Augusta church welcomes new full-time minister

The congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Augusta unanimously voted Feb. 11 to call the Rev. Donna Dolham as its next full-time minister.

“We are delighted and so fortunate that Rev. Donna will be with us,” said UUCC Board president Michaela Loisel, according to a news release from Nan Bell with the church. “She brings vitality, empathy, and creativity to worship and community, and will be a strong voice in the capital region for the underserved, newly arrived, and often ostracized.”

The Rev. Donna Dolham is the new full-time minister at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Augusta. Submitted photo

Having served the church as a transitional minister for the last six months, she assumes her full-time position in August.

Since 1869 the church, located at the corner of Winthrop and Summer streets, has been a home for those who recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every person, the free and responsible search for truth and meaning, and the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within the congregation and society. Outside of worship, the congregation has been a progressive voice and safe home for the LGBTQ community, a host who helps serve breakfast for the unhoused on Saturday mornings, and a provider of living space for an immigrant family.

The Rev. Carie Johnsen departed a 12-year tenure at UUCC in 2021. In the interim the church has been led by several part-time ministers.

Dolham, a Waterville native, came to ministry after a long career in clinical social work in coastal Maine. With a master’s degree in social work from Boston University, she later was awarded a Master’s of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School with a certificate in ethics and justice and a focus on inter-religious dialogue. She has since ministered congregations in Denton, Texas, and Portland.

To learn more, visit augustauu.org.