THE COMMUNITY CENTER OF GENESEO

at 11 Franklin Street

was formerly

THE INTERFAITH CENTER

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Below is a history of the IFC.

We cherish our history but look forward to our new chapter!

 

History of the IFC

by David Parish, local historian, and former Board Chair Kathleen Jones

1969 - 2019

 

INTERFAITH CENTER OF GENESEO A PLACE OF FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP

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The Beginning

The late 1960s were a time of renewed spirituality. Vatican II ended with a plea for inter-denominational cooperation. At the same time, home churches were increasing.  World peace was an issue.  Nationally known TV personality and Rochester Diocese Bishop Fulton J. Sheen visited SUNY Geneseo in early 1968 where he was encouraged by the spirit of the times.  Emeritus faculty member B.J. Keller remembered columns of half-frozen students wending their way uptown to worship at local churches.

 

Soon clergy, town and gown came together to support an interfaith center on Franklin Street.  The concept was encouraged by community members like Don Trasher who signed the legal forms, as well as Robert L. McDonald and Murray J. Cohen who convened a fund-raising committee with the ambitious goal of $300,000.

 

Forward-looking clergy recently assigned to Geneseo churches were also enthusiastic, including Rev. Harold Babb at Geneseo Methodist, Rev. C. Frederick Yoos at Central Presbyterian, Father Randy Murray-Laird at St. Michael’s Episcopal, and Rev. Norman Moran from the local Baptist congregation.  Father Thomas Statt, the first Newman Parish chaplain, made a lasting contribution, as did Rev. Manfred Lassen.

 

1968 - 1979:  A Base of Faith

The Interfaith Center could not have been established without assistance from the Chanler family.  Gertrude Chanler provided personal support as well as monetary donations and loans.

 

Editors Don Sanders of Sanders Newspapers and Ray Sherman (Livingston Republican) contributed their public relations expertise to the project. 

 

The center’s opening brought issues as well as rewards.  Newman’s Father Statt began worrying about student overflow as young people began worshipping at the Interfaith Center rather than at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

 

As Vietnam Era protests reached their height, demonstrations and sit-ins were held on campus.  The Interfaith Center was open long hours for counseling and programs, including discussions of the war’s morality and alternatives for avoiding the Selective Service draft.  Rev. Lassen made himself available at all hours to counsel students and faculty.

 

 

1980 - 1989: Maturity

The Center continued to be a home for varied faith groups under the leadership of Father Michael

Mahler and Rev. Lassen, then engaged as chaplain by the Geneseo Campus United Ministry (GCUM).  GCUM sponsored programs bringing students and faculty together.

The Livingston County Coalition of Churches was founded under the guidance of Rev. Yoos and Rev. Robert Booher, and brought creative new activities to the Interfaith Center.

 

Rev. Leonard Sweet, newly assigned to Geneseo Methodist Church, originated a series of student-community adult education classes on the history of religion in northwestern New York, an area known as the “Burned Over District” for its religious fervor.

 

Dr. Katherine Beck brought strong leadership as Board Chair.  By-laws were approved in January 1983. 

The discouraging news of the times was the rise of financial problems which led to donation appeals and other fund-raising.  The first walk-a-thon raised $6000.

 

1990 - 1999: 25 Years of Service

Concerns for the Interfaith Center’s financial well-being continued.  Hiring a business manager was briefly considered.  Summer book sales helped.  A 1993 Statement of Accord with SUNY Geneseo was important for the Center’s future.

 

Several bequests enabled necessary improvements to the interior and exterior of the building.

An Open House marked the Center’s 25th anniversary in 1994.  A 1996 Founders Day celebration was a success.

 

2000 – 2009: Faith Groups Change, Faith Remains

Technology and a new generation of students brought challenges to an Interfaith Center dedicated to “enhancing religious faith and encouraging interfaith cooperation” (1983 By-laws). 

 

Board Chairs Dr. Jim McNally, Dr. Myron Shaw, Dr. Shem Idiculla, Dr. Myrt Merritt, and Prof. Joyce Wechsler rose to Center challenges by being open to innovation in programming and financing. Student faith groups changed over time but traditional activities, such as the College’s opening picnic and the popular Thanksgiving dinner, remained.

 

A prudent investment plan, donations, and the annual Tag Sale provided revenue for a lighted outdoor sign and renovation to a state-of-the-art kitchen.

 

2009 – 2019: Twenty-first Century Continuity and Changes

This decade featured continued partnering with the College and the wider community, as well as repairing the IFC building.  The IFC worked with the College’s “Geneseo Interfaith Service Project” (GISP) to present an annual forum with dinner and discussion for students and community members.  GISP also enabled student volunteer projects such as Knights’ Day of Service and other events.

 

Board member Sarah McLean initiated the “Geneseo Gives Back” program which allowed students to recycle clothes and furnishings.  The program re-purposed everything received, including donating hundreds of pounds of food to shelters.

 

The IFC, through faculty connections, developed a long-standing relationship with the Rochester-based Turkish Cultural Center.  “Community Place,” another Rochester-based organization, rented space at the IFC for several years.  The Livingston County chapter of Habitat for Humanity began renting office space at the IFC.

 

The IFC building received a new roof, air conditioning system, and other upgrades leading into its 50th year, thanks to fundraising events, generous donors, and the assistance of Habitat for Humanity volunteers.  Campus Auxiliary Services assisted the IFC by mowing and collecting refuse, as well as loaning employees to the IFC for occasional tasks. 

 

Community members continue to utilize our facility for weddings, funerals, family celebrations, church events, blood drives, student cultural dinners, and fundraisers.

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