Enjoy our Facility! See the many things that give an idea of Who We Are as a congregation, from current information, to hangings and other furnishings that have significance to UUCC:
OUTSIDE
The Wayside Pulpit on the corner is a contribution from Bob Rand and Jim McKendry. The history of the Wayside Pulpit for Unitarian Universalist congregations can be found on the UUA website at http://www.uua.org/worshipweb/wayside/ The Wayside Pulpit draws community attention to the values that we hold.
Standing on the Side of Love banner on the Summer Street side of the building proclaims our commitment to Social Justice, starting with gay/lesbian/bisexual and transgender /transsexual individuals and moving to other considerations, such as immigration.
Bench by the door to the church is in honor of Linda Findlay, the Director of Religious Exploration, previously with Winthrop Street Church (1982) and UUCC to 2005.
CHURCH BUILDING
Welcoming areas, such as the Vestry outside of the Sanctuary, have general information about the church and Unitarian Universalism. Please be sure to sign the Guest Book across from the Sanctuary door, if you are visiting so we can connect with you further.
Bulletin Boards in the hallway next to the Sanctuary and in the Fellowship Hall give information about:
- Religious Exploration for all ages,
- Activities of the Board of Trustees and various committees,
- Ways to participate within the life of the church, and
- Other Unitarian Universalist and related events and opportunities.
If you add to the information on the Bulletin Boards, please remove the information after the applicable date.
The Display Case in the hall by the Sanctuary is available for exhibits by committees and programs. The general arrangement is for displays to be up for 2 weeks to a month. Scheduling a display is done through Thursday Morning Small Group Ministry. Contact Helen Zidowecki or the church office to schedule a display time.
Literature Racks and stand in the halls contain information on Unitarian Universalism in general, and specific UUCC publications.
A Lost and Found basket is located in the Coat Room at the church. Items that are not claimed are donated to Addie’s Attic at St. Marks Episcopal Church.
Sanctuary:
Chalice Hanging in a window. By Harold Booth, member, October 28, 2008.
“I took a course in making stained-glass when I retired. The idea of the rainbow-flamed chalice was something I'd seen as a letter-head on a mailing [re Welcoming Congregation]. The rest of it was working out how to do the flame, the chalice. The chalice in my piece is actually a textured mirror. Then it's a matter of working the whole thing together, in proper scale, and working the background in an aesthetically-pleasing manner. I actually planned it to go in the bay window of 71,but made a stained-glass piece that was much bigger than would fit in the planned location. The renovations to 69 have resulted in much more appropriate placement.”
The grand piano is a donation from the Cecelia Club. All Souls Church, then UUCC, housed the piano for a number of years in lieu of charging Cecilia rent of space for concerts. The piano was donated to UUCC when Cecelia Club closed. There is a framed note of appreciation from Cecelia Club.
Fellowship Hall
The paintings of the churches are by David Sillsby, a renowned local artist. One painting gives three of the buildings of the Universalist Church, including the current building. The other painting is of All Souls Unitarian Church building on State Street. (The building is still standing without the steeple.) This painting is a donation from Cally Stevens, a long-time member of UUCC from All Souls Church.
Dish hanging in Fellowship Hall by the Kitchen has this inscription on the back:
“The original Universalist Church in Augusta was built in 1835, on the Northwest corner of Chapel and Court Streets. In 1868, during the pastorate of Rev. C.N. Moor, the present church was erected on Winthrop Street., and was dedicated on March 5th of that year. The cost was $35,000 including furnishings. In 1880, a vestry was installed beneath the church, and in 1910, the steeple was removed. Improvements to the building through the years have included installation of memorial windows, the Winship Memorial room, a new organ, improved church school facilities, and a modern kitchen. In 1963, the auditorium was redecorated adding to its beauty. World Wide Art Studios, Covington, Tennessee”
The picture of “Simple gifts, too” has explanation of the gifts. Take time to appreciate the picture itself and the explanation. The painting was originally commissioned by All Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa, OK.
The Robbins Room (Church, first room on the left from Summer St. entrance)
This room was set aside in honor of Rev. Douglas Robbins, minister at Winthrop Street Universalist Church from 1943 to 1973. The Robbins Parlor was continued from the brick building to the present building. This room is additional space for special services, such as weddings and memorial services. Parents with infants can still watch the service, and for others as an alternative to the sanctuary.
Sofas came from All Souls and were refurbished by Traute Lippman, a long time member, now deceased.
The painting, Maine Spring Burst, by Vincent A. Hartgen, 1959, was in the Maine State Art Festival in the State House, August 1-31, 1960. It was donated by William and Margaret Vaughan to All Souls Church in 1980. Both were members of the church since 1949. William (Bill) died June 2, 1988, and Margaret died April 24, 2088.
Items on the wall are from our archives.
- Left: Letter from Rev. (Ralph Waldo) Emerson declining an invitation to preach at Christ Church (Unitarian) in Augusta.
- Center: Order of Service for the Dedication of the Universalist Church, March 5, 1868.
- Right: Letter from Rev. Samuel Longfellow regarding the possibility of preaching at Christ Church (Unitarian). While we do not have a year date on the letter, it was written from Brooklyn, NY, where he was minister in 1853. He was the younger brother of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
The Nursery
The Nursery in the Winthrop Street Church was named for Mabel Philbrick. The Nursery in the All Souls Church was named for Anna Newbert, an active member with special interest in religious education. The dedication of the Nurserys from our history signifies the importance of the inclusion of the very young in our congregational life.
The Committee Room
The Library contains a variety of books that have been donated, including recent donations. We are in the process of developing the library to be more accessible. Books may be borrowed by signing them out.
6 SUMMER STREET, THE ANNEX
The Life Tapestry in the hallway was woven on May 22, 2011 as part of a Sunday morning service reflecting on the meaning of community and village. Those gathered brought spiritually symbolic items from home or chose an item to weave into the tapestry. Members and friends are invited to continue the weaving. Items may be added at any time.
The Olsen Room (First Floor, next to kitchen)
This room dedicated to the memory of Alice Olsen, a member of the All Souls Church. While driving to work in February 1975, Alice Olsen swerved to miss a dog. She was about 57 years old. She was an active member in the congregation.
The collection of English China cups is housed primarily in the cabinet in the Olsen Room and some at 71 Winthrop Street. In April 1935 two boys (Everett and Raymond Winship) whose family belonged to the Winthrop Street Universalist Church, drowned in Cobbesseeconte Lake during school vacation. Church members were invited to contribute cups and saucers and furniture for the Winship Room in the church building that then stood on our current site. We have a collection of over 80 cups and saucers. They are used occasionally for special events, under the aegis of the History Committee.