UUFE's
HistoryFor 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.
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.
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.
Dorothy Greenleaf Boynton
donated three parcels of land on Garden Street, just south of Woodlawn.
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.
UUFE Gets a full time minister
Forrest Whitman became UUFE’s first full-time minister and stayed until 1971 before moving to Colorado.
Second Minister begins
In 1971, Loring Prosser became the second UUFE minister and stayed until 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.
Rev. Robert T. Dick
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.
Rev. Dr. Gordon D. Gibson
UUFE Expands
With everyone contributing work, ideas and/or money, the building was enlarged to twice it’s original size.
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.
More space is acquired
The lot south of the Fellowship Building is purchased for offices and classrooms.
Memorial Garden is established
Children's Area
was added on our grounds
Rev. Amy K. Debeck
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.
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.