From the beginning, UBC has been made up of people committed to social justice: from ending slavery, gaining women's suffrage, the freedom to teach the theory of evolution, civil rights, human rights, peace and nonviolence, environmental justice, and equal rights for our LGBTQ+ community. Social Justice "...Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." From the beginning, UBC has been made up of people committed to justice, first ending slavery, then gaining women's suffrage, ensuring intellectual and academic freedom, the freedom to teach the theory of evolution, civil rights, human rights, peace and nonviolence, environmental justice, and equal rights for our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender brothers and sisters. For many of us, working for the reign of God on earth is a spiritual act, a form of worship and of prayer. anti-racism UBC has a congregational commitment to anti-racism. We participate in racial justice organizations and have an anti-racism group that meets monthly to learn how to become actively anti-racist. We engage in constant reflection and dialogue about what reparations might look like and how we can be an anti-racist congregation. Partnership to confront racism In 2021, UBC became part of Churches that THRIVE for Racial Justice , a five-year project of the Alliance of Baptists in partnership with the Lilly Endowment and sociologists of race and religion. It's a cohort of 26 congregations across 19 states and two Canadian provinces learning to confront structures of racism. We are now in Year 2 (evaluation and reflection) and excited about this work. Anti-racism group We meet the second Tuesday of the month at 7pm to discuss how to become actively anti-racist. For more information about upcoming meetings, contact Pastor Doug Donley: pastor@ubcmn.org . peace UBC leadership and members regularly participate in protests and marches for peace, as well as peace-related advocacy. Our pastor can regularly be found at the State Capitol advocating for peace. Most recently we participated in marches in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder and protests against the occupation of Minneapolis in 2026, among others. Immigration We believe that immigration makes our communities stronger and more vibrant. We have a long history of helping our immigrant neighbors, including helping resettle four Karen families in the early 2000s. We continue to actively work to assist immigrants and asylum seekers. lgbtq+ rights We are proud to be a welcoming and affirming congregation. We host LGBTQ+ weddings, have a presence each year at Twin Cities Pride, and joyfully celebrate the rainbow of our queer siblings. food insecurity For 30 years, we served meals at Loaves and Fishes II in Minneapolis. We also hosted food pantry in Dinkytown. We currently provide meals at Marcy School through Every Meal.

Our mission at UBC is to be a loving and inclusive community seeking faith, joy and action nurtured by the biblical traditions, the teachings of Christ, and God's continuing revelation. We are part of progressive Baptist movements like The Alliance of Baptists. About US. Our mission at UBC is to be a loving and inclusive community seeking faith, joy and action nurtured by the biblical traditions, the teachings of Christ, and God's continuing revelation. We were founded in 1850 as the First Baptist Church of St. Anthony. We have changed our name three times, to Olivet Baptist Church in 1879, and finally to University Baptist Church in 1922. At UBC you will find: A progressive, open, theologically diverse and biblically-inspired environment that welcomes people from a variety of religious backgrounds. A commitment to racial and ethnic diversity and gender equality within our membership and leadership. A congregation that has many people from the University community: students, staff, professors, and alumni. A congregation interested in creativity and asking the hard questions of faith. A congregation where you don’t have to check your brain at the door. A congregation that is very interested in peace, justice, inclusion, and authentic and relevant religious expression. Our History 1850-1879 First Name Minnesota was still a territory when University Baptist Church (UBC) was formed in 1850. Originally called the First Baptist Church of St. Anthony, the church building was located at University and Second Avenues, a structure also used by other churches. In 1858 the timber from the first structure was deconstructed and moved to St. Paul, where an African American congregation had built a church. Before a new building was finished in 1870, services were held at Main Street and Fourth Avenue. Early baptisms were performed in the Mississippi River. After St. Anthony was annexed by Minneapolis, the church changed its name in 1879 to Olivet Baptist Church. 1921 - Present University Baptist Church In 1921 the present name, University Baptist Church, was adopted. Construction of the present church building was also begun in 1921. A dozen ministers served the congregation over the next 70 years, the longest terms served by G. C. Fetter, 1929-46, John Bone, 1947-59, and Lee Freeman, 1976-90. Through its 150 years the congregation has been characterized by progressive theology and a strong commitment to peace and justice issues. Early members were involved in the abolitionist movement and women's suffrage. The 1960s were marked by programs of social action and issues involvement. Pastor Kenneth Huyck marched in Selma, Alabama, for civil and voting rights. Like other inner city churches, UBC has been challenged to sustain membership and resources within changing times. For a brief period, UBC considered merging with other southeast churches to maximize resources and talents and developed ongoing relationships with other congregations. Dr. David Bartlett helped expand church outreach at the University of Minnesota and established other new programs. UBC efforts were directed toward ecumenical programs. In recent decades UBC has developed an outstanding music program. A new pipe organ was built, and the church published and still uses an inclusive language hymnal--among the first in the nation. The congregation starts the Lord's prayer, "Our Father, Mother." 1992-2000 First Lesbian Pastor Rev. Dr. Nadean Bishop, the first woman and open lesbian pastor, served the congregation between 1992-2000. During this time, several outreach programs to assist the needy were developed. In its justice ministry, UBC became vocal as a Welcoming and Affirming congregation. The building continues to serve the community as a site for several nonprofit organizations and has been benefited by recent extensive renovations, including handicap accessibility for the sanctuary and main floor. The Rev. Douglas M. Donley has been our Pastor since March of 2001. In its southeast Minneapolis location, UBC enjoys both the advantages of a diverse membership and opportunities to minister to its neighbors. 