Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration

Have you ever heard of Dr. Joseph Priestley? He was an English scientist and minister, a true revolutionary thinker. In 1796, he found refuge in Philadelphia, a city yearning for intellectual discourse. But his radical views made him persona non grata in most churches. Only the Universalist church, a beacon of tolerance and inclusivity, welcomed him with open arms. We stand today right in front of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration, a church steeped in history and a testament to the ideals of Dr. Priestley. This church is not just a place to worship, it’s a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of a denomination that evolved from the Universalist church and embraced Unitarian principles. In 1816, the church was established on 2nd Street. It was known as the Second Church and was a branch of the First Independent Church of Christ, which ironically served as its birthplace. Over the years, the church has thrived for its progressive stances on various social issues. It was one of the first churches in Philadelphia to publicly support the Civil Rights Movement. It’s a church that has always embraced change and stood up for what it believes in. As we stand here today, we can feel the echoes of its rich history. The spirit of Dr. Priestley, the courage of early Universalists, and the commitment to social justice all permeate the very foundation of this inspiring place.