2. Congregation Histories : Minnesota

Wayzata

Unitarian-Universalist Church of Minnetonka

The Unitarian-Universalist Church of Minnetonka (UUCM) began in 1965, springing from two fellowships. Under the leadership of our first minister, Rob Brownlie, the West Hennepin Mental Health Center was founded. Brownlie also led in the formation of the Wayzata Human Rights Commission.

During the trying “civil rights” years, Brownlie represented the congregation at Selma, Alabama, and under his leadership a “Black Market” wholesale purchasing system was created to assist the North Minneapolis community after the assignation of Dr. Martin Luther King. Later, a creative idea of selling “stock “ to help American Indian college students was launched.

The church became a center of ethical and philosophical activity during this period. It came to a rather tragic end when our congregation split, as the country did, over Vietnam.

Our second minister, Bill Hammond, led a splintered and diminished congregation. He is remembered fondly by many for his healing efforts. He established “Life Support Groups,” and the membership focused in a more inward direction, creating a sense of fellowship and an “extended-family” orientation, which continues to be prized by many today.

Our third ministry with Roger Smith once again was a time of significant activity and achievement for our church. UUCM’s community involvement and contributions were impressive for our size. Under Smith’s leadership we were instrumental in founding interfaith Outreach and Community Partners. Denominational involvement was revived and expanded through his participation in the UU Ministerial Association and his work with the Twin Cities UU Publicity Committee, which held a successful “Big Event” in 1983 and again in 1984, bringing Unitarian Universalism to the attention of the metro area.

As the oldest church on Piety Hill in Wayzata, UUCM preserved a historic landmark and restored its antique stained glass windows. Together with the Wayzata Community Church, we participated in the formation of an Amnesty International group, and recently helped host a regional conference. Roger Smith resigned in June 1985, and we are currently operating as a self-directed fellowship.

Our purpose is “to help people achieve their richest fulfillment through growth in understanding freedom and responsibility; to search for truth wherever it may be found; and in the spirit of personhood, undivided by nation, race, creed or sex, to provide more effective opportunities to help nourish the highest hopes, values, and ideas of humankind.” This is the spirit, which unifies all those of diverse beliefs in this church.

Clare Carlson, Interim Administrator, August 1986