2001-present Rev. Doug Donley Rev. Dr. Nadean Bishop, the first woman and open lesbian pastor, served the congregation between 1992-2000. During this time, several outreach programs to assist the needy were developed. In its justice ministry, UBC became vocal as a Welcoming and Affirming congregation. The building continues to serve the community as a site for several nonprofit organizations and has been benefited by recent extensive renovations, including handicap accessibility for the sanctuary and main floor. The Rev. Douglas M. Donley has been our Pastor since March of 2001. In its southeast Minneapolis location, UBC enjoys both the advantages of a diverse membership and opportunities to minister to its neighbors. What's a Baptist? The American Baptist Churches in the USA (ABC/USA) is one of more than 30 distinct Baptist denominations in North America. Many of these Baptists trace their history to the Congregational Puritans and Separatists from the Church of England. The ABC/USA , like other Baptist denominations, is a voluntary association of autonomous local churches organized for the mutual encouragement and support of common missions and ministries. Thus, there are interdependent American Baptist churches but no American Baptist Church. We actually like Baptists. We are part of progressive Baptist movements like The Alliance of Baptists , The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists , The Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America and American Baptist Churches of the Rochester/Genesee Region . University Baptist Church (UBC) is a unique autonomous church with distinctive characteristics and ministries serving God locally and globally in association with other American Baptist churches. OUR PASTORS 2001 - present: Doug Donley was chosen by the search committee to candidate for the pastorate at University Baptist Church. He and his wife, Kim, were flown to the Twin Cities the end of October, 2000. He preached in another Baptist church in the area with all the members of the search committee present. They were impressed and voted unanimously to present Doug to UBC as a person they were recommending to become our new pastor. On the first weekend in January the Donley family came to the Twin Cities for the candidating weekend. The UBC members voted unanimously to call Rev. Douglas Donley to be our 27th pastor. Doug preached his first sermon at UBC on March 18, 2001, and was installed on May 20. We are all pleased with our decision- Doug preaches thoughtful, stimulating sermons, cares and loves us all and is concerned about our spiritual growth. Thank you, Doug, for coming to UBC to be our inspiring, loving pastor. We love Kim, Amanda and Rebecca, too. 2000: Although Pastor Kay Welsch served only 10 months as an interim pastor, from February 2000 to January 2001, her duty was during an important period in UBC's history. Her outgoing personality helped as she worked with the various committees to celebrate UBC's 150th Anniversary, which featured numerous events throughout the year. She was also energetic in welcoming visitors, spearheading the acquisition of an exterior banner, implementing new name tags, suggesting new internal structures, and helping with the call of a new pastor. A United Church of Christ minister, Kay enjoyed working with a congregation of a different denomination and shared its good times and challenges alike. 1992: The search committee, working diligently from June, 1990 to Nov., 1991, jubilantly presented its choice of pastors, The Rev. Dr. Nadean Bishop , to the congregation November 3, 1991: She was enthusiastically received and voted in as our new pastor the following Sunday. She preached her first sermon to the congregation January 19, 1992, and was installed March 8th as our 26th pastor. Nadean left several positions to come to University Baptist. She had been senior pastor of the North Community Church in Ann Arbor, MI, and also a professor of English at Eastern Michigan University. She had over 20 years of experience teaching courses including the bible as Literature and Women’s Spirituality. Here at UBC she showed her preaching skills each Sunday morning when she inspired and challenged us with her timely sermons. One of Nadean’s great strengths was her compassion for all the members of her flock. She spent much time visiting sick and hurting people. We all appreciated her caring and loving spirit. Nadean’s support of people of all sexual orientations was shown by serving on the Executive Committee of the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Churches. UBC is proud to be part of this group. Nadean showed her creative leadership in forming groups to deepen spiritual connections. Examples are Grace in Contemporary Novels by Women, The Carter Group and Film and Theology. Her interest in justice issues was shown in her preaching and participating in The Baptist Peace Fellowship and outreach projects of our Board of Justice and Outreach. Nadean frequently participated in church-related conferences and meetings, speaking or leading workshops. 1991-92: Our talented interim pastor Jim Ketcham’s service to our church for 15 months ended in January 1992. As Don Follett wrote in his column in the Feb., 1992, newsletter: "Jim was a shorthand version of what corporate types would call an ideal combination of directive and ‘participatory’ types of management- in action both at once." His quiet skills prodded and encouraged us to develop leadership skills we didn’t know we had. He initiated the Children’s Time as part of the Sunday morning service. Our congregation rejoiced when Jim and his wife, Jan, decided to stay on with us – and what wonderful contributors they are! 1976-90: Lee Freeman began his 14 year ministry, the second longest in the history of the church, in 1976. His liberal theological views, expressed so thoughtfully in his sermons, were embraced by the congregation. he was the moving force behind the music program, engineering the purchasing of a new tracker organ, the hiring of Martha Pittenger as organist and choir director and the writing of a new hymnal using inclusive language. He was a skilled manager of our aging building and an enthusiastic supporter of the Renewal for the 90’s drive to make the church handicapped accessible and the sanctuary redecorated. He left the church the first of September with a heart-warming party given by the grateful church members who will long remember his many contributions to the church. 1973-75: David Bartlett came to the church from the Berkeley Baptist Seminary where he held a position as New Testament professor. His challenging "three point" sermons showed his creativity with words. he brought an ability to attract and utilize lay leaders and new members. Using funds from the Shepardson estate, the church hired Dennis Stull to be associate pastor to rebuild the student ministry. Mark Parsons was hired to supervise the international group of students in the Davis House (owned by the church), in the neighborhood. Dr. Bartlett left at the end of three years to become the pastor of the Hyde Park Baptist Church in Chicago and to teach in the Divinity Department of the Chicago University. Dennis Stull continued on as interim minister until a new pastor was called. 1971-72: Rev. Robert Phillips served as interim pastor for 12 months while the church explored the possibility of a merger with the community’s Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational churches. Dr. Huntwork continued as interim leader from Oct. through Dec., 1972. 