Directions:
Directions to the First Unitarian Church in New Bedford
COMING FROM SOUTH, WEST OR EAST:
From Rte 195 take “Downtown” Exit (15) at Rte. 18. Go through first stoplight. At next stoplight (Union Street) turn right, go up hill until Eighth Street (last right before County Street lights). Turn right onto Eighth Street for handicapped parking lot access. Stone church on left is the Unitarian Church and the parking lot is behind the building.
COMING FROM NORTH
Take Rte 495 S or Rte128 South to 24 South. Take Rte 140 South to New Bedford. Take the Rte 195 East exit and follow the directions above.
The First Unitarian Church of New Bedford is a gothic, stone church located on Union Street, between Eighth and County Streets. The main church entrance is on Union Street. The Parish House may be entered through the double green doors on Eighth Street or the handicapped entrance from the parking lot. Our parking lot is very small. Please leave parking available for those in need of the handicapped entrance. On-street parking is available on all surrounding streets (meters not in use on Sundays).
First Unitarian Church
71 Eighth Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 994-9686
Office:
Phone: 508-994-9686
Fax: 508-994-9687
Email: NBU718@aol.com
Minister’s Email: rrnross@post.harvard.edu
Office hours: Mon-Fri, 9-1 (office closed in July and August)
Mail:
First Unitarian Church in New Bedford
71 8th St.
New Bedford, MA 02740
Sunday staff:
Dr. Robert Ross, Minister
The Rev. Dr. Robert R.N. Ross, Interim Minister at First Unitarian in New Bedford, is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister who works specifically with congregations in transition. He also has been adjunct professor at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and Starr King School for the Ministry/Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, where he teaches courses in Philosophy and the Study of Religion. Dr. Ross has been Teaching Fellow at Harvard University, a Philosophy professor at Skidmore College, a Consulting Engineer at Digital Equipment Corporation, where he holds patents in the design of complex, heterogeneous computer networks, and a Senior Consultant at the National Academy of Public Administration, where he has worked with large-scale organizations and agencies in transition. His most recent book, Walking to New Orleans. Ethics and the Concept of Participatory Design in Post-Disaster Reconstruction was published last fall. Robert is an active surfer, kayaker, and leads the Cajun-Zydeco band les cigognes.
Yasmin Flefleh-Vincent, Director of Religious Education
Our extraordinarily creative DRE began here in September of 2011 and immediately created the Way Cool Sunday School, which is exactly as it’s name implies…WAY COOL! Our Sunday School kids can’t wait to get in and start working on their next project! Yasmin always has something fun and interesting for them. With a background in teaching and an amazingly positive attitude, Yasmin has transformed our Sunday School into a place where kids love to learn!
Randy Fayan, Music Director
Randy, a graduate of Brown University, is our amazingly versatile, irrepressible, enthusiastic organist-pianist. He studied classical piano under Linda Jorle and Diana Smirnov and studied organ under Donald Dame. His keyboard work is bright and spirited, and wonderfully varied from classical to jazz, to folk, to modern. He has a background in choral accompaniment, and is also an accomplished performer on the accordion.Randy has a small Web site with recordings of some of his performances.
Priscilla Harrison Bates, DMin, MDiv – Ministerial Intern 2011-2012
Whaling City native Priscilla Harrison Bates returns to New Bedford and Unitarian-Universalism after sixteen years of congregational leadership in Episcopal parishes in Oregon, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Raised Roman Catholic, Priscilla became an active Unitarian-Universalist after being invited to attend a Sunday service at First Unitarian in 1973. Her spiritual and religious quest led her to Harvard Divinity School to prepare for UU ordained ministry. While at Harvard, where Divinity students were encouraged to consider the “critical re-appropriation of one’s faith tradition,“ Priscilla, unwilling to go back to Rome, was compelled to explore the road to Canterbury.
Priscilla served a number of small and mid-sized urban parishes as seminarian, director of social action ministries, and adult religious educator. In addition, she served on vestries, chaired numerous parish committees, and was active in all aspects of liturgical ministry. Excited and energized by her return to the liberal religious tradition, Priscilla will play an active role in this congregation’s ministry in Greater New Bedford in such areas as parish growth, New Member outreach, and worship. Please feel free to contact Priscilla at firstunitarian718@gmail.com or speak to her after Sunday services.
Arthur Green
Arthur Green is our friendly Sunday Sexton. With a background as a maintenance mechanic, he’s the one who’s responsible for opening up the building and making sure everything is ready for the weekly worship services. He also serves as sexton for occasional special events.
Brenda Andre, Kitchen Superviser
When you come to Social Hour, the busy woman you see working in the kitchen is likely to be Brenda. She oversees the kitchen on Sunday, and is available to help our Child Care Provider if needed.
Bay Gammons, Child Care
Weekday staff:
Linda Fredette, Church Administrator
Linda is a busy mom who does a lot of volunteer work in her community. Linda is always willing to help in any way, so feel free to call the office and let her know what she can do to help!
Anthony Gonsalves, Sexton
With a background in electrical and HVAC work, Tony Gonsalves works part-time as our sexton, overseeing the maintenance of our historic building. He also has a background in other building trades, computers, and industrial processes. His vast store of knowledge and abilities help keep the building and grounds in top operating condition. Besides all that, Tony is just a really nice person to have around.
Vikki McMaster, Bookeeper
Vikki is our phenomenal bookkeeper who keeps us all in line. She is a fantastic mom of two beautiful children and the PTA treasurer of her son’s school. She is incredibly organized, which is good because she is also incredibly busy. We are very lucky to have her expertise and bubbly personality to brighten up the church office.
Committees
Welcoming Congregation—Bill Bennett & Niko Tarini
Green Sanctuary—Carol Kolek
RE Committee—Cora Peirce & Truddi Santos
Endowment—Carlton Dasent
Garden—Nancy Crosby
Membership Development—Jean Kellaway
Religious Services—Jorge Pereira
Women’s Alliance—Pam Sherman
House and Grounds—Richard Pline
