Philadelphia Church moves forward to begin “Building for Tomorrow:  Throw wide the gates” Capital Campaign

Philadelphia, PA – The First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia has a rich history.  Inspired by the sermons of Chemist and Unitarian Minister Joseph Priestley, a group of laypeople formed the congregation in 1796.  The Rev. Dr. William Henry Furness served as the first minister for 50 years. He is remembered as a fiery abolitionist, receiving death threats for speaking powerfully about racial injustice.

Voting rights activist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, one of the first women of African descent to have her writings published in the US, was a member of First Unitarian Church from 1870 until her death in 1911.

The church partnered with interfaith and interracial organization Fellowship House in the 1940s and 1950s, hosting their monthly Sunday afternoon services featuring distinguished national speakers, including the fateful Sunday in 1950 when Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. became inspired to bring Gandhi’s nonviolent methods to the US Civil Rights movement.

First Unitarian Church has an historic building, designed by renowned architect, Frank Furness, son of the first minister, William Henry Furness. But the church is much more than a building. Griffin Hall renovations were done to enable broader ministry and impact to pursue the mission, vision and values. The church is grateful for those who created this space as they live out their legacy.

While they have a historic building, they have become so much more than a building.  They are a relevant, progressive hub for the community and use of the campus.  Sharing the building with lots of groups–two daycare centers, punk concerts in the basement, and wedding celebrations in the chapel, parish room, sanctuary and Griffin Hall. Tens of thousands of people come to the building every year.

The last major renovation was completed in 1959 and through a vision and planning process First Unitarian Church presented their plans to secure and preserve the envelope of the building and to increase accessibility and functionality.  The congregation was invited to participate in focus groups over a four-week period to determine the feasibility of proceeding with a capital campaign.  The church has determined to go forward and begin the “Building for Tomorrow:  Throw wide the gates” Capital Campaign.

Rev. Abbey Tennis remarked that “Ours is a historic community – founded 228 years ago, the people who have gathered in our name have shaped and reshaped who we are over the centuries, investing in this community with their service, finances, and vision.  Their legacy makes the gifts of our community possible.  Now it is our turn to invest in the future, laying the groundwork for the next generation of our congregation.”

First Unitarian Church will work closely with the church family, the community, and James D. Klote & Associates to undertake the capital campaign and bring their vision to fruition.

With offices in Great Falls, Virginia; Chicago, Illinois; Los Angeles, California; and Toronto, Ontario, James D. Klote & Associates is the largest full-time, on-site stewardship consulting firm in North America. For additional information, please contact the firm at www.jdklote.com or (703) 532-7633.