Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb

Our Mission

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb is a liberal religious community of seekers. In our quest for truth and justice, we share understandings gleaned from our lives and experiences. We unite to nurture in all the divine seed that furthers the work of creation. We work for balance, wisdom, peace, hope and love in our families, congregation, communities and the world around us.

Unitarian Universalist principles first inspired the creation of religious communities in Europe in 1568. The name of our fellowship historically comes from our affirmation of the unity of God and the universal equality of all people before a loving God.

In the past our members have included Unitarian Universalist leaders of faith, convicton, and and activism such as Thomas Edison, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Susan B. Anthony, Joseph Priestly, Henry David Thoreau, P.T. Barnum, Jane Addams and Alexander Graham Bell.

In 1961, the Unitarians and the Universalists merged and formed the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Currently our congregation is made up of voting members, active friends, children, and our staff.

We offer a fellowship willing to listen to, learn from, and support people of all races, ages, sexual orientations, and abilities. Among us are Humanists, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, Feminists, Pagans, Agnostics, Theists, Atheists, and persons exploring their own spiritual pathways.

Compiled Feb. 1997, updated Dec. 2003, Rev. Linda Slabon

Fall 1959 – Helen and Vern Sherbenou and Fran and Pete Pielstick hold the first meeting of the Unitarians in the Pielstick home on River Drive.

March 13, 1960 – DeKalb Unitarian Fellowship organizes with 11 persons in attendance.

May 8, 1960 – 19 persons sign the book as charter members of the Fellowship.

May 1960 – The congregation is chartered by the Unitarian Universalist Association.

1960-1966 – Meeting places include the Masonic Temple, Jefferson School, and Northern Illinois Univ.

October 1964 – The congregation approves construction of a building on Hillcrest and Garden, DeKalb.

April 1965 – The Unitarian Universalist Association approves a no interest loan of $3000.

May 1966 – Building completed and we occupy!

December 5, 1966 – Dedication speaker: The Rev. Dr. Dana McLean Greely, UUA President

April 5, 1970 – 10th Anniversary speaker: The Rev. Dr. Jack Mendelsohn.

May 1980 – 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Fellowship with 17 persons attending.

January 1987 – Final payment of the mortgage on the building. Membership stands at 36.

1988 – Building sold. Money deposited in fund for future building.

October 1991– Recorded membership: 40 - Fellowship has completed an assessment with a CMWD District Growth Consultant who recommends hiring a part-time minister. Fellowship hires Rev. Linda Slabon (ordained as a Lutheran clergy) on a trial basis -- 9 month, half-time contract.

December 11, 1994 – Rev. Slabon completes transfer requirements to the Unitarian Universalist ministry. She is the first minister called and ordained by the DeKalb UU Fellowship to the professional ministry within the UU Association of congregations.

February 1995 – Long Range Planning Committee reports the top priorities identified by the congregation for the next 5 years: 1. Retain minister and increase to full time, 2. Long-range planning for church home, 3. Establish greater presence in the community, 4. Increase membership to 100+, 5. Establish a wider base of leadership in the Fellowship, 6. Strengthen religious education programming.

October 1, 2000 – 40th Anniversary speaker: The Rev. Dr. John Buehrens, UUA President

May 2002 – Congregation adopts current mission statement at bi-annual congregational meeting.

May 2002 – Recorded membership: 67 - Board appoints Negotiating Team to explore potential purchase of property for our church home.

November 15, 2002 – Closing and purchase of 158 North Fourth. Building cost $265,000.00

December 1, 2002 – 1st service in our building. Cold and no furniture. Everyone brings lawn chairs.

May 18, 2003 – Two resolutions passed at bi-annual congregational meeting: Welcoming Congregation Resolution and Social Justice Resolution for Peace.

December 14, 2003 – Building dedication speakers: Rem Stokes, Congregational Growth Consultant, Member at Countryside, Palatine, IL, Rev. David Weissbard, Senior Minister, UU Church, Rockford, IL, and Rev. Emily Gage, Minister, UU Church of Joliet, IL and President of the Central Midwest District.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb
158 N. Fourth Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-756-7089
uufdchurchoffice@aol.com

9:00 a.m. - Church opens for Coffee & Conversation
9:45-11:00 a.m. Worship Service - Note: Children (age 4+ stay with us through the entire service)
11:00-11:15 a.m. - Coffee quick break
11:15-12:15 p.m. - Faith Development programming for all ages.

Child care services available. Our church is handicapped accessible. For directions to our church, please click [map]