After I joined the Church I learned there were plans to build a new building closer to where we lived. We were meeting then in the old building in Whittier. There were plans for a new Stake Center as well. The Church had grown and the one building was just too small for all the Saints to meet in. Being new, I didn't know much about such things, so I learned as things unfolded.
The members of Whittier First Ward were anxious for us to get our building up and to move out. We were Whittier Second Ward at that time. It didn't take long until we were large enough to divide into two, but that would come after the building was up.
At that time 1952-1954 Wards had to raise 1/2 the value of the building before they could start construction. Work was volunteer where possible. Everyone pitched in to get the work done. What a wonderful time that was. The men would organize into work parties and the women would get meals prepared and on the work site in time for the breaks to eat came around. When
it could be arranged, professionals were asked to come by and give a hand. Bob Redfearn was
a non member married to one of the Primary Teachers. He would drop around after he got off work and give a hand with the plumbing. There were others who did the same. When Saturday rolled around the work really moved along as every man, boy and friend that could came around
showed up to lend a hand. The Relief Society would organize the Sisters in meal planning. When lunch time rolled around a hot meal was spread out for all to enjoy. I mean they were great meals too. No one shirked a call when it came. The women would do what they could. Many were able to paint when the walls were ready for it.
Bishop Norman Jacobson took the assignment to put the ceiling tiles up. He was having trouble getting a volunteer to climb up those high scaffoldings to dob the mastic to hold the tile in place.
One day I was there and he asked if I could help. Well I have to admit height is not my bag. I
was scared, but I climbed that ladder and got on the scaffold and dobbed nearly every tile that went up on the ceiling of the Cultural Hall. They made it out to be a big thing, but I was happy to be part of putting the finishing touches on the building.
I remember cleaning windows and sweeping floors getting ready for their final finish. The Chapel was large and had rose colored windows set in a waffle pattern. It was elegant with White Oak finish. There were sleek benches - they didn't have padded ones back in those days.
The Church set right on the Street. Just a sidewalk in front. The lawn was on the side with a long driveway to parking in the back. There was plenty of parking for both Wards.
When the building was finished the Ward was ready for the division we knew was coming. It was a bit hard on some. The Stake decided to bring some people over from the Montebello Ward to join those from the Fourth Ward that was being formed. The feelings ran pretty high with both groups. Some of the Second Ward who wanted to stay with friends found they were in a small group that would be sent back to Whittier First Ward because of the location of their homes. President Romney of the First Presidency came to Dedicate the building and made the announced changes. When there was a vote those who were chosen to stay with Whittier First Ward apposed the change. President Romeny acknowledge the decent and very graciously noted the voting was in the majority and those who did not vote for the change could meet with him in the Bishops Office following the meeting where he would hear their feelings but noted it would not change the outcome of the vote. It didn't take long however for those groups to meld into their respective Wards. Whittier Second and Fourth Wards moved into the new building. All went well. Some of the Montebello Ward move ins were integrated by giving them meaningful possitions in the new Ward. It wasn't long until you couldn't tell who was who when things rolled along so well.
The benefits of building a building far outweighed the load such a project caused. Friendships were made or deepened. Non member helpers became members and brought new talent into the Wards. Back then they had the Senior Aaronic Priesthood that activated a number of the men who had fallen by the wayside - Jay being one of them. They advanced in the Priesthood and went on to get Temple Recommends and take their families to the Temple. Children learned the value of their meeting house by doing work, and cleaning it getting ready for the Dedication. Time moved things along so that Unions had their say, and nothing could be done without Unions doing the work. No more "do it yourselfers" allowed. Every building had to pass the same inspections before it could be used. That didn't change the fact that someone felt they were being cheated some way. So now all buildings are built by Contractors and Union workers.
Is it good or bad? Who is to say. I only know building that building gave our family a leg up into activity, and we became a "forever family" because of it.
I will never forget those who worked so hard and made every work day worth getting dirty for.
I will remember that dear Bishop Charles Choate who knew how to motivate men who had fallen away. He had been in that number once himself, and remembered how hard it was to get back into activity. I remember those dear Sisters who so beautifuly made up the menu and then got all the food prepared and served so well. Never was there a meal that was too small, or less appetizing. No shortcuts were taken in feeding the workers. Everyone took their part and on Sunday everyone was fed spiritually by those who had shared the work load during the week.
It wasn't the pioneer spirit one thinks of normally, but pioneer it was. When you see a man who hasn't done anything but office work all his adult life come on the job with heavy gloves and still go home with a handful of blisters, you know dedication has been in play. We had a number of those. Bob Redfearn was a classic example of what the Gospel can do. He was straight haired and burly when he first arrived to help with the plumbing. When he was baptized his hair was curly and he was the most dapper guy in town. There was never a project or fund raiser that Bob wasn't first in line for.
Those days may seem gone, but I pray the Lord will give us another such opportunity to be in the ground work of building His Kingdom. There is nothing to equal it. I am so greatful that my conversion put me in the middle of a building project. It was a great experience and one I will cherish.
Written this 29th Day of May, 2009
by: Eileen Rosenberg
No comments:
Post a Comment