UUCC History

The history of our church is long and we cherish the time spent together building something for the greater good:

• 2009 March – Rev. Terre Balof became consulting minister.
• 2008 August - Rev. Terre Balof became interim minister. UUCC held first annual retreat on the Land.
• 2007 April – UUCC was host to the Thomas Jefferson District annual meeting.
  September - Rev. Alane Cameron-Miles became transition minister.
• 2006 March - Installation ceremony for Rev. Nancy Shaffer.
  May - UUCC voted to affirm commitment to the equality and the celebration of the GLBTQ community by becoming a Welcoming Congregation.
• 2005 August - Nancy Shaffer joined the church as Minister.
• 2004 March - The Board approved a new governance structure to be tried over the next year, dividing leadership responsibilities between an Operating Council (fiscal, infrastructure, policy, mission) and a Leadership Council (spiritual health and programs).
  May - Rev. Karen Matteson hired as our Interim Minister for the upcoming year to replace Rev. Kutzmark.
  June - UUCC has grown 85% in the last four years.
• 2003 May - UUCC and First Unitarian Church held first-ever shared flower communion at Temple Beth 'El in order to foster a shared Unitarian Universalist identity in Richmond.
  September – The tradition of honoring a Volunteer of the Month began.
  October - Community Circles, small groups that meet twice monthly for personal and spiritual reflection and friendship established.
• 2002 September – The beginning of two services, at 9:00 and 11:00 AM each Sunday.
• 2001 February- UUCC hired first Coordinator of Children's Religious Education.
  March - Installation ceremony for Rev. Tim Kutzmark.
  June - Moved into new building on 11105 Cauthorne Road.
  July - Gala Opening Sunday Service in new building, complete with ritual fire blessing and confetti toss! December - UUCC hired first part-time Administrative Assistant.
• 2000 May - The congregation unanimously, called Rev. Tim Kutzmark to be the first called minister of the UUCC on May 7, 2000.
  October - Foundation of building blessed and purifying salt and prayers mixed into supporting concrete for the building.
• 1999 September - Rev. Kathleen Rolenz became Interim Minister and Search Committee looked for a full-time settled minister.
• 1998 February - Congregation approved plans to proceed with the building process.
  December - Meeting place changed to Ridge Elementary School.
• 1997 March - Committee formed to investigate the possibility of building a church on the land.
• 1996 April - Second Moderator selected.
• 1995 April - Contract signed for purchase of 6+ acres of land in Hanover County.
  July - Hired first Extension Minister, Rev. Julie Denny-Hughes.
• 1994 February - First All-Member Canvass held.
  April - UUCC was granted affiliation with the UUA.
  May - Adoption of first budget and decision to proceed with the hiring of a full-time minister.
• 1993 January - The first public meeting of what was to become UUCC was held at Hermitage High School in Henrico County, Virginia.
  May - The Birthing Service for UUCC was held at First Unitarian Church on May 30, 1993. The church decided to be a consensus community and a year-round church.
  July – UUCC officially adopted its name. In September, the church found a permanent location at Shady Grove Elementary School and began to hold weekly services.
  October - Rev. Roberta Finkelstein led the Charter Service on October 31, 1993. Ninety-six people attended and 51 adults and 12 youths signed the charter.
  December - UUCC held its First Annual Church Meeting, approved the Bylaws and chose its first moderator.
• 1992 February – Fellowship established with monthly meetings held for community building, social thinking and worship.
  

We hope to see you soon!