by Eleanor Hunting, Founding Member
Compiled by Lynne Pfeiffer from installments published in the Petals monthly newsletter.

How Eastrose Began – 1948 to 1956

In 1948, the Pacific Coast Region of the American Unitarian Association launched an effort to establish fellowships in communities surrounding metropolitan areas.

At the time, Leonard (Len) Hunting was Vice President of the Pacific Coast Region, and he and his wife, Eleanor, were active members of the large congregation at First Unitarian Church of Portland—commonly called “First Church.”

Len proposed that First Church help start four fellowships within a five-to-ten-mile radius of downtown—North, South, East, and West. Some members were already discussing forming the West Hills Fellowship, and Unitarians in Vancouver, Washington, also wanted to organize a fellowship but needed support. The Huntings, Lees, and Whites—three families from First Church—remained First Church members while helping establish the Michael Servetus Fellowship in Vancouver in 1953.

In April 1956, sixteen First Church members met with Rev. Frank Ricker, Executive Secretary of the Pacific Coast Council, at the Hunting home and decided to form a fellowship. They coined the name “Eastrose” from its eastside Portland location in the “Rose City.”

That September, thirteen families rented an abandoned firehouse at NE 82nd and Glisan for adult Sunday evening services. On November 11, 1956, Eastrose became an officially recognized Fellowship by the American Unitarian Association.

Our Moving Years (1956–1961)

Eastrose moved six times in five years!

• Fall 1956: Adult evening meetings in the abandoned firehouse at 82nd and Burnside.
• Winter 1956: Moved to the Odd Fellows Hall near 72nd and Burnside. Began Sunday School and parent forums.
• Fall 1957: Sunday School moved to Woodland Park Dance Studio (Clackamas & 102nd); adult services moved to a Chinese restaurant across the street.
• Fall 1958–Spring 1959: Rented doctor’s offices above a bicycle shop at 11911 NE Halsey.
• Fall 1959: Added a three-room apartment to accommodate growing Sunday School.
• May 1960: Voted to accept Mrs. Nellie Jane Campbell’s donation of land at NE 181st near Halsey.
• Fall 1960–Winter 1961: Final temporary location: Rockwood Elementary School gym during construction of our new building.

In January 1961, we moved into our new, unfinished building.

Our Own Building

Did you know?

• In May 1958, Eastrose children donated $5 from their Sunday School offering to start a Building Fund.
• In December 1958, five carloads of Eastrose families cut down Christmas trees from a rugged tree farm.
• On Easter 1959, families joined West Hills Fellowship to plant 1,000 Douglas Fir seedlings near Madras.
• The building was completed thanks to work parties—members did insulation, wood paneling, and plastering.

One memorable anecdote: Shortly after we moved in, children were caught feeding sugar cubes to the neighbor’s horses through the fence!

Eastrose Fellowship Grows and Expands

• By 1963, Eastrose had 55 adult members, 35 families, and 54 children and youth.
• In 1966, we built the “Thatcher Room” to serve our growing Sunday School needs.
• By 1966, membership rose to 74 adults and 85 children/youth.
• That same year, we purchased the lot and house to the north for future expansion and use as a playground. Larry Horton managed rentals to pay the mortgage.

Eastrose Fellowship Pioneers & Early Leaders

The thirteen founding families were visionary and hardworking. Highlights:

• Presidents: Bob Herman, Bob Parr, Dick Hyatt, Harold Ayer, George Harvey, Jim Deer, Duane Lemley, Helen Running, Stan Sackett, Dave Taylor.
• Other leaders: Eleanor Hunting (RE Chair and first DRE), Jane Hallgarth, Eileen Horton, Len Hunting (Building Chair, Lay Leader), Nellie Jane Campbell (donated land), Lee Ayer (Treasurer), Ray Thatcher (Secretary), Arden Benson (Petals editor), and many more.
• Youth: LRY youth like Elaine Hallgarth, Harvey Horton, and Duane Hunting contributed significantly to construction and landscaping.

Outreach – Our Local Community and the World

Local:

• Founding member of Snow-CAP Community Charities: Len Hunting was interim director; Eastrose members delivered food, coordinated clothing, and grew vegetables for donation.
• Supported Human Solutions: Provided gifts, clothing, and household goods to families in need.

Global:

• Supported UNICEF, UU Service Committee, and annual “Mitten Tree” donations for local and global outreach.

How Eastrose Got Its Name

Inspired by its location on Portland’s east side—the “Rose City”—Eastrose was coined to reflect both geography and spirit. It differentiated the fellowship from nearby Parkrose and mirrored naming trends like “West Hills” and “Michael Servetus.”

Parish Ministry & Professional Religious Education

• 1976: Len Hunting ordained as first part-time minister.
• 1982: Rev. Bruce Clear called as quarter-time extension minister.
• 1986–1987: Sandra Lee (intern) brought energy and growth vision.
• 1990–1991: Rev. Deborah Roth focused on inner peace and health autonomy.
• 1992–1995: Rev. Sue Ayer expanded ministry to ¾ time; Eastrose called her as its minister.
• 1996–2000: Don Landes-McCullough and Sue Matranga-Watson served in part-time roles.
• 2001–2003: Rev. Jennifer Schnayer and then Rev. David Maynard (half-time).

Religious Education:

• Began in 1957 with 24 children; grew to 75 by 1961.
• In 1990, Eastrose hired its first paid DRE—Eleanor Hunting.
• Followed by Kasandra Gruener, Linda Randall, Barbara Liles, Mar Goman, and Niya Standish.

Anniversaries and Other Events

• 1960: Groundbreaking on NE 181st property.
• 1961: First service in unfinished building.
• 1966: 10th anniversary celebrated with Rev. Robert Fulghum.
• 1975: Mortgage burning ceremony.
• 1976: 20th anniversary; Len Hunting ordained.
• Annual Traditions:
  • Snow Bunny Lodge overnights in the ’60s.
  • Rooster Rock picnics with Michael Servetus Fellowship in the ’70s–’80s.
  • Camp Collins family retreats.
  • Annual outdoor peace service started in 1991 with soil mixed from the USSR and Eastrose’s Peace Garden.

Timeline of Key Events

• 1948 – UU movement to create regional fellowships begins.
• 1953 – Michael Servetus Fellowship founded with help from Eastrose founders.
• April 1956 – Eastrose organizing meeting held at Hunting home.
• November 11, 1956 – Eastrose officially recognized by AUA.
• 1958–1960 – Fundraising, tree planting, and building plans develop.
• May 15, 1960 – Eastrose accepts Nellie Jane Campbell’s land gift.
• January 22, 1961 – First service held in unfinished Eastrose building.
• 1966 – Thatcher Room built; northern lot and house purchased.
• 1975 – Mortgage ceremonially burned.
• 1976 – Len Hunting ordained as first minister.
• 1982–2003 – Series of extension and part-time ministers serve Eastrose.
• 1990 – First paid DRE (Eleanor Hunting) hired.
• 2003 – Eastrose marks 47th anniversary.