About Unitarian Universalism
and the UU Church of Annapolis (UUCA)

What is Unitarian Universalism?

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion that is characterized by “a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.”  We do not insist that our members recite a creed, but instead, we are unified by our shared search for spiritual growth.   Unitarian Universalism combines what was two separate faith traditions; Unitarianism + Universalism.  Historically, our roots are in the Protestant Reformation, dating back to the 16th century.  We were part of the “Radical Reformation,” meaning we aligned ourselves with free thinkers and those who challenged the status quo.  The name “Unitarian” was given to those who denied the doctrine of the Trinity, and the name “Universalist” described a person who believed in universal salvation; that is, a belief in God’s inclusive love.   This faith has a deep regard for intellectual freedom and the belief in the essential goodness of human beings.   Congregations and members seek inspiration and draw insight from all major world religions.

Contemporary Unitarian Universalist beliefs range widely, and include those who would consider themselves a “hyphenated-UU” such as a Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist or neo-Pagan UU; as well as those who are comfortable declaring themselves as atheists, agnostics, pantheists, deists, humanists, Taoists, and other “hyphenations.”  What this means is that a person’s belief system (i.e, agnosticism or Christianity) accompanies and compliments their faith as a Unitarian Universalist.  We feel that diversity of beliefs is a strength of the liberal church, and we welcome and encourage that diversity.

UUCA History

1956-60

In January 1956, the first small fellowship began meeting with Curtis Crawford as the 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; 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.

1961-69

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 the construction of the current church building which was dedicated on October 5, 1969.

1974-92

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

By the late 1980s, 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.

1994-97

In 1994, in response to an unexpected opportunity, the congregation purchased the adjacent property which included the Fahs House and over 6 acres. The house has been used for classes, civic group rentals, and non-profit offices.

After several years of education and discussion regarding our deep desire to be more inclusive towards bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people, the congregation voted to become a Welcoming Congregation in April 1997 and has remained socially and legislatively engaged in affirming promoting the “The inherent worth and dignity of all” at the local and state levels.

Following the UUA General Assembly’s commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multiculturalism (1996), UUCA created a Journey Toward Wholeness Committee.  This committee eventually made the transition to being the congregation’s Anti-Racism Transformation Team.  Now the Anti-Racism Council, it continues the work of its predecessor groups as the congregation keeps alive a commitment to multiculturalism.

1997 saw the congregation’s first full-time intern arrive.  Since then, UUCA has hosted more than a dozen student interns, representing six theological seminaries. This highlights our commitment to being a teaching congregation.

2004-06

After serving as its choir director for over 25 years,  the congregation ordained Betsy Jo Angebranndt as its Minister of Music on December 12, 2004.  While the ordination is largely honorific, it recognized the profound respect and thanks UUCA has for her contributions to the heart and soul of the church.

In 2005 the Board of Trustees recognized the overwhelming need for a second minister. The Rev. Amber Beland was hired to focus on Adult Faith Development and Family & Youth Ministry.  A vote to accept her as an Assistant Minister was unsuccessful and she concluded her ministry in June 2008.

By 2006, nearly 600 members and many more friends and guests composed the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis. As a result, UUCA developed and adopted a Strategic Plan for future growth and direction.

In 2006 UUCA was named a Breakthrough Congregation by the UUA. This special honor is for congregations that exhibit excellence in worship, strong family ministry, and growth in membership.  Due to UUCA’s thriving ministry while navigating several size transitions and remaining a Fair Share Congregation with UUA and the District, the UUA’s recognition and award were well deserved.

In recognition of the changing size and structure of the church, in 2006 the Board of Trustees began to focus its attention on governance.  It now works under a version of policy governance. The Board’s global ends statement is: “The Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis exists to create the beloved community by inspiring and empowering all souls to live bold and compassionate lives”.

April 2006 saw the 50th-anniversary celebration of the congregation. A year-long recognition included the monthly return of each FAIMster (Former Annapolis Intern Minister).  The celebration culminated in a weekend of festivities highlighted by two worship services with participation from UUA President William Sinkford.

2007-2018

In 2007, the UUA introduced the Diversity of Ministry Initiative (DOMI) as a way of addressing its failed history of sustained and successful parish ministries by Ministers of Color. UUCA was one of three congregations asked to participate in DOMI. Following a year of study and assessment, the congregation voted in 2008 to participate in the DOMI and elected a Search Committee to call an Associate Minister.  On June 21, 2009, the congregation overwhelmingly voted (98%) to call the Rev. John T. Crestwell as Associate Minister.

Fran Ateto’s provided 20 years of service as the congregation’s Director of Religious Exploration was celebrated in November 2009.  She was widely recognized and appreciated as a leader in Religious Exploration in and beyond UUCA.

We ordained and added Rev. Christina Leone Tracy to the staff in 2011 as the new Faith Development Minister, overseeing the Religious Exploration program for children and youth.

In 2016, the Rev. Dr. Fred Muir, Senior Minister announced his retirement for December 2017.  In 2017, the Rev. Christina Leone Tracy announced that she was seeking a solo ministry, and in May 2017, she was called to serve as the Senior Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fox Valley in Appleton, WI.  Elise Berrocal served as the Acting Director of Religious Exploration from September 2017 – June 2018, bringing stability and energy to the Religious Exploration program.

2017 – 2019

In January 2018, the Reverend Kathleen Rolenz was hired to serve as the congregation’s Interim  Minister.  In April 2019, the congregation voted to affirm the 8th Principle, which re-affirms our commitment to being an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and multicultural congregation.

2018 was a difficult year in the life of the congregation when tragedy struck close to home.  On June 28, 2018, a gunman entered the Capital Gazette newspaper and killed five staff members.  One of those members was Wendi Winters, a beloved and long-time member of UUCA.  Her loss was unbearably difficult, but under the leadership of Rev. Crestwell and other lay leaders, the congregation came together to express their grief, shock, and sense of loss.

In August 2018,  we hired Keely Longo as Director of Religious Exploration – Children; Julie Burman as Director of Religious Exploration – Youth; and Laura Schrank as Youth Coordinator.

2019 – 2020

On April 4, 2019, Congregational Meeting, the congregation affirmed its new by-laws.  Also, a Search Committee was elected and charged with the task of calling another minister to UUCA to work with Rev. John Crestwell. UUCA announced their choice of candidate as the Reverend Anastassia Zinke.  Online & virtual candidating week happened between April 26 – May 3rd.

On June 9, 2019, UUCA installed Julie Burman as the Director of Faith Formation. Rev. Kathleen Rolenz will serve as the Interim Minister through July 2020.

On May 3rd, 2020, the UUCA voted on the newly called minister, Rev. Anastassia Zinke, who will begin in August 2020 and serve alongside Rev. John Crestwell.

2021 – Present

In October 2021, UUCA installed Laura Schrank as our Membership Coordinator. In October 2022, UUCA installed Sarah Devlin-Tremble as the Director of Faith Formation. We are excited about this new direction.

Currently, the church has approximately 400 members and 144 children and youth registered.