Morristown Unitarian Fellowship Seventieth Anniversary

Morristown Unitarian Fellowship Seventieth Anniversary The Morristown Unitarian Fellowship was founded on Dec. 18, 1955.

Until 1957, members met at what was then the YMCA, adjacent to the courthouse in Morristown, Morris County, N.J.. This page is designed to honor the upcoming Seventieth Anniversary by providing a place to share images and stories.

Women Founders: A Tale Partly ToldThe flavor of the era was captured when the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship reported t...
02/02/2026

Women Founders: A Tale Partly Told
The flavor of the era was captured when the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship reported the names of women involved in early roles. Eleanor Mason, secretary of the steering committee that led the Fellowship’s organization, was reported as Mrs. R.W. Mason.

That was typical of the period when the women were hidden behind the title “Mrs” in the public record and the tale of the women founders is harder to fell than the stories of the men in an era in which many women did not work outside the home

Woman held key roles in the steering committee and its operating committees. Doris Babson (oater Thomas), a steering committee member, chaired the membership and hospitality committee appointed about the same time. Jane Steiding was named Sunday School director.

However, the activities of the women founders are faint in the public record The men left more records with public notice made of advanced degrees, promotions, and with the scientists and engineers, patents and inventions, and War Service records, including draft, enlistment and service records. There were no women scientists or engineers among the founders. Only one, Lila Youngquist, performed military service.

While women contributed heavily to non-profit and community groups. They were heavily involved in music and the arts, those endeavors were less frequently recorded, often only appearing in their obituaries.

Members of the League of Women Voters were a key constiuency for the early Fellowship. The November 1957 newsletter reported Marjorie Weggeland was president of the Morristown Chapter, while she, Judy Deutsch, Charlene Kotula and Elanor Mason, along with Jean Baker, a non founder, were members of the Individual Liberties Committee. Others who were members in other chapters including, Lila Youngquist, Dorothy Perry and Brook Zajac, while Mason helped form the first LWV chapter in Delaware.

Two female founders also played important roles in the formation of the Masterwork chorus, which began almost at the same time as the Fellowship.

When the choral organization hired David Randolph, its long-time leader, as its first conductor in November 1955, Fellowship founders Jean Merritt and Joan Wetton were on its board as was chorus founder, Shirley May, who while not a Fellowship founder, was mentioned in the January 1956 Fellowship newsletter for her involvement in Hanover Township Schools. Wetton was also on membership and hospitality committee that was formed under the steering committee.

If they were not keeping house, women were employed in occupations which women held—Dorothy Churchill and Marjorie Weggeland were teachers; Margaret Jane Steiding, a bookkeeper; Jeanne Merritt, copy editor; and Wilda Richards a medical technician.

More typically, women advanced their education and careers after children were grown. Wilda Richards Kovacs began a career in radio and moved into station management after divorcing her husband, Vincent Richards, in 1957. Years after leaving New Jersey, Lila Youngquist became executive director of the Montgomery County Medical Society.

Eleanor Mason, who had a career as a physical education instructor, became an assistant professor at Drew University, but that move did not come until the 1970s. Martha Wheeler, who married photographer, Joseph Zeltsman in 1952, became a professional photographer, nationally known with the profession., but only after her marriage.

The lawsuit that delayed the construction of the new building of the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship had a ...
01/05/2026

The lawsuit that delayed the construction of the new building of the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship had a predecessor. n In a prior suit, another religious congregation was denied the right to construct its building on Columbia Turnpike for the same reasons that the Fellowship was sued.

The issue was an 1891 deed restricting about 70 properties on 87 acres off Columbia Turnpike and Normandy Heights Road to the construction of single-family homes. The restriction became an issue when the Jehovah’s Witnesses planned to erect a hall.

Neighbors sued, fearing development, citing the restriction that had been place in the deed by the Morristown Land and improvement company.

The restriction was upheld by Superior Court Judge Kenneth McKenzie whose ruling was the subject of a front-page article in the Daily Record of July 26, 2002—”Jehovah’s Witnesses Building Ban Upheld”.

That was not the last word in the newspaper.

Two days later, an editorial in the July 28, edition of the Daily Record was headlined “Building Ban Already Violated Twice”, pointing to the establishment of the Morris Museum and the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship as being contrary to the deed restriction’s provisions.

The editorial took issue with what it said was the judge’s interpretation “the Museum and fellowship hall were compatible with the neighborhood’s charm.”

And the writer also said that the defense of such restrictions “the burden of proof should fall most heavily on defenders of the covenant to prove their motives are pure and without bias.”

Incidentally, research shows the witnesses are one of the most racially diverse denominations with 36 percent of them white, 32 percent, Hispanic, 27 percent Black and 6 percent, another race of mixed race.