1963-71: Rev. J. Kenneth Huyck and his wife, Elnora, gave strong leadership to the congregation during a tumultuous time in American society. He was interested in social action, participated in the civil Rights march in Salem, Alabama, and arranged for a black minister from Virginia to exchange pulpits one Sunday. The music Training Program funded by Norman Mears was the concept of Ken Huyck. Free music lessons were given to young people. The Huycks moved to Iowa in 1971. 1960-63: Rev. Homer Shafer and his wife Jannette came from Kansas. They were great at sharing their hearts and home with University students, especially foreign students. Rev. Shafer secured funds for remodeling the student wing. Wes Anderson, the Student Associate, gave excellent leadership to the student group. Homer Shafer became Executive Director of the Oak Park-River Forest Council of Churches, Illinois. 1947-59: Rev. John S. Bone – an enthusiastic young man – helped to move the church into the post WWII period. The church celebrated its Centennial in 1950 as it struggled with its role in SE Minneapolis and the University community. In 1949 the church received help and leadership from Faye Jensen (now Faye Kommedahl) as the first Youth Intern. Rev. Bone preached excellent sermons, directed the choir and even substituted as organist when necessary. Since there was a large group of Baptist students at the University, more staff was needed: Marian Sorenson, in 1948, Betty Willlis in 1950; Esther Kennedy, 1952-54; Harriet Willingham (now Harriet Johnson), 1954-57; and Dean Knudson, 1957-60. Wes Anderson was the last one serving the students in the early sixties. The University Baptist Church Foundation was established in 1959 to receive money willed as memorials or donations to the church. Clayton Sorenson was the person who was the first leader of this endeavor which still continues successfully and is of great help to the church financially. Rev. Bone went to New York City to be the minister of the Madison Ave. Church. 1946: Dr. Warren Behan was the interim minister for one year. Financial help came from various denominational sources so the church could be rehabilitated – it was greatly in need of repairs. Mrs. Hoag, a loyal church member was hired at $40 a month to be the visitor to the University Village, veterans’ housing project. 1929-46: The longest pastorate in UBC history, 17 years, began when Rev. George Fetter came from Illinois. He was faced with almost insurmountable problems, mainly financial. The stock market crash, World Wars I and II and a congregation that wasn’t growing added up to much stress. The total mortgage was $55,000 but with contributions from the Board of Education, the Home Mission Society, The Minnesota Baptist Convention and The Twin City Baptist Union and the members of the church on the occasion of the 90th anniversary (1940), the mortgage was burned. With dedication and sacrifice, the congregation under Mr. Fetters inspired leadership pulled through these trying years. He left in 1946 to go to Lawrence, Kansas. 1924-29: Rev. Frank Jennings came and soon was swamped with the task of raising money to finish the tower (never accomplished!) and the auditorium. The church membership was 397. It must have been great satisfaction that he felt when the auditorium was finally finished and a great week of victory June 5-12, 1927, was celebrate 1919-23: A veritable human dynamo, Rev. Norman Henderson, became the pastor. He proposed that an associate membership be established – people who had not been immersed. He was absorbed in the building of the new church to be called University Baptist. He resigned in 1923 to go to California. 1918-19: Union with the First Congregational Church of SE Minneapolis was proposed but, Dr. Pope said "The State Convention would deprecate such a move" so, the matter was dropped. 1914-18: Dr. John Gow came as an interim pastor but, was asked to be the permanent pastor. The membership had joined together and the tension had eased. Edwin Dahlberg, a man who grew up in Olivet was ordained in September, 1914, and later became President of ABC/USA. 1912-14: Rev. C.E. Tingley came to a congregation grieving over losing their Rev. Wiltbank. so, he had an unhappy time and resigned after two years. 1906-12: Rev. Rutledge Wiltbank. The Minneapolis Journal said that Olivet Church is to be congratulated on its excellent choice of pastor. The church entered into its most prosperous years financially and numerically. an assistant pastor, Rev. Richardson, was hired for student work. the membership rose to 339 in 1909. The church greatly appreciated him and gave him a purse of $100 on his 3rd anniversary. The church tried to persuade him to stay but, he resigned in 1912 to go to Binghamton, N.Y. 1899-1906: Rev. F.H. Cooper and his wife were more than equal to the task of bringing harmony and peace to the church. A Mrs. Wilkins conducted a large class of University students – did so for 15 years. 1897-98: Rev. E.P. Smith – not a congenial year for him or the congregation. 1887-97: Next came Rev. W.P. McKee, but, he displeased some members of his congregation by not preaching "gospel sermons". so, he finally resigned and went to Chicago as principal of Shiner Academy. 1881-86: Rev. Marion Shutter. The church was thriving with a membership of 153 and a church school of 185 scholars and a new church building. But, in spite of successes, Rev. Shutter sent in a letter of resignation dated March 1, 1886. He stated that "I am no longer in sympathy with the Baptist denomination." He became the minister of the First Universalist Church of Minneapolis. 1876-80: Rev. Sewall Brown came and was to receive $1000 – if it could be raised. He stayed four years, so the congregation probably came through. 1873: Rev. Jarrell came and received the huge salary of $500 annually. 1870-73: Supply preachers filled the pulpit. Cabinet organ was bought for $112. The choir was made up of "good voices as to volume, but nothing more!" 1867: Rev. Drury, a former army chaplain, came to Minnesota for his health, but was persuaded to take the pastorate. The record says that, to him more than to anyone else, the Baptist Church of St. Anthony owes its very existence. A trip east to raise money produced $292.15. On January 23 a new church was dedicated, but he died 3 months later. 1861: Rev. Pease was there for only 9 months. He tacked a note on the church door saying he resigned. Who can blame him? There were only 6 members in the church. 1859: Rev. Hyde came and stayed two years. but, he was so distressed by having to have church in what he called "The Lord’s Barn" he left. 1852-58: There were no pastors in this period but, prominent lay people such as Mrs. Sarah Nash and Mrs. W.H. Lawrence kept things pulled together, but, were called "at times unduly officious." 1852: A Rev. Lyman Palmer of New York came to a miserable church building. It was on land owned by Franklin Steele. But, by 1854 things improved and there were 73 members. He resigned anyway. 1850: Rev. Brown was chosen pastor of the newly organized group of Baptists who called themselves The Baptist Church of St. Anthony. The job of being pastor, deacon and building committee proved to be too much for him so, in the fall of 1850 he returned East and became an Episcopalian Minister. ubc1920 building_current_sm building1850_sm ubc1920 1/8 OUR BUILDING Our present building includes a 250-seat sanctuary, a fine Dobson tracker pipe organ, a gym, and numerous offices and classrooms. Almost all rooms in the building are handicap accessible. 