This page was updated 03/01/2006

Rationale for the development of