1961

The first meeting of the newly formed UUCCN was held in the fall of 1961 in the chapel on the Mitchel Field Air Base.  Reverend Kenneth Smith, minister of the Floral Park Universalist Church, agreed to serve the new church for a one-year period.

1962-1967

Reverend Farley Wheelwright was called by the merged group to be their first minister.  During this period the Garden City property was purchased and the present building erected and dedicated in 1965.  Civil Rights was a burning issue during these years and Farley was an active participant in marches and demonstrations.

1968-1977

In May of 1968 Reverend Irving Murray began his nine-year ministry with us.  In the early years of Dr. Murray’s tenure our attempt to start a day-care center for minority children aroused local community opposition.  Despite favorable court rulings, political pressure caused withdrawal of funding so the center never opened.  It was in May of 1972 that Bruce Adolphe began his tenure as our Music Director.  Our first professional Religious Education Director was also hired.  Informal summer services were initiated, as was the Family Christmas Eve Service, which became a traditional event.  Our annual Harvest Fair, a fund-raising event early in November, also saw its beginnings at this time.

1977-1979

During the years of 1977 to 1979 we functioned with lay leadership while searching for a new minister.

1979-1987

In 1979 Reverend Richard Benner was called.  He remained as our minister until 1987.  During these years many new programs were initiated, including the All Church Retreat, The Jay Smith forum, and annual Seder Service, Adult Education and participation in the Garden City Ecumenical Council.

1987-1988

From September 1987 to July 1988 Reverend David Phreaner served us as interim minister.  The congregation elected a Search Committee and the church maintained its active programming schedule. 

1988-1989

Reverend Lawrence McGinty began his year as interim minister in September 1988.

1989-2000

In 1989 the Reverend Charles Magistro was called.  During this time many new programs and traditions were established.  Our annual all congregation retreat was reestablished but in a new location on Shelter Island.  Another community building annual event is “Surprise Friends” an opportunity for adult members and the children of our community to meet.  Several years ago a program called “Share The Light” was begun by several of our members and has steadily grown.

2000-2001

During the year of 2000 to 2001 we functioned with lay leadership while searching for an interim minister.

2001-2002

The Reverend Gordon Bailey was called to serve as interim minister.  During this time a Search Committee was formed to work toward a settled minister.

 2002-2003

 The Reverend Louis Schwebius was appointed our first Consulting Minister by the Unitarian Universalist Association. Though he only served for one year he brought with him a sense of excitement and renewal in our congregation.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Central Nassau began its life with the merger of two local congregations, one Unitarian, the other Universalist, not long after the national merger of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America.

 Each group brought differing, valued gifts to the new partnership.  The Universalist Church of Floral Park, founded in 1930, brought with its members a long record of stability and experience in the art of churching.  The younger Unitarian Fellowship of Garden City was able to offer the dynamism and enthusiasm associated with a new religious venture. 

It was decided that the blending of these two congenial yet disparate groups warranted a new meeting place.  The Universalist building was sold to another congregation.  The Unitarians had no building originally, having met in people’s homes.