Please see also our Directions to the Fellowship, Newcomer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and The Pathway to Membership.

In 1951, an ad ran in Winston-Salem’s local newspaper, asking “Are you a Unitarian without knowing it” and followed by 4 questions: "Do you believe the Bible to be an inspiring human document, rather than the ‘literal word of God, Do you believe that man is not condemned by the doctrine of ‘original sin’ but is inherently capable of improvement; Do you believe the development of character to be more important than the accepting of religious creeds; Do you believe the purpose of religion is to help us live this life nobly and constructively, rather than to emphasize the preparation for an after-existence?”

Soon after, an organizational meeting was held with only 12 people to form a Unitarian Society. Some of the key principles embraced were religious democracy, respect for human differences, and emphasis on the here and now. Over the next 10 years, the group multiplied in number and in 1961, the congregation selected a permanent home on Robinhood Road.

Particularly as Winston-Salem’s population expanded, membership continued to grow for the pluralistic religion. What had become the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winston-Salem (UUFWS) found itself out of space again. In 1997, the congregation moved farther up Robinhood Road to larger quarters. At its current location, 4055 Robinhood Road, it has seven acres to support a 270-plus membership.

Historically, meetings were led by lay congregants, invited academics, or visiting ministers. However, as church membership increased, it was agreed that a full-time speaker for Sunday services was needed. Once the decision was made, the Fellowship benefited from the services of several ministers and subsequently, in 2000, D. Charles Davis was called. As a result of the popularity of Charlie’s services, the Fellowship is finding itself with a growth opportunity again, which is being addressed.

Unique for a religious organization, the UUFWS has welcomed people from every religious and social interest background. As a result, the congregation has a long history and wealth of groups, clubs, and programs that affirm an appreciation for human diversity. A few examples of activities/clubs/programs include intergenerational camping trips, pot luck suppers for gays/lesbians/transgender individuals, and interdenominational holiday celebrations like Seders.

Finally, as a result of the Fellowship’s belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person, it has historically been at the forefront of improving life in the community-at-large. Through its members, the Fellowship began fighting against racial inequities during the 1960s (i.e., lunch counter and swimming pool desegregation in Winston-Salem), and has continued this ethical mission. Over the years, the Fellowship has worked hard on such issues as opposition to the N.C. death penalty, counter-protests to Ku Klux Klan marches, support of the Police Review Board, activism in the areas of AIDS, gay/lesbian rights, diversity in schools, prison reform and the environment, to name just a few causes. The UUFWS continues its over-50 years of history as a stimulating, spiritual community of supportiveness and inclusiveness where each individual can question and find their perception of what is personally important in life.