Can you imagine a place where peace, justice, and philanthropy intertwine? That’s Lakeland Unitarian Fellowship. It stands as a beacon of liberal religious principles.
Lakeland Unitarian Fellowship’s story began in early 1962. Wayne residents Wilma and Joseph Wolf and Marie Spinhoven sought like-minded individuals. They advertised in a local paper for those interested in forming a liberal religious group. Thirty-four people responded coming from various towns in the area. They officially incorporated as Lakeland Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on October 21 of that year.
Initially, meetings occurred in rented spaces. In 1966, a turning point arrived. The group purchased the Parish House from Dr. and Mrs. Frederick A. Cracco. The first service in LUUF’s new home occurred on May 8. The building was dedicated as a fellowship less than a year later on March 19, 1967. Rev. Raymond J. Pontier was the first minister. He served for ten years beginning in 1975. Later ministers brought diverse spiritual perspectives staying true to Unitarian Universalism’s liberal principles. One example is Rev. Ann Benedetto.
Lakeland Unitarian Fellowship became a designated Peace Site in 1982. It has renewed that designation recently. The fellowship sponsored and housed refugee families temporarily during the mid-1980s. LUUF has hosted various events more recently. These include the Fukushima anti-nuclear protest marchers and a workshop promoting peace in the Middle East. This workshop was led by an NGO of Israelis and Palestinians. A Native American group even conducted a traditional ceremony here. They asked their ancestors to bless the grounds and its spiritual use.
LUUF actively supports several organizations. These are Strengthen Our Sisters, UU Faith Action NJ, and Wayne Interfaith Food Pantry. Individual members engage in social justice and environmental activities. They work to improve the community.
The headquarters of Lakeland Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is known as both the Mead House and the Parish House. It is one of Wayne Township’s oldest structures. Jacob K. Mead built the south wing, sometimes called “The Parsonage,” in 1780. It later passed to Cornelius R. Jacobus. In 1923, Le Grand Parish bought the house. He was a railroad millionaire and the inventor of the Westinghouse air brake. Parish significantly expanded it creating a 28-room mansion.
President and Mrs. Herbert Hoover were among Parish’s notable guests. Parish was a noted philanthropist. He donated land for Wayne’s firehouse and community club. He also donated land for the Parish Oval and Passaic County Golf Course. During the Great Depression, he helped his fellow townsfolk. He gave them produce and milk from his farm. He also gave them cash. Parish planned to build a model community in Wayne. He intended to donate houses to “deserving humanitarians.” Sadly, he died before realizing this dream. “Parish Drive” was named for him.
Lakeland Unitarian Universalist Fellowship continues its tradition of being part of a caring community. The Parish House stands as a center for peace, justice, and philanthropy. Lakeland Unitarian Universalist Fellowship embraces the chance to continue that tradition.