2003-2004: A successful Capital Campaign resulted in the addition of a 4-stop elevator which makes the building 90% handicap accessible, replaced windows and storms on most of the education portion of the building, extensive roof repairs, and electrical upgrades. 2001-2002: The heating system again was a problem. The boiler remained in good shape but the burner had to be replaced at a cost that made last years steam leak repair seem trivial. It is a more efficient system now. The fireplace chimneys have been critter-proofed and we can use the fireplaces. Projects in the works include replacing windows, repairing radiator valves and traps and enhancing the electrical system, and painting some interior spaces. A new sign has been put up on the lawn alerting passers-by to our church. 1999-2000: Some serious problems developed: steam leak in the wall in the downstairs bathroom. Fixing it meant removing the toilet and ripping out a long strip of the bathroom wall. Projects in the works include replacing windows, re-paving the driveway and parking lot, doing some interior painting and sealing off the chimneys. A new flagpole for banners has been installed and a new yard sign is up at the main entrance and one near the University Avenue entrance. The sign at the corner has been cleaned and painted. 1998-99: A contractor was invited to check out the needs of the building. He said "Fix it or lose it". A second opinion was needed. Windows need repairing ($36,800) and they were fixed, the heating system was renovated ($1800). Thank goodness for the Foundation money to come to our rescue. 1997: Gutters! Repair work on gutters and downspouts was completed but the west side needs major work, next year? Big expense items were replacing the air conditioner and snow blower and heating expenses went through the roof. Ancient boiler needs patches on its patches. 1996: The kitchen/office remodeling was completed thanks to Clyde Ciccarelli, Nadean Bishop, Dan Spencer and David Anderson - it was ready for all to use and enjoy. The congregation reluctantly put locks on the sanctuary doors. This because homeless people were sleeping under the portico and that was unsettling to us, fearing for the safety of our building and our tenants. 1994-95: The most visible achievements saw the completion of the library/lounge, including painting, new carpet and light fixtures. Ken Amelsberg handled the window painting and repair, painting the exterior doors, other wood trim and painting the ailing sign on the corner. The parlor was made more inviting by a new carpet. Much to the delight of the children, the playground was rejuvenated. 1991-94: Renewal for the 90’s, the renovation project of the physical plant of UBC, has largely been completed. The dedication was held June 10, 1991. The congregation, led by people in wheelchairs, processed up the new outside ramp into the sanctuary for a joyous service. Further improvements that have been made are: more energy-efficient exterior lighting, new hot water heaters in the toilets, removal of asbestos from the boiler, interior handrails, new equipment for the nursery and renovation of the custodian’s apartment. Works in the planning stages include renovating the lounge kitchen and secretary’s office and repairing the window. Other improvements made possible by anonymous gifts totaling $30,000 are: redecorating and re-furnishing the Mary Shepardson lounge, updating the secretary’s office with a new computer and photocopier, and for the sanctuary: new sound amplification and recording systems, a beautiful set of handbells, new pew Bibles and wall banners and table runner. Income generated from renting space helps to keep this 67-year old building in good condition. Renters include Second Foundation School in the fellowship hall, the Institute for Education and Advocacy in various rooms, Northcountry Cooperative Development Fund on the third floor, and for a short period the sanctuary to Counterpoint Productions for producing a musical, "When Children Sing." 1989-90: Renewal for the 90’s is the theme that was adopted in ’89 to include long range planning projects started by the Dream Task Force a few years ago. The architect’s plans were completed for handicap accessibility for the exterior and interior of the church. The sanctuary was remodeled with an improved appearance of the front of the church, new flooring and refinished pews (work optimistically to be done by volunteer labor). The outside concrete ramps and railings are all in place. New sod has been laid on the area near the ramps. The new steps leading up to the front door are a great improvement. 1980: The organ had continual problems mainly because the pipes were too close and a cold outside wall. Repairs were deemed to be too expensive and useless. So, a decision was reached to commission a new organ. Lynn Dobson was chosen as the builder. On October 11, 1981, it was dedicated with a concert by Martha Pittenger, our organist from 1976-1991. A series of dedicatory concerts followed into 1982. This tracker organ has proved a valuable asset to the church’s music program. 1975: The roof, always a problem, had major repair work done: the outside of the building was tuckpointed and the outside of the 251 windows painted, all to the tune of $26,000. 1966: At 1:30 am on the morning of January 13 a passerby saw smoke pouring out of the windows of the student lounge. The fire department quickly responded to his call and prevented the entire building from going up in flames. The damage was estimated at $60,000. Much of the building had to be repainted, including the sanctuary, as well as repair work to the student lounge area. The front of the sanctuary platform was rebuilt, carpeting was installed on it and in the aisles. The organ console was moved from the front choir loft to the main floor. Tuckpointing was done. 1961: Funds were provided by the Christian Higher Education Campaign for remodeling the student wing. The library, lounge and small kitchen were renovated. 1929: The sanctuary was the last section to be built. It was named the Pope Memorial Auditorium in honor of Dr. E.R. Pope, the Executive Secretary of the Baptist State Convention for 18 years. He was the driving force behind the building of the new church. It was dedicated June 5-12, 1927, with a series of celebrations including concerts on the organ built by the Reuter Organ Co., of Lawrence, Kansas. On April 20, 1929, the Board of Education of the Northern Baptist Convention got the deed – and still holds it. 1921: Olivet purchased a lot on the corner of 13th Ave. and University, the present location. November 6, 1920, a processional from Olivet preceded the laying of the cornerstone. They sang "Onward Christian Soldiers" as they marched down 13th Ave. Olivet was purchased by Perine’s Bookstore. The education wing was built first. The church’s name was changed to University Baptist, reflecting its relationship to University students. 1915: Because the church was committed to a ministry to the University students, a committee was appointed to study the possibility of building a new facility. The student ministry demanded larger and better facilities and also the Sunday School program was hampered by lack of adequate space. In 1918 the Home Mission Society conducted a financial campaign among Olivet members. Far more money in pledges was raised than was expected. 