In 1980, average attendance was about 160 each Sunday. The first church pictorial directory was printed. In 1981, maroon and white choir robes were purchased. The By-laws were changed. The General Board would meet quarterly, the executive board monthly. Two departments were combined into Outreach and Community Service. The Board approved the purchase of the Olds property to the east 217 W. 27th for a parking lot. The youth began Chuckwagon dinners the first Sunday of Frontier Days.
FCC Cheyenne participated in the Partners for Developing Church Leaders. In 1982, Youth director Beth Wuergler began a clown ministry. Sweet Adelines and Woodmen of the World met at the church. In 1983, CWF sold 255 CWF Cookbooks. In 1984, Volunteers were honored by Laramie County Senior Citizens and the VA. In 1985, 16 members fasted for 36 hours and raised $1,534 for hunger in Ethiopia. August 1, 1985 was a 100-year flood, killing 12, injuring 70, and $62 million in damages. The Interfaith Task Force organized churches to help victims. Gordon and Lucille Garrison donated a $60K trust fund. A Capital Improvements Campaign for funds to buy 2614 Capital Avenue was conducted. Members pledged $90,250 by the end of 1986.
In 1986, the General Minister CC-DOC visited the church. Cherry Fields formed the Sunshine Group with weekly luncheons for seniors. In September 1987, Dan Hoffman, Division of Overseas Ministries visited the church. In 1988, $10,850 was raised for a generator for a Disciples hospital in Zaire. Vera Hall chaired the first Colorado Christian Home dinner in Cheyenne. In 1989, CWF celebrated its 40th anniversary and a history was written. Rev. Fields resigned as of Sept. 24. He and Cherry would move to Estes Park. Regional minister Bob Crowl attended the retirement dinner.
Some of the programs that began under the Field’s ministry were Hanging of the Greens, holidays and many outreach programs. Rev. John Nesby from Great Falls, Montana, served as interim minister. A Self Study/Long-Range Planning program was undertaken under the leadership of Vera Hall. This is a very brief overview of the 1980’s in the church; future installments to come.