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History > Our Pastors > Lawrence Lazelle Durgin

Lawrence Lazelle Durgin
The Eighth Pastor, 1961-1980

Lawrence Durgin's years were characterized by deep commitments to a number of diverse concerns. Paramount among these were race relations, housing, ecumenism, prisoners' families and the Farm Worker's Union, among others.

A full busload of Broadway members joined the historic March on Washington in 1963. During Dr. Durgin's tenure, a merger was consummated with the Martha Memorial Church. Once again, another name change was in order for the church: from "Broadway Congregational Church" to "Broadway United Church of Christ." The change was accomplished to reflect the 1957 merger of the Congregational Church with the Evangelical & Reformed Church.

In the mid-1960s, the church faced one of its most crucial decisions. When plans for a new church building at 56 Street and Broadway unraveled due to a dismal real estate market, the decision was made to sell the property and search for an ecumenical partnership that would enable the church to further its mission work. When Father Ryan, pastor of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Paul the Apostle at 59 Street and Ninth Avenue, proposed to yield his church's 11:00 A.M. worship hour to the Broadway UCC congregation for an indefinite period, his offer was readily accepted. For 13 years Broadway UCC remained in residence on 59 Street, until St. Paul's needed additional space for its expanding programs and asked Broadway UCC to search for a new home. Rutgers Presbyterian Church on 73 Street and Broadway opened a welcoming door. Broadway UCC's relationship with Rutgers lasted three years.

Also noteworthy of Dr. Durgin's ministry - and a first in the long history of Broadway Church - was that women were ordained to serve as assistant ministers. The Reverend Sharon Ringe and the Reverend Sharon Solt were to share this distinction.

Dr. Durgin resigned from Broadway UCC's pastorate in 1979 to take on the role of vice president of development for Tougaloo College in Mississippi. His successful ministry at Tougaloo College resulted in a professorship being named in his honor at the college: the Lawrence Durgin Professor of Literature.

Bonnie Ann Rosborough, Our NinthPastor