Universalist Convention of North Carolina, INC (UCONCI)

The Universalist Convention of North Carolina, Inc. (UCONCI) was first organized in 1895 to promote the coordinated growth of Universalism in eastern North Carolina. At that time, some very energetic circuit riders were increasing the number of churches in the rural areas of our state and also in South Carolina and Virginia. Reorganization in 1905 led to a charter of incorporation, and even as the tide of enthusiasm for the Universalist denomination ebbed with the subsequent liberalization among other more populous denominations in the area, this organization has held its ground and abides today to assure mutual support (both financial and social) among the congregations it serves.

We serve as an oasis of reasonable religion in this "Bible belt" area and when people who have been disillusioned from more fundamentalist origins find us, it is with relief--and they are usually able to gather hope for the future through an organized source of worship based in love instead of fear. Our congregations are inclusive and diverse in beliefs and forms of worship services, as well as in community support, with varied and numerous efforts to actively improve the conditions we find in our neighborhoods.

We currently have ten member Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist churches and fellowships with another anticipating full membership this year. These extend from the Piedmont to the coast, with most of the groups in the Coastal Plain.

We also maintain a summer campground called Shelter Neck in the countryside less than an hour's drive from the beaches of Topsail Island, and about 15 minutes from Interstate highway 40. This is the home of one of the very first Unitarian churches in North Carolina, the Shelter Neck Chapel, built and dedicated in 1902. We have a good time and enjoy getting together to have workshops, seminars, retreats, and summer youth camps with lots of recreation and conversation.