History of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Middletown 

Perhaps it is characteristic of our questioning yet tolerant denomination that this church was born over a century ago amidst a controversy about the nature of God, and whether or not God loved and felt compassion for the world. 

In 1894, a harsh and judgmental sermon was preached in Middletown, New York.  An Episcopal clergyman in Middletown, New York rose to the occasion and repudiated the God of vengeance that was portrayed in that first harsh sermon.  Word of the “fire and brimstone” sermon, and the controversial response, appeared in local and New York City newspapers.  After reading accounts of the turmoil in Middletown, it became evident to certain influential clergy in the Universalist Church that a church of their tradition was needed in Middletown. 

Meetings and services were held at various locations in Middletown before the present church building was constructed around the turn of the last century.  The first Universalist sermon was preached in Middletown in 1894; and the Universalist church was organized in 1896.  When Unitarians and Univeralists merged into one faith in 1961, this church became the Unitarian Universalist Church in Middletown.  See “Our Beliefs” for further information.

   The church sanctuary is located inside of a solid stone Gothic building that is graced with beautiful and historical stained glass windows commemorating past events.  Small and comfortable, the sanctuary is set off by a set of organ pipes and a simple, open platform.