The NACCC’s Excellence in Ministry Awards are composed of the Marion Bradshaw Award, the Harry R. Butman Award, and the Jennette Butman Award. Each Excellence in Ministry Award is intended to recognize a leader or innovator who has made a significant contribution to Congregationalism and who exemplifies a personal commitment to faith, freedom, and fellowship.
Nominations may be made by churches or individuals. Supporting documentation may also be submitted to assist the Vitality Ministry Council in their selection process, including letters of support and/or articles about the nominee.
Awardees are chosen at the discretion of the Vitality Ministry Council. Submitted materials will be kept confidential and become the property of the NACCC.
Marion Bradshaw Award
Marion Bradshaw was a professor at Bangor Theological Seminary in Maine and was the only faculty member to take a principled stand for continuing Congregationalism. The Marion Bradshaw Memorial Fund was originally endowed by Rev. Dr. Harry Butman in Bradshaw’s honor. This award is given to an ordained minister who is personally committed to Congregationalism. Preference is given to a minister in the state of Maine. Awarded funds are to be used for continuing education.
Harry R. Butman Award
Harry R. Butman was a Congregational minister and ardent proponent of Congregationalism. A graduate of Bangor Theological Seminary in Maine, he served several churches before moving to California as minister of the Congregational Church of the Messiah in Westchester. Harry believed in encouraging ministers and their spouses in their work on behalf of the church. This award is given to a minister or ministers with at least ten years of service in a NACCC church and a personal commitment to Congregationalism.
Jennette Butman Award
Established by Harry R. Butman in honor of his wife, this award honors spouses married to ordained Congregational ministers who have served NACCC churches for at least ten years and have been of help to their spouses. It may also be awarded to a widower or widow of a Congregational minister or the spouse of a CFTS student. The award is made on the basis of need, merit, or outstanding achievement.
Your completed nomination form along with any supplemental material can be submitted to Rev. Robb Tarr via email. The deadline for submissions is May 4, 2025.
You can access and download the fillable nomination form here.
The awardee of the Marion Bradshaw Award will receive $500 for continuing education outside of a professional degree program.
The awardee of the Harry R. Butman Award will receive $500 for ministerial assistance and encouragement.
The awardee of the Jennette Butman Award will receive $500 based on need, merit, or outstanding achievement.