First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego stands before us. This church is more than bricks and mortar. It is a testament to San Diego’s evolving spiritual and intellectual landscape.
The story of First Unitarian Universalist Church begins in 1873. Alonzo Horton, a key figure in San Diego’s development, and Judge Moses Luce, a Civil War hero, were pivotal in its founding. Horton and Luce envisioned a place for religious education and Unitarian thought. These men sought like-minded individuals to establish it.
The first gathering took place on June 22, 1873. A small group met at Horton Hall. Horton Hall was San Diego’s first public theater. Alonzo Horton donated the space. Imagine this hall bustling with people eager to explore new ideas.
Within a year, the school held its first public worship service. In 1877, it officially became The Unitarian Society of San Diego. Judge Luce served as its first president. This marked the formal beginning of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego.
The church grew steadily. By 1883, they dedicated their first building at 10th and F Street. A new sanctuary was added in 1887. Tragedy struck in 1895. The original building burned down. The congregation continued to meet at the Louis Opera House. The congregation’s spirit remained unbroken.
In 1897, Unity Hall was built. It stood on the west side of 6th Street. This hall provided a temporary home. The early 1900s brought new developments. In 1919, the First Unitarian Church and community center was established. The San Diego Open Forum was also founded.
Significant figures shaped the church’s path. Reverend Howard B. Bard served as mayor of San Diego from 1942 to 1943. His leadership extended beyond the church.
In April 1945, Bard Hall was dedicated. This was followed by Reverend John Ruskin Clark becoming minister in 1956. The church moved to its current location on Front Street in 1959.
April 3, 1960, marked the dedication of the First Church at Front Street in Hillcrest. The Unitarian Cooperative Preschool was formed in 1964. Reverend Kathleen Owens was called as Assistant Minister in 2013. She later became Lead Minister in 2014.
First Unitarian Universalist Church has shown resilience and growth. It opened a second campus in South Bay in 2008. A new Welcome Center was dedicated in 2012.
The church has seen many transitions in leadership. Reverend Justine Sullivan is the current Lead Minister. This church continues to be a beacon of liberal thought. It has influenced other Unitarian Universalist congregations in San Diego County.
First Unitarian Universalist Church remains committed to its mission. It adapts to the needs of a changing world. It embraces diversity. It promotes social justice.
As we conclude our visit, remember First Unitarian Universalist Church. It stands as a symbol of San Diego’s progressive spirit. Its story reminds us of the power of community. It shows us the importance of intellectual freedom.