FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF
WOODBURY HEIGHTS
OUR CHURCH HISTORY
1970-1979
“Simply the Seventies”
Continuing the turbulent demand for equal rights that began in the last decade, minorities in this decade formed self-sustaining communities. With the “silent majority” turning against the radical ideas of the 60’s, the search for our spiritual roots, and the continuing war in Vietnam, this decade became one of great personal expression. Disillusionment was marked by angry spitting tones, outrageous hair styles or funky fashions, but it was also the force for a growing awareness of ecology and injustice. Indeed, this decade may be remembered as the one that wanted “...to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony!”
Society and Culture
The music scene, devastated by the breakup of the Beatles, turned the spotlight on The Jackson Five, and later, Michael Jackson, ABBA, and of course, Kermit the Frog. The Muppets were capturing the hearts and minds of the youngsters, but it was “Jaws,” “Star Wars,” and “The Exorcist” that had us glued to our seats.
Land art, illusionism and photo realism were popular movements, but it was Andy Warhol who really grabbed our attention with pop art. He didn't sell as many cans of Campbell's tomato soup as the company but his cost much much more per can!
The anti-war movement, scarred by The Kent State killing of four students, affirmative actions, mandatory busing, and gay rights were social issues inflaming the public airwaves. Talk radio evolved to two-way talk 24-7, and “the bad guys” were becoming popular in the major markets.
The maxi skirt coexisted with the mini and was joined on the fashion scene by hot pants, wonder boots, polyester and Afros. If you wished, you could take a picture with a new Polaroid. The curly perm was quite popular, and flares widened to bell bottoms and back again. The Youth Culture took the freedoms it seized in the seventies and used them indulgently in the fad-happy 80’s. New physical sports were also being enjoyed: snowboarding, skateboarding and jogging. The Baby Boomers were all about physically fitness.
US Presidents
of the Decade
Rev. Powl pastored us throughout most of this decade. He was assisted by Ron Naylor in 1970. At the November meeting, Session refused to approve a motion that women be permitted to serve communion. During this period, there were five Circles with devoted members. The Deborah Circle, with sixty members, did good works, which included sending cards and providing gifts for residents of Shady Lane and The Haddonfield Residence. The Dorcas and the Martha Circle were study groups. We had the Davenport Circle which included women from other churches and denominations. The Hannah Circle, a work group, helped serve lunch at Shady Lane. Our church had many women working to serve God and our mission!
Someone wanted to donate a $700 glass door for the sanctuary. However, Session deemed the present door in good condition and did not think glass was practical!
1973 was a busy year! New members met before church in the lounge with session members to have coffee and donuts. Then they were received as members in the service. Commissions now would meet at 7:00 and Session at 8:00 on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Previously commissions met at different times during the month, and the Pastor attended each for 10-15 minutes. There was a name change, and we became part of the Synod of the Northeast. Energy conservation was vital and saving money continued to be a goal so the lights were turned off sunny Sundays.
The following year Mike Culbert became Dr. Michael Culbert! During Holy week there was worship and breakfast each day. The service began at 6:55 and ended at 7:10. Breakfast followed and was served by various organizations. The Women’s Association reduced their total yearly meetings from 10 to 4.
IIn 1975 our membership had fallen, and budget restrictions were necessary. Our pledges totaled $38,144. The budget was set at $50,357. Theodore Bach, a Methodist student at Eastern Seminary, served as a student assistant. Our church was saddened to hear of the death of Pastor Enslin. He was loved as our pastor in 1950.
Rev. Powl left us in June,1977, and interim pastors led us in worship, until we issued a Call for Pastor Wayne Peach in November,1978. During this time, the Youth group took the responsibility for the early Christmas service, and the Session led the congregation at the later service.
The women held a fashion show at Wanamakers, a chicken barbecue, a yard sale, and a special luncheon sponsored by the Acme.The Youth Group held a Dance-a-thon on New Year's Eve in 1975.
There was a need for a new organ, so the congregation was asked to purchase a black key for $50.00 or a white key for $100.00. After eight years, the Organ Fund boasted $15,884. With the organ malfunctioning sporadically, it was time to purchase a new instrument.
The Session at this time had only four commissions: - and Program; Christian Education; Stewardship and Finance; and Building and Property. Because Wayne and Joann Peach wished to buy their own home, Session voted to sell the manse. The capital had to be placed in a special manse fund for future needs. The interest, however, was used to cover monthly housing expenses, a current expense line item.
The World
Our country backs Israel in the Yom Kippur War, its battle with Syria and Egypt. This support causes OPEC to cut off the shipment of oil and threatens to raise prices. While motorists in this country line-up for hours at local gas stations, the European economy is especially hurt.
The US ping pong team receives an invitation to visit China. Nixon makes diplomatic overtures, and visits. Over much controversy, China takes its seat at the UN.
Arab-Israeli tensions just keep getting worse. During the Olympics, two members of the Israeli wrestling team are murdered during the night by Arab terrorists. With nine members taken hostage, more deaths occur at the airport. In all, eleven Israelis die at this peaceful gathering of international athletes.
Finally, our troops are coming home from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Following the invasion of Saigon by the Communists, the US airlifts thousands of refugees to the free world. The Cold War continues. On the home front, our veterans, not always warmly welcomed back, also have to deal with Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome and the physical havoc caused by contact with Agent Orange. War always leaves scars!
Science and Technology
Intel opens the decade with the introduction of the microprocessor. Bill Gates leaves Harvard and creates a small business named Microsoft. The Apple II, the Commodore Pet and the TRS80 hit the market. 
Hollywood has a reason to shudder when VCR’s prove to be very popular. The integrated circuit and LCD’s usher in the trend toward smaller and smaller gadgets!
Hollywood has a reason to shudder when VCR’s prove to be very popular. The integrated circuit and LCD’s usher in the trend toward smaller and smaller gadgets! While air travel is booming now, flight delays, traffic “jams” and pollution begin to take the fun out of flying. Space exploration, once a competition between the Soviets and US, continues as science investigates the planets. Soon the two powers team up for the Apollo-Soyuz mission. It may soon be quicker to get to the moon than to LA!
South Africa continues to host medical breakthroughs as Dr. Christian Bernard performs the world’s first heart/lung transplant. Genetic engineering gets the attention of the public in the 70’s, but the controversy is just beginning. The public is shocked when scientist in Great Britain announce the birth of the world’s first test-tube baby. Science and ethics continue to tangle as life’s mysteries unfold.
Richard M. Nixon
1969-1974
Jerry Ford
1974-1977
James E. Carter
1977-1981
