Local Church Welcomes Back Parishioners with Improvements & Yard Sale

By: Susan Murphy | June 30, 2021 |  Local |  Holmdel

Left to right:  Dylan, Declan, and Tara Hennessy stand with Pastor Bocock of Holmdel United Community Church of Christ on June 6, 2021 during the dedication of the new elevator.

June 6, 2021 during the dedication of the new elevatorHolmdel Community United Church of Christ (HCUCC) has been welcoming back parishioners and newcomers to the church for some time now. 

Even during the early phase of the pandemic, live stream services were held in an effort to reach out to the community. Over the years, the Church has made every effort to accommodate the growing needs of its congregation. The church also has a rich history, having originally been constructed in 1710 on land donated by the Bray family, early settlers of the future Holmdel Township. In the late 1800’s, the church decided to construct the original Fellowship Hall, Parish House, and to beautify the original sanctuary with Victorian embellishments. Within the last century, the church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, buildings and property were maintained and improved including heat, indoor plumbing, and air-conditioning. There were no major additions or upgrades added at the time.

In 2005, parishioner Marilyn Gentile was retained as Design Architect for the Master Plan to once again expand the church’s facilities. This included expanding Fellowship Hall with a larger meeting space, church offices, a nursery, classrooms, conference room, and a youth space on the lower level. The renovated Fellowship Hall had to be fully accessible and fulfill ADA requirements with the addition of accessible bathrooms, handicap ramps, and an elevator to connect the upper and lower levels. Due to high project costs, the elevator was put on hold, but the elevator shaft was constructed at that time with a temporary floor, which allowed for the future installation of the required elevator as designed. In 2019, with the generous donations of many, the church was able to proceed with the purchase of the elevator and its installation. In spite of delays due to COVID and permit issues, the elevator installation was completed, and on June 6, 2021 a dedication took place.

Seven-year-old Declan Hennessy, who has right side hemiplegia (a form of cerebral palsy) had the honor of being the first one on the inaugural elevator ride; joined by his brother Dylan. Their mother, Tara, who is the Youth Leader at HCUCC, shared, “Declan was so excited to be the first one to use the elevator and to push the button to take him downstairs. This church has gone above and beyond to help make him welcome and comfortable and I am very grateful.”

Pastor David “Bo” Bocock noted, “Our entire church turned out for the elevator dedication. This elevator was a symbol of our church’s commitment to offering justice for everyone, so that now anyone with mobility issues can use the elevator. We are thankful to the foresight of Marilyn Gentile, our architect, and to Deputy Mayor Cathy Weber and the town of Holmdel for helping to make this happen. We are thrilled that everyone in the community helped to make this elevator a reality.”

Holmdel Community United Church of Christ (HCUCC) welcomes people of all ages and all walks of life. Their open and affirming statement is that “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey you are welcome here.” The church has an in-person service and a live stream service beginning Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Amenities of the church include handicapped parking spaces; ramps in the sanctuary and Fellowship Hall; large print bulletins; gluten-free communion; and air-conditioning in the sanctuary.  HCUCC is located at 40 Main Street, Holmdel. They ask that masks be worn when inside for the safety of all.

Upcoming events for the church include a Yard Sale on July 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and the installation of Pastor Bocock, tentatively set for September 26, 2021.