The Witnesses are far more diverse than the membership of the Unitarian Universalist congregations and at a reported 1.2 million active members, much larger.

Organizing: First Have a Party; Collect MittensOrganizing: First Have a Party; Collect MittensThe big date in Fellowship...
12/20/2025

Organizing: First Have a Party; Collect Mittens

Organizing: First Have a Party; Collect Mittens
The big date in Fellowship history was Dec. 18,1955 when the bylaws were approved and there was a book to sign so that after two months of operations the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship actually had members.

Even before the formalities, members were holding get-togethers—ski trips among them, and the first Fellowship newsletter, a mimeographed four-page affair was published by Marshall Deutsch, in time to promote the December 17 party at the Fellowship’s first home, the then-Morristown YMCA on South Street and Washington Street, opposite the Morris County Courthouse.

The party, held the night before the business meeting, was designed as a get-acquainted holiday party with a puppet show, carol singing and a musical program
While the party was primarily for children, adult members were invited “to attend and enjoy the fun vicariously,” according to the December newsletter.

Featured events include a puppet show to be given by Julie Doczi (daughter of founders John and Vera Doczi; carol singing to be led by Gerald Quinlan, a professional flautist; a musical program by Frances Livingston (whose family never joined), Gerald Quinlan and his son David; and the “distribution of gifts by S. Claus.”

Greeters were Charline Kotula and Denny Dalton, the 17-year-old who became the youngest founding member with decorating led by Dorothy and Larry Churchill (who became the second president).

Jane Steiding and Brooky Zajac were to collect “tickets” mittens to be hung on the tree and then distributed to needy children by the Community Chest and Council Christmas Program). Dorothy Perry and Betty Parella were to serve as the refreshments committee and invitations were mailed by Judy Deutsch, Marshall’s wife and member. No. 2

