A flame within a chalice (a cup with a stem and foot) is a primary symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. Many of our congregations kindle a flaming chalice in gatherings and worships and feature the chalice symbol prominently.

Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, first brought together the chalice and the flame as a Unitarian symbol during his work with the Unitarian Service Committee during World War II. To Deutsch, the image had connotations of sacrifice and love.

To Unitarian Universalists today the flaming chalice is a symbol of hope, the sacred, the quest for truth, the warmth of community, the light of reason, and more.

We light a flaming chalice in worship to create a reverent space for reflection, prayer, meditation, contemplation, sharing, and singing.

Over the years, many Unitarian Universalist congregations and communities have created different artistic interpretations of the chalice flame.   Here, you see our homegrown chalice flame, crafted by Randy Bramwell, now deceased, once a dedicated member and president of the congregation.  This unique flaming chalice can be found throughout our building, on our letterhead, and in other images that represent our presence.