Unitarian Universalists of Transylvania County

About UUTC

UUTC began its existence in the spring of 1998, when a group of Transylvania UUs got together to explore the possibility of a new UU congregation in our county. Some had been attending the UU Church of Asheville or the UU Fellowship in Hendersonville; others were new to the area and looking for a spiritual home.

In June 1999, our initial Charter was adopted by 26 members, and a Board was elected. We also engaged a visiting minister once a month. In March 2000, we became eligible to join the Unitarian Universalist Association, our national organization, and its regional branch, the Thomas Jefferson District.

Until July 2002, we met for a worship service with the minister on the second Sunday of every month, and held a service with a guest speaker on the fourth Sunday. In September of 2001, an adult religious education discussion was added on the third Sunday.

In June 2002, UUTC selected the Rev. Ernie Mills for the new position of part-time minister, and we added one more Sunday of the month to our schedule. In February 2004, we reached the goal of meeting for a worship service every Sunday.

In March 2004, UUTC purchased a building at 24 Varsity Street to be our first permanent home. Renovations to the building were completed by the end of May, and we held our first service in our new home on June 6. Our official building dedication took place on August 15.

Since July 2006, the Rev. Ernie Mills is our full-time minister. In December 2006, he was admitted to ministerial fellowship by the UUA, and in June 2007 was ordained to the UU ministry by the congregation. Generally, Rev. Mills conducts the first, third and fifth Sunday services, and guest speakers are featured on the second and fourth Sundays.

Today we have almost 150 members, and we enjoy many visitors at our services.