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| Special Citations |
Executive Committee Chair Robert Carlson presents citation to Marti Charbonneau on behalf of her late husband, Ralph Charbonneau.
In the citation bestowed upon the late Ralph Charbonneau at the 47th Annual NACCC Meeting in Lansing, Michigan, he was described as a “role model for living.”
“Ralph personified Congregationalism and provided for us a light to follow. He was a founding and sustaining member of the Seattle Congregational Church and served the Pacific Northwest Association and the National Association in many capacities over the years, providing valuable leadership and guidance to all of us who follow in his footsteps.”
In 1963 Ralph and his wife Marti moved to Seattle, where they became founding members of Seattle Congregational Church. Church participation was not an avocation for Ralph. Being involved in church was his passion and the Seattle church has been grateful for that passion that continued over the years.
Ralph’s first official service to the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches began in 1989, when he was asked to put his banking background to use by serving on the Financial Stewardship Committee. He was a valued member of that group until 1993. His last contribution was to the Nominating Committee from 1998 to 2000.
He also served as an ambassador—a diplomatic role particularly suited to Ralph—of goodwill between our National Association and the Congregational churches of the Pacific Northwest Association. In 1991 he was chairman of the host committee for the NACCC Annual Meeting in Seattle. Ever the perennial host and model of cordiality, Ralph was in tip-top form as he welcomed delegates from around the country to the Great Northwest, making them feel at home.
Ralph Charbonneau believed so strongly in the principles of faith and fellowship that undergird the Congregational Way of being a church that he quite literally devoted himself to them. And he believed so strongly in the Pilgrim heritage of freedom that he gave countless hours to ensure that that heritage would continue to be a bright beacon in the spiritual landscape of America.
It is with a deep sense of gratitude that we present this citation posthumously to Ralph Gray Charbonneau, who will be fondly remembered and honored as a gracious man of principle, a tireless worker, and a strong advocate for the Congregational Way.
Executive Committee Chair Robert Carlson presents citation to Ted Flynn.
The citation for Ted Flynn abounded with superlatives, but they still understated his accomplishments of the past 20 years for the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches.
“In the annals of Congregational laity,” reads his citation, “one of the names which arises with distinction is that of Theodore Arthur Flynn, a man of profound faith, of superior intellect, and of proven leadership capability.
“Ted attended his first meeting of the NACCC more than 20 years ago. He and his beloved late wife Carolyn quickly became loyal aficionados of our national fellowship as Ted rose to positions of prominence. From 1980 to 1984, Ted was a member of the Financial Stewardship Committee. He served on the board of the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies (CFTS) from 1985 to 1989. In 1989 he was elected to the Executive Committee, where he served in several capacities, including Chair. He also has been a member of the Program Committee, the Editorial Advisory committee for The Congregationalist, and is currently serving as Chair of the Communication Services Committee.
“But Ted’s most prominent contribution to our Association came in 1997-98, when he served as Moderator and chaired the NACCC Annual Meeting in San Diego, choosing the theme ‘The Tie that Binds.’ It was a beautiful and memorable meeting, thanks to Ted’s impeccable planning and execution.
“A long-time member of the Congregational Church of the Chimes, Sherman Oaks, California, Ted has served his church faithfully and repeatedly in important leadership positions. He not only chaired the Boards of Trustees and Deacons, he also headed the only two Search Committees for Senior Pastor in the church’s 51-year history.”
So read, in part, the citation for exceptional service bestowed on Theodore Arthur Flynn at the 47th Annual NACCC Meeting in Lansing, Michigan.
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