In the beginning...
The Belin United Methodist Women had a vision to create a nursery that would help working mothers in the care of their children. This vision became a beautiful mission in October 1975. A devoted UMW member, Ms. Sylvia Inlesen created the idea of the "Belin Nursery" which is now called Belin Creative Learning Center (BCLC). The Sr. Pastor, Rev. Larry Barnes and the Administrative Board Chairman, Mr. Don Spence, wholeheartedly agreed with Sylvia's idea of this beautiful mission.

Ms. Sylvia needed help with her idea so another giving UMW member, Ms. Hazel Cannon, helped with the early business and management of the newly developed Belin Nursery. She served on the organizing committee and managed the bookkeeping of this new mission. Her biggest motivating influences were her grandchildren Trent and Ann. Trent was one of the first children to attend the nursery and graduated from the one and only kindergarten class taught by Brenda Cutts. Ms. Hazel's involvement did not stop there. She volunteered her time in Bible school, Brownies, Project Christmas Tree and in the organization of Women's Circles that are still in existence today.

Other very special matriarchs of the Belin Nursery are Ms. Rose Wall and Ms. Gabrell Eaddy. These ladies were two of the first teachers who continued working until 2002. Ms. Rose began in the summer of 1976. She worked with older children who were out of school for the summer and whose mothers worked. She was also involved in the Girl Scouts and Brownie Troops. Ms. Rose's God given sewing talent prompted her to dedicate her time to handmaking bibs, blankets, and small sleeping quilts for the children at the school. Today, we still use her beautiful cozy blankets for the children to sleep on. Within her 26 years of devoted love and care of the Belin children, Ms. Rose's legacy will forever live on within the walls of BCLC.

Gabrell Eaddy contributed her time,  talent and love of children to Belin's program. She began in January 1976. Her classroom consisted of eight children. It was meant-to-be that Ms. Eaddy was a blessing to the school. It is thanks to Ms. Hazel Cannon that Ms. Eaddy became a Belin employee. The two ladies had become acquainted  working together at Bible school. At the time, Ms. Eaddy was traveling many miles from her home to work in Georgetown. Ms. Cannon asked her to come work at Belin, which was located just down the street from her house. It was a true blessing for us all.

Ms. Eaddy not only took care of children, but also became the the second director of the Belin Nursery and also helped Ms. Rose with her sewing. Ms. Eaddy has been a long standing member of Belin Memorial United Methodist Church. In 2002, she was honored at a special church ceremony for her 26 years of outstanding dedication to Belin's Creative Learning Center. Ms. Eaddy is now retired but she will forever know her "home away from home."

Over the years, the Belin Nursery kept growing and growing. One interesting time was when the nursery was open until 11 PM. This was done to accommodate some mothers that were waitresses at local restaurants. Hot dinners were prepared and the children were snuggled goodnight. This part of the program lasted approximately two years. By the late 1970's the Belin Nursery grew so that the children were separated into different classrooms according to age. In the early 1980's a teacher named Vincy Black began to implement a more structured education curriculum  into the program. Belin Nursery began in only three rooms of the Education Building. Today, the program continues to be located there but has expanded to 11 rooms with full capacity. They are continually shared with Sunday School classes. Hot lunches are still prepared just like Ms. Sylvia fixed in the beginning.

In 1991, the name changed to Belin Creative Learning Center (BCLC) by the creativity of Lynn Coggeshall,  former director and current 4-year-old teacher. Ms. Coggeshall has served on BCLC's board for many years as chairperson. Her son, Beck, drew the precious logo in use today. She has always said, BCLC is her baby, and it continues to be today. 

For more than 15 years, Barbara DiGregorio has been involved in this wonderful program, beginning as a substitute teacher, then as a 3-year-old teacher, then as assistant director. Barbara has definitely seen it grow! She is our current director and oversees 24 staff members serving 150 children year round.

The BCLC continues to be a strong and vital part of our church and community, preparing God's children for elementary school and planting seeds of faith in a loving, caring environment.