The next night, December 18, was also a busy night, featuring a brief musical program, approval of the by-laws and the singing of the membership book John Doczi led the music program which promised a selection sung by Ed Zajac, a tenor, two flute solos by Gerald Quinlan and a duet by Zajac and Doczi (a baritone).
Marsh Steiding, who became the first president in January, led the business meeting as he was chairman of the bylaws committee for the steering committee that had been running things.
Not surprisingly formulating bylaws had been complex. The December newsletter noted, “Consideration of bylaws began last week, and should be completed at the coming session. Since an attempt is being made to reconcile in the bylaws the views of all prospective Fellowship members progress is proceeding slowly and with a great deal of member participation.”
Unlike the first business meeting in 1956, which stretched to three nights, the congregation managed to adopt the bylaws and moved on to signing the membersjo[ book. As noted in a newspaper story that followed the event, Daniel Weggeland suggested Marshall Deutsch be given the honor of singing the book first because of his key role in starting the Fellowship.
The number of those signing on December 18 is complicated by the fact that Vicki Slawson’s name, given as Mrs. Slawson, was squeezed with no number between between Martha Zeltsman, No. 8, and Eugene Slawson, No. 9. The names of Gerald and Rosa Quinlan are on the first page of the membership book with no numbers so the last numbered member is No. 28, but there were 31 individuals signing on December 18.
Why certain individuals did not sign on the first day do not know. Vincent Richards, who gave the first sermon on October 30, did not sign until January 15. Dan Weggeland, who clearly seems to have attended the business meeting, signed on January 8. Brooky Zajac, Dorothy Churchill, Denny Dalton, and Charlene Kotula, who all attended the December 17 party, also signed later
The names of those who signed on December 18 follow in order of signing with dates and comments added
1. Marshall Deutsch (Aug. 17, 1921-Dec. 23, 2017) Member of the first board. A chemist and medical device inventor
2. Judith Deutch (b. 18 April 1929) Alive in New Mexico, [December 2025]. Became a UU minister after leaving Morris County. Wife of Marshall Deutsch/
3. Winfield S. Greenleaf (May 22, 1916-April 21, 2005) Chair of the steering committee. Member of the first board. A plumber and later electronic technician.
4. R. Marsh Steiding (Nov. 15, 1920-Sep. 25, 1962) The first president, serving a four-month term. A chemist and explosives expert, who was later a salesperson/
5.M. Jane Steiding (April 3, 1924-Jan. 16, 2020) The first Sunday School Director. A bookkeeper. Widowed three times. Wife of Marsh Steiding, Lee Howell Taylor and Vincent Popolizio.
6. Charles Van Cott (Sep. 18, 1906-Oct. 27, 1962) Born Charles Nathan, took his mother’s name, Van Cott. Editor of the first formal newsletter in September 1956. A newspaper editor and Thomas Paine enthusiast.
7. Joseph Zeltsman (July 17, 1908-Dec. 16, 2008) Born in Philadelphia but grew up in Romania (modern Moldova) and return to the U.S. Member of the Romania army band and Glen Miller’s Army Unit. Nationally known portrait photographer.
8. Martha Zeltsman (July 30, 1922- Nov. 2, 2006) Nationally honored photographer. Wife of Joseph Zeltsman.
Unnumbered. Signed as Mrs. Slawson. This was Vicki Slawson (July 5, 1916-June 1, 2016). This name was squeezed in between Martha Zeltsman and her husband, Eugene Slawson’s signature. Her maiden name was Anna Jadwiga Wasserman. She married Phil Barbash and died under that surname. The Slawsons often led ski trips and other outdoor activities.
9. Eugene Slawson (originally Eugeniusz Stanislaw Slawinski) (Dec. 12, 1912-Nov. 29, 1983) The Slawsons spent the World War II in Poland with forged passports showing they were Catholic. A publishing manager and linguistics expert.
10. Doris L. Babson (b. 8 April 1926) Probably alive in California, December 2025 under the name Doris Thomas. Her second husband was Albert Thomas. Employed in public relations, she chaired the membership and hospitality committee.
11. Arthur L. Babson (March 3, 1927-Oct. 16, 2016) Third Fellowship president First husband of Doris Lelong Babson. A chemist and pioneering medical device inventor
12. George Perry (Feb. 18, 1921-March 31, 1988) Member of the finance, by-laws, religious education and membership and hospitality committees. A Bell Labs Technical Aide.
13. Alfred K. Mathisen (Jan. 3, 1925-March 6, 2023) Born in Sweden, he married founder Dorothy Faulkner—the first Fellowship couple to marry. An engineer who helped design the Lunar Excursion Module (LEM) .
14. Lawrence S. Churchill (June 8, 1922-Jan. 9, 1999) Second first president and first full-term president. An Engineer who worked in top-secret projects.
George E. Quinlan (Oct. 23, 1903-May 8, 1985) No numbers are by George and Rosa’s name. A high school teacher and professional musician
Rosa B. Quinlan (Jan. 22, 1905-July 27, 1994) Wife of Gerald Quinlan. A housewife.
15. John Zieger (March 31, 1898-September 1977) Born in Germany, he was kicked out of the priesthood in New York before taking final vows. A laboratory technician
16. Eleanor C. Mason (Dec. 9, 1919-Jan. 16, 2014) Eleanor was the last founder who was active in the Fellowship. First wife of Robert Mason. Known for her activity with the UN and peace activism. Physical education instructor Drew University and later assistant professor.
17. Robert W. Mason (Aug. 18, 1916-Sept. 12, 1993) One of the Fellowship’s many chemists.
18. Mrs. Grace E. Zieger (March 8, 1896-August 1965) Wife of John Zieger. A housewife.
19. Dorothy M. Faulkner (Dec. 22, 1926-Nov. 10, 2022) Worked at Picatinny Arsenal.
20. John Doczi [ordinally Janos Doczi] (Jan. 3, 1911-March 10, 1979) Chaired the music committee; later ran a chamber music concert series for 10 years. Self-taught professional chemist.
21. Vera Doczi [Born Veronica Gonda] (June 11, 1921-Aug. 9, 2016) Born in Hungary, the Doczis left Portugal on Sep. 12, 1941, using forged passports. A flute player and artist.
22. Lila H. Younguist (Jan. 23, 1921-July 24, 1979) A WAVE in World War II, she later became executive director of the Montgomery County (Maryland) Medical Society.
23. Robertson Younguist (May 16, 1916-Dec. 20, 2002) First Treasurer. Husband of Lila Youngquist. A pioneering rocket scientist and later artist.
24. Anthony J. Parella (July 9, 1921-March 23, 2015) Member of first board of directors. Name originally Luparella. A hairdresser, but later real estate developer.
25. Leslie W. Bauerle (March 22, 1928-Sep. 14, 2011) A chemistry and physics instructor who later served on the board of trustees.
26. Elizabeth M. Parella (July 12,1923-Feb. 9, 2005) Wife of Anthony Parella. The couple worked together as hairdressers.
27. Paul B. Tweed (Sep. 22, 1913-March 28, 2001) Original first name not known Middle B. is for Basset probably after his mother’s surname Basilinksy. Last name, originally, Teved] Born in Russia (Modern Ukraine). An explosives expert, he became board secretary in April 1956.
28. R. McCready [Robert] (May 16, 1911-Dec. 23, 1995) First vice president and later a president. Wrote a multi-part Fellowship history published serially in 1962 and 1963. A map editor

Marshall Deutsch--the Man Who Started It All
12/02/2025

Marshall Deutsch--the Man Who Started It All

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