In the News

The Spirit of Memphis: This city’s faith community joins together when it needs to.

Memphis Magazine - August 13, 2019

“There is a gracefulness to the Memphis energy, an undercurrent of care in the chaos.”

Church of the River has plans for playground, amenities at Big River Crossing

The Commercial Appeal - September 3, 2019

“The church has big plans for the well-situated piece of property: If they can raise the funds, they want to transform it into a “family-friendly destination” where people enjoying the Big River Crossing can stop to take a break, have a sip of water and enjoy a playground.”

Church of the River hopes to bring new playground to Big River Crossing

WMC Action News 5 - September 4, 2019

Learn more about the big plans that The Unitarian Church called the Church of the River has in mind. “We want to be good neighbors. We’ve got the property. We don’t have the means to do all the equipment so to us it’s sort of a win win,” said church member Rod Starns.

To the Syrian grandmother: Your family has found open arms in Memphis

The Commercial Appeal - November 21, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving, Mrs. Daghestani. Here in Memphis, Thanksgiving is the one day each year we give thanks we can eat something that isn't barbecued or fried...

Local lab expands, moves from Medical District

Memphis Business Journal - May 22, 2017

A Memphis-based lab and sample management services company with small, mid-sized, and large pharmaceutical and medical device clients has announced its expansion. CirQuest Labs LLC is moving from its home in the Medical District to a 18,550-square-foot laboratory facility and office space in...

Church of the River calls new pastor

The Commercial Appeal - May, 2017

The congregation of First Unitarian Church of Memphis voted unanimously Sunday to call Rev. Sam Teitel of Boston as the new minister, replacing longtime Rev. Burton Carley.

Church of the River Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Memphis Magazine - January, 2016

Reverend Eric Posa, interim minister of First Unitarian Church of Memphis, admits that there are times when he’s been on the pulpit that he’s seen congregants’ eyes drift … mostly from left to right.

The Veterans History Project: A Labor of Love and Meaning

American Red Cross of Mid-South - April 8, 2015
By Paul W. Cook, Mid-South Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer

I think I must have been five or six years old when I interviewed my first veteran. Of course, it was a “what did you do in the war, Daddy?” interview.

Rev. Carley retiring after 32 years at Church of the River

The Commercial Appeal - March 13, 2015

Rev. Burton D. Carley, who has been the minister of the First Unitarian Church of Memphis longer than anyone in its 122-year history, is retiring in July.