Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito

Can you imagine a place of worship built with love and purpose? Here at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito, that dream is a reality. The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito started on a stormy night in February 1959. Forty-seven members of the First Unitarian Church of San Diego signed a register, giving birth to this new fellowship. They officially became “Unitarian Universalist” in the mid-1970s after the merger of the two denominations. The Fellowship initially met in rented spaces. Their dream was to have a permanent home. That dream came true thanks to the generosity of members Andy and Mary Kay, who donated a seven-acre hillside campus. This land, with its peaceful natural setting and ocean views, became the heart of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito. By 1964, volunteers, fueled by their shared vision, had built the outdoor amphitheater. It was designed by member and architect Bob (Gus) Thorburn. They also constructed four classrooms and a kitchen building, all still in use today. In 1966, member Ira Spector designed and, with the help of Rev. John Shannon and other volunteers, built the 40-foot sand-cast wall. This wall, showcasing the core values of truth, reason, justice, love, peace, honor, and virtue, defines the heart of the Fellowship. The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito continued to grow. The 1990s saw an expansion project. Two new buildings, restrooms, a spacious office, and accessibility features were added. As the Fellowship approached its 50th anniversary, a memorial was created in the heart of the Fellowship. Ceramic artist Gerald Thiebolt designed and installed murals on four walls: Agave, Bird, Lotus, and Chalice and Sun. A pathway of hand-made bricks, crafted by Fellowship members, winds around the base of an obelisk topped by James Hubbell’s sculpture, “Remembrance”. The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito has a rich history of leadership. For 25 years, lay members led all Fellowship programs. Retired Methodist minister John Shannon provided pastoral functions and sermons, along with various guest speakers. In 1984, recognizing the need for full-time professional ministry, the Fellowship called Reverend Anne Felton Hines. A succession of ministers followed, each contributing to the Fellowship’s spiritual growth. The current minister is Rev. Jo Ann Green, called in 2020. The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito is more than just a place of worship. It’s a vibrant community offering a wide range of programs, from Sunday Morning Forums and Buddhist Meditation groups to social justice initiatives and community service activities.