The Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley

Hickory, NC

Phone: (828) 328-4047
E-mail: hafischer1@yahoo.com

Minister: Reverend Bob MacDicken

Our Local History

The Unitarian Fellowship of Catawba Valley began in 1962 with 15 charter members under the leadership of Dr. Morton Gaines, meeting in members' homes. In 1967, with leadership of Rachel Ames, the group purchased a
house across from Lenoir-Rhyne College. The Fellowship became inactive in 1979,the house was sold, and the money was invested.

The Fellowship was reactivated in 1981 meeting at Lenoir-Rhyne College. In 1988 the group bought the
Viewmont property from the Jewish community on 11th Avenue.

Later, Rev. Thom Payne and Dr. Barry Whitemore became part-time ministers, and Dionna Wellman became
religious education coordinator.

In 2000, in order to accommodate a larger congregation and meet the needs of the religious education
classes, the congregation is now renting space and holding services at the Brookford Center. Our
Viewmont building is currently used for some church and community activities.

In 2002, Rev. Bob MacDicken was called to our church as a 1/2 time minister and is now 3/4 time.

In late 2005 or early 2006, we anticipate that we will break ground on a new church facility in the Kenworth neighborhood. Below is a one proposal for our new church home.

Our New Home