In 2001, eight residents of Cookeville banded together to form what later became The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cookeville. These founders were: Ivan Cordrey, medical physicist; Susan Ford, veterinarian; Grace Forest, homemaker; Pritindra (Prit) Chowdhuri, professor of engineering; Sharon Chowdhuri, public school teacher; Wade Faw, professor of agriculture, & Eric Jordan & Jane Jordan, university students.
The undertaking began when Ivan Cordrey & Susan Ford met Grace Forest through a mutual friend, Becky Ackerman, in the Winter of 2001. The three new friends decided to start a Unitarian Universalist discussion group in Cookeville, & they wasted no time. Through an ad in Cookeville’s local newspaper, The Herald-Citizen, they announced a meeting of any persons interested in such a group on March 25, 2001 at Grace’s home. They were surprised & encouraged when some dozen people showed up. March 25, 2001 was later designated the founding date of the UU Congregation of Cookeville. Of those who attended the March meeting, only Prit & Sharon returned to work with Ivan, Susan & Grace. Several months later Wade, Eric, & Jane joined the group.
Throughout that Spring, Summer & Fall this small group gathered once a month in alternating homes for lay led worship & discussion. There was no formal organization; all pitched in. By January of 2002, however, the founders were weary & almost ready to abandon the project that they had so eagerly begun. Fortunately, at this juncture Ivan & Susan attended a Unitarian Universalist Healthy Congregations Conference in Birmingham, Alabama & came back revitalized.
The group then went quickly to work writing a Vision Statement, & Congregational Bylaws & a Congregational Budget. “I never ceased to be amazed at the willingness of this group to take on challenges & grow,” Susan later exclaimed. On August 25, 2002, the UUCC formally organized & elected its first Board of Directors & Officers. Susan served as the first Board president, & Sharon as the first secretary-treasurer.
As attendance continued to outgrow space, we have moved our gathering places several times. In July 2002, we moved out of members’ homes and into a lecture room in Prescott Hall on the Tennessee Technological University campus. In July 2003, we moved to a meeting room & kitchen at the local Habitat for Humanity building. In February 2005, we moved to The Meeting House at 44 S Cedar in downtown Cookeville. In April of 2010 we moved to our current location at 31 West 1st Street in downtown Cookeville.
At first, worship services were only held once a month. Today, we have services every Sunday.
We have never had an ordained minister. We have minister services typically on the first and third Sundays each month. Members & guest speakers lead worship services when we don’t have a minister. The Mid-South UU District also supplies guest ministers from time to time.
An open and welcoming discussion of religious issues is central to our congregation. Goals & covenants are considered & adopted in periodic retreats. Refreshments following services (dished up by Grace), pot-luck meals, & excursions have strengthened friendships. Many members are involved as individually and as a a group in numerous civic clubs & humanitarian services.
Though the congregation remains small, its size is part of its appeal. Members are close friends who care about & support one another. With courage & persistence, the UUCC is now an established community of faith on the Cookeville religious scene. Its members look forward to continued spiritual growth, deeper ties within their congregation & wider service to their greater community.
We continue our spiritual work to become a vibrant and liberal religious community. We believe this is only possible by creating open dialogue within and between folks of all beliefs. This is said best in our Mission Statement, which reads:
“We gather as an inclusive community to inspire spiritual growth, compassionate living, and joyful service.
