Beacon Congregation Members Express Support for Application to Move to Former Red Cross Location

Members of Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation (Beacon) are expressing support for an application in front of the Summit Zoning Board to relocate its congregation to the former Red Cross property. Many Summit residents have been members of Beacon over the years and support Beacon’s application to relocate and grow the church.

“In the 117 years it has been part of the Summit community, Beacon has helped Summit residents mark major milestones in their lives – from births to marriages and funerals,” said Rev. Robin Tanner, Minister, Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation. “We are hoping to build a new house of worship that allows us to continue serving the community for many more years while better accommodating our members’ needs.”

The new place of worship better reflects Beacon’s values. At the new location, the congregation will be able to worship together under one service, Beacon will be better able to accommodate the needs of its members, members will be able to enjoy outdoor space with a new walking labyrinth, and more. Below are statements of support from some of Beacon’s members:

STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT FROM BEACON MEMBERS

“Moving to the new property is the key to us building a strong multigenerational, multicultural community. Going from a tiny property of less than a quarter of an acre to a new one of 1.7 acres, opens up endless opportunities. For the first time, our children will have space to play outdoors; our elderly members will be able to park on site and our members who have physical disabilities will be able to speak from the podium. In addition, our members who have a Jewish or other non-Christian heritage will feel more at home in a building that is not so clearly a church.”

— Carol Conger Miller

“Today, young people say they feel increasingly disconnected from a sense of belonging, meaning and purpose. Religious organizations can and should be on the front lines in addressing those needs. My parents chose to raise us in Summit and in the Unitarian Church (now known as Beacon) because they wanted to give us the gift of a caring, thinking, supportive community. Beacon’s proposed new building would provide room for Beacon and Summit to grow both physically and spiritually for many years to come.”

— Kit Stinson

“Beautiful groupings of trees and shrubs will be added to the borders between the city-owned land and the Beacon property. Many–like the red maples, black gum and clumps of redbuds–should provide lovely fall color. Eye-catching shrubs, like oakleaf hydrangeas and fothergilla, along with plantings of flowering perennials, will enhance the grassy slope facing Springfield Avenue. And there will be more than a dozen new magnolia trees, with those magnificent spring blossoms, which I love."

— Jean Crichton

“It’s a poetic building, inspired by natural forms, that expresses openness and connections with nature. It will be surrounded by gardens, and will be highly sustainable and accessible. It is continuing Summit’s rich tradition of being home to a diverse range of dynamic religious institutions that enrich the community.”

— Steve Cramer

“The expansion of our Beacon Unitarian Universalist Church is an essential advancement for the entire Summit community. For more than one hundred years, we have provided active support for families and individuals for all of the important moments of life. We recognize and applaud people for who they are, and we help make Summit and the world a more productive, joyous place to be. I can’t think of anything more important at this moment than that.”

— Stephanie Faison

“Opening a new building for Beacon UU is more than just expanding our space—it’s a living expression of our faith in action. It reflects our commitment to inclusion, justice, and community, creating a sacred place where we can grow together, live our values boldly, and welcome all who seek connection, meaning, and hope.”

— Carol Satchell