The term “Unitarian” first appeared as ”unitaria religio” in a document of the Diet of Lécfalva, Transylvania on 25 October 1600, though it was not widely used in Transylvania until 1638. Unitarianism, both as a theology and as a denominational family of churches, was defined and developed in Poland, Transylvania, England, Wales, India, Japan, Jamaica, and the United States, and beyond beginning in the 16th century through to the present. The history of Unitarianism in North America can be roughly divided into four periods: precursor movements (early 18th century to c. 1800) the formative period (c. 1800–1835) a Transcendentalist period (c. 1835–1885) and the modern period (since 1885). This presentation will trace the history of Unitarianism in North America through these four distinct periods from the precursor movements up to the merger with the Universalists in 1961. Kriss Gang will be the presenter and Kathleen Pharis will be the service leader.

Topics: History, UU