Did you know that Holladay United Church of Christ started as a vision of a small group? It was a vision of a faith community. Let’s explore the roots of this welcoming church.
Holladay United Church of Christ has a unique story. It began in 1953 as Holladay Community Church. A group of dedicated men and women founded it. They were seeking their own faith community. Many of those founding members are still active today.
Back then Holladay was different. It was the only Protestant Church south of 2100 South in the Salt Lake Valley. The church found its place nestled in trees. It sits near the base of Mount Olympus. In 1957 the church became a United Church of Christ congregation.
Billie Skinner recalls the early days. She remembers being a young mother without a car. The only other Protestant church was downtown. Protestants living south of 2700 South wanted a closer church. The Philips Congregational Church uptown closed. They pledged the sale money to a new church further south.
The early congregation first met in the Holladay Theater. This theater was just south of Meier’s Market. Later they gathered in the basement of Silver’s Mercantile store. It stood on the corner of Murray Holladay and Holladay Boulevard. They used sheets to divide classrooms. An old table turned upside down became the podium.
The search committee chose S. Macon Coules as their minister. The building committee acquired land with an adobe house and garage. Services began there. The youth met in the garage. Smiley Roark’s company dug the foundation for the new church. The congregation moved into the new building. It was before there was heat. Salamanders burned oil for warmth. The odor kept everyone awake.
Holladay United Church of Christ embraces innovation. It values open-minded conversation. Inclusion is expected here. People of all walks of life are welcome. All are encouraged to seek God. All can progress on their own spiritual journeys.
The church extends God’s welcome. It includes all genders, ages, races, and ethnic origins. It welcomes people of all religious backgrounds and abilities. Holladay United Church of Christ acts with compassion. This church seeks mercy, justice and compassion. It integrates these values into daily life.
The church has a vision. It seeks to transform the world. This transformation starts with oneself. It celebrates God’s image in every person. It honors all creation.
The purpose is clear. Holladay United Church of Christ responds to God’s love. It gathers as a healing community. The community is authentic and empowered. Through worship the church extends God’s welcome. This welcome is extravagant.
Today Holladay United Church of Christ remains committed. It takes compassionate action. It welcomes all on life’s journey. Remember this story of faith. It began with a small group and grew into a welcoming community. It is a testament to inclusivity and love.