Buildings & Grounds
Indoor and Outdoor Space
The Sanctuary
You are invited to explore the woods, sculptures, and meditation garden outdoors anytime during the week. Indoor spaces are used throughout the week by members and friends, as well as by community organizations. The wood pulpit was made by Jim Woodruff as was the glass table currently located in front of the large window overlooking the memorial woods. The chalice fabric hanging from the pulpit was made by UUFA member Scott Mason.
For more about using our space go to Rental Information.
Building & Grounds Committee
Fellowship Facility History
The original building was completed in 1992, thanks to generous donors and far-sighted members. The original building was designed by architect David W. Osler, of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The building and grounds were renovated and expanded in 2018 based on designs by Houser Walker Architects of Atlanta and Koons Environmental Design of Athens. For more information on the expansion and renovation project, click on the Expanding Our Vision page.
Outdoor Artwork
Outdoor sculptures by two artists in Athens, Harold Rittenberry, Jr., and Robert Clements, decorate UUFA grounds.
Gateway to the Memorial Woods

UUFA’s first minister, Clif Hoffman, his wife, and one of their two sons all returned to the earth which lies beneath the benches and slates in the wooded alcove near the former labyrinth. Since then, other members have chosen these sacred woods for their scattered or buried cremains. An arch created by Dan Leissner and installed by Dan and his mother, UUFA member Barbara Leissner, leads to the Memorial Woods. Contact the Congregational Administrator for more information on this.
Memorial Wall and Terrace

UUFA’s new memorial area was made possible by the generous donations of two families who envisioned a special outdoor place to remember family they loved and lost. The donors wish to remain unnamed, though we greatly appreciate their gift. The wall and terrace were designed by Julene Anderson and built by Bud Newton in 2013. Members and friends are invited to sit, remember, and rest in this sacred space accessible to wheeled walkers and wheelchairs. The memorial wall will hold plaques to commemorate loved ones who have died. The memorial area was dedicated on October 27, 2013. Please contact the Minister or Congregational Administrator if you have questions about ash scattering or burial in UUFA’s wooded areas.
Former Zen Meditation Garden & Pond

Prior to UUFA’s renovations, at the front of the building, there was a Zen garden and pond created by Chuck and Suzanne Murphy. The grouping of three stones in a bed near the front window is a traditional element in a Zen garden, with the tall stone representing the sky, the medium stone representing man, and the flat stone representing the earth. The garden design includes a sand bed so that members and visitors can use the rake in the entryway if they feel inclined to express themselves. The pond is very popular with visitors of all ages because it’s populated with fish, frogs, snails and water lilies. The garden area was dedicated on May 27, 2012. Look for the creation of new meditation spaces in the coming year!