Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Location | 538 West Chestnut Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Unitarian Universalist |
| History | |
| Founded | 1902 |
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster is a Unitarian Universalist church. It is located at 538 West Chestnut Street in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The church building is part of the historic area of Lancaster City. This church is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Like all Unitarian Universalist churches, it welcomes everyone and does not require specific beliefs. It focuses on shared values and principles. The Lancaster church currently has 275 members. It is also known as an LGBTQIAA+ Welcoming Congregation.
Early History of the Church
The church started as a Unitarian group in 1902. This happened because the American Unitarian Association wanted to spread its ideas. Local business people also wanted a church that was open to different religious views. The first group had 13 men and 10 women. They met in temporary places until their new building was ready in 1909.
The church was first called "The Church of Our Father, Unitarian." In 1961, the Unitarian and Universalist groups joined together. After this, the church took its current name, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster.
Building Design and Stained-Glass Windows
The church building was designed by a well-known Lancaster architect, Cassius Emlen Urban. It was finished in 1909. The outside of the church looks much like it did when it was first built. Only a small addition was built next door in 1972.
The inside of the church was updated in the 1920s. Beautiful stained glass windows were added. These windows were made by famous companies like Franz Xaver Zettler and Charles Connick. The inside of the church has stayed mostly the same since these updates.
The windows in the main worship area were designed by Woldemar H. Ritter. They were installed in 1926. These windows show themes of peace and coming together. They reflect important values in American history. Other windows, designed by Charles Connick, were added in 1929. They are located in the women's parlor.
.jpg)
,_UU_Church_of_Lancaster_PA.jpg)
Ministers of the Church
Here is a list of the ministers who have served the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster:
- William A. Lawton (1902)
- Charles Phelps Wellman (1903)
- Melvin Brandow (1904–1908)
- Eugene Rodman Shippen (1908–1909)
- John Wallace Cooper (1910–1912)
- Edmund Henry Reeman (1913–1916)
- Charles Reidel (1916–1918)
- Earl Clement Davis (1919–1923)
- John Boynton Wilson Day (1924–1929)
- Robert Sheridan Miller (1930–1937)
- Harvey V. Swanson (1937–1956)
- Nathaniel Page Lauriat (1957–1963)
- Anthony R. Perrino (1964–1967)
- Robert Payson (1967–1987)
- Webster 'Kit' Kitchell Howell (1990–1996)
- Susan Milnor (1997–2002)
- Valerie Mapstone Ackerman (2003–2004)
- Patricia Hart and Peter Newport (2007–2013)
- Anne Mason (2013–2016)
- Barbara Coeyman (2016–2020)
- Israel Buffardi (2020–2022)
- Patricia Guthmann Haresch (2022–2024)
- Howard Dana (2024–present)
