The library was named and dedicated on Sunday, December 4, 1983 as part of Brooklyn's 130th Anniversary celebration. In the litany of dedication it was declared that..."It shall be the Ruth Lauria Library, to honor the one who has given of self to bring it into existence!" A plaque and a portrait of Ruth hang in the library.
In 1960 the Education Commission guided by Arlene Swanson resolved that a library would be started. Money gifts in memory of Ted Nitz, Gary Lauria and others made this dream possible and in 1961, the Brooklyn Church Library became a reality beginning with a set of basic reference books. Shelves in the hallway of the old church served as the library and then a small room was made available to serve as a library and supply room. Ruth Schultz loaned her daughter Pam's desk and lamp for the librarian's use.
In 1970 the new church building was completed, including a large library/lounge on the upper floor. It was with great joy and pride that the books were placed in their own special room.
Even though Ruth was not a librarian, she had a great love of books and spent countless hours working on and in the church library. "A body with poor circulation becomes dull and sluggish - So does a library! The Church Library is YOURS - Keep it ALIVE AND WELL!! Check out a book!"
Brooklyn Foundation - "A gift that keeps on giving."
Brooklyn United Methodist Church Foundation is a nonprofit corporation established in 1985 to support selected non-budget programs of BUMC. The Foundation directors are elected church members. The purpose of Brooklyn Foundation is to receive and administer the gifts from members and friends of BUMC. Funds are invested with income used to support these programs; Education scholarships, Christian education training, Children & youth programs, Family education programs, Special holiday music. Gifts may be made by; cash, stocks, bonds or real-estate, bequest defined in a will, Charitable Remainder Trust, Charitable Gift Annuity, Deferred Payment Annuity, Insurance policy beneficiary.
 Brooklyn
entered the computer age in 1986 thanks to Vicky Ashley and
everyone who gave memorials to fund the project. The
computer and software replaced an addressograph and made keeping
track of membership records and financial data so much
easier! Vicky and her committee got everything up and
running and kept everything up to date.
May of 1997 brought John Blake in as computer guru and Editor of the Circuit Rider. John kept this position until his sudden death June 5, 1999. A computer center was installed thanks to donations from Bruce Healton, Mark Frederick and John Blake and is used mainly by the confirmation students on Sunday mornings. Bruce Healton took on the role of computer guru after John's death. He can be found here frequently fixing network problems, or keeping the computer center running. Two computers were installed outside the computer center in 2003. These can be used any time by any one. Kids of all ages enjoy the games. |
|
|
National/World History 1980 - 1989
|
Copyright 2002 Brooklyn United Methodist Church. All rights reserved