1881-85: A lot was purchased on the corner of 5th St. and 9th Ave. and a new church built there. This property was valued at $17,500. The debt was large and the church larger than needed. So, since the Methodists needed a larger church, a swap was made. Olivet moved to the Methodist Church on the corner of 13 Ave. and 4th St. The Methodists took over Olivet and its debt of $12,500 – everyone was satisfied. 1879: A meeting was called to discuss the subject of a new name for the church. St. Anthony Falls had been incorporated with Minneapolis; hence the Baptist church on the west side of the river was really the First Baptist Church of Minneapolis, although it had not been founded until after the church of St. Anthony. After a lengthy discussion centering around the names Alpha, Calvary and Olivet, the latter was selected. So, the first 30 years as the First Baptist Church of St. Anthony came to a close. 1873: The meeting house was moved to 5th St. and 4th Ave., a more central location. A baptistry was put in so that the river or a dammed up ravine didn’t have to be used anymore. Oyster suppers put on by the women helped raise the funds for this moving project. The property was valued at $5,000. 1867-70: Prof. Asa Drury, a chaplain in the Civil War, came as pastor. He threw himself into getting a new church built. He went on a fund raising trip to the East and collected $292.15 from churches in Chicago, Kentucky and Ohio. His expenses were $61.55. People locally worked to raise the amount to $300. So, a new church was built on the same site and dedicated January 23, 1870. But the records state that the great triumph was short-lived because Pastor Drury died in March and his funeral was the first service held in the new church. 1859: Pastors coming to this poor church stayed only for a short time. A Rev. Hyde, coming in May 1859, called it the "Lord’s Barn"! So, in 1860 th church rented a hall over a dry goods store on Main Street near 4th Ave. The old church was sold to a black congregation (probably Pilgrim Church) and moved to St. Paul. 1852: A chapel was built at the corner of 2nd St. and 4th Ave. Besides having no title to the land on which it stood, it had no floor and no plastered walls. Things did improve: a deed was secured for the lot on which the church stood, a floor was laid, a chimney erected, a stove bought and plaster was put on the walls. However, the church was primarily held together by a small group of lay people. Baptisms were held in the Mississippi river. 1850-52: After the church known as The Baptist Church of St. Anthony was organized in 1850, services were held in a schoolhouse on University Ave. between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.

Rain Garden Project March 2019 Planning Grant ($10,000) received for purposes of Existing Conditions, Concept Plan, and Technical Drawings December 2020 Received the Good Steward Hennepin County Grant, for help with conveyance near the window wells. $6900 March 15, 2021 UBC Receives Rain Garden Grant from MWMO April 2021 Adult Forum Presentation May 2021 Presentation to Creation Collaboration July 22, 2021 Planning meeting date with WMWO and Garden Team Early August 2021 Work on rooflet/awnings and downspouts by BA Roofing (preliminary to raingarden installation) August 5, 12, 15 Plant giveaways to partners and the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood August 11-October 2021 Installation start date - installation done by Metro Blooms and planting by Helping Hand Companies Early September 2021 Garden Progress & Update September 19, 2021 Garden Dedication October 17, 2021 Garden Tour Spring 2022 Songs About Water; Garden Tour and singing with the Twin Cities Shape Note Singers Residents of the Marcy Holmes Neighborhood were invited to celebrate with Partners and members of UBC at the Garden Dedication on Sunday Sept. 19, 2021, at 11:30, as well as to participate in a Garden Tour on Sunday, October 17 at noon. Raingardens have a variety of benefits including slowing stormwater runoff and increasing infiltration, improving habitat for pollinators, and decreasing sediment and phosphorus, which are pollutants to streams, lakes, and rivers. An estimated 133,000 gallons will be filtered annually. Funded by an Action Grant from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization and a Good Steward Grant from Hennepin County, the raingarden installation brings together six local partner organizations, which have agreed to receive stormwater education. Partners include the following: University Lutheran Church of Hope, First Congregational UCC, St. Lawrence Catholic Church and Newman Center, Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association, Twin Cities Shape Note Singers, and Gaia Democratic School. This project was designed and installed by Metro Blooms, with planting by Helping Hand Companies. Additional information and photos of the project can be found here RAIN GARDEN GRANT See the press release UBC has received a grant to improve water flow from our building, filtering it naturally into the ground instead of flowing to the storm sewers (and our basement). This grant from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) is the culmination of many months of hard work by Barb Patterson (a Water Steward and Sacred Harp singer), the UBC garden team, and several others. The project will install rain gardens, channel drains, and enhance native plantings on our little Dinkytown corner oasis. It will also have educational signs that can encourage people to be better environmental stewards. We are awaiting word on a companion grant from Hennepin County to help us divert water away from the window well area behind the swing. We’ll begin the physical work on this project in the coming months. This will be an educational and land stewardship partnership with UBC, the Twin Cities Sacred Harp Community, GAIA Democratic School, St. Lawrence Catholic Church, First Congregational Church, University Lutheran Church of Hope and the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association. We look forward to taking a more active part in stormwater management and encouraging others to be better stewards of the earth we share. mwmo.org 2522 Marshall Street NE Minneapolis, Minnesota 55418-3329 contacts@mwmo.org 612-746-4970 Early September update: The Rain Garden project is well under way! The Garden Team and other volunteers dug up many beloved iris, hostas, peonies, daylilies, snake grass and spring bulbs. These plants were re-homed to members of the UBC community, First Congregational Church members, parents of Gaia Democratic School students, and other interested community members. Metro Blooms completed the excavation and construction of the four new rain gardens plus the sloped garden on Friday August 20th. Helping Hand began planting the gardens on August 25. The new design includes a seating area under the crabapple trees that will be home to two new benches donated by UBC members. A decorative channel grate is being designed and donated by the members of the Sacred Harp community. The construction of the "eyebrows" over the window wells below the sanctuary is nearly complete, and downspouts have been rerouted. Take a look at the tiles--they match the roof perfectly! The project is expected to be completed well before the dedication ceremony scheduled for after the church service on Sunday September 19th.

