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As the oldest continuing religious publication in the United States, The Congregationalist speaks with a vibrant, unique voice for the Congregational Way. Its provoking thoughts and reflective comment mark critical moments in our history.
Over the years, the magazine has thrived under the steady hands of many outstanding editors. Its character and durability have relied on talented, passionate stewards. We have been blessed by the service of Joe Polhemus for the past fifteen years as he has brought The Congregationalist forward into a new millennium. He has seen the expansion of our mailing list, has brought the magazine to the Internet, and has fought for quality in content, appearance and focus. He has truly served the magazine and the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches well.
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Joe was committed to a smooth transition to retirement for the long-term benefit of the magazine. He approached the Communication Services Committee over a year ago to discuss plans and formally announced his retirement in June 2003 at our Annual Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His heartfelt column reflecting on this transition appeared in the January/February/ March 2004 issue.
A search committee was formed, including three members of the NACCC Communication Services Committee, two members of our Executive Committee and our Executive Secretary as an ex-officio member. The committee gathered information for months to create a job description and plan for a search, posted the position last Fall, and received a wide variety of candidate materials.
When the process was finished, we were pleased to present the Rev. James Eaton of the United Congregational Church in Norwich, Connecticut, as our new editor. The Executive Committee approved his nomination and will present him as the final candidate to the delegates at the 2004 NACCC Annual Meeting for approval. He comes with a rich background of Congregational and publishing experience and is highly recommended by the search committee and Executive Committee.
Jim received a printer and a tray of cold type from his grandfather when Jim was just eight years old. He moved to mimeograph stencils, photo offset layout and desktop publishing. He brings experience and knowledge of electronic publishing and website design and maintenance, and is experienced in a variety of Macintosh graphics programs. He brings a passion for the publishing in all of these formats to The Congregationalist.
Jim Eaton is experienced throughout the NACCC. He served as Pastor of four NACCC churches in Washington, Wisconsin, Michigan and Connecticut following his ordination in 1975, was a fellow in the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies, receiving the Plymouth Fellowship, and has served as a HOPE officer and advisor, as a member and chairperson of the Division for Ministry and as the Chair of the Host Committee for our Annual Meeting in Cromwell, Connecticut in 1999.
Jim believes the essential task of an editor is to get people to read and to reflect. He appreciates the work of Joe Polhemus over the past fifteen years, the excellence in writing and editing, and expects to bring advances in graphics and layout. Those elements, combined with the quality and stability that have been a hallmark of these recent years, place The Congregationalist in good stead to meet new challenges.
Jim Eaton will be an excellent steward of the future of our magazine. He will strive to maintain the excellence, continuing to draw out interesting and timely content, while expanding the Internet presence and looking at relevant themes in church life through a Congregational perspective. It is with joy that we celebrate the transition of the magazine from one excellent editor to another. The tradition and purposes of The Congregationalist will carry on for years to come.
The Rev. John Miller, senior minister, First Congregational Church, Royal Oak, Michigan, serves as chairperson of the NACCC Communication Services Committee.
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