A long history of volunteerism is still with us today!

Have you ever wondered where our familiar Eliot Chapel logo originated?

Pat Habben-Walters reflects on her involvement in the logo design and the inspiration and support she continually offers to us, over the years, sharing her talents in graphic design... and more!

“I have been attending Eliot since the mid 80s. I had always been interested in the Unitarian church and its liberal beliefs. When my family moved to Kirkwood, I was so happy to start attending Eliot. Both of my kids went through Eliot’s wonderful pre-school and the RE program in their early years.

I had been on the “Aesthetics Committee” with Elisa Voss back in the 80s. She deserves credit for suggesting that Eliot needed a recognizable identity or “branding”. I was asked to design a logo. I think Steven Bain, Tim Gardner, Charles Fremont and possibly Mary Quinn were among those in the logo design meetings. The finial (designed by Rodney Winfield) was suggested as a starting point for a logo. Based on their suggestions, I designed the logo that is still being used today. Besides enjoying the design challenge, it made me feel more connected to Eliot, and I have always felt honored that I had been given the task to create Eliot’s logo.

The Aesthetics Committee had also selected the new sanctuary chairs, carpeting and the minister’s chair as well as choosing the color scheme for the hallways and various rooms.

Back in the late 1980s I volunteered to be on the planning committee for Women’s Weekend. It had been called the “Women’s Retreat” at that time, but another committee member, Julie Charles, suggested that we change the name to “Women’s Weekend” and that I design a logo. I love that we are still using the logo today.

I have been in charge of creating the signage, posters and t-shirt designs over the years. In the early 2000s I had been part of the Art4U Committee headed by Maryanne Mace. Back in the day, the walls of Adams Hall were transformed into a gallery of art. I had designed the posters for each new art exhibit which changed monthly. I loved being able to use my design skills.

More recently, I worked with Susan Bell on the logo for the “Forward Together” flyer and had created the very tall steeple pledge drive poster. Other miscellaneous volunteer activities in the distant past have included coffee service, RE teaching and being a Greeter.”

“Volunteering keeps me connected to Eliot. It is fun to collaborate with so many wonderful and talented people. After all, I met Rick Walters when we both volunteered for Madrigal Dinner as kitchen help! The rest is history!”