Meet our minister: The Rev. Melanie Morel-Ensminger
Our minister was born in New Orleans in 1952 to parents active in organized labor. Influenced by her activist parents, from an early age she was interested in politics and social justice. She began attending First Church in the early 1980s and was ordained during the church’s 160th anniversary, February 26, 1993. She has served in various congregations around the world.
Hurricane Katrina’s devastation in 2005 caused Rev. Melanie much heartache, and it was with great joy and relief that she came home to serve as Consulting Minister at First Church in September 2007. Learn More.
View the UUA Video: “Unitarian Universalists Rebuild New Orleans”
There is a new video on the Unitarian Universalist Association website about the three GNOUU churches and the Center for Ethical Living and Social Justice Renewal! Watch it on Youtube (approx. 8 minutes).
“The three Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations in New Orleans, like the city itself, were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. However that devastation became an inspiration, not an obstacle, to the members of all three churches. Their resilience and determination have been in evidence every day of the last five years as they rebuild not only their churches, but the city of New Orleans itself.”
Why My Family and I Attend FUUNO
For our family, FUUNO is about history and tradition—about being part of Unitarianism, which has been around for centuries, and being a part of a congregation that has been meeting for more than 175 years! As a father, this church is about setting a religious foundation for my kids—they learn about worship, friendship and sharing.
For my wife and me this church brings us into fellowship with good people from many backgrounds—Sundays are now about spiritual reflection alongside a richly diverse group of caring people. Come join us. —Neil Boris, FUUNO member since 2008
The History of the Gordon Sisters' Window
Kate (1861-1932) and Jean (1865-1931) Gordon were well-known and respected for their achievements in political and social reform. Their parents were members of the progressive First Unitarian Church of New Orleans. In the 1930s, Fanny Gordon gave to the First Unitarian Universalist Church a window commemorating the lives of her sisters.
The Gordon Window was relegated to storage when the first Jefferson Avenue church was rebuilt in the 1950s. In the 1990s the pieces of the window were rediscovered and the congregation began a restoration campaign. The window was further damaged during Hurricane Katrina, but was finally reassembled and rededicated on September 20, 2009.
What is Unitarian Universalism?
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition that combines Unitarianism and Universalism. Unitarianism began with belief in the unity of God and later went on to stress the importance of rational thinking, a direct relationship with God, and the humanity of Jesus. The central belief of Universalism is universal salvation.
In America, the Universalist Church of America was founded in 1793, the American Unitarian Association in 1825, and the two churches merged in 1961. Learn more about UUs, our seven principles, and the history of First Church New Orleans.
Dedicate a brick in our Stepping Stones Campaign
The goal of the FUUNO Stepping Stones Campaign is to provide a safe, accessible, welcoming entrance to the church with a dedicated brick memorial. Members and Friends of FUUNO can pave the way to this transformation. Once the campaign has raised 1000 bricks, installation will begin, and the entrance will fulfill its mission as a pathway to Unitarian Universalism in New Orleans. Friends can engrave a message on the bricks that will forever remain the foundation to FUUNO’s service in the wider community. Donate Now
