We, the member congregations of the
Unitarian Universalist association,
covenant to affirm and promote:

The inherent worth and dignity of every person.
Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The living tradition we share draws from many sources:

Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life
Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love
Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life
Jewish and Christian teachings which call to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves
Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit
Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature

This church promotes the full participation in its activities of all persons of whatever race, color, creed, gender, ability and/or disability, affectional or sexual orientation, age, economic status, or origin.

If you would like to learn more about the liberal tradition, Unitarian Universalism and this church, please come visit our church. We hope that your visit here will provide you with a greater sense of unity within yourself, with the people around you, and with the world outside these walls.

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Our Church History

The Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church (HVUUC) was founded in 1958, as the Holston Valley Unitarian Fellowship. The original group met in members’ homes and the studios of WKPT radio in Kingsport, Tennessee. The congregation bought a house on Old US 23 (now State Route 36) between Kingsport and Johnson City and worshipped there for a number of years. Eventually, they bought their present land in Gray, TN and erected their own building. Later, the kitchen and fellowship hall were added to the structure and a mobile home was purchased for use as Religious Education classrooms. Another addition to the structure was completed in November 2005 and doubled the space of the church building. The character of the congregation has changed during the time that the church has been in existence. For much of its history, the church was lay led and service tended to have an intellectual emphasis. In recent years and presently, worship services have a more spiritual content. The congregation includes members from several different religious backgrounds, including Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Hindu, among others and some who practice Buddhism, Paganism and Native American traditions. The church is proud of its tradition of inclusiveness with regard to religious background, spiritual paths, ethnic origin and sexual orientation. Members are encouraged to build their own personal theology based on reason, experience, and gained insight. The church has had several ministers who have stayed for a short time, one to three years, and one who stayed almost six years (1999-2005). The Rev. Christine Riley, then served the church as Interim Minister for two years (2005-2007). In 2007 the church called the Reverend Jacqueline Luck as their settled minister.

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Our Mission Statement

The Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
is a caring community which nurtures and supports
the search for spiritual growth, religious freedom,
and ethical action for a better world.

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Noted past Unitarians and Universalists include Thomas Jefferson, Ralph Waldo Emerson (who was a Unitarian minister), Susan B. Anthony, Clara Baron, Dorothea Dix, Horace Greely, Theodore Parker, and Margaret Fuller.
(Famous Unitarians and Universalists)

We invite you to join our church. Contact the minister, board president, or membership director. If you agree with our mission, you will be asked to sign the Membership Book. This simple act has a solemn meaning: it commits this fellowship to you and you to this fellowship.

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