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Our mission is to support all people in their spiritual development or search for meaning in their lives in order to build a more just and peaceful world.

Unitarian Universalism in the La Crosse Area

Our fellowship is growing! In 2007-08, we have 90 adult members and friends, and 30 children and youth in our religious education program. We encourage you to join us for a visit. We are a lay-lead, self governed fellowship, like many in the Unitarian Universalist Association. Learn more about our organizational structure.

Read our Annual Report (633k pdf)

Our History

Universalists first gathered in the scenic bluff country of La Crosse in the 1850s. We now are the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of La Crosse and are an independent member of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) based in Boston.

  • 1850's: Universalists meeting on an informal basis. At least one advertised in a La Crosse newspaper.
  • October 4, 1860: Universalists organize, meeting at the First Ward School. Initial document signed by 26 persons. Seth Barnes of St. Anthony Falls named pastor.
  • June 19, 1865: Universalists receive state incorporation.
  • July 1865: First Universalist Church ground-breaking, 8th & Cass.
  • August 1866: First Universalist Church completed.
  • 1870: First Universalist Church votes to rename itself "St. Paul's Universalist Church."
  • 1895-1905: St. Paul's in La Crosse is the largest Universalist congregation in Wisconsin.
  • 1920's: Declining membership leads to St. Paul's Universalist Chruch being rented to the Church of Christ.
  • 1930: Universalist congregation dissolved.
  • 1951: Unitarian Fellowship organized in La Crosse under the leadership of Carroll Gundersen.
  • 1951-1960: Unitarian Fellowship holds Sunday evening meetings at the YWCA building (West Avenue & Main).
  • 1961: Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of La Crosse organized, new name reflecting the nationwide organizational merger.
  • 1961-2004: Fellowship conducts Sunday services, first at the Grandview Building (17th & Main), then at the Southside Seniors Center (1220 Denton).
  • Summer 1995: Fellowship receives incorporation in the state of Wisconsin.
  • 2004-2007: Fellowship growth led to a move to the Pump House, 119 King Street, La Crosse, WI.
  • 2007-Present: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of La Crosse continues to grow to serve the larger community. We now meet at our recently purchased building at 401 West Avenue South, La Crosse, WI.

History taken from Universalist and Unitarian Milestones in La Crosse, by Ronald Malzer and Bill Katra. Edited and updated by Greg Dihlmann-Malzer.

Related Links

Learn more about Unitarian Universalism at these related links.