First United Church of Arvada didn't come into being overnight.
It took the hard work of a number of dedicated souls over a period of time to bring our new congregation into being.

So, rather than celebrating just a single day, we're celebrating for most of a year... from August 27, 2011 to June 10, 2012!

Please help spread the word to former members, family, and friends of FUCA. And keep your eye on this site for announcements of upcoming events, interesting history, and other tidbits that will add to your enjoyment of our jubilee celebration!

ON THIS DATE . . . . .

Feb. 18, 1970
Council of Directors minutes. Concern on the worship service: “Church Services are...too centered on VN war... too much on current events...in opposition to each other and leave people confused...too centered on problem without evidence or hope for something better.”

Feb. 14, 1979
Board of Trustees minutes. “MEMORIAL GIFTS: We will design a program for the church with guidelines and list of needs of the church. There has been requests to establish an Organ Fund.

Feb. ?, 1980
Organ Committee minutes. Organ Committee organized Rev. J. Koob, Mrs. K. Bailey, Mrs.O. Monroney, Mr. A. Pfaff, Mr. D. Miller, W. M Eccles Chairman.

1980’s Highlights From Annual Reports

1981 Bruce Fisher’s Moderator’s Report. “The congregation approved entering into a contract to purchase a five rank pipe organ in July 1981.”

1984 Bruce Fisher’s Moderator’s Report. “Your Council decided to dedicate it’s time addressing the issues of what our church is – what do we do – and what do we want to be known for. We called this “visioning”. (This is when we went from 2 boards to 7 boards that we have today.)

1986 Jerry Anderson’s Moderator’s Report. “Someone in our church has donated $5000 anonymously toward hiring a church secretary to relive Jim of the various clerical tasks.” “The most outstanding news we received was that another person in our church had given $37,000 to pay off the mortgage of First United Church of Arvada.”

1987 Jerry Anderson’s Moderator’s Report. “The installation of our long-delayed pipe organ was finally begun this year and completed with resonation melodies finally emitting from the pipes. The pipe organ will de dedicated in 1988. Our thanks to Sandra Solmonson and the many other people who spent hours of hard work over the years in seeing this project through to its completion.”

Jan. 20, 1962
From the Study, newsletter of the United Church Project in Arvada, Colorado, first newsletter written by Rev. Robinson G. Lapp, Minister: “Symbolic of our new start as a United Church of Christ here in Arvada is this first newsletter which is being composed in a borrowed bedroom and typed on the wrong kind of stencil . . . at any rate a message to you who have received us so warmly in these our first few days in Arvada!”

Jan. 11, 1968
The installation service for Rev. Robert A. Kinsey was held at FUCA, Thursday, 11 January 1968, 7:30 pm.

1968
Trustees plan for the The Christian Education Addition to the Church Center. The Building Pledges for 1967-68 totaled $12,854.40, but people are behind in paying the pledges. A typewriter was bought for $60.00.

Jan. 11, 1971
The Council of Directors convened to act on Bob Kinsey’s resignation Jan. 8, 1971. He was paid a salary and living expenses only for 90 days. Vern Henderson of the Colorado Conference was in attendance.

Jan. 24, 1971
Rev. Bob Kinsey’s final sermon.

Jan. 8, 1978
Council of Directors minutes: “Trustees - Look into ideas for use of the church center during the week - now that we will be hooking onto the sewer.”

Jan. 31, 1975
Council of Directors minutes: “We talked about possible growth of the congregation, appearance of the church and the need for a more quiet attitude before service begins.”

Nov. 29 – Dec. 6, 1964
Trustee minutes, about the Stewardship Project by Rev. Harris Heverly - Director of the United Church of Christ’s Church Finance Advisory Service: “In order to underwrite this project, the congregation will be seeking to raise $20,000 in gifts, donations, and two-year pledges to its Building Fund. The canvass for this purpose will take place during the first week of December, 1964.”

Dec. 3, 1968
Minutes from the Corporate Ministries meeting: “Virginia reported having heard several adverse comments about the minister playing guitar during the service. Having duly recorded this we the board wish to add that we like it a great deal. Virginia also mentioned how much she enjoyed the recent baptismal ceremonies; Bob makes them very meaningful.”

