Our Lead Minister Rev. Krista Taves Welcomes You!
Welcome to Eliot Chapel!
This is a liberal religious community where we have pledged to love courageously, to grow spiritually, and to inspire compassionate action. In this faith, we often say that we don't have to believe alike to love alike. We come from different backgrounds and different perspectives, different understandings of the holy. We're rooted in the here and now and the belief that each one of us is worthy of dignity and love. I'm thankful that you're interested in our congregation and in Unitarian Universalism. If you have any questions or thoughts, please don't hesitate to reach out to welcome@eliotchapel.org. Have a blessed day.
— Rev. Krista Taves
Sundays at Eliot Chapel
We welcome you to this Beloved Community! The best way to learn about Eliot Chapel is to come to a worship service. We look forward to seeing you! We meet in our historic Sanctuary on Sundays at 9:45 and 11:15 am. Find out more about visiting on Sunday.
To get a taste of Eliot beforehand, you can watch a recently recorded service video.
Guest Form
If you’re visiting, we’d love to be able to welcome you! Fill out our guest form, and you’ll be put in touch with our Welcome Team who can answer any of your questions. We’ll make you a nametag so you can be greeted on your next visit! And you can: make specific requests such as learning about our Children’s Religious Education Program, our small group gatherings or classes, and about Unitarian Universalism; request to speak with a minister; and more!
Who We Are
Founded in 1959, Eliot Unitarian Chapel is a place of worship, friendship, acceptance, social awareness, and community action. Today, Eliot stands as a pillar in our Kirkwood community, with enthusiastic members and friends from around the metro area who care for each other and the world around us.
A Welcoming Congregation
Eliot Chapel is proud to be an official Welcoming Congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association since 2003. As Unitarian Universalists, we not only open our doors to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, we value diversity of sexuality and gender and see it as a spiritual gift. We create inclusive religious communities and work for LGBTQ justice and equity as a core part of who we are. All of who you are is sacred. All of who you are is welcome.
Our History
Unitarianism came to St. Louis in 1834 when William Greenleaf Eliot, Jr. was called as minister by a group of St. Louisans who wanted a liberal church. In 1953, five west county couples from First Church in the Central West End started a twice monthly Sunday afternoon family forum at the Kirkwood YMCA and decided to hold Sunday services as well. In 1955, they adopted the name Eliot Chapel (named after William Greenleaf Eliot, Jr.) and called their first minister. In 1961, Eliot Chapel purchased its current English Gothic Revival home from Grace Episcopal Church.
What Is Unitarian Universalism?
Unitarian Universalism is a caring, open-minded religion that encourages you to seek your own spiritual path. Our faith draws on many religious sources, welcoming people with different beliefs. We are united by shared values, not by creed or dogma. Our congregations are places where people gather to nurture their spirits and put their faith into action by helping to make our communities—and the world—a better place.
What's Happening at Eliot Chapel
Each Friday afternoon, This Week at Eliot is delivered by email and shared on the Eliot Chapel website and social media. In this weekly blast, you'll find information about the Sunday service, details of current religious education programming for children and youth, news from around the congregation, events and activities happening that week and beyond, and more! Sign up to receive it!
Our calendar has the most up to date information about what’s happening when at Eliot Chapel.
New Member Form
When you join a Unitarian Universalist congregation, you are joining the people of the congregation. Membership is covenantal, each of us making a sacred promise to walk together.
When you decide that Eliot Chapel is your spiritual home, we welcome you to fill out the New Member Form and
join our community as a member.