UBC making headlines! In the news UBC making headlines! pastor donley speaks out against ice Pastor Doug Donley has been vocal about his and UBC's opposition to the ICE occupation of Minneapolis. He was interviewed by the Minnesota Daily , along with other community members, to talk about the difference between a local perspective and the federal narrative on the situation. "What we’ve shown is a city that will not back down,” Donley said. “A people who will not forsake our neighbors. That, to me, is the core of Christianity: love God and love your neighbor.” Read Article UBC 175 on KSTP KSTP joined us at our Founding Day celebration to recognize 175 years of our congregation! Watch the video to get a recap of the event and see lots of familiar faces. Read the full article here! UBC Pastor Doug Donley was the speaker and musician at the Interfaith Coalition on Immigration (ICOM) prayer vigil 9/9/25 from 7:30-8:30am at ICE Headquarters at Fort Snelling. People of any/all/no faith are invited to join in an hour of prayer and song to show solidarity with detainees and to oppose inhumane detention practices. After each vigil, attendees can choose to observe immigration court proceedings — a powerful opportunity to witness how the deportation system works. These vigils are held every second Tuesday and available on Zoom if you can’t attend in person! See More "Donley said he learned early in his pastoral career to attend to those stigmatized or on the margins. Starting in a Baptist church in Hartford, Conn., and then moving to a church in San Francisco, Donley said he witnessed many friends and classmates suffering during the AIDS and HIV crises and the stigmas that followed. “I found myself dealing with a lot of that gender dysphoria and a lot of people that were really feeling persecuted by not only their gender identity and their sexual orientation, but also by their fear and possibly diagnosis with HIV,” Donley said." Check out this great story about UBC by University of Minnesota Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication student Alexandra DeYoe! READ FULL ARTICLE " As Christians in the U.S., our role in relationship to the violence in Palestine/Israel is often obscured. For centuries, our faith has been used as a tool of empire's greed and Christian supremacy has created the conditions that have led to this present-day violence. There is much to repent for: Christians are responsible for centuries of antisemitic violence, like the Christian-perpetrated Holocaust, which has led to a systemic lack of safety for Jewish people. Christians are responsible for perpetrating centuries of Islamophobic wars and violence against Muslim and Arab countries, which have led to systemic lack of safety for Muslim and Arab peoples. We have not responded to the calls of our Palestinian Christian relatives who for too long have been pleading in vain with Christians around the world to take action in solidarity with their plight. "We have allowed Christian Zionists to be the most influential Christian voice on Palestine/Israel. Christian Zionism is an antisemitic and Islamophobic ideology; Christian Zionists believe that when Jesus returns, all non-Christian people will be destroyed, including the Jewish nationalists who helped hasten the Second Coming. We have allowed our Muslim and Jewish siblings to bear the greatest risks in the struggle for Palestinian rights and a future of safety for all people in the region, though we hold by far the greatest share of the responsibility." READ FULL ARTICLE on STAR TRIBUNE We proudly stand with all the victims of warfare and call for a ceasefire in Gaza. A Prayer for Israel & Palestine by Doug Donley God, point us toward the path of peace. The path is strewn with the shells of homes, the stench of bloodied corpses, the smoke of a thousand dreams. We pause on this path, and tend the wounds of those torn apart in body, mind and spirit. Help us to not demonize an entire race or religion because of the violent actions of the most extreme zealots. And it is our job to forge a path toward peace, while caring for those who have been hurt. READ FULL "PASSING THE PEACE" ARTICLE

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Getting Involved We value our involvement as individuals and as a congregation in issues of importance to society at large. We have used our large building to house many groups including Restorative Justice Community Action, theater groups, other congregations, and local activists. We structure ourselves in Ministry Teams. These teams are passion-driven. If you are passionate about it, we empower you to do it. This is where the Spirit is most active and obvious. Our Ministry Teams include a knitting group, the Worship Planning Team, various study groups, the garden team, the Loaves and Fishes meal program, and so on. You do not have to be a member of the church to be on a ministry team. We want people to be involved in ministry. Go for it! a welcoming and affirming church UBC has a long history of inclusion of all people. We have been actively welcoming and affirming of the LGBTQ community since the early 1980's. We welcome the opportunity to walk and work alongside everyone and anyone who seeks to live out the Gospel of peace, justice and love. We have been celebrating same-sex weddings in our church building for decades and worked hard to make marriage equality a reality in Minnesota. As a piece of history, check out our statement on marriage passed in 2004. We are a founding member church of the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists . In 1991, we were the first American Baptist Church to call an openly lesbian pastor, Nadean Bishop. She served with distinction until her retirement in 2000. In 2005, our Pastor received the Breaking the Silence Award from the University of MN for his work on behalf of the LGBT community. GayChurch.org Sister Church in Leon, Nicaragua UBC established a sister-church relationship with Second Baptist Church of Leon, Nicaragua in 1992 under the guidance of Rev. Dr. Nadean Bishop. Second Baptist Church runs a preK-11th grade school, attached to their church building, consisting of approximately 132 children. Each year we raise money for scholarships for students attending this school which we call the God-Parent Program. We have more recently augmented this relationship with the advent of e-mail correspondence and visits by delegations going both ways! Delegations from UBC visited Nicaragua in 2003, 2010, 2014, and 2023. Doug Donley and Deidre Druk visited Nicaragua with members of The Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America in 2008 and the UBC Bell Choir visited and performed there in 2013. In addition, members Jean Lubke and Deidre Druk visited, each independently: Deidre in 2012 and Jean in 2011 and 2018. We sponsored five members of our Sister Church to visit Minnesota in 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2017. We try to make a visit every year and a half, but the unrest in Nicaragua and the pandemic have hindered our visits since 2018. The delegation that was to travel from Nicaragua to visit us in Minneapolis in the Fall of 2023 was not granted travel visas by the U.S. Embassy in Managua. These visits are a powerful exchange. They deepen our relationships and open our eyes to different cultures. We have deep ties to our friends in Nicaragua! Deidre Druk coordinates this ministry team. If you would like to go on a UBC-sponsored mission trip, you may be eligible for a travel scholarship. You can request a scholarship application from Deidre Druk , or at the church office. Check out our Sister Church's Facebook page . Partners University Baptist Church has a long history of working for social justice, starting with its involvement in the abolition movement in the 1850s. Members and friends of UBC volunteer their