Dec. 23. 1970
“A CRUCIAL PAPER CONCERNING THE FUTURE OF THE FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF ARVADA” written to the congregation by Bob Kinsey about a new course of action for the church if it is to remain under his leadership. A meeting will be held January 8, 1971 at 7:30 pm. Bob talked about being separated from his wife and his two week stay in Dillion Hi Country Center in November.

Dec. 18, 1983
From The Church Key, the first request for “stitchers” and materials for the tapestry. The tapestry was designed by Ann Spies Mills of Santa Fe. Madge Bank of Wheat Ridge was the professional art consultant. Rochelle Meyer coordinated the project. The first meeting was Jan. 31 at Joyce Temmer’s house. After 1 1/2 years and the work of 32 women and girls, four generations, the three foot by nine foot Rocky Mountain Nativity “When Baby Jesus was Born in Colorado” was completed. The dedication service and reception was held at FUCA, May 19, 1985 at 2:00 pm.

Nov. 5, 1961
The first Sunday in November was the third church service, but was the first regular service for the new Arvada United Church, (Congregational Evangelical and Reformed). It was held in the Enterprise Grange Hall at 72nd and Simms. Mr. Ronald M. Brown a lay preacher conducted the worship service. There is a bulletin from this service. The sermon was “Why the Church?” Songs: “Holy, Holy, Holy, "The Gloria Patri”, “Dear Lord and Father”, “Church’s One Foundation”

Nov. 26, 1961
At the Grange Hall, Rev. Robinson G. Lapp gave the sermon for consideration to be the permanent minister. An Open House was held at the Carters' home for Mr. and Mrs. Lapp.

Fall 1962
From the 1963 Annual Report, “Fishermen Committee was started in the fall of 1962 for the purpose of introducing our church to people within our comity area, especially those in homes in newly developed areas.”

Nov. 28, 1978
Council of Directors minutes. Concern on the worship service from length to number of insert in the bulletin and too much responsive readings. The Unit Meeting - Warren suggested that the name be changed to the 72nd & Simms Pot Luck Society; Alan thought that the “Eatin’ & Pickin’ & Grinnin’ Group” might be more appropriate.

Nov. 30, 1964
Trustee minutes folder 1962-1967. Stewardship Project by Rev. Harris Heverly - Director of the United Church of Christ’s Church Finance Advisory Service. “In order to underwrite this project, the congregation will be seeking to raise $20,000 in gifts, donations, and two-year pledges to its Building Fund. The canvass for this purpose will take place during the first week of December, 1964.”

Oct. 1971
Board of Trustees Minutes. “a new state law we are required to carry Workmen's Compensation on all employees.”

Oct. 18, 1972
Council of Directors Minutes. Jim Koob’s contract amended “annual review of the minister’s duties, performance and salary” There was mentioned “Serious Conversations for Youth with Jim” Prelim. Salary for 1973; salary $7200; annuity $1234; Medical and life insurance $617; living allowance $4100; auto allowance $1584.

Oct. 27, 1975
Board of Directors Minutes. Total cost of installing Sewer, $3615.00 plus rental of tractor $77.53. “Congratulations and a great big thank-you were given to Everett Brown on a job well done and for money hours spent toward the completion of this project.”

Sept. 14, 1971
Board of Trustees Minutes. “Jim Koob thanked the Trustees for the book shelves that were built in his office. He further asked for permission to buy a fly swatter. He also asked for permission to have business cards printed. The Trustees approved both requests.”

Sept. 17, 1961 Minutes
1st. Church Service & Meeting at the ARVADA UNITED CHURCH.” “Church service lead by Dr. Robert Inglis, with music by Mrs. Monroney.” “Present were 40 adults and 25 children.”

Sept. 26, 1961
A checking account was opened by Ernest F. Johnson in the amount of $33.05 for the new church project in Arvada.

August 12, 1961
Minutes of the Arvada United Church Organizing Committee Sunday, August 12, 1961, at St. Paul’s Community Church: Mr. Cal Hoese; Mr. and Mrs. C. Wayne Carter of the proposed church were present besides other organizing people. The proposed budget is listed. Leadership Budget: Salary $4800.00; Annuity $607.20; Car Expense $600.00; Utilities $400.00: Total $6407.20 The denomination would pay the leadership budget. The Operating Budget for a total of $11907.20 would be the responsibility of the local group. From Minutes, Aug. 12, 1961.

Aug. 26, 1962
Minutes of Meeting from the Congregation following the worship service: It was decided to select 72nd and Simms as the first choice as a building and Ward Road near 62nd as the second choice.

July 21, 1975
Council of Directors minutes. “CORPORATE BOARD. The board recommended we give permission to contract Kay Bailey for $100 per month for all music and to be the organist. Pay would start in September.”

July 21, 1970
Memorandum sent to Mr. Bob Martin, Moderator, and the Council of Directors from Jim Jensen. “It seems apparent, for the second time in the short life of our Church, that a social issue has culminated in serious differences of opinion and caused some thoughtful member to withdraw or resign from the Church. The first issue was racial, and one of the current issues is the so-called “peace movement.”

June 28, 1962
The Arvada Enterprise, “Senor Abelerdo Barroso, a refugee from communist Cuba, arrived in Denver on the Federal government flight on Thursday, June 28. He was welcomed by his sponsors, the congregation of the First United Church of Arvada.”

The fledgling congregation, holding worship services in the Grange Hall, choosing a name only four months earlier, a full time pastor started in January, and not even sure if they could pay the bills, sponsored a refugee Senor Abelerdo Barroso. This was the beginning of the mission to reach out to the oppressed in the world that continues today at FUCA. To date (2011) there have been over 23 people sponsored from 6 different countries to a new life in the USA by FUCA.

June, 1980
Organ Committee, Rev. J. Koob, Mrs. K. Bailey, Mrs. O. Monroney, Mr. A. Pfaff, Mr. D. Miller, W. M. Eccles Chairman, letter to the Council of Directors. Recommended the purchase of the Cambridge #850. Cost with trade in of old organ $23,950.

June 22-26, 1964
From 1964 Annual Report. First Vacation Church School held.

Summer of 1961
Mr. and Mrs. Roger L. Robbennolt, First Church, Oberlin Ohio, who worked for the Conference doing the basic organizational work for the Arvada church, called on over sixty families about a the new church and found twenty-five interested.

May 19, 1975
Council of Directors minutes. “Grace Jones suggested we sing the doxology more often during worship and others agreed.” “Jim would like his sabbatical to be in the area of church growth.”

May 1, 1972
Board of Corporate Ministries minutes. “Moments for concerns - to proceed this morning prayer we would like to have this time called a Time for Joyfull and Sorrowfull concerns.”

April 30,1961
Dr. Robert W. Inglis, of the Colorado Conference, wrote to Dr. Ira Black, of the Board of Home Missions, in New York City, asking for their support in establishing “a liberal church with vision and strong leadership.”

“We believe that if we can get approval of this program promptly, and can secure a very good site immediately before the good ones are taken up by business or picked up by fly-by-night churches, we will be in strategic situation as far as this area is concerned.”

“We hope that the Board of Home Missions will join with Evangelical and Reformed Board of National Missions and the Conference in this urgently needed ministry.”

The decision to start a new church in Arvada was based on a survey done in the summer of 1960 of church affiliation showing the following: “3,495 calls were made, 20.2% were Methodists, 19.7% Roman Catholic, 10.9% Baptist, 10.8% Presbyterian, 10.6% Lutheran, 3.9% Episcopal, 3.3% Christian, 1.6% Mormon, 1.4% United Church of Christ, or 70 families: 1.3% Church of Christ, 1.6% Christian Science, 5.65% other churches. There were 4.9% of those called upon, or 251 households, that gave no church affiliation.”

And with no congregation, no name, no land, no “Church Center” and lots of nothing but with lots of faith in the future, this was the beginning of what would become the First United Church of Arvada.