The Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton was founded in 1825 as a Universalist congregation. Its first building, a brick structure with a wooden tower, was dedicated in 1829 and used until 1897, when the present Canton gray marble church was dedicated. Through the efforts of members of our church, St. Lawrence University and its Theological School were founded in 1856. The presence of the Theological School, which closed in 1965, brought many well-known Universalist and Unitarian ministers and religious educators to our church community.

Our 230-member congregation is organized democratically. The congregation, by majority vote, chooses its own ministers and has final authority over all aspects of church life. The congregation elects a Church Council to whom it delegates much of the business and policy-making of the church. Programs are planned and coordinated by a variety of committees which oversee worship, religious education, outreach to newcomers, social action, care of our building and grounds, our Memorial Garden, and many other areas. Ours is a diverse and inclusive religious community, welcoming the full participation of all without regard to race, class, gender, sexual orientation, or physical challenge.

To maintain our building, staff, and programs, our church is supported financially by the pledges of its members and friends, and by a few special fund raising activities. Each fall, the congregation approves an operating budget based on the projected income, and we hold a pledge campaign during which each of us is asked to make a financial commitment in accordance with our circumstances.