Picture this a vibrant tapestry woven from threads of history faith and community. Before you stands the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio a beacon of progressive spirituality in the heart of Texas. This isn’t just a building it’s a living testament to a long and fascinating journey.
The First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio’s story begins long before its current location. In fact its roots trace back to 1892 to the first known Unitarian service in San Antonio. Led by Reverend Edwin Wheelock a Boston transplant the service was a small spark igniting a flame that would burn brightly for generations. This early attempt however ultimately faltered. Undeterred a second Unitarian Church was established in 1912. This too faced challenges eventually disbanding in 1938. Remarkably several women involved in both these earlier attempts Juliette Brockhausen Gretchen Goldschmidt Leah Johnston and Myra Scott among them would play key roles in establishing the church we see today.
The year 1945 marked a pivotal moment. A group of 25 dedicated individuals led by Reverends Robert J Raible and Lon Ray Call formally established the First Unitarian Church of San Antonio. Initial services were held in a sanctuary generously provided by Temple Beth-El showcasing the interfaith spirit that has always been part of the church’s identity. The church quickly grew. By 1946 it had 100 members and purchased its first building a two-story house on Pershing Avenue. This building now houses the Circle School.
The First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio continued to expand. Under the leadership of Reverend Napoleon Bill Lovely the church made a bold statement in 1948 declaring February 8th Civil Rights Sunday. The church board adopted a resolution condemning discrimination and segregation launching years of impactful social activism. This commitment to social justice would continue to define the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio. The church moved to its current location on The Hill in 1961. This impressive complex included a fellowship hall lounge administrative building and classrooms.
Growth continued throughout the decades. In the 1960s the church established a thriving religious education program which eventually became the independent Discovery School. Reverend Rolfe Gerhardt’s 1971 Bluegrass Sunday service marked a new era emphasizing the Universalist’s emphasis on the spiritual and emotional side of the faith. The church also played a major role in the Metropolitan Congregational Alliance and later COPS-Metro Alliance working on social justice issues. The 1990s saw the longest tenure of a minister Reverend Art Severance who oversaw significant growth including the construction of a new 450-seat sanctuary. The sanctuary features a stunning wooden interior multi-faceted windows and crystal lighting.
The First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio earned Green Sanctuary designation in 2013 recognizing its dedication to environmental sustainability. Its 75th anniversary in 2020 was a celebration curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The church persevered however demonstrating the resilience of its community. The First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio stands today not only as a beautiful building but as a powerful symbol of inclusion social justice and enduring faith. It is a place where people gather to find community and deepen their spiritual lives. A place where everyone is welcome.