Submitted by Bart Solomon

This is my first column as President of UUCC and I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. I am a life-long resident of the Chattanooga area having been raised in East Ridge by my parents Ray and Helen Solomon and my six brothers and sisters. Literally, my sisters raised me too as I was the youngest. Some of you may have seen my sister Rose Ann Copeland who comes to church often and my brother and sister-in-law, Lee and Peggy Solomon.

My memories of UUCC go back as far as I can remember as my parents helped found the church in the 1950’s before I was born in 1963. I have vague memories of the church meeting at Spring Creek elementary school but most of my memories are of our church at its present location but with only one floor. When I see the big pine trees that separate our property from the interstate I recall planting those trees with my father and our boy scout troop. During my elementary school years our church helped in the fight to remove bible class from the public schools. This fight was ultimately successful using other Plaintiffs and not my family. However, I can remember our church’s involvement at the time and that I chose to sit in class during the bible instruction (I think mostly to keep from being shunned like my older brother Lee who sat out in the hall).

I spent my teen years in UUCC’s RE program learning about other religions, going to the Mountain and taking the OWL class. As many young people I stopped coming regularly to the church while I attended UTC and then law school (maybe this is a dynamic we should work to change). I returned to Chattanooga to practice law in 1988 and started attending regularly in about 1992. Shortly after, one Sunday I went along with the after-church lunch crowd and met my lovely wife Diana. Diana’s parents, Bill and Martha Berry, attended the church as well and Martha still sings with us in the choir.

In 1995 and 1998 my two daughters, Haley and Lauren, were dedicated at the church and both attended RE all the way through graduation from high school. They are presently both attending UTC. When I am not working as an injury and disability lawyer in Dalton, Diana and I enjoy spending time on the lake, hiking, snow skiing and vacations in general. Now that we are empty-nesters we enjoy the peace and quite of our household and going out to eat.

As you can see, UUCC has been an important part of my life for all of my life. I take seriously my obligation to do my part to help build on the foundation and legacy of this church that my parents and so many others gave to us. In coming articles I will keep you informed of the goals and vision for the future that I am hopeful this Board can work on with your help.

~ Bart Solomon