By Bonnie Withers

At the end of World War II, the American Unitarian Association with membership
primarily focused in the Northeast, was languishing. A mail-order idea, Church of
the Larger Fellowship, had begun in 1944 and was servicing far-flung individual
Unitarians with sermons and RE materials. In March of 1945, the AUA voted to
explore the notion of establishing lay-led congregations. Wheels began to turn and,
in 1948, the first fellowship was recognized in Boulder, Colorado. With the tireless
circuit riding of AUA staffer Monroe Husbands, fellowships began to sprout.
Members of CLF were invited to gather, newspaper ads were posted, and the plan
was outlined to groups across the continent. With 10 committed members and a
financial pledge, the group would be admitted to the AUA. Support was provided
from headquarters with monthly packets of program and RE materials and
travelling consultants.

In the period 1948-1967, when the program office closed, around 300 fellowships
had been formed and a full 30% of new members had come through that route. A
successful experiment? That depends on whom you ask. Many of the fellowships
moved on to stabilize with buildings and/or professional leadership (although this
was not the initial goal). Others died out and a few became in-groups with little
connection with UU principles. It is difficult today to determine how many lay-led
fellowships remain, since not all changed their names to “church” once they hired
clergy. Nevertheless, with their celebration of individual responsibility, social
justice, and shared ministry, fellowships have changed the face of Unitarian-
Universalism.

Is your interest piqued? Although it was written in 2002, Warren Ross’ UU World
article on the movement is balanced, thorough, and fascinating.

Another good article from 2008.