THE MCGIFFERT LEGACY - A Gift of Love to WUU

Mike and Genevieve McGiffert gave much in time and treasure to WUU in their lifetimes.

Charter members of WUU, they were deeply involved in the congregation’s early years, when we had no home of our own. Later, they were very much a part of the planning and completion of our present building.

Mike had many roles in the congregation throughout the years. Board member, choir member, participant in writing the WUU Covenant, are only a few of the many ways he served the congregation. The present WUU library was funded by the McGiffert’s.

Once we moved into our own space, Genevieve initiated a discussion resulting in the building of a raised platform at the front of the sanctuary--now the chancel area. She and Mike provided the first set of gray hymnals, which are still in use. The beautiful grand piano in the Sanctuary was a gift from Genevieve. As our first choir director, and because we had no building, Genevieve held rehearsals in an upstairs room of her own home for six of the seven years she held that position.

For several Christmases, she and Mike opened their home to the entire congregation for what became the annual Yule Sing. Genevieve would play while the whole WUU family, adults and children, joined in the singing.

Both Mike and Genevieve cared deeply about our children’s religious education program. It is fitting that the religious education/social justice area of the new construction be named, at Mike’s request, the “Genevieve McGiffert Wing.”

Recent Events Regarding The Gift

The receipt of such a generous gift creates opportunities and challenges.  Here is what has happened in the last few weeks:

• The Finance Committee recommended that less than 50% of the gift should be released to the Design Build Team to cover the most important construction options that were ON hold due to insufficient funds. The remainder would be held in reserve.
• The Design Build Team accepted this recommendation and identified the following as priorities.
  • Polished Concrete Floors with Tint.  Our floors will be very attractive, having a professional finish like you see at many new buildings.
  • Certified Commercial Kitchen Equipment.  We had contracted for the installation of a commercial range hood and all electrical, plumbing, etc. ready to accept new equipment.  Now we can have the new equipment—sinks, range, refrigerators, ice maker, etc.
  • New Cabinetry throughout--a new coffee bar and reception area.

• On Tuesday, July 19, the Board approved these recommendations stating:  "The WUU Board accepts the July 13, 2016, recommendation of the Finance Committee for the use of that part of the McGiffert bequest designated for the Phase I building expansion. Specifically, it approves adding an additional $80,000 to the total Phase I budget, and approves holding the remaining balance of the McGiffert funds designated for Phase I expansion in an escrow account for such Phase I items or unfunded items, Capital Campaign shortfall or mortgage reduction until further recommendations are received from the Finance Committee."

Now, our biggest challenge is to remember that there is much more that we want to do; yet it would be tempting, yet counterproductive, to rely on the remainder of McGiffert gift as a way to achieve these goals.  This will happen with the successful completion of the Capital Campaign, now almost 50% complete and with more than 70% already given!
 
In many ways we have inherited a gift that will help to enable us to fulfill our vision and mission in new, exciting ways.  May we accept this gift with gratitude and humility, knowing that such an inheritance carries new responsibilities. 
 
May it be so.
 
Les Solomon
President, WUU Board
Chair, Building our Future