About Us
Our Congregation
United takes its history seriously while living out a vibrant present. We believe in an open-minded, common-sense, love-centered religion. We are interested in life's deepest questions and long to connect with others who share the same curiosity; Church reimagined!
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We are non-creedal, which means you are welcome regardless of your beliefs, background, or romantic orientation. We see wisdom in world religions and in each unique person. We want to be the friendliest congregation in town - warm and inclusive, while taking seriously the many challenges we face as individuals and as a society. We want to make a difference in the world, spreading hope, joy, and love.
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Our congregation is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association, a national union of over 1,000 Congregations.
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United offers in-person as well as online Sunday Worship
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We are a Welcoming Congregation!
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We have accessible parking, entry, and bathrooms
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Upcoming Services
November 16
Rev. Jim Coakley
Reciprocity, How Gratitude Asks Us to Respond
November 23
Mary Beth Danielson
Nurturing Gratitude - TBD
November 30
No Service
Building Closed
Our History
Our Congregation began in 1877 in the village of Mukwonago. Founded by New England settlers, we trace our roots back to 1848 when the first Universalist preachers arrived in the Wisconsin wilderness. As the desire to form a religious society grew, the town's Universalists joined with the town's Unitarians to form United, the first congregation founded by members of both traditions. It would be another 84 years until the two denominations would formally merge.​
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​From its beginning, United was a voice of liberal religion in southeastern Wisconsin. This was especially true in regard to issues of women's rights, freedom of conscience, and the equality of all people. Many of our earliest ministers were women, including the Rev. Olympia Brown, the first woman ever to be ordained by a denomination.
Our History - Mukwonago
​Our original building was built in the heart of Mukwonago to resemble the New England "church on the green" that was familiar to many of our founders. Our Congregation lived most of its history there, served by many dedicated ministers and lay leaders. Two of our longest-serving pastors were Rev. Merton Aldridge (1925-1938) and Rev. Frederick Ridge (1956-1983). When, in 1984, Rev. Ridge passed away, the congregation went through a period of crisis and almost closed. The congregation rallied and was reborn through the efforts of several committed members and the service of Rev. J. Max Patrick. It was a turning point for United, a transformation began from a small town church to one connected with the wider world and the larger Unitarian Universalist movement.​​
Our History - Waukesha
This new spirit led United to begin looking for a new home. After much searching, we moved in 2012 to Waukesha, where we purchased our current building and are now settled. We hope to remain always a voice and an instrument of our free faith, united in the spirit of love, courage, and service.​​​
Want to learn more? Check out the following documents and histories!
