Tap the play button to listen to the narration. FUSF first obtained Welcoming Congregation Team status from the Unitarian Universalist Association in 1993. Each year our team makes sure our congregation meets the UUA Welcoming Congregation requirements and creates a safe and loving space for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, plus other. These requirements include: annual recognition and celebration of the Welcoming Days of Observance, incorporating two Welcoming worship … Continue reading Audio Tour Stop 9 – Welcoming Congregation Certificate

Tap the play button to listen to the narration. Our foyer is the gathering center of our building. This is the space where we join in conversation and community following service during our Fellowship Cafe time. As you wander around the foyer, please note these highlights: near the pass-through window is displayed the prestigious Bennet Award, presented to FUSF in 2025. The First Universalist Society in Franklin was one of only four congregations nationwide selected … Continue reading Audio Tour Stop 8 – Foyer

Tap the play button to listen to the narration. As you near the History Wall, take time to admire the beautiful stained glass window, saved in its entirety from Grace Chapel, one of our earlier buildings. FUSF has a deep and important history in the town of Franklin. On this wall hangs a portrait of Oliver Dean, our earliest benefactor. Dean donated the land for the newly-formed Universalist Society in Franklin and for Dean Academy, … Continue reading Audio Tour Stop 7 – History Wall

Tap the play button to listen to the narration. Like our sanctuary, our chancel serves multiple purposes. Of course this is the center of most worship services, but it also serves as a stage for plays, musical performances, and recitals. The well-known Circle of Friends Coffeehouse has hosted numerous performances here. Additionally, our space is regularly used by Temple Etz Chaim for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and local music teachers for student recitals.   Some historical … Continue reading Audio Tour Stop 6 – Chancel

Tap the play button to listen to the narration. Our Art Wall began as a practical solution for creating additional storage space. Behind the wall are additional chairs and other supplies needed for worship. The use of the front-facing part of the wall as an art installation allowed this practical wall to become a beautiful addition to our sanctuary. The FUSF Art Wall has hosted more than 60 exhibits since its creation in 2013. Many … Continue reading Audio Tour Stop 5 – Art Wall

Tap the play button to listen to the narration. Our beautiful quilted chalice wall hanging was the first piece of art work to be displayed when we opened our new building in 2001. This original chalice design was created and completed by a congregant. The chalice on the quilt represents our commitment to our Unitarian Universalist roots, signifying the sacredness of both the individual and community. It stands as a light of reason, understanding, and … Continue reading Audio Tour Stop 4 – Chalice Quilt

Tap the play button to listen to the narration. Unlike wooden pews, our green chairs provide flexible seating for the many activities that happen in this space. The chairs were selected for comfort, ease of arrangement, and the ability to be quickly stacked. Depending on when you visit, you may find the chairs arranged in rows, circles, or placed around tables. Our sanctuary can seat up to 300. Notice that many of these chairs have … Continue reading Audio Tour Stop 3 – Green Chairs

Tap the play button to listen to the narration. Welcome to the First Universalist Society in Franklin’s sanctuary. This is a space meant to bring comfort, a sense of calm, and peace. It is a space intended to welcome all. Our sanctuary may look different from many you have visited before. This was intentional. The versatile space was planned to hold not only worship, but concerts, dances, meditations, celebrations, discussions, meals…the list is endless. Take … Continue reading Audio Tour Stop 2 – Sanctuary