Five families. That’s all it took to spark the flame that became the Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. From humble beginnings in homes and then a small YWCA building on Old Spring Branch Road the Fellowship grew. Imagine the dedication of those early members teaching fencing and dance in exchange for space. They even published their own newsletter the Fellowgram.
The Unitarian Fellowship of Houston isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a vibrant community. A place where people of all ages backgrounds and beliefs gather. It’s a place that embraces diversity. This includes different faiths ethnicities and spiritualities. In 1961 the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America merged to become the Unitarian Universalist Association. The Fellowship proudly joined this larger body.
The Fellowship’s growth led them to 1321 Wirt Road. There several parents established the School of the Woods a Montessori school named for beloved members Ernest and Hilda Wood. Dr Wood a Sanskrit and Asian scholar even served as the first president of the school’s board of trustees. The story of Maxine Barkan the Fellowship’s first female president in 1966 is also noteworthy. Houston media celebrated this milestone.
Progress continued. The Fellowship added a unique circular chapel and other buildings to its original structure. In 1979 they participated in a shared ministry program. From 1986 to 1990 they even had a full-time minister. But the need for more space led to another move. This time to 1504 Wirt Road their current location. They broke ground in 1992 and in 1993 dedicated their award-winning building. John Buehrens then president of the UUA attended the ceremony.
Today the Unitarian Fellowship of Houston continues to thrive. It’s a lay-led congregation with a program committee that plans engaging Sunday services. Members and outside speakers offer a variety of programs. The Fellowship also proudly embraces its LGBTQ welcoming status. The Fellowship of Houston truly embodies the spirit of community compassion and open-mindedness. It’s a testament to the power of shared values and a place where diverse voices contribute to a richer whole. The legacy of those five families continues. It shines brightly in this vibrant corner of Houston.