First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis

First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis is a Unitarian Universalist congregation located at 900 Mount Curve, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403 USA

In the 1870s, the Minneapolis chapter of the National Liberal League began meeting to discuss the ideas of geologist Charles Lyell and naturalist Charles Darwin. Upon hearing visiting Unitarian minister Henry Martyn Simmons (1841-1905) lecture, eighteen members of the Liberal League voted to incorporate as a Unitarian congregation on November 18, 1881 so that Simmons would join them in Minneapolis.

The articles of incorporation defined the Society's purpose as to form an association where "people without regard to theological differences may unite for mutual helpfulness in intellectual, moral, and religious culture, and humane work."

The sermons of Rev. Simmons on evolution, science, and ethics drew large crowds. Simmons was a vocal opponent of the U.S. invasion of the Philippines and the congregation was instrumental in convincing the state of Minnesota to withdraw its troops from the war.

The Society's first building, designed by noted architect Leroy Buffington, was dedicated in June 1887.

The Society has always attracted progressive social activists. Congregants set up literacy programs for working children and made clothes for the needy. The Women's Alliance of the congregation funded a free delivery room for unwed mothers at the Maternity Hospital of physician and social reformer Martha Ripley.

Two congregants, Maud Conkey Stockwell and Clara Ueland, served as president of the Minnesota Woman Suffrage Association from 1901-1919. After voting rights had been achieved, the organization became the Minnesota League of Women Voters, with Clara Ueland as its first president.

Beginning in 1906, the congregation sponsored the Saturday Lunch Club, often called the "university for progressive ideas." Lecturers included Clarence Darrow, John Haynes Holmes, Minnesota Governor Floyd B. Olson, and Louis Brandeis.

...
Wikipedia