VISION
The History of Our VISION
Vision began in 2005 when the church added on to its existing building by Wolman Construction Company to include an inspirational room, large open floor space on the ground level, kitchen, office, and an additional restroom facility.
Pastor Jack E. Madry believes that we should end the traditional way of fundraising i.e. many small fundraisers, and focus on one large one. He also made it convenient for everyone by suggesting that contributors make small weekly donations so that everyone could attend the biennial dinner.
Vision has allowed us to institute many programs as well as serve and support community events in many projects both past and present. Some of those are youth events, HOPE (Helping Other People Eat), Opsail 2012, Whale Trail, Habitat for Humanity, AIDS/HIV, Alzheimer’s Walks, the 2014 groundbreaking event of the National Coast Guard Museum, and many others.
Our vision has funded costly expenses such as outside lighting, paving, landscaping, interior painting, vertical blinds, an HVAC unit, baby grand pianos, audio visual, an exterior message board, a projector, a church website, a new roof, just to name a few. We are so thankful to our contributors who make the program successful throughout the years.
The Vision Dinner has been the largest fundraiser held consistently every other year since between 2005 and 2019. We like to thank those who made contributions in support of our Vision!
A special Thanks to Diane Atwood Johnson, My dear friend, and her husband, John J. Johnson, who were responsible for over $40,000 in contributions. As well as retaining Wolman Construction group, who completed the construction within budget and finished 2 months before the scheduled completion date.
Pastor David Goode and the whole First Congregational Church in Old Lyme (FCCOL) for all the spiritual support they gave myself and our congregation, as well as a $15,000 donation.
Last, but definitely not least, I would like to personally Thank the “wife of my life”, Faye, who not only encouraged me but help cultivate my seed of Faith in pursuing and completing the Vison.
- Rev. Jack E. Madry