HomeMy Public PortalAbout2023.02.14 Letter fromm Rev. Charlottie HavlicalFebruary 10, 2023
Honorable Mayor, Robert Giles, City Council Members,
Anette Spickard, McCall City Manager,
McCall Congregational Church Board of Trustees, Phil Reberger, Chairman
As Pastor Emeritus of the McCaII Community Congregational church, (MCCC) I find it
my concern to respond to the proposal for a liquor license to a sports bar located so
close to our historic church is in violation of several Idaho Statutes.
The church's motto: "We are the church with a heart, in the heart of the
community."
So it is from my heart that I must express my deep concern. As the pastor of the MCCC
for over 25 years, many long-term residents of the community know my dedication, not
only to the church but to our community and the surrounding areas. The MCCC is a
very historic building existing for over 110 years, with a ministry and a mission to this
community. This should be respected and protected from anything that could
jeopardize historic history.
For decades, MCCC has always been a bee hive of activity. Many various events take
place here that may not be well known. There is the Second Sunday Sounds at Six,
which brings in musicians from all over Idaho as well as nationally to perform for our
community. McCall Music Society performs special concerts during the evening hours.
Many church members conduct bible study on a regular basis.
We offer a meeting place for local girl scouts, music lessons for our school students,
whether it be violin or viola lessons, to some piano lessons. Our church is open for
special meetings, quilting groups, weddings, wedding receptions, funerals, and
memorial services. During January for the Winter Carnival, our church has been a place
to warm up from the cold and enjoy hot chocolate and baked goods provided by the
church women. Lastly, the biggest event of the year takes place on Christmas Eve. We
present two beautiful services attended by hundreds of people. On the Sunday before
Christmas, we have a children's program with a visit from Father and Mrs. Christmas
(Frank and Kathy Eld), with many children in attendance. For eighty years we have had
our annual plant sale, attended by hundreds of people.
MCCC has many "CHURCH MICE." These are members who over the years have
devoted so much time and effort to maintaining the beauty and the upkeep of this
historic building to maintain its place of ministry to our community. We are a very special
house of worship for many people for over one hundred and ten years.
McCall has a variety of restaurants and businesses that serve a variety of alcoholic
beverages. Main Street is where most of these businesses are located, and where they
should be.
I am not opposed to anyone who wants to create an opportunity to make a living for
themselves. However, there are rules, regulations and laws that govern where such
activities take place. Residential areas, schools, and churches have always been off
limits to these types of businesses for obvious reasons.
I think the laws should not be vacated to grant such a permit. In doing so, you set a
precedent that others will expect.
Blessings,
Pastor Char
Rev. Charlottie Havlicak