History of the Fellowship
by Milton Ploghoft, Lois Whealey & Dru Riley Evarts

The Unitarian Fellowship of Athens was founded on February 9, 1958, when 27 area residents subscribed to its bylaws. Unitarianism began in 1568 in Transylvania, when King Sigismond, urged by ex-priest Francis David, proclaimed religious freedom in the realm, the first such declaration known in history. American Unitarianism was influenced by Congregationalist and Transcendentalist movements in New England. In 1785, King's Chapel in Boston, which formerly had been Episcopalian, ordained Unitarian James Freeman as its first minister. The American Unitarian Association and its publishing arm, Beacon Press, have flourished in Boston to this day.

The purpose of the Fellowship, in keeping with Unitarian traditions and principles, was to stimulate interest in liberal religion, to cultivate an atmosphere for freedom of belief and to provide opportunities for liberal religious thought, action and education. In 1961 the national Unitarian Association merged with the Universalists, and in 2004 the Athens Fellowship followed suit, making its name the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens.

The Athens Fellowship was sparked by Race Street neighbors, Walter Wright and Milton Ploghoft, who had Unitarian roots in other states. UFA was granted a charter on March 5, 1958, by the national headquarters. In its first 47 years, a total of 378 persons have signed the formal membership book and many more have attended services or activities. The Fellowship is a welcoming congregation in which people of all beliefs, races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations are invited to participate to the extent of their interests.

The Fellowship led a nomadic life until 1969, meeting first in the old Hillel House on University Terrace, then moving on, in order, to the old Music Building (now Gordy Hall), a church on the Hocking Street property of members James and Harriet Tong, the old Beacon School when it was on Terrace Drive just off Columbus Road, West Elementary School, and the Seventh Day Adventist Church. By the late '60s, plans were under way to build on the present property. At 184 Longview Heights Road. The first services were held in Fellowship Hall on October 12, 1969, fewer than 8 months after ground was broken for the building.

The Fellowship Building was designed and engineered by artists, engineers, and craftspeople of the Fellowship. The work of brick sculptor John Spofforth is most recognizable in the distinctive exterior and the columbarium in front of the building. Engineers William Beale and Charles Overby oversaw the building's structure as well as the heating and plumbing systems, and artist Cliff McCarthy was most responsible for the interior design. Front doors by artist Robert Borchard greet members and friends. The building was accomplished mainly by the volunteer labor of members, families and friends. It was not unusual for 20-30 workers of all ages to turn out on weekends. The flooring came from the old Women’s Gym at Ohio University and glass from the Fenton Factory was used in the round windows, recycling resources from the region.

The striking Fellowship Hall has hosted many weddings, memorial services, and community events, including meetings, theater, and dance. The grounds also include a Grove for outdoor services, picnics and other activities. The Hall was home to the Hocking Valley Day School for 30 years.

The Fellowship held lay-led services for its first 35 years. Sunday programs often showcased community projects and personalities, as well as guest speakers from Athens and beyond, providing a liberal religious service and discussion welcoming to all. Beginning in 1993, the group began to have quarter-time ministers who presented services once a month and provided other ministerial services. The first such minister was the Rev. John Morgan, who had provided services to small congregations in the Ohio Meadville District. Others have been the Rev.Barbara Cooke of Columbus in 1994, the Rev. Don Rollins of Oak Hill from 1995 to 1998; and native West Virginian, the Rev. Dr. Rose Edington, who lived in Athens during her 2000-02 tenure. All have gone on to retirement or to larger congregations. From Fall 2003 to Spring 2006 the fellowship hosted one of our own, quarter-time student minister and Glouster resident, Evan Young. In the spring of 2006, Evan recieved his Unitarian divinity degree at the Methodist Theological Seminary near Delaware. Currently, Evan has a new three year contract to serve as our minister until 2009.