Home

UU History

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition that was formed from the merger of two different religions: Unitarianism and Universalism. Both began in Europe hundreds of years ago. In America, the Universalist Church of America was founded in 1793, and the American Unitarian Association in 1825. In 1961, these denominations merged to form a new religion, Unitarian Universalism through the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).

Both religions have long histories and have contributed important theological concepts that remain central to Unitarian Universalism. Originally, all Unitarians were Christians who didn't believe in the Holy Trinity of God (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost), but in the unity, or single aspect, of God. Later, Unitarian beliefs stressed the importance of rational thinking, a direct relationship with God, and the humanity of Jesus. Universalism emerged as a Christian denomination with a central belief in universal salvation; that is, that all people will eventually be reconciled with God.

Since the merger of the two denominations in 1961, Unitarian Universalism has nurtured its Unitarian and Universalist heritages to provide a strong voice for social justice and liberal religion.

List of Past Ministers

List of Past Moderators

Friends,
Happy Anniversary!

Our congregation is 200 years young this year, and we didn't want to only celebrate for a day, a week, a month, or even a year (clap clap
clap clap!)... so here's the plan:

A three year celebration and renewal period for this justice seeking congregation highlighted by:

2020 Unfortunately, this year's events were postponed.
Ongoing work on the updating of the History Book

2021Unfortunately, this year's events, too, were postponed.
Ongoing work on the updating of the History Book

2022
April 30 - an Installation of the Minister service September or October - a "Homecoming" event when we invite former members friends

and ministers back for a time of reminiscing and celebration
October - the Pennsylvania Universalist Convention meets at Restoration

2023
Spring - the national Universalist Convocation meets in our buildings, ending our bicentennial extravaganza.

Throughout, we will have other events and opportunities to live our our goals of embracing all souls and restoring wholeness, from a concert series, a sermon series, a connection with Restoration Tulsa UU on racial justice efforts there and here, family-centered activities and scavenger hunts, and a "thank you dinner" for the neighborhood.

This list is not finalized, nor is it exhaustive. It's the beginning of a time of opportunity and joy for us. We are people of resilience, and part of resilience is learning with and from our history and letting it dance is into our future. May it be so. Amen!

— McKinley

 

Above are State and City Officials who presented 200 Year citations to our church.
Left to right: Greg Windle, Comms Director for Councilmember Helen Gym, Councilmember Helen Gym, State Sen. Art Haywood, Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart, Director for Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs, Mayor of Philadelphia's Office, Patricia Infante, Central East Region UUA Staff.
Also in attendance but not not picture: State Rep. Chris Rabb

Back to Top of Page