In May 2003, the Third Unitarian congregation called The Reverend Brian H. Covell to be its nineteenth settled minister. He was attracted by the congregation's friendliness, commitment to racial diversity and long support of progressive causes. The congregation liked Brian's energy, openness and philosophy.
In his preaching, Reverend Covell relates the principles of liberal religion to both contemporary social and personal concerns. He believes that as Unitarian Universalism emphasizes the inherent worth and dignity of every living being, its congregations should take practical, tangible initiatives to make this principle real in our neighborhoods, cities, and world.
After a first career in secondary education, Brian prepared for the ministry by attending the Divinity School at the University of Chicago, and by serving a two-year intern ministry at the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale, Illinois. After graduating from Chicago in 1998, he served the United Unitarian Universalist Society of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, as its Interim Minister for the 1999-2000 year. Brian returned to secondary schools by serving at two New England boarding institutions -- Cardigan Mountain School and Northfield Mount Hermon School, respectively -- as a chaplain, religion teacher, and administrator.
Brian shares a deep interest in community development and social justice with many of our members. As a student at Brandeis University, he was involved in tutoring programs for adolescents at schools in Waltham and Boston, Massachusetts. He also volunteered in domestic violence prevention programs, presenting workshops to high school and college students on risk awareness in relationships. While at TUC, he has been active in the Austin neighborhood with initiatives sponsored by Beat 1512 of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (C.A.P.S.).
Reverend Covell lives in Chicago with his wife Sharon.
