Oral History Interview with Claudia Runge

Partial Transcript: "We are here today in Claudia's home on, her husband's birthday, Thursday January 26, 2017, and Claudia has graciously agreed to allow us to interview her for the church's oral history archival project."

Segment Synopsis: Claudia was born in Madisonville, Ky. She was the oldest of five kids, her father was a coal miner and her mother was a bookkeeper and hairdresser. Claudia has two grown sons. She and her husband made a home in Louisville; Claudia had been living in Louisville as a teacher. She grew up in the Methodist, but she and David decided on First Unitarian together. She discusses her initial involvement with the church, as well as her family's involvement over the years. She briefly mentions the interior and exterior design of the old church building before it was lost to a fire.

Subjects: Madisonville (Ky.)

Partial Transcript: "So when did you all join..."

Segment Synopsis: Claudia Runge discusses her initial discovery and involvement in the First Unitarian Church in 1973 or 1974, and her memories of Bob Reid. She recounts how the First Unitarian Church responded to social issues in the years after she joined. Topics include busing of students in Louisville and acceptance of the LGBT community. She mentions the Metropolitan Community Church, as well as a member of the congregation coming out during a sermon.

Subjects: Busing for school integration; gay rights; LGBT

Partial Transcript: "The Heywood House acquisition...I do remember that, and I remember being very supportive of it, because I had little children."

Segment Synopsis: Claudia Runge shares her recollection of the Heywood House, which was purchased by the First Unitarian Church in Louisville as a religious education space. She mentions the decision making process behind buying the house, its condition when bought, and the efforts to improve it.

Partial Transcript: "Going back to the social justice issues, what would like to say about your thoughts and reactions to the church's choice about giving sanctuary to the refugees from El Salvador."

Segment Synopsis: Claudia Runge outlines the First Unitarian Church's decision to not provide sanctuary for El Salvadorian refugees in the 1980's. She discusses her personal views on the matter, as well as the arguments and issues of the other members of the congregation.

Keywords: El Salvador; sanctuary

Partial Transcript: "So you were there with Bob Reed during that crazy time when the church burned?"

Segment Synopsis: Claudia Runge recalls her initial reaction and the congregation's response to the fire at the First Unitarian Church. She details her involvement with the rebuilding process and her role as building committee chairperson. She also discusses the dynamic of the congregation, committee, and church leadership.

Keywords: rebuilding

Subjects: Fire

Partial Transcript: "Was there much controversy about replacing the fourth street doors?"

Segment Synopsis: Claudia Runge discusses the layout of the First Unitarian Church, as well as previous uses of the church's tower room.

Subjects: Architecture

Partial Transcript: "Would you like to say anything about Richard or the Women's Alliance?"

Segment Synopsis: Claudia Runge recalls her experience with The Women's Alliance at the First Unitarian Church. She also talks about Richard Beale, a minister and her connection to his wife Joan.

Keywords: ministers; women's groups

Partial Transcript: "The only thing I'll say about Polyamory..."

Segment Synopsis: Claudia Runge recalls the First Unitarian Church's debate on whether or not to recognize a group that supported polyamory in Louisville. She mentions how people responded to the debate and the effect it had on the church.

Keywords: polyamory

Subjects: Non-monogamous relationships

Partial Transcript: "Is there anything that you'd like to add about any of the ministers, or is there anything that would like say about what makes you proud of the church?"

Segment Synopsis: Claudia Runge reflects on her life, and the pride she has for the people of the First Unitarian Church's congregation. She also briefly mentions the church's most recent minister (at the time of the interview).