Our History

In January, 1956, the first small fellowship began meeting with Curtis Crawford as minister.  Five months later, on May 2, 1956, twenty-two persons officially signed as the Charter Members, by-laws were adopted, a budget was approved, and six persons were elected to the Board of Trustees.  The organization was designated the Annapolis Unitarian Fellowship.  In February, 1959, we officially became the Unitarian Church of Anne Arundel County and the following September, our second minister, Carlyle Meacham, was installed.

In 1961, the congregation purchased the old Weems Creek Baptist Church and dedicated it on October 29th as the first permanent home.  On September 29, 1963, William Barnett was installed as our third minister.  In 1965, we bought just over three acres at our present site (333 Dubois Road) and undertook construction of the current church building which was dedicated on October 5, 1969.

A defining tragedy occurred on November 22, 1974, when an arsonist-set fire gutted the building.  The congregation worked together to rebuild and opened the repaired building in September, 1975.

Seven years later, William Barnett retired as minister from a congregation that had grown to two hundred members.  Horace Westwood served as interim minister for seven months.   The congregation called Fredric Muir in the summer of 1983 and he remains our minister today.

By the late 1980’s, we again felt the need for additional space and broke ground in 1991 for additional offices and RE classrooms.  Shortly after completion in 1992, we entered the Decisions for Growth program to better plan and manage our growth spurt to over 350 members.

In 1994, in response to an unexpected opportunity the congregation purchased adjacent property which included the Fahs House and over 6 acres.  The house includes a second floor apartment which, since 1996, has been the residence for the congregation’s annual intern minister.

In 2005 the Board of Trustees recognized the overwhelming need for a second minister.  Amber Beland was hired on a 2-year contract to focus on Adult Faith Development and Family & Youth Ministry

In 2006, nearly 600 members and many more friends and guests compose the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis.  This year, the UUCA developed and adopted a Strategic Plan for future growth and direction.

This year the UUCA has been named a Breakthrough Congregation (Insert link to breakthrough video) by the UUA. This special honor is for churches that exhibit excellence in worship, strong family ministry, growth in membership; have navigated a size transition and are designated a Fair Share Congregation with UUA and the district.  This award will be presented at the 2006 General Assembly.

Throughout its history, the UUCA has been governed by a Board of Trustees, elected annually by the congregation.  Below are some of the past  Presidents of the congregation.