On a rainy Sunday, late in May 1966, three members of the First Unitarian Society in Minneapolis on their way home from church stopped at a small Episcopal church at East River Road and Mississippi Street in Fridley. They had heard the building was about to be sold. They decided the facilities would be just right for a fellowship to serve the Unitarians in Anoka County. That afternoon they, with three other couples, decided to found a fellowship.
On June 1, 1966, an organizational meeting was held. Twenty-three Unitarians signed as charter members, a board of trustees was elected, and articles of incorporation were drawn up. Michael Servetus Unitarian Society (MSUS) was chosen as the name of the new fellowship in honor of the first Unitarian martyr. To help provide income for operating expenses, an auction was held on Labor Day, 1966. The auction became an annual tradition that lasted 40 years.
Four years later in 1970, the land where our church now stands was aquired. A Fellowship Hall was constructed on the site. The original sanctuary, which was moved from the East River Road site, became the second story of the church with seating for 72.
Many activities have been developed over the years to meed the needs and interests of the members. MSUS has supported a number of social action programs. Sunday Services have been held covering a wide range of topics. Members have participated in a variety of social events. The needs of the children have been provided by the Religious Education program. At one time attendence at the Sunday School was large enough to warrant rental of additional space at the former Riverwood school off East River Road. A part time Director of Religious Education has been employed as needed.
In the fall of 1990, after four years of planning, a major construction project took place, preserving the historic sanctuary and giving the building the character of an early New England meeting house, appropriate for the roots and heritage of the denomination. The sanctuary was moved to ground level and enlarged to seat 106. A new lobby was built on to connect the sanctuary to the original Fellowship Hall. A second story, built on top of the Fellowship Hall, was added to house classrooms, a multi-purpose classroom-library-meeting room, and offices.
In 2002, again after several years of preparation, MSUS called its first minister, to serve part time, expanding the society's ability to minister to its members. In 2006 the first minister left and the society embarked on two years of interim ministry in preparation for calling a minister in 2008.
Michael Servetus Unitiarian Society's present program and facility truly represent the sustained and united efforts of planning and work by many individuals.
