About Us

Our Mission Statement

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Martha’s Vineyard is an inclusive,
welcoming congregation where the individual may embrace an evolving faith in harmony with reason and wonder.

Without imposing a creed, we celebrate our shared values
while honoring individual differences

We nurture spiritual growth, ethical awareness, and the development of an individual's personal beliefs through worship, fellowship, study and service

We seek to fulfill our mission through respect for each other, our environment and the web of creation,
through the religious education of our children
and through our promotion of democratic principles and a just social order

The 7 Principles

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Martha's Vineyard (UUSMV) has been providing an open, liberal religious presence on the island of Martha's Vineyard since 1860

Becoming a member of a liberal religious community is an important step. Here you’ll find some of the information you’ll need to feel confident that this step is right for you.

First, we tell you of our history here on the Island. Next, we have some comments by our members; these will give you a flavor of the diversity you will find here. And, finally, you’ll find a list of the people who are the current stewards of the Society .
We publish a monthly newsletter describing our activities. If you would like to receive a copy, please email us or come to a Sunday Service and sign our Visitor’s Book.

We welcome new members and friends. Throughout the year we hold information sessions for those new to or exploring Unitarian Universalism. To become a member is simple – sign the Membership Book – and at the same time profound – you become an integral part of an active religious community.

Our Past and Our Present

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Martha's Vineyard has been providing an open, liberal religious presence on the island of Martha's Vineyard since 1860, when, on July 18 of that year, "a small group of men seeking religious opportunity" founded what was first called The Unity Church of Holmes Hole, Massachusetts.

Now, 143 years later, we still share our founders' vision - to provide an opportunity where people are united in respecting the importance of each individual and in believing that the final test of a religious community is the service that community can give toward the enrichment of human lives.

We are a member society of the Unitarian Universalist Association which emphasizes working principles rather than doctrines. It is a non-creedal religion which respects the diversity and intelligence of people. For more information on Unitarian Universalism, click here for UUA web page. We were recognized as a Welcoming Congregation by the UUA in October 2004.

Our chapel,

located on Main Street in Vineyard Haven, was built in 1901 and is named for our first minister, Daniel Waldo Stevens . In the words of Rev. Amy Freedman, a former minister, "The chapel is a truly sacred place with its warmth of natural wood and a glow through the diamond-paned windows". Unlike most Unitarian societies, we have services year-round. Winter and Summer, services are held at 11 a.m. every Sunday. Many of our summer visitors are quite active in the work of the Society and some decide to spend their retirement years here.

The Society has been an active part of Vineyard life both winter and summer for almost a century and a half. Many old Island names - Smith, Luce, Bodfish, Daggett, Packer, Tilton, Crocker, etc. - are found in the membership book. Now, our membership extends beyond these historical Island names. With the growth in the island's population in recent years, people from all parts of the United States and the world have moved to the Island and joined the Society. As of 2011, there are almost one hundred members and friends of the society.