First Unitarian Universalist Church

The congregation of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville was established in 1950. Bruce Draper constructed the First Unitarian Universalist Church location at 1808 Woodmont Boulevard. It opened in 1963 and it is the same building the congregation uses today. Draper cited inspiration for the building’s design from Frank Lloyd Wright who was the architect for the First Unitarian Society in Madison, Wisconsin.

The congregation’s commitment to inclusion and social justice is at the heart of the church’s mission. As such, First Unitarian Universalist has always been an accepting space for Nashville’s LGBTQ community. For example, a group of lesbians began holding dances at the church in December 1978, and shortly after they officially voted to form the Nashville Women’s Alliance or NWA. Many of NWA’s dances at the church were fundraisers to support local outreach, like their publication called “A Newsletter,” which was distributed from 1978-1994. The group also raised money for local women’s health centers, Pride events, and members in need. 

From the 1970s to the 1990s, alliances between Nashville’s LGBTQ community and religious organizations were vital for providing safe meeting spaces and organizing city-wide Pride events. In September 1972, Nashville received its own chapter of the gay-affirming congregation known as the Metropolitan Community Church, originally founded in Los Angeles. MCC Nashville catalyzed queer political and social organizing, and the church began the city’s first Pride celebrations in June 1973. You’ll learn more about Nashville’s first Pride Parade at our next stop, Fannie Mae Dees Park.

Head back to Woodmont Boulevard and take a RIGHT. At the light, take another RIGHT onto Hillsboro Pike. In two miles, go LEFT at Blakemore Avenue then LEFT onto Twenty-Fourth Avenue South. Find street parking and head to the park to see the famous mosaic dragon while you listen to the next stop.