Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead (Massachusetts) is beginning a year-long celebration of 300 years as a congregation.  Initially the Second Church (Congregational), it began in 1716 in one of the ten largest cities in the American colonies.  From the beginning, it has been a liberal religious beacon – standing up against the Calvinist tradition of colonial times, and now rooted in support of open thinking, human aspect, gay rights, same sex marriage, immigration rights, and other issues.  We have a rich history, and we are planning to continue in that mode.

In a time when people are leaving their traditional religious institutions and ways of thinking, we provide spiritual guidance and community support to all persons.  We are using the once in a lifetime occasion of our 300th anniversary to develop new offerings to assist seekers.

To this end, we are planning enhancements to our meeting house, including

• Safety: improved emergency lighting, smoke detectors
• Environment: new windows
• Handicap access: renovate kitchen
• Comfort: air conditioning for administrative offices
• Maintenance: repair slate roof, chimney, flooring
• Renovation: sanctuary walls and windows
• Restoration: refinish 100 year old pews, new carpeting, exterior paint 

We are examining the current religious environment to determine what we can do to meet the needs of those who have left their churches to seek spiritual guidance without the creeds and commandments of most religions.

We are also planning a celebration that will include the community – a new Meetinghouse Series of talks and concerts that will begin with the history of the congregation and the town, opening and replacing the time capsule in the cornerstone, historic tours, a colonial dinner, and a gala celebration with the keynote speaker being the mediator of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

We are a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations in North America (UUA) and are guided by its principles. We work for social justice, provide religious exploration, deepen our acceptance of ourselves and others, encourage free expression of philosophical, spiritual, and religious beliefs, and unite as a caring community.

Your contribution will help preserve the historic tradition and help us meet the challenges of the twenty first century.