Honoring Pat and Aileen McClelland
Charter Members | Lifelong Creators | Faithful Contributors
At Harmony Creek United Church of Christ, we are blessed by the steady presence and creative spirit of Pat and Aileen McClelland, two of our founding and most beloved members. As Charter Members, their story is deeply woven into the identity of our church—and their impact can be seen, felt, and experienced every time we gather.
A Legacy Rooted in Faith and Creativity
Pat and Aileen were long-time members of Cross Creek United Church of Christ before becoming part of Harmony Creek. As members of both communities, they have long embraced a progressive Christian identity—one that is Open and Affirming, welcoming all people just as they are.
Pat’s influence on our church is visible in a very tangible and sacred way. He is the artist behind the handcrafted worship furniture that graces our sanctuary today—the cross, communion table, and pulpit. When asked years ago to design these pieces for Cross Creek, Pat said yes with thoughtfulness and vision.
Rejecting traditional symmetry in favor of symbolic depth, Pat created works of art that reflect a contemporary Christian ethos. His designs honor the sacred symbol of the cross while speaking to our church's values of diversity, transformation, and inclusion.
From Hidden Lumber to Sacred Purpose
What makes this furniture especially meaningful is the story behind the materials. Pat sourced the wood from deconstructed churches, including the former Emmanuel Baptist Church—where he helped physically extract lumber that once supported the hidden framework of the building. He brought it into the open, gave it new life, and transformed it into something sacred and visible.
Look closely at the worship furniture and you’ll see a mosaic of wood types—each block unique. Some are noble woods like walnut and oak; others are humble, like pine and poplar. Some are polished; others still bear their natural textures.
Just like the members of a faith community, each piece has a role to play. Together, they form something whole and beautiful—a perfect metaphor for the life of the Church.
Though Pat doesn’t consider himself a religious man, his work speaks deeply to spiritual truths. His ability to bring warmth and harmony out of complexity reveals a deep connection to meaning, purpose, and the sacred.
A Community That Feels Like Home
Aileen, who came from a more traditional faith background, now finds great joy in the inclusive and intellectually curious environment at Harmony Creek. Both Pat and Aileen regularly attend our Salon Services—gatherings that bring together people of shared values for thoughtful conversation, spiritual exploration, and community connection. One of Pat’s additional art pieces, a gift from the couple, is proudly displayed in the Salon space.
A Family of Leaders and Allies
The McClelland’s are proud parents to two sons who share their values of justice, education, and inclusion. Their youngest, Jonathan, recently shared his experiences traveling to New Zealand in a Salon Service presentation.
Their eldest son, Benjamin, is a faculty member at Columbia University. He also holds the distinction of being the first ally to represent PFLAG in Dayton—something Aileen reflects on with heartfelt pride. He and his partner, Alison, who is an administrator at NYU, are raising two beautiful children—Pat and Aileen’s cherished grandchildren.
Thank You, Pat and Aileen
Harmony Creek Church gives thanks for the creativity, commitment, and community spirit that Pat and Aileen McClelland bring to our shared life. Their story is one of transformation—of materials, of community, and of love. Their legacy is part of the very foundation on which Harmony Creek stands.
We are deeply grateful.
