Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Woodstock, IL windows worth a trip from Rockford - Part 1

Unitarian Universalist Congregration entrance

According to the online document “HOW WE GOT HERE, A Brief History of the Congregational Unitarian Church,” By Patrick Murfin, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Woodstock, located about 38 miles by car from downtown Rockford, IL, has undergone several name changes, as reflected in the article title, most recently July, 2009. More significantly, a totally new and refreshing outlook has emerged for its current congregation, defining its purpose and identity as the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Woodstock, IL (UUC).

Most readers familiar with the term “Unitarian” conceive these places of worship as exclusively non-Trinitarian, though Christian, in theological outlook. Although this doctrine remains at the heart of those congregation members who profess Christianity, unity would be a more apt descriptive noun. Murfin writes:

Symbol of Unitarian Universalism

“Modern Unitarian Universalism is a creedless religion that honors not only its Judeo-Christian heritage, but draws from world religious and philosophic traditions to assist members in 'building their own religion.”'

 The UUC affiliates itself with a wide range of religious and secular groups. Not only does the congregation graciously open its doors for use and worship by local non-Christians, for example the Congregation Tikkun Olam, a Jewish flock, and meditation sessions by the The Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple, but also:

• McHenry County Peace Coalition (anti-war activism)
• McHenry County Pride (gay/lesbian support group)
• Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

The casual visitor may first wonder at the arrangement of the windows into two distinct series. The church retains those that reflect the original Christian heritage of the founding generations and, installed 100 years later, those that tell the new story of the current membership. The traditional windows, though, are anything but traditional, since the final designs were changed and enhanced by those who undertook to install them originally. Much of the Christian art commonly available for sale to American churches of the era was given a more positive and visually brighter use of color – a decidedly optimistic touch to contrast troubled earlier times – and the use of symbolism, an option taken full advantage of by the earlier congregation.

4th of Juyl parade, Crystal Lake, IL (photo by author)

The new stained-glass series illuminates the diversity that now forms the central outlook of the congregation and its minister, Rev. Dan Larsen. The major world religions are featured, including Native American motifs and the pagan Goddess, not to overlook the window dedicated to Humanism.

Today, the UUC Website declares: “As a free congregation we do not have a creed or doctrine which is required to believe. We have members who are Christian, Buddhist, Humanist, and Atheist, and every possible persuasion. We invite all of them here to follow their path and live a better life.” Nothing more encapsulates this philosophy than the exquisite windows, each featured in the slideshow below that accompanies this article. Part 2 of this article series will feature a report on the McHenry County Peace Coalition meeting scheduled for September 3, 2009.