Spirituality
The Presbyterian-BTV Connection Continues! By Phil and Jan Butin / Co-Pastors, FUPC Fayetteville We know Butterfield Trail Village as a vital and important part of our Fayetteville community. Many also know that “our church had something to do with the founding of Butterfield.” But do we still have strong leadership there? We most certainly did, and we have a responsibility to continue that role. The story began when a group of interested people began discussing the possibility of a quality retirement home in Fayetteville – Dr. Stephen Stephan and Anne Vandergriff among others. The group conducted a survey to determine if there was sufficient interest. Two possible sites were discussed: the Markham property at Wedington and Leverett, and the site of the present Harps on Garland (at the time owned by Arkansas Presbytery with thoughts of building a second Fayetteville Presbyterian church there). The group contacted a company building such facilities, but they were told that Fayetteville was too hard to reach and people would not move here to retire! How wrong can one be?! Our congregation became involved when Margaret Stephan retired as principal of Leverett Elementary and became chair of our Deacon’s Committee. Margaret began to discuss with the Deacons the possibility of our church sponsoring
such a place. “There were so many university people moving away to retirement centers who really wanted to stay here.” After countless hours of study about First United Presbyterian Church backing such a project, Mrs. Stephan and others realized they needed assistance. First Christian, St Paul’s Episcopal and Central United Methodist joined the effort and a certificate of need was obtained from the state. Developers from across the country were contacted and each had a similar reply: “If you have $250,000 we will be glad to work with you.” Of course, we had no money. And committee members became discouraged. Then a group called Retirement Centers of America agreed to put up the front money and float a bond. In August of 1984, a groundbreaking took place followed by the Dedication in May 1986. Four other sponsoring churches joined with the same vision by this mile marker of Butterfield’s 26 years of rich history. The First United Presbyterian legacy continues with membership of two congregational members on the Butterfield Foundation, ten members on the Corporate Committee and representation on the Village Board. Our pastors serve communion at the Village regularly and lead Vespers Services. Presbyterian Women have a Circle and Bible Study each month. Our children visit Health Care as part of their Wednesday Kid’s Club activities. Just this month, two more people from our church family made Butterfield their new home. We are fortunate to have had members of such futuristic thinking as those mentioned as the leaders in the building of Butterfield Trail Village. And, yes, we do continue the legacy of service and leadership.
In each issue of Butterfield LIFE, we will feature a guest article related to spirituality and the ongoing connections between Butterfield and its five sponsoring churches: First United Presbyterian, Central United Methodist, First Christian, St. Paul’s Episcopal and First Baptist.
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