Our beloved community grew and purchased its first true home, 140 North Spring Garden Avenue, on October 3, 1982.   During these years of growth, the experiences and talents of the membership, residents of the community, especially Stetson University faculty members and visits from ministers were the backbone of Sunday services.  Musicians and poets added to the many excellent programs.

A growing congregation began to look for a larger building and found an A-frame house on North Frankfort Avenue, a small, side street in Deland in 1985.  The unofficial slogan being, “If you can find us, you belong here!”  The new building allowed for the growth of a Religious Education program for children.  Members Elsie Lauterbach and Claire Levy attended a Religious Education Workshop at the Orlando UU Church.   Melissa Gifford-Borghorst and Sallie Bowen (first teacher) became involved spearheading the creation of classroom space and a playground for children.  Advertised in 1987 as “A Liberal Education Experience for Children of All Faiths,” it was open for ages 3 to 12-year-old youth.

The congregation officially changed our name to The First Unitarian Church of West Volusia to be more inclusive of the area than just the city of DeLand.  Members come to us from Debary, Deltona, Orange City, Daytona and even from New Smyrna Beach!

Over the years, we have changed when changing is for the betterment of our purpose: 

All are welcome to grow and learn together to make ourselves and the world a better place!

Last updated 2026-04-24 by Webmaster.