a timeline of notable events in First UU Church history…

1958 – Organizational meetings to form a Unitarian Fellowship in Indiana held at the home of Allan and Priscilla Mewha. Ongoing guidance provided by Dr. Irving R. Murray, First Unitarian Church, Pittsburgh

1958 – Nov. 5, The Unitarian Fellowship of Indiana County established. Bi-weekly sessions were held during the academic year with guest ministers and local leaders. Priscilla Mewha was the first Director of Religious Education. Meetings held in various locations including Beth Israel Synagogue, the American Legion, The Odd Fellows Building, and the Youth Recreation Center on Philadelphia Street.

1961 – American Unitarian Association and the American Universalist Convocation merge to form the Unitarian Universalist Association.

1962 – Rev. Philip Silk, associate minister of First Unitarian Church in Pittsburgh, agrees to lead services the first Sunday of every month and provide ongoing guidance.

1963 – Adopted Nigerian Village Project, with Dr. Norah Zink raising support money.

1964 – Name changed to The Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship.

1965 – Local Civil Rights leaders march in memory of UU minister James Reeb, murdered in Selma, AL. Steve Cord and Esko Newhill initiate actions to integrate Mack Park Pool. The Human Relations Committee is formed

1971 – Rev. Jesse Caviller from the Allegheny Church, Pittsburgh, agrees to lead services and provide guidance.

1974 – Rev. Chancy Rawleigh, IUP Sociology, contracted as Minister of Record.

1980 – Received inheritance from Mrs. Glen Harkum Miller.

1988 – Name changed to First Unitarian Universalist Church of Indiana, PA. Board of Trustees formed. Renewed search for building and expanded ministry.

1990 – Covenant church with Habitat for Humanity.

1991 – Dedication of property, May 19; Rev. Carol Brody, District Executive, presides.

1991-1998 – Partnership Church Program with Romanian Sister Church.

1992 – Building Capital Campaign Kickoff, October 30.

1994 – First service in building, Easter. Dedication of sanctuary in June.

1995 – Building Dedication, February 19; UUA President Rev. John Buehrens delivers the sermon.

1996 – Rev. Steve Furrer becomes Consulting Minister.

1999 – Rev. Kirk Loadman-Copeland becomes Consulting Minister, providing supervision for Ministerial Intern Joan Sabatino. Elizabeth Amanecer becomes Commissioned Lay Leader.

2000 – Rev. Priscilla Richter becomes first called minister (serving half-time). Installation, August 26, 2001.

2003 – Rev. Joan Sabatino returns to serve as half-time minister.

2006 – Completion of Welcoming Congregation Program. Rev. Keith Kron delivers the certification.

2007 – May 7: Rev. Joan M. Sabatino ordained and installed as second called minister.

2009 – Building Mortgage completed. Rev. Joan Van Becelaere delivers the sermon on January 25 and leads the mortgage burning ceremony.

2009 – John Grauer dies and bequeaths to the congregation a majority of his estate.

2010 – Beginning of a three-year initiative to grow the congregation. John L. Grauer Endowment created.

2011 – Cremains of founding members Allan and Priscilla Mewha are returned to the church grounds for internment in our Memorial Garden.

2012 – First annual disbursement of Grauer Endowment Gift.  With Endowment money and two years of collections at the church, First UU donates money to purchase electronic display board for the Indiana Free Library.  Also seeded money for a piano and audio visual equipment to be HUB for satellite congregations in rural western PA.  Chosen for Chalice Lighter Grant Opportunity from OMD to support satellite ministry.

2013 – Changed fiscal year to calendar year, built RE Teen Cabin, purchased new Ivory Yamaha piano.

2014 – Hired Penny Vick as Director of Religious Education. Rev. Joan performs the first LGBT church wedding in Indiana County, PA in our sanctuary.

2015 – Year-round (including summer) Religious Education programming launched. Board appoints Building Expansion Committee.

2016 – Continued development plans for building expansion.  Adopted Covenant of Right Relations and supporting policies & procedures.

2017 – Building Expansion Project begun April 3, 2017; completed October 2017. Open House held October 1.

2018 – May 19 & 20: Building Expansion Project is officially dedicated and consecrated, with the entire community invited for a weekend-long celebration. Unitarian Universalist Association president Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray attends as a special guest and delivers an address in honor of the occasion.

2018 (continued) – In September, First UU celebrates its 60th Anniversary! We hold a 1950s Dance as a fundraiser in Grauer Hall, complete with period costumes, food, and music.