History

About the Fellowship

Since 1958, here in Boone, a small group of people that called themselves Unitarian Universalists met weekly in homes, other churches and even the library to discuss and share their faith.  That small group grew in number and together exhibited a keen foresight, wisdom and vision.  Together, they worked to purchase the white house, what we now call Founders Home.  Can you imagine the excitement on the morning of August 16, 1981 when the Boone UU Fellowship held its first meeting in their own home?  Some of our current members were there that day.  Their decision was not without risk.  And the work was just beginning. Hours of labor resulted in remodeling Founders’ House to better suit the needs of the new owners.  Did you know that when the house was purchased, it had a dirt crawlspace?  Now the basement serves as a playroom and storage room complete with a concrete floor. 

 Since then, the membership grew, so much so that extensive remodeling of Founder’s House was undertaken in 1986.  If you look for it, you will see that where the front door once stood.  The concrete steps leading up to it are now long gone.  Inside, you can see where at least one wall was removed to enlarge the meeting space.  Members committed to make the changes needed to accommodate the growing religious community.

 In 1989, the Fellowship purchased the property behind Founder’s House, including the Fulghum House.  Initially rented to students, and then a daycare, it now operates as a non-profit activity center for children. 

 Did the fellowship foresee the wonderful benefits of having Fulghum House as a key part of our functioning as a religious community?  Or did they just trust that a commitment to growth and change would reveal the benefits over time?

 By the late 1990’s, it became apparent that even the renovated Founders’ House was not large enough to accommodate the growing fellowship.  Again, members thought carefully about their options.  They focused on a goal, and raised funds towards the construction of the sanctuary, that which we now call Fellowship Hall.  The first Sunday meeting was held in January of 1992 by the fellowship.

From this home, we maintain the liberal religious tradition of fellowship, service, and the quest for truth.

Comments regarding this web page are always welcome.  Email Richard T.