People—Chris Raible (Minister-on-Loan)

By 1966, the Fellowship was granted church status. Buoyed by a new confidence and a clear vision of its future, the Fellowship continued to grow and become financially and socially secure. The membership reached a level required for the Minister-at-Large program, and, in 1967, voted to apply to the program with the goal of increasing membership and securing a financial base that could support a full-time minister.

On November 18, 1967, an article entitled, "Unitarians to hear Milwaukee pastor" appeared in the religion section of the Augusta Chronicle, accompanied by a photograph of Rev. Christopher Raible. This began a series of articles, announcements, and ads about Chris Raible’s visit as part of a Minister-on-Loan Program. Sponsored by the UUA, it paid the expenses of a well-known minister to spend six weeks with a fellowship in a concerted effort to recruit new members.

Chris was very personable with a strong sense of humor. Among other things he wrote new words to old hymns (e.g. “Coffee, Coffee, Coffee” to the tune of “Holy, Holy, Holy”). His provocative sermon titles included "Our Heritage of Heresy", "America's Real Religion", "Two Famous Apples, "Affirming Life After Birth", and "The Empty Carpenter's Shop". He also spoke to the Kiwanis Club on "Flower-Power and the Hippies". In the six weeks he was here, 22 people signed the membership book, including current members Jan Rice and Merle Riley. Inspired by this experience and with a membership of 90, we decided to call our first full time minister.

Chris returned as guest speaker for our 25th Anniversary Celebration.