First Unitarian Church of Providence

“About About Us Our Mission and Covenant Our Beliefs About Unitarian Universalism UU Principles and Sources Kids’ Principles Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice Our History About About Us Our Mission and Covenant Our Beliefs About Unitarian Universalism UU Principles and Sources Kids’ Principles Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice Our History Visiting Us Weddings and Rentals Accessibility of Building and Programs Contact About Us Our Mission and Covenant Our Beliefs About Unitarian Universalism UU Principles and Sources Kids’ Principles Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice About Unitarian Universalism UU Principles and Sources But by 1720, occasional missionary services of the “Congregational way” were being held in Providence by visiting clergymen. A congregation is founded Despite a somewhat hostile reception from some in the town, in 1722 several ministers from nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut acquired a lot at what is today the southwest corner of Benefit and College streets. Our first meeting house was built on that site in 1723. For several years, clergy were supplied from outside the colony. In October 1728, the First Congregational Society of Providence was officially established when nine men signed a covenant and installed the Rev. Josiah Cotton of Boston as the first settled minister. Record numbers of participants were attracted to two Saturday workshops to envision our future: one led by the Rev. Robert Latham, a second by the Rev. Tricia Hart. Several well-attended congregational conversations established priorities for future direction, recognizing that we had for some time been a program-size church. A stronger, more welcoming community able to provide spiritual comfort and social engagement to members and friends emerged as a high priority. A strong desire to be relevant and active in the larger community was also identified. Many were inspired by Don’s success in racially integrating his previous congregation and hoped he could guide us in a more inclusive direction. Another challenge As we prepared for the culmination of our year’s work at a church-wide meeting to develop a new mission statement, we were faced with an even greater challenge. It had come to light that many of Don’s sermons were not his original work. In the course of confronting him, more doubts were cast on his integrity and truthfulness. The congregation responded initially with disbelief; some clung to the hope that his ministry could be saved. Fortunately, Don recognized the need to resign. One of James’s early accomplishments was to promote a revision of the church covenant, unchanged since 1882. He convened a group of lay leaders who crafted a new covenant that was presented to the congregation and, after remarkably little discussion, was approved. James paid attention to fostering the financial health of the church, which few ministers in our past had done. He participated in the annual fundraising effort and was forthright about the financial needs of the church from the pulpit. He also worked to establish or strengthen several key committees, including the Membership Committee and the Lay Ministry. Present About Us Our Mission and Covenant Our Beliefs About Unitarian Universalism UU Principles and Sources Kids’ Principles Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice About Unitarian Universalism UU Principles and Sources”

Sermons over time

Every audio sermon week across the years we have — a filled cell is a week with an upload, darker blue means richer topics. A steady weekly cadence shows as a solid band across years.

Video released

Weeks with a video upload (YouTube or livestream). These aren't transcribed, so this only marks presence — no topic coloring.

How this church compares

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Themes they appear in

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Sermons that reach across topics

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Sermons included

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