More Information

Vandalism at UU Church of Valdosta

From the UU Valdosta webpage - June 9, 2003 version and update:

Thank you...to those expressing concern and support for us after our church was thoroughly ransacked and vandalized around May 29, 2003. (click here for article from the Valdosta Daily Times internet edition, May 31, 2003).  

Your care and concern means so much to us in this difficult time.  Please click here to read a response and message from our minister, Rev. Al Boyce.

Our mission of "building a community of acceptance and love" continues undaunted as the physical cleanup and restoration begin.  Through much hard work the church was cleaned up by about 40 members and friends (including several people from the other groups that share our space), and we held a regular service in the sanctuary Sunday, June 1, 2003.  A message of support from the Valdosta Area Ministerial Association was provided by Rev. George Bennett, of First Christian Church, Valdosta, at this service.

Update:  June 9, 2003

A "Unified Service Against Hate," sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Valdosta, was held Sunday afternoon, June 8, at 3 PM.  This public event was an opportunity for the community to become involved in proclaiming that Valdostans speak out against hate. As the editor of the Valdosta Daily Times wrote, "Valdosta's leaders must do what's necessary to protect and uphold the values of tolerance and respect for others."  (click here for editorial and here (.pdf file) for a column by Dean Poling, Valdosta Daily Times).  Over 120 people attended this event, from all aspects of the Valdosta community, as well as several UU's from nearby congregations in Florida and Georgia.

Individuals spoke on behalf of the groups that share our space: the Taoist Tai Chi Society, New Hope Christian Fellowship, and the South Georgia Coalition for Peace. The President of the Valdosta Area Ministerial Association, Rev. Ronnie J. Mathis, and other members of VAMA also brought messages of support. City Councilman, at large, Richard Stewart, spoke as well, and UU's around the region attended. Dr. Michael Stoltzfus, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at VSU, brought us an articulate historical perspective of hate crimes. A message of support from Rev. William Sinkford, UUA President, was read during the service. (Please click here to see the order of service).   Our spirits are heightened even more by the turnout at this service, and the expressions of support and determination to work toward preventing further incidents like this in our community.  Our sincere thanks go out to those who participated, and all who have sent messages of support.

Photos and additional links:

For individual thumbnails of initial damage, cleanup, and the service on June 1, please go to this website.

Click here for photos taken in July 1998, and here for a photo of our beautiful church-in-the-woods and description of the dedication service in Sept., 1997.

Update:  June 29, 2003 - Most walls have been re-painted and carpeting replaced.  

Update: July 20, 2003 - Windows have been replaced!!  Today's service was the first service with the welcome light coming through our windows.

Link to an Addendum to the June Flaming Chalice newsletter, published after the vandalism.

Posted June 2, 2003 (photo links added June 5, 2003)

Thank you...to those expressing concern and support for us after our church was thoroughly ransacked and vandalized last week. (click here for article from the Valdosta Daily Times internet edition, May 31, 2003).  

Your care and concern means so much to us in this difficult time.  Please click here to read a response and message from our minister, Rev. Al Boyce.

Our mission of "building a community of acceptance and love" continues undaunted as the physical cleanup and restoration begin.  The church was secured by contractors and cleaned up by about 40 members and friends (including several people from the other groups that share our space).  The turnout and support has buoyed our spirits, and we held a service in the sanctuary Sunday, June 1, 2003, gathering together in community to hear Rev. Al Boyce's message and to share our personal responses to this unbelievable event.  A message of support from the Valdosta Area Ministerial Association was also provided by Rev. George Bennett, of First Christian Church, Valdosta.  We left the service with much hope for the future, within and beyond the walls of our sacred space, our beautiful church-in-the-woods.

A "Unified Service Against Hate," sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Valdosta, will be held Sunday afternoon, June 8, at 3 PM.  This public event is an opportunity for the community to become involved in proclaiming that Valdostans speak out against hate. As the editor of the Valdosta Daily Times wrote, "Valdosta's leaders must do what's necessary to protect and uphold the values of tolerance and respect for others."  (click here for editorial).

The Valdosta Area Ministerial Association, Valdosta governmental officials, UU's from around the region, and others will take part in this community-wide program to be held in the UU church sanctuary.  Due to safety issues onsite, childcare cannot be provided. 

Photos and additional links:

For individual thumbnails of initial damage, cleanup, and the service on June 1, please go to this website.

Posted May 30, 2003, the day after the vandalism was discovered by members of the Tai Chi group:

Thank you...to those expressing concern and support for us after the recent vandalism at our church.  Our mission of "building a community of acceptance and love" continues undaunted as the physical cleanup and restoration begin.  

E-mail UU-Valdosta at uuvaldosta@yahoo.com  

Phone:  229-242-3714 

        http://geocities.datacellar.net/uuvaldosta/

Posted March - August 2005 on the main page:

Our hearts are with the Westside UU Church in Fort Worth, TX.  The congregation's meeting space was destroyed by fire on March 7, 2005, and many items were destroyed or damaged.  Insurance will cover some, but not all losses.  UU Valdosta voted to take up a collection at the services on March 27 and April 3.  Individual contributions were matched with funds, plus an additional amount, from the UU Valdosta Renovation Fund.