Westside
Unitarian
Universalist
Church
Love Unites - Caring Connects - Community Thrives
A Bit of Westside History
Westside had its beginnings in 1984, when members of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, along with the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church, expressed a desire for a UU church in Knoxville's west side.
A planning committee was formed, and TVUUC, ORUUC and the UU headquarters in Boston all agreed to contribute money to our effort to begin a new church.
The earliest incarnations of Westside's services were held in the Farragut school. The Chorus room was used for worship, and the Band room was for RE. We did not have a minister, and our services were planned and conducted by our charter members.
Our first building was a storefront in Farragut, near the corner of Kingston Pike and Concord Road. It was one big room, which we soon divided up into a worship space, offices, and Religious Education rooms for the children.
We finally broke ground on our church's permanent location in 1997, and moved in the following year. Our first service in the new building was in February, 1998.
Today, Westside Unitarian Universalist Church is a vast and welcoming community of over 200 people, from all walks of life.
Westside's second logo, designed by graphic designer Beth Sandidge. An evolution of the first logo, it features a chalice framed by doves. This logo was in use from 2015-2024.
Artist Cheri Jorgenson designed WUUC's first logo, which depicts a chalice transforming into a dove. The sequence is also on display in our Sanctuary.
Westside's current logo, designed by graphic artist Beth Sandidge, represents a new era for Westside while paying homage to the past. Gorgeous green Tennessee mountains and a bold blue sky symbolize Westside’s renewed commitment to the Earth and environmental efforts. Eight beams of light radiate from the flame of the prominent UU chalice, evoking feelings of hope and optimism. The circular logo is an evolution of our previous logo, framed by the familiar classic UU circles.
Rev. Carol Bodeau has been our settled Minister since 2015. Read her bio here.
Westside is governed by a Board of Trustees, chosen by our members. Meet our Board, President, and Membership Coordinator.
Westside's Ministers
Ext. Minister-Rev. Dillman Baker Sorrells, 1987-1992
Interim Minister-Rev. Dale Robison 1992-1993
Interim Minister-Rev. Dee Graham 1993-1994
Settled Minister-Rev. Kathleen Rolenz 1994-1998
Settled Minister-Rev. Thomas Allen Rhodes 1998-2005
Interim Minister-Rev. Mary Moore 2005-2007
Settled Minister-Rev. Mitra Jafarzadeh 2007-2013
Interim Minister-Rev. Morris Hudgins 2013-2015
Settled Minister-Rev. Carol Bodeau 2015-current
