UUFE's

History

For the UUFE congregation, these have been 48 years of questing, learning, growing, worshiping, working together, knowing joys and sorrows, and above all, loving and sharing in community. Over the years we have become a seasoned, diverse group representing communities throughout north central Indiana and southwest Michigan. Our members reflect a wide spectrum of education, life experience, occupation, economic status, and theological perspective.

We are self-governing, with a board of trustees, congregational meetings, numerous committees, and volunteer efforts contributed by a large proportion of the congregation. Volunteering has always made our organization “work,” and many of us extend our efforts into the community.

1959
1959

Founders Gathered

to establish a liberal religious presence locally, including an educational program that would provide an atmosphere of intellectual freedom rather than indoctrination for their children.

1961
1961

Formally organized UUFE

and obtained a charter from the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) — an event that came soon after the historic merger of the Unitarian and Universalist denominations, both very progressive in religious thought and practice.

1962
1962

Dorothy Greenleaf Boynton

donated three parcels of land on Garden Street, just south of Woodlawn.

1963
1963

Dr. John Ivy and his wife Shirley

provided leadership in designing and raising funds for our Fellowship House, dedicated in 1963. For several years, we invited student ministers from the UUA’s Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago to provide services twice monthly, with guest speakers on alternate Sundays.

1968
1968

UUFE Gets a full time minister

Forrest Whitman became UUFE’s first full-time minister and stayed until 1971 before moving to Colorado.

1971
1971

Second Minister begins

In 1971, Loring Prosser became the second UUFE minister and stayed until 1975

1975
1975

Third Minister Gives Only One Sermon

In 1975, the third minister G. Franklin Smith began his ministry but only gave one sermon. He died suddenly from cancer a month after he was hired.

1976-1984
1976-1984

Rev. Robert T. Dick

1987
1987

Purchased land on Garden Street

Five lots were purchased across from UUFE on Garden Street for the parking lot. This was a time of building expansion.

1985-2005
1985-2005

Rev. Dr. Gordon D. Gibson

1988
1988

UUFE Expands

With everyone contributing work, ideas and/or money, the building was enlarged to twice it’s original size.

1991
1991

Artist Mike Slaski is Commissioned

to create the “hand-carved” table, leafy panels, plinths, and podium seen in our sanctuary today.  The pewter chalice was also donated in this year.

1993
1993

More space is acquired

 The lot south of the Fellowship Building is purchased for offices and classrooms.

1994
1994

Memorial Garden is established

2000
2000

Children's Area

was added on our grounds

2008-2021
2008-2021

Rev. Amy K. Debeck

2009
2009

The Gathering Place

was built as a multi-purpose space to be used throughout the week, for monthly potlucks, events (concerts and parties) and special worship services. The Gathering Place was dedicated in May 2012.

2014
2014

UUFE becomes a Welcoming Congregation

which is a voluntary program developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association for congregations seeking to be inclusive toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people. 

2022
2022

Parking lot rebuilt