About us

This is a congregation and a tradition of open minds and loving hearts. We are a church built on long histories of spiritual openness, inclusive welcome, and practicing justice.

Ours is a faith that believes wisdom speaks from many sources: ancient scripture, modern poetry, science, and the arts.

We seek wisdom from many teachers, including the wisdom from our own lived experience. And those sources and teachers call us to live lives of justice in the wider world.

We strive to live in right relationship with marginalized communities, with the earth, and with one another for the health and flourishing of the world.
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, and however you identify yourself, we welcome your story, and you, in this church.

Our Church History

We are proud of our long history and of the people who have worked to create the foundations of our present beliefs and traditions. Historical Timeline

The church was founded in 1866 as the Rochester Universalist Church, and Reverend Silas Wakefield was called as our first minister. In that same year, the congregation dedicated a small church building on the current site of the Plummer Building in downtown Rochester. Through the years, we have built three other church buildings to serve a growing congregation.

Today, our members and friends continue to observe long-held traditions and to develop new ones for future generations.

First UU Board of Directors

The church is governed by a Board made up of nine Directors. Church members are nominated for the Board by our Nominating Committee, and elected by the church members at our annual meeting held in June each year.

First UU Board of Directors

Board President

Paul Trewartha- Weiner

president@uurochmn.org

Board Vice-President

Aleta Borrud

Board Secretary

Brianna Berg

Board Vice-President

Aleta Borrud

Member at Large

Laurel Podulke-Smith

Member at Large

Jodi Edmonson

Member at Large

Stephanie Evans-Hanson

Member at Large

John Tacinelli

This is a congregation and a tradition of open minds and loving hearts. We are a church built on long histories of spiritual openness, inclusive welcome, and practicing justice.

Ours is a faith that believes wisdom speaks from many sources: ancient scripture, modern poetry, science, and the arts. We seek wisdom from many teachers, including the wisdom from our own lived experience. And those sources and teachers call us to live lives of justice in the wider world.