For OCUUC the path to a new sanctuary has been more than a decade in the making - rooted in vision, persistence, and the collective spirit of a devoted congregation that holds love at its center.
The dream began taking shape soon after OCUUC purchased its campus on Mesa Verde Drive East in 2013, just before the arrival of their new minister, Rev. Sian Wiltshire. As Rev. Sian shared in an interview with the Daily Pilot, "the building plans had practically been in the works for as long as the day church leaders purchased the property."
The temporary worship space was meant only to be a fellowship hall. But financial costs of the new location were more than were bargained for and it took a few years to gain the rentals needed to becoming financially stable. Momentum for a new worship space grew in 2018 and 2019 when the congregation began to outgrow its worship space and they launched an ambitious capital campaign. At that time, the projected cost stood at $1.8 million.
Then came COVID-19. The pandemic paused all progress, followed by a backlog of city permits and soaring construction costs driven by supply-chain disruptions and inflation. The price tag ultimately rose to over $3 million - an extraordinary hurdle for a 140-member congregation.
Still, the OCUUC community pressed on. Over five years, members pledged an impressive $1,796,238 across three sanctuary campaigns and additional fundraising. The church also received generous grants from the Spirit Level Foundation, totaling $700,000.
Although the lengthy delay increased construction costs, it also brought an unexpected blessing. With the building sitting vacant during the extended fundraising and permitting period, OCUUC opened the space to serve as temporary housing for Ukrainian refugees - spearheaded by a congregant’s efforts to support families fleeing the war. What began as a setback became an act of solidarity and compassion, embodying the congregation’s commitment to welcome and justice; 147 individuals (plus cats and dogs!) were provided housing both at the shelter and in congregant’s houses. Relationships were formed that continue to this day.
Groundbreaking took place on September 1, 2024, as the congregation gathered in the courtyard after worship to bless the beginning of construction. Less than a year later, on August 17th, 2025, OCUUC joyfully moved into its new sanctuary - an open, light-filled space designed for worship, music, community, and justice-centered ministry.
The goals and purposes of the Sanctuary are:
- Provides worship space that is meditative, tranquil, spiritual, and inspirational.
- Allows for fostering growth of the congregation and increases our influence in Orange County.
- Promotes community outreach through church-hosted concerts, film series, educational opportunities, and lectures.
- Provides for opportunities to generate rental revenue by serving as a site for weddings, etc. and for sharing worship space with other congregations.
The new sanctuary was formally celebrated during OCUUC’s Dedication and Open House, September 6-7, 2025 with community and UUA leaders joining them. For this resilient and hopeful congregation, the building stands as a testament to the lived UU Shared Values of Generosity, Justice and Transformation, holding Love always at its center.