On August 23, 1966, lightning struck the First U steeple. The resulting fire caused extensive damage to the steeple and the Meeting House. Over the next 2 1/2 years, Providence architect Irving B. Haynes led a team of 40 contractors, church leaders, and experts in restoring what John Holden Green in 1816 called his ‘greatest masterpiece.’ On this day in worship, Rod, Irving Haynes’ oldest son, will share his memories of the fire and what followed.

Rod Haynes is a native of Lincoln and a former member of First U. He currently works in the federal government’s Affordable Care Act Program. He and his wife, Daria, now call Bellingham, WA home, where both have served on the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship Board of Trustees. We welcome him today during one of his periodic visits back to the land and church he used to call ‘home.’

Music will be provided by Claire Rosenbaum. If you can’t be here in person, click here to tune in to our YouTube channel.