Being a Member of Bell Street Chapel
January 27, 2009
At our last meeting, the Membership and Caring Committee decided to write a series of newsletter articles about what it means to each of us to be a member of Bell Street Chapel. I am happy to be writing the first one.
As many of you know, Don and I had our second date at Bell Street. He brought me here for a performance of the Rhode Island Feminist Chorus and had me selling soda at intermission while he convinced a member to assume the chair of the Religious Education Committee. While this may not seem like an ideal second date to some, it was perfect to me for two reasons. First, Don was willing to share with me something so valuable to him, Bell Street Chapel, and second, Bell Street Chapel was truly an amazing place!
Shortly before Don and I had met, Don emceed Bell Street Chapel’s talent/no talent show. He spoke with enthusiasm about this and told me all the things Bell Street was involved in; feeding the hungry, speaking out about child and sweatshop labor, and hosting groups such as the Feminist Chorus. As president of the congregation, he was clearly proud of the work they were doing. As I was unfamiliar with Unitarian Universalism, Bell Street Chapel sounded unbelievable. This was a group of people working together to achieve a better society AND nearly half of the members were gay or lesbian. This was a place I was eager to check out.
And so, a couple of days after we met, Don took me to Bell Street for our second date. I remember walking through the front doors and immediately feeling welcomed. But for me, it was more than that, it felt like coming home. Not only was it welcoming, but it was comfortable and felt familiar. I was anxious to learn more. As time progressed, and Don and I got to know each other better, I began to attend services on Sunday morning. Those initial feelings continued to resonate and strengthen.
Eventually I made the decision to become a member. Being a member of Bell Street has given me the opportunity to do things I never thought I would or could do. I have protested what I perceive as an unjust war, testified on behalf of the congregation in support of equal marriage rights, and led several services on Sunday morning. Thanks to my membership, I am a different person then I was when I first walked through the doors nine years ago and for that I am grateful.
~Richard Corso
Membership Committee Chairperson
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