Questions? Contact Susan Flaws, the Endowment Committee Chair, at the Church Office (508) 896-5577.

The Endowment Fund is overseen by the FPBUU Endowment Board. The current members are Susan Flaws, Linda Bailey-Davies, Barry Powers, (Recording Secretary), Topper Roth (Financial Secretary) and Howard Hayes. (individual contact info can be found in Breeze.)

The Endowment Fund
Members or friends of First Parish who wish to make a long-term investment in the future work of the church may remember the church in their will or through planned giving. Gifts can also be given in memory of an individual. All gifts are held in the Endowment Fund, which is managed by Cape Cod Five Trust and Asset Management in consultation with the Endowment Board following a socially responsible investment policy.

The Endowment Board may distribute up to 5% of the investment value of the Fund in any given fiscal year. These distributions may support church programs, enhance the buildings and grounds, expand community outreach, or develop the wider mission of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Distributions from the Fund may not be used for annual operating expenses (except under extraordinary circumstances and by a vote of the members). Therefore, it is a permanent and growing resource for the work of the church.

There are many ways to give to the Endowment Fund
• Bequest in your will
• Gift in your lifetime
• Life Insurance Policy
• Retirement Plan Distributions
• Securities
• Gift Annuity
• Trust
• Memorial Gifts

These options vary in flexibility and permanence. Each offers tax advantages. It is advisable when making such a gift to discuss the matter with your attorney or tax advisor. If you are interested in learning more, please contact the Endowment Board through the First Parish Brewster office at (508) 896-5577.

Homer P. Clark Legacy Society

A Lesson in Planned Giving

Homer Clark’s ancestors were early settlers in the Town of Brewster. While he spent most of his life in St Paul, Minnesota, he maintained his family’s homestead on Stony Brook Road where he spent many summers. His parents were instrumental in establishing the Unitarian Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.

In 1937 Homer Clark made a gift of 50 shares of United States Steel 7% Cumulative Preferred Stock with a value of $5,262.50 to the American Unitarian Association of Boston (now the UUA) for the benefit of First Parish Brewster. Until his death the income was to be added to the principle of the Homer P. Clark Fund. After his death the income was to be paid to First Parish Brewster semiannually and was to be used for the general purposes of the church and the “maintenance to the old graveyard behind the church in Brewster, Mass.” (Note: FPB is not responsible for the maintenance of the cemetery.)

Homer Clark died in 1970 at the age of 102, however the UUA did not learn of his death until 1997. At that time the UUA determined that the total value of the fund was $416,707.19 of which $66,966.19 was the principle and $350,011 was accumulated income. The principle continues to be held by the UUA and generates income for the First Parish Brewster Operating Fund. In February of 1998, First Parish Brewster received $351,467.05 representing the accumulated income of the fund. The FPB Board of Trustees voted to add these funds to the Endowment Fund for the long-term benefit of the church.

In 2000-2001 the congregation voted to borrow $554,489 from the Endowment Fund, which included the Homer P. Clark money, to pay off the mortgage on the Winslow property. The repayment of this loan to the Endowment Fund was completed in 2021 with operating funds and generous donations from the congregation.

In honor and recognition of the generosity of Homer P. Clark, the Endowment Board created the Homer P. Clark Legacy Society. All members and friends of First Parish who have donated to the Endowment Fund or have indicated that they have included First Parish Brewster in their estate planning are members of the Homer P. Clark Legacy Society.

Are you a member of the Homer P. Clark Legacy Society? Have you included First Parish Brewster in your estate planning? Please let the Endowment Board know so that we may add your name to the Homer P. Clark Society book and invite you to our annual gathering.

To make a donation to the Endowment Fund using the form below, click the downwards arrow next to “Give to 23-24 Pledge” and select “Give to Endowment Fund/Memorial Gifts.”