People—John Goldthwait

By March, 1968, the Committee to Recommend a Minister (CRAM) had formed and recommended Rev. John Goldthwait by October of that year.  John was a recent graduate of the Starr-King Theological School, a Unitarian seminary in California. The congregation unanimously voted to call him as our first full-time minister, and he began on November 25, 1968.

Before coming to Augusta, John had served the Unitarian Universalist Association Overseas and Interfaith Relations Department in Japan for a year.  He introduced Encounter Groups, and his wife Barbara led a Dance Workshop at the church.  His sermons were considered avant-garde. Casual attire was the norm.
Text Box: Chronicle of Churches 1/25/1969 UNITARIAN CHURCH OF AUGUSTA Walton Way at Jackson Rd. P. 0. Box 2945 Augusta, Georgia 30904 JOHN A, GOLDTHWAIT, Minister WALTER W. DIGGS, President SUNDAY 10:30 Sunday School for children. Nursery Care is Available. 10:30 Ordination and Installation of John A. Goldthwait as first minister to the Unitarian Church of Augusta. Special Address by Dr. Robert Kimball. President of the Starr- King School for the Ministry, Berkley, Calif. A reception will follow the ceremonies. Chronicle of Churches 5/2/1970 UNITARIAN CHURCH OF AUGUSTA Walton Way at Jackson Rd. P. O. Box 2945 Augusta, Georgia 30904 John A. Goldthwait, Minister Rosemary Morris, President SUNDAY 10:30 Nursery Care and Supervised Care. 10:30 "In the Valley of the Shadow of Death," a sermon by John Goldthwait concern- ing fear which cripples life and prevents the emergence of the full potential of a person. Coffee and Discussion follow the service. Visitors are cordially invited to attend. For Further Information, please call Rev. Goldthwait (738-1732 or Mrs. Morris (738-4169). Text Box: Unitarian series slated The Unitarian Church of Augusta will begin a series of programs at 8 p.m. Monday entitled "Principles of Fire Making and Related Arts." Rev. John Goldthwait will present the program "Zen Buddhism and Japan". Those participating are requested to bring a pillow to sit upon.

Until 1993, when we developed a new Mission Statement, this statement of purpose indicated our mission in our Sunday Bulletins and in our membership directories.  This chalice was used as our logo for many years.

Augusta Chronicle

Monday morning, May 18, 1970