time, talents, and resources in a number of vital ministries, working against poverty and homelessness and advocating for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people. Our affiliations and outreach include: Alliance of Baptists American Baptist Churches of the Rochester/Genesee Region of New York State American Baptist Churches, USA Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America: An ecumenical Baptist organization committed to peacemaking and justice-seeking in the US and throughout the world. We are one of about 50 partner congregations with the BPFNA. Many of us attend their annual Summer Conferences as well as the international friendship tours to foster peace and nonviolence. First Congregational Church of Minnesota (FCC): A UCC church near UBC that we partner regularly with on joint services, activism, and social groups. Interfaith Campus Coalition (ICC) : A coalition of campus ministries at the University of Minnesota. UBC is a part of ICC because of its commitment to interfaith dialog, its respect for diversity and religious pluralism, and its efforts to develop a code of ethics for campus ministries that allows religious communities to have a meaningful presence at the University while respecting the boundaries between church and state. Restorative Justice Community Action: Working to reduce repeat offenders, reduce crime overall and strengthen and build community. Soulforce: Members participate in the local and national Soulforce organizations committed to working for justice on behalf of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons using nonviolent tactics. We share our building with many organizations and movements including: Sacred Harp Singers NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Party for Socialism and Liberation

Our Staff & Council We are all ministers. Ministry teams do most of the heavy lifting at UBC. To support them, we have the following council and staff: Church Council Pastor Rev. Doug Donley Treasurer Denise Roy Church life coordinators Margie Garmers & Betty Shaw President Jean Lubke Church Clerk John Medeiros Outreach coordinator Karole Graham UBC Staff Rev. Doug Donley UBC Pastor pastor@ubcmn.org Maura Dunst Marketing Manager marketing@ubcmn.org Trista McGovern Administrative Assistant info@ubcmn.org David Lesniaski Music Director music@ubcmn.org Patrick Mavity Property Manager property@ubcmn.org Allan Edwards Janitor

Members Everyone is welcome at UBC! There are membership classes for those interested in formalizing their presence within the congregation. They happen a few times a year depending on people's schedules. We have a special category of membership for people who expect to be here for a short period of time and want to maintain their membership in their home church. We call this a community/university member. Since we're a Baptist church, we believe that baptism decisions ought to be made by people who are old enough decide for themselves. We call this Believer's Baptism. We practice baptism by immersion. It's a beautiful thing to behold, especially with all of the water sloshing around afterwards. We recognize and accept previous baptisms and confirmations and we don't require you to be re-baptized, unless you want to. Want to learn more about becoming a member? Contact Paula Moyer, who coordinates our new member orientations! paulamoyer52@gmail.com

we have rental space for offices events weddings and more! Next door to one of the largest research universities in the world - a campus of 50,000 students - UBC's building was designed as a hub of activity. Our sanctuary is a beautiful space for weddings and commitment ceremonies as well as music, theater, and public programs. Our lawn and portico provide a lovely green space on a busy corner. We have room to share for renters, too. Tenants in our beautiful space have included not only other congregations but an alternative school, small businesses, artists, musicians, yoga classes, labor organizers, basketball players (we have a gym under the sanctuary), consultants, and more. Rental Spaces Currently Available Rooms for Lease Room 303 - 540 sq ft, non-profit $1,031/mo, for-profit $1,204/mo Room 305 - 675 sq ft, non-profit $1,289/mo, for-profit $1,505/mo Room 309 - 342 sq ft, non-profit $653/mo, for profit $763 Hourly or Special Occasion Gym $20/hr block (2hr minimum) Assembly Room 1,768 sq. ft., $40/hr including kitchen $30/hr without kitchen, 2hr minimum Sanctuary is available for funerals, concerts, and other special occasion rentals at $50/hr Sanctuary is is also available for weddings - see guidelines below Library - $25 for the first hour, $10 for each additional hour Lounge - $25 for the first hour, $10 for each additional hour DETAILS Many rooms have hardwood floors. All rooms are handicap accessible. Utilities are included (small air conditioning or space heater surcharge added). We have many rooms available for meetings, rehearsals, recreations, rituals and performances, including a gym. Room rental spaces are open for month to month leases/contracts. To set up a showing or for more information, please contact us at 612-331-1768 or property@ubcmn.org Inquiring about a funeral or memorial service? Review our FUNERAL/MEMORIAL SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS . Wedding Ceremonies University Baptist Church (UBC) is proud to perform wedding ceremonies for everyone, including the LGBTQA+ community. We are a faith community with a noble tradition of supporting full equality for LGBT people. UBC was the first Baptist Church to appoint an openly lesbian pastor, the Rev. Nadean Bishop, who served from 1992-2000. UBC belongs to the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists and American Baptists Concerned for Sexual Minorities. UBC’s pastor, the Reverend Doug Donley, has been an impassioned advocate of LGBT rights and equality. Doug has held national leadership positions with Soulforce, an organization dedicated to LGBT inclusion and the elimination of spiritual oppression through nonviolent means. Doug is also a founding member of the Coalition for A Respectful U., an inter-faith coalition whose mission is to create a safe and welcoming environment for LGBT students at the University of Minnesota. In 2005, Doug received the University’s Breaking the Silence Award in recognition of his work on behalf of LGBT people. In 2004, under Doug’s leadership, the congregation of UBC passed a statement affirming marriage rights for same-sex couples. UBC Wedding Brochure

Education Education happens at UBC in a variety of ways, including: Forums Bible Study Children's Church Forums These happen every Sunday from 11:30am-12:30pm in the Lounge. The forums are on topics of interest to the congregation but can vary from an informal getting to know you session for new people to a more formal lecture on a topic of interest. Bible Study We offer two bible studies: one that meets from 11:30am-12:30pm on Sundays in the church library, and one that meets the first and third Saturdays at 9am on Zoom. These groups usually looks at a particular book of the Bible taking several weeks or months to investigate the nuances and teachings of the book. Bible study is open to everyone! For Children Children are a central part of life at UBC. Children of all ages are encouraged to be in the service up until the "Children's Time" when the pastor spends time talking to and praying with them. After this, children up to age 10 can go to the nursery where they are cared for by two paid nursery staff. The older children have a Sunday School lesson each week, while the younger children have "circle time" in the nursery where they hear a story and sing a few songs. Below: UBC members meet with forum speaker Mikah Meyer about his Outside Safe Space program to make the great outdoors more accessible to the LGBTQ+ community.

Music at UBC University Baptist Church has a vibrant music program. Music groups at UBC are open to new members at any time. We welcome you to join the fun! The program year begins in early September and runs through mid-May. The handbell season may be longer depending on projects. programs chorale Directed by David Lesniaski The UBC Chorale is an ensemble of about 20 voices that rehearses on Wednesdays from 6:00-7:15 p.m. The Chorale sings a variety of music ranging from classics like the Paulus Pilgrims' Hymn and movements by Haydn or Bach to Spanish-English bilingual variations of Handel's Messiah and compositions by our own choir members. Augmented by several professional section leaders/soloists, the Chorale is the primary musical leadership of our worship. Beyond Sunday worship the Chorale occasionally sings at the homes of homebound congregation members and in special-event partnerships with neighboring churches. Carillon and majors handbell choirs Directed by Jean Lubke Directed by Jean Lubke, the Carillon and Majors Handbell Choirs rehearse on Wednesday nights from 7:30-9:00 p.m. and perform several pieces one Sunday per month for our worship service. This ensemble rings five octaves of Malmark bells and four octaves of chimes performing sacred music, hymn arrangements, and bell arrangements of classical music. The Carillon Choir and Majors Ensemble gave a concert tour in England and Scotland in 2004 and in the Eastern U.S. (Indiana, Ohio, and New York) in 2007, California in 2010, Nicaragua in 2013, and France/Germany in 2017, and Scandinavia in 2022. They are planning their next trip to Finland, Estonia, and Latvia for 2027. sacred harp singing Sacred Harp Singing is hosted by UBC each Tuesday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and the second and fourth Sundays of every month from 4-6 p.m. in Room 303. No musical training or special ability are required to join in this early American Shape-Note style music. Contact fasolamatt@yahoo.com . For more information on singing in the Twin Cities, visit mnfasola.org This congregation proudly counts among its instrumentalists people who play hammer dulcimer, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, ukelele, banjo, fiddle, crumhorn, djembe, acoustic bass, and a number each of guitarists, keyboardists, and recorder players. We love to borrow University of Minnesota music students. Anyone who would like to contribute music to a worship service is heartily encouraged to call the church office or email music@ubcmn.org . Instruments Organ UBC's primary instrument during most services is the pipe organ, having acquired in its earliest days a cabinet organ in the 1870's about twenty years after the congregation was founded. The instrument in our building today, built freestanding in the rear balcony in 1981, is Dobson's Opus 15 (II/30) and replaced Reuter's Opus 237 (III/18) built originally in 1927 in front chambers (with 1969 Moller console). The service of dedication was played by music director Martha Pittenger on October 11, 1981, with a recital the same evening. A booklet published for the organ's inauguration can be seen here . It was the feature instrument of The American Organist journal in October 1982. The project was facilitated by pastor Lee Freeman, organist and choir director Martha Pittenger, consultant Keith Linney, James Moeser of the University of Kansas, and a task force consisting of (at various stages) Jim Ross, Tony Garmers, Siri Kommedahl, Chuck Campbell, Janet Otis, Craig Edwall, Andy Collins, Jim Campbell, Bill Schafer, and Bob Wallace. Harpsichord By 1980 the rear Sanctuary balcony was also home to a one-manual two-rank (8' and 4') 52-note Zuckermann kit harpsichord dating from the late 1960s or early 1970's. Church archives indicate it was probably built by William Gudim of Watertown, Minnesota, and was acquired by UBC between 1976 and 1980. It is used frequently during services as a solo instrument and for accompanying strings or voices on Baroque repertoire. Pianos On the main floor of the Sanctuary lives a Petrof grand piano that was manufactured around the year 2000 in the Bohemian town of Hradec Kralove, about 70 miles east of Prague. Purchased from local resident Linda Hanson in 2008 (who, in addition to not seeing it played as much as she wanted, found its sound too big for her residence), the Petrof replaced the regular use of a Bush & Lane baby grand manufactured in the early decades of the 20th century that had developed a cracked pin block. In the church Lounge resides a 1982 Everett Studio upright piano given by Nancy Myers in 2016. This is the main instrument for leading smaller services in this space and supplies a keyboard for use of the Lounge as a teaching space.