Our history and philosophy

For over six decades, the spirit of the Church of Universal Fellowship has come from the diversity of ideas of the people who attend. The Church of Universal Fellowship is an open church that draws together persons of many different religious backgrounds and heritages. It is liberal in theology and congregationally governed. We are a post-denominational, ecumenical community of faith honoring our religious heritage and history by annual contributions to the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian/Universalist Association.

Our church is in one of the town’s historic buildings, constructed in 1844 as a Universalist Church. In December of 1941, the Orono Universalist Church and the Fellowship Church of Orono merged to become the Church of Universal Fellowship. The church has been nondenominational since the merger. We extend our hands and hearts to invite you to participate in our church in what ever way is comfortable for you–to join as a member or to attend services and activities as you like.

Among the community activities initiated by our church are the local American Field Service (AFS) program which coordinates international exchange of high school students and the Orono Health Association, which provides for many health related needs. We al;so provide office space for Operation Breaking Stereotypes, an exchange program between high schools in Maine and NYC which encourages students to examine their preconceptions and learn to understand different viewpoints.

 Extensive renovations to the church building, completed in 2003, provide us with facilities to serve the community in various ways. We now have classrooms, gathering places, an elevator, and a kitchen–all meet current codes and access requirements. In addition to the sanctuary, the building includes a vestry with a well equipped kitchen which accommodates up to 180 people for public suppers. This space is also used for community activities such as the AAUW book sale, Women of the World luncheons, blood drives, receptions and community meetings. We have Sunday school and nursery space, a parlor (The Gathering Place) next to the sanctuary, a library, a meeting room, and offices for the staff. All rooms except offices are available to the public. Please call the church office at 866-3655 to make arrangements.