2026 Universalist Convocation
Theme
Southern Universalism
Below is a SAMPLE program for the Universalist Convocation.
Friday, May 15
| Time | Event |
| 3:00 – 6:00 pm | Check-in (Additional check-in on Saturday morning) |
| 5:30 – 6:30 | Reception with the speakers Social Time / Soda, Snacks |
| 6:30 | Please make your own dinner arrangements. Suggestions will be provided. |
Saturday, May 16
| Time | Event |
| 8:30 – 9:30 am | Check-in Social Time Coffee/Tea, Muffins |
| 9:30 – 10:00 | Welcome comments: Universalist Convocation (Jay Kiskel), Board President of Clayton Memorial Church (Noel Bullard) |
| 10:00 – 10:15 | Invocation: TBD |
| 10:15 – 10:30 | Break |
| 10:30 – 11:45 | Workshop 1: Origins of Southern Universalism. Originally presented at the 2019 UU History and Heritage Baltimore History Convocation, this presentation will uncover the roots of Southern Universalism from the German Baptist Brethren community to the formation of the South Carolina Universalism Convention. Presenter: Jay Kiskel |
| 11:45 – 12:45 | Lunch provided on-site (included in registration) |
| 12:45 – 1:15 | Group Photo |
| 1:15 – 3:15 | Workshop 1: The Road Not Taken. Covers the Universalist response to the challenge of humanism, and is defined by the Washington-Andover declaration of faith (1935, revised 1953) and the Off-Center Cross (1946). Richard Trudeau. |
| 3:15 – 3:45 | Workshop 2: Video presentation. Rev. Rhett Baird, a tireless Universalist circuit-rider and speaker at the first 1990 Universalist Convocation, will share thoughts and stories. |
| 3:45 – 4:15 | Universalist Convocation Business Meeting (all are invited to attend) |
| 4:15 – 4:45 | David Damico, Editor of the Universalist Herald. The Oldest Continuously Published Liberal Religious Periodical in North America (confirmation pending) |
| 4:45 – 6:00 | Workshop 3: TBD (May remove based on time needs of all speakers) |
| 6:00 | Please make your own dinner arrangements. Suggestions will be provided. |
Sunday, September 22
| Time | Event |
| 10:00 – 10:30 am | Welcome |
| 10:30 – 11:30 | Worship Service, Sunday Service to be presented by Rev. Richard Trudeau, Universalist Convocation |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Coffee Hour provided by members of the Clayton Memorial |
