Our Buildings and Gardens

There are two main buildings on the 20 acres of rural land owned by UU Shenandoah, both built in 2004. The architectural design of the Sanctuary was to provide a spiritual aspect as well as having an appearance that would reflect and coordinate with the local rural, mountain scenery. Indeed, the triangular shaped roof and the windows at the front of the Sanctuary have elements that are in keeping with many church designs. The blue gray color of the Sanctuary is reminiscent of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and the sky.

In addition to the main Sanctuary, there is a room for families with young children to view the services, a Narthex with spaces for announcements and welcoming information for newcomers. There is a kitchen which is used for the Coffee Hour social gathering after Sunday services as well as for other social or fundraising Church events.

The Religious Education wing provides office space for the Minister and Church Administrator, along with a Library, restrooms, and classrooms. The Religious Education wing is rust red in color, which could be reminiscent of autumn leaves or old-fashioned hen houses in the rural area.

There is a gravel covered parking lot with space for the congregation and guests.

There is a lovely garden with a rustic fence with plantings that are attractive in all seasons. There is a special section for the Memorial Garden. Behind the buildings are lovely woods that are made for meandering.

Memorial Garden

The Memorial Garden includes a lovely space with a brick walkway and garden plantings. It is located on the eastern side of the Church, between the Sanctuary Building and the parking lot. Established in 2006, it is a place to honor and remember ourselves, our families, and our friends. It is a place to inter ashes or hold ceremonies and celebrations. Benches provide a place to sit in quiet reflection and contemplation. This is a space to memorialize members and allow friends and family a contemplative place.

Along the edges of the path and in the center space of the Memorial Garden lie finished bricks inscribed with the names of those memorialized.

Ongoing maintenance of the bricks and gardens is funded mainly by the purchase of bricks.

The Memorial Garden is managed and maintained by the Memorial Garden Committee of the Church with participation from the Grounds Committee.

Members can be memorialized with bricks in several ways: