped this church recover from the Northridge earthquake as they temporarily worshiped at a school for 7.5 months. He oversaw $ 230,000 in repairs and improvements to this church.
In 1999, Betsy Bowering retired from her post as choir director. The new trumpet pipes were installed the week of October 11. Construction of the Waterfall Fountain in Memory of Harold Loy has been completed. Mike Brady, a local artist and mason, built the fountain according to the plan prepared by Mr. Loy. The project was funded by the Loy family and friends.
This donation was the catalyst for the patio renovation project, including new plants and new benches. The Boy Scouts transplanted flowers and plants from the fountain area and under the stairs to the area alongside the rental house. They also laid bricks to square the patio in the back corner and renamed the patio “The Memorial Gardenâ€.
Carole Ann Schuricht has become the new director of the choir.
Some of the church family marched with our Boy Scout and Boy Scout troops in the Chino Christmas Parade. There was a stand on the church lawn to distribute coffee and donuts to parade spectators. Reaching out to the community is an important part of the life of The Chino United Methodist Church.