A Brief History of The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York, Pennsylvania
This congregation started with a handful of families meeting in each other’s living rooms. These individuals had found each other through contact with the Unitarian Church in Lancaster, and the American Unitarian Association (AUA) (now the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)). The first public Sunday service was planned for the fall of 1954. Arrangements were made to use the Quaker Meeting House, but response to advertising showed that potential attendance would be too much for that small space. Quick negotiations with leaders in the Jewish community led to an agreement that the congregation could start meetings in a second story meeting room of the “Mercantile Club” at 154 West Market Street in York.
On Sunday, October 3, 1954 the doors were opened and people arrived. This new group was made up of those who believed in the need for religious tolerance and intellectual freedom in the practice of faith. They knew the value of reason and compassion in the search for 1ife’s truths. They defended the individual’s right to use the mind as well as the heart in their religious quest. Also, they recognized the need for religious education for children was a central priority. At that first Sunday there were three teachers and 26 students in the children’s classes and an equal number (29) of adults attending the service. Services in those days consisted of reading a sermon obtained from others, and then discussion of the topic. Within a few months the group was ready to become official. In January of 1955 a Charter Sunday was held, led by a guest minister (he came down from Harrisburg), and 41 men and women signed as members. They immediately submitted their application to be recognized as a Fellowship. The Unitarian Society of York was officially recognized by the AUA in February 1955.
Within a year after its establishment, the group had outgrown its original facilities and began meeting in the YWCA. At first the rental to a Unitarian group was contested by the York County Ministerial Association, but the YWCA leadership was supportive (indeed, a few key leaders were members) and Unitarians were allowed to stay, and remained for 16 years. Services were held through the school year — with breaks for the summer and an ingathering picnic to restart again each September. ‘
Through the time at the YWCA, the vision of having a home of their own appealed to the congregation. By the end of 1971 a large home in the Springdale neighborhood of York became available and was purchased and renovated by members. Hurricane Agnes complicated the work, but all was ready by the end of the summer months. Opening services at their new building, 49 E. Springettsbury Ave. were held in September 1972. At the same time, the congregation asked for and received a “Minister on Loan” for several weeks, and then another minister came once per month for half a year. This boosted interest, and also led to the first Summer Services at the Unitarian Society. However, the congregation was not yet ready to engage a minister on a regular basis, and continued with lay-led or guest-speaker services for the remainder of the decade.
The Society called its first minister in August 1982, when an extension minister shared with another congregation came for one third of the Sundays. At the same time, the congregation’s first paid Religious Education coordinator was hired, to expand the good work of the volunteers who were running the children’s classes. Two years later, a half-time minster was called. During the weeks when the minister was not in town, guest speakers filled the remaining Sunday services. The membership continued to grow, and the attic space of the building was converted to additional classroom space for the expanding number of children. It was during this time that our grand piano was donated to the congregation.
By 1990, office space was created and the first full-time minister was settled. About a year later the children’s Religious Education position was expanded and a new Director was hired. Committees were formed to help take over responsibilities which had grown too large for just one volunteer to handle, and an additional staff member was hired to take care of office tasks and production of the newsletter.
During the 1990′s the congregation had three settled ministers and three Interim ministers. Despite the many transitions, the congregation continued to grow, and no longer fit the worship space available in their building. Negotiations began for purchase of property about a block away, on South George Street, which provided ample space to expand and yet remain in the City of York. In the meantime, the congregation moved to two services on Sunday mornings, and then (after the sale of the Springettsbury Avenue home, but before construction was completed at the new building) the congregation was invited to meet at the Crispus Attucks Center in York. This invitation was due in large part to the reputation of the congregation in supporting Civil Rights, equality and diversity. The decision to become a “Welcoming Congregation” to people of all sexual orientations was first studied and then voted upon during this era. The congregation changed its name to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York by the end of the decade, The search for a new minister for this new era took place, and the Director of Religious Education position was expanded once again.
In 1999 the congregation moved into its building with a new minister and new Director of Religious Education. The highly visible location on the main street of the city — and expanded seating capacity — led to an immediate jump in attendance. Congregation volunteers worked with the minister to produce a local-access cable TV show. Increased publicity came when the minister performed a same-sex union ceremony for two gay men in the congregation. Also, the congregation formalized its relationship to ministry in the community with its Ordination of the Rev. Kate Seitz Bortner (who worked for the York City Police Department and is now retired) as Community Minister.
The next year was not a smooth one, however. The settled minister left, and an arsonist set fire to the historic Carriage House on the property (used for offices, meeting space, and some classrooms). Despite the challenges, positive energy prevailed. New programs, such as the Variety Show, started during that time. The congregation rallied, rebuilt the damaged areas of the building, and was ready for a new settled minister by the time the-Interim Ministry was over in 2001.
The Rev. Robert F. Renjilian was called as Parish Minister in 2001. This was an intentional choice on both his part and the congregation’s commitment to establish a long-term settled ministry. Almost immediately upon arrival “Rev. Bob” became involved in anti-racism efforts in the city (due to hate groups coming to town), and began his teamwork with Rev. Kate Bortner at the September 11, 2001 service. Support of interfaith work was also a priority for both ministers (our congregation has been one of the host locations for the Interfaith Thanksgiving services), and Rev. Kate Bortner went on to lead the new Interfaith Alliance of York. Congregation membership grew again. Other initiatives took place during these years, including the start of small groups. The main parking lot was expanded beyond its original minimum size, and agreements were made with surrounding businesses to have use of their lots on Sundays.
In 2004-2005 the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Former ministers returned to be guest preachers, the few remaining founding members and other long-timers were recognized, and our highest attendance was on October 3, 2004, when the President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, the Rev. Dr. William Sinkford, preached at double services. Nearly 350 men, women and children were present on that Sunday — six times more than had attended exactly 50 years earlier
A fundraising campaign took place that year. This Capital Campaign helped the congregation build a playground, rebuild the century-old wall into a Memorial Wall, and start towards the goal to pay off the mortgage within three years. Not all was inward-focused — the congregation was also looking outward to support building plans and growth of other District congregations, and we became recognized for our expanded generosity when participation in the District’s “Chalice Lighter’s” program zoomed past 40%.
The Society strives to offer a religious experience based on freedom, reason, tolerance, and compassion. This is an on-going process filled with reverence and responsibility to individuals and community in the spirit of love. This process continually brings with it a new hope for the future.
Although it has changed its name, changed its physical surroundings, and is growing with new members, the founding principles of the Society continue to endure offering hope and support to those on their own religious spiritual journey.
On Sunday, October 3, 1954 the doors were opened and people arrived. This new group was made up of those who believed in the need for religious tolerance and intellectual freedom in the practice of faith. They knew the value of reason and compassion in the search for 1ife’s truths. They defended the individual’s right to use the mind as well as the heart in their religious quest. Also, they recognized the need for religious education for children was a central priority. At that first Sunday there were three teachers and 26 students in the children’s classes and an equal number (29) of adults attending the service. Services in those days consisted of reading a sermon obtained from others, and then discussion of the topic. Within a few months the group was ready to become official. In January of 1955 a Charter Sunday was held, led by a guest minister (he came down from Harrisburg), and 41 men and women signed as members. They immediately submitted their application to be recognized as a Fellowship. The Unitarian Society of York was officially recognized by the AUA in February 1955.
Within a year after its establishment, the group had outgrown its original facilities and began meeting in the YWCA. At first the rental to a Unitarian group was contested by the York County Ministerial Association, but the YWCA leadership was supportive (indeed, a few key leaders were members) and Unitarians were allowed to stay, and remained for 16 years. Services were held through the school year — with breaks for the summer and an ingathering picnic to restart again each September. ‘
Through the time at the YWCA, the vision of having a home of their own appealed to the congregation. By the end of 1971 a large home in the Springdale neighborhood of York became available and was purchased and renovated by members. Hurricane Agnes complicated the work, but all was ready by the end of the summer months. Opening services at their new building, 49 E. Springettsbury Ave. were held in September 1972. At the same time, the congregation asked for and received a “Minister on Loan” for several weeks, and then another minister came once per month for half a year. This boosted interest, and also led to the first Summer Services at the Unitarian Society. However, the congregation was not yet ready to engage a minister on a regular basis, and continued with lay-led or guest-speaker services for the remainder of the decade.
The Society called its first minister in August 1982, when an extension minister shared with another congregation came for one third of the Sundays. At the same time, the congregation’s first paid Religious Education coordinator was hired, to expand the good work of the volunteers who were running the children’s classes. Two years later, a half-time minster was called. During the weeks when the minister was not in town, guest speakers filled the remaining Sunday services. The membership continued to grow, and the attic space of the building was converted to additional classroom space for the expanding number of children. It was during this time that our grand piano was donated to the congregation.
By 1990, office space was created and the first full-time minister was settled. About a year later the children’s Religious Education position was expanded and a new Director was hired. Committees were formed to help take over responsibilities which had grown too large for just one volunteer to handle, and an additional staff member was hired to take care of office tasks and production of the newsletter.
During the 1990′s the congregation had three settled ministers and three Interim ministers. Despite the many transitions, the congregation continued to grow, and no longer fit the worship space available in their building. Negotiations began for purchase of property about a block away, on South George Street, which provided ample space to expand and yet remain in the City of York. In the meantime, the congregation moved to two services on Sunday mornings, and then (after the sale of the Springettsbury Avenue home, but before construction was completed at the new building) the congregation was invited to meet at the Crispus Attucks Center in York. This invitation was due in large part to the reputation of the congregation in supporting Civil Rights, equality and diversity. The decision to become a “Welcoming Congregation” to people of all sexual orientations was first studied and then voted upon during this era. The congregation changed its name to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York by the end of the decade, The search for a new minister for this new era took place, and the Director of Religious Education position was expanded once again.
In 1999 the congregation moved into its building with a new minister and new Director of Religious Education. The highly visible location on the main street of the city — and expanded seating capacity — led to an immediate jump in attendance. Congregation volunteers worked with the minister to produce a local-access cable TV show. Increased publicity came when the minister performed a same-sex union ceremony for two gay men in the congregation. Also, the congregation formalized its relationship to ministry in the community with its Ordination of the Rev. Kate Seitz Bortner (who worked for the York City Police Department and is now retired) as Community Minister.
The next year was not a smooth one, however. The settled minister left, and an arsonist set fire to the historic Carriage House on the property (used for offices, meeting space, and some classrooms). Despite the challenges, positive energy prevailed. New programs, such as the Variety Show, started during that time. The congregation rallied, rebuilt the damaged areas of the building, and was ready for a new settled minister by the time the-Interim Ministry was over in 2001.
The Rev. Robert F. Renjilian was called as Parish Minister in 2001. This was an intentional choice on both his part and the congregation’s commitment to establish a long-term settled ministry. Almost immediately upon arrival “Rev. Bob” became involved in anti-racism efforts in the city (due to hate groups coming to town), and began his teamwork with Rev. Kate Bortner at the September 11, 2001 service. Support of interfaith work was also a priority for both ministers (our congregation has been one of the host locations for the Interfaith Thanksgiving services), and Rev. Kate Bortner went on to lead the new Interfaith Alliance of York. Congregation membership grew again. Other initiatives took place during these years, including the start of small groups. The main parking lot was expanded beyond its original minimum size, and agreements were made with surrounding businesses to have use of their lots on Sundays.
In 2004-2005 the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Former ministers returned to be guest preachers, the few remaining founding members and other long-timers were recognized, and our highest attendance was on October 3, 2004, when the President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, the Rev. Dr. William Sinkford, preached at double services. Nearly 350 men, women and children were present on that Sunday — six times more than had attended exactly 50 years earlier
A fundraising campaign took place that year. This Capital Campaign helped the congregation build a playground, rebuild the century-old wall into a Memorial Wall, and start towards the goal to pay off the mortgage within three years. Not all was inward-focused — the congregation was also looking outward to support building plans and growth of other District congregations, and we became recognized for our expanded generosity when participation in the District’s “Chalice Lighter’s” program zoomed past 40%.
The Society strives to offer a religious experience based on freedom, reason, tolerance, and compassion. This is an on-going process filled with reverence and responsibility to individuals and community in the spirit of love. This process continually brings with it a new hope for the future.
Although it has changed its name, changed its physical surroundings, and is growing with new members, the founding principles of the Society continue to endure offering hope and support to those on their own religious spiritual journey.
