Our Story: Over Sixty Years of Religious Freedom in York County
The Unitarian Society of York was recognized by the American Unitarian Association, now the Unitarian Universalist Association, in February 1955. The first Sunday service was held on October 3, 1954 in a second story meeting room at 154 West Market Street. It was attended by a group 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 life’s truths. They defended the individual’s right to use the mind as well as the heart in their religious quest.
Within a year after its establishment, the group had outgrown its original facilities and spent the following sixteen years meeting in the YWCA. Opening services at their first building of their own, 49 E. Springettsbury Avenue, were held in September 1972, and a minister-on-loan came for a brief trial-run during that era.
The Society called its first part-time minister in August 1982, when an extension minister shared with another congregation came for one third of the Sundays. Two years later, a half-time minster was called. During these times, guest speakers continued to fill the remaining Sunday services. Our children’s Religious Education program was attracting more families, and attic space was brought up to code to provide more classrooms. The membership became involved in ongoing support of community organizations such as Our Daily Bread.
In 1989, the first full-time minister was called. While recognizing the need for professional spiritual leadership, the Society remained committed to the spirit of a supportive community involving the whole congregation.
Further growth led to double services on Sunday mornings in the mid 1990′s. To accommodate larger numbers, it was voted to sell the outgrown home on Springettsbury Avenue and purchase property just one block away at 925 South George Street on the site of the historic and beautiful Springdale estate. During construction, the congregation gratefully accepted the offer of temporary worship space at Crispus Attucks Community Center on Duke Street. Around the same time we voted on the name change to become the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York. The new building was dedicated in 1999.
About a year after moving to South George Street the Carriage House was set on fire by an arsonist, but the congregation rallied and rebuilt the interior. We offered space to interfaith and other groups. Our playground, outdoor labyrinth, and community garden were added over the next several years, and the old garden wall from the estate was repaired and became a memorial wall.
Throughout its history, the congregation has offered a religious experience based on freedom, reason, tolerance, and compassion. This process is filled with reverence and a responsibility to individuals and our community in the spirit of love. This process continually brings 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 this congregation continue to endure, offering hope and support to those on their own religious spiritual journey.
Within a year after its establishment, the group had outgrown its original facilities and spent the following sixteen years meeting in the YWCA. Opening services at their first building of their own, 49 E. Springettsbury Avenue, were held in September 1972, and a minister-on-loan came for a brief trial-run during that era.
The Society called its first part-time minister in August 1982, when an extension minister shared with another congregation came for one third of the Sundays. Two years later, a half-time minster was called. During these times, guest speakers continued to fill the remaining Sunday services. Our children’s Religious Education program was attracting more families, and attic space was brought up to code to provide more classrooms. The membership became involved in ongoing support of community organizations such as Our Daily Bread.
In 1989, the first full-time minister was called. While recognizing the need for professional spiritual leadership, the Society remained committed to the spirit of a supportive community involving the whole congregation.
Further growth led to double services on Sunday mornings in the mid 1990′s. To accommodate larger numbers, it was voted to sell the outgrown home on Springettsbury Avenue and purchase property just one block away at 925 South George Street on the site of the historic and beautiful Springdale estate. During construction, the congregation gratefully accepted the offer of temporary worship space at Crispus Attucks Community Center on Duke Street. Around the same time we voted on the name change to become the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York. The new building was dedicated in 1999.
About a year after moving to South George Street the Carriage House was set on fire by an arsonist, but the congregation rallied and rebuilt the interior. We offered space to interfaith and other groups. Our playground, outdoor labyrinth, and community garden were added over the next several years, and the old garden wall from the estate was repaired and became a memorial wall.
Throughout its history, the congregation has offered a religious experience based on freedom, reason, tolerance, and compassion. This process is filled with reverence and a responsibility to individuals and our community in the spirit of love. This process continually brings 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 this congregation continue to endure, offering hope and support to those on their own religious spiritual journey.
