2024 Newsletter

2024 was nothing short of transformative for us. Through partnership with First Church Berkeley’s board and congregation, we worked to reimagine our strategy and embraced a new vision for Friends: supporting the church’s architectural preservation.

This renewed focus inspired us to host a diverse range of events, an effort made easier thanks to the building’s immense beauty and unique design. We’ve intentionally partnered with groups aligned with our mission—those passionate about the arts, architecture, spiritual growth, and historic preservation.

The result? A thriving events calendar that doubled in 2024, creating unforgettable community experiences while generating essential funds for preservation. None of this growth would have been possible without the dedication and vision of Lynn Bohannon, whose leadership helped us achieve a milestone we haven’t seen since before the pandemic. Her energy along with our renewed purpose has truly revitalized the ways the community experiences our space, and we’re eager to carry this momentum into 2025!

To learn more about above mentioned new events and performances, click the links or see info below:

A New Website for Friends

We’d like to introduce you to our new digital presence! The reimagined Friends Website now allows you to stay up to date through a current schedule of events and performances, and even includes a new “Explore” page with access to articles and essays on Maybeck and the church. Overall, we’re thrilled to provide a better online experience for the community to interact with us. The site was designed by Robin Marquand with Lynn Bohannon’s creative guidance, and was generously funded by an anonymous donor. Don’t hesitate to revisit our new website and events page to stay up to date with all things Friends.

A New Piano

Our church is now home to a beautiful 1941 Steinway Studio M Grand Piano, generously donated by Rev. Nancy E. Hall and Mark Theodoropoulos, and expertly refurbished by John Callahan. The piano has earned rave reviews from master pianists like Jeffrey LaDeur and Peter Grūnberg. Paired with our magnificent organs and a harpsichord, these instruments elevate our space into a premier venue for chamber music. As a result, more esteemed music groups are booking performances at the church, drawn by the exceptional acoustics and quality of these instruments. This incredible transformation is all thanks to the critical support from our Musical Director, William Ludtke.

A Beautiful New Sound System

Our previous sound system in the Main Auditorium was reminiscent of a high school gym sound system from the 70’s — which is when it was installed. We’re grateful to have a brand new system with outstanding quality, which was much needed to support new programs. The new system includes a new auditorium speaker, new mics at the organ, and soloist. This important transformation was not possible without Robert Skye, our Acoustic Consultant.  We invite you to experience it by attending one of our upcoming events!

Current Priorities

As we open our doors to new groups, we've identified some crucial life safety updates we've been eager to tackle, including emergency lighting, illuminated exit and code required signage as well as other life safety measures. Creating a safer experience for our visitors has taken top priority, leading us to temporarily pause the Favrot Capital Campaign Feasibility Study for window restoration.

Rest assured, we remain fully committed to the restoration work and deeply value the generosity of our donors. If priorities have shifted for you as well, we’re happy to offer refunds for last year’s donations upon request. While these safety concerns have reshaped our focus for now, our dedication to the building’s continued restoration, including its beautiful windows, remains steadfast. Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate these essential improvements!

We’re filled with excitement for 2025 as we build on the momentum of welcoming new parts of our community into the church. Seeing the wonder and joy on visitors' faces when they step into Maybeck's auditorium is a powerful reminder of what a truly extraordinary and cherished space this is. These connections — and the events they inspire — not only bring our community closer but also help fund the preservation of this remarkable building, ensuring it remains a source of beauty and inspiration for generations to come.

Thank you for your continued support. We’re always grateful, and we wish you a very Happy 2025!

Our 2024 Donors

Sponsors $1,000+ 
John Callahan, Callahan Piano 
Toni Garrett 
Robert & Roberta Geering 
Ann & Dobie Jenkins 
Matt Porta 
Barbara & Michael Robben 
Ron Saturno & Stan Lusardi
Nancy Coan Torres

Partners $500+ 
David & JoAnne Bowie 
Thomas & Louise Burns
Warren & Lorna Byrne 
Diane Lynch 
Morris Wright 
Norman Givant

Sustainers $250+
Patrick & Penny Barrett 
Steven Beckendorf & Anne Pardee 
John Bernstein & Jean Box 
Daniel Garber 
Lorraine & Bill Glick 
Carolyn & Larry Hartsough 
Dan & Annette Herbert 
Patricia Kates 
Patricia LeBlanc & Julie Morfee
Alexander Ortenberg 
Alex & Donald Pierce 
Randolph & Frances Starn 
Megan Taylor 
Glen Zamanian 
UC Berkeley, College of Environmental Design

Supporters $100+ 
Timothy Gray 
Joan King-Angell & Jeffrey Angell 
Carolyn Lord & Rob Anglin 
Diana & George Babcock 
Doug Behr 
Jack Bethards 
Jennifer & Frank Block 
Jennifer Brandenburg 
Robert Brokl & Alfred Crofts 
Can Bui 
Timothy Christian 
Janice & Kenneth Craik 
Barbara Dornfeld 
Christie Edwards 
Daniel & Kate Funk 
James Goring 
Harvey Hacker 
Trish & Tony Hawthorne 
Grace Weigel Hurd  
Anjana Joshi 
Lisa Juarez 
Victoria Kastner 
Michael & Susan Kreps 
Gordon Linden 
Margaretta Lovell
Linda Luini 
Susan Stanton & Richard Mangini 
Wendy Markel 
Bruce & Gwen McCauley 
Barb McCorkle 
Rebecca McKee 
Katherine Mieszkowski & Jim Fisher
Roger & Jean Moss
Mary Lee Noonan
Jane & David Pfeifer 
Morgan Pierce 
Barbara Pottgen 
Suzanne Riess 
Catherine Roha 
Adolph Rosekrans 
Thomas & Katherine Saxby 
Arlene Silk 
Tom & Magaret Stallard 
William Stang 
John & Elizabeth Thorington 
Garth Tissol 
Marc Treib 
Ann K U & A Dale Tussing 
Patty Whisler 
Dan Marvin & Alison Zaremba 

Contributing $35+ 
Byrne Reese 
Brytin Ayers 
Beverly Bense 
Peter & Carol Berkenkotter 
Dr Stephen Born 
Siegfried Brockmann 
Anthony Buffington Bruce 
Rosemary M. Corbin 
Robert & Carole Craig 
Audel G. & Lynne Davis 
Fred & Lois Duperrault 
Sharon Entwistle 
Alan Fleming 
Neysa Garrett 
Daryl Halverson 
Jerri Holan 
Mary Hollis 
Kalia Jaivanti 
Michael Katz 
Karen E Keene 
Steven Keller 
Mary Ann Lerch 
Andy Levine 
LiHui Tsai
Mary Mashuta 
Diana Nehls 
Anna H. Presler & Leighton Fong 
Emily M Renzel 
Francisco Javier Carabaño Rodriguez 
Tracie Rowson 
Carol & Ira Serkes 
Eric Seubert 
Yuntian Shi 
Harvey Smith 
Rhonda Spencer 
Anthony Thompson
Carl Treseder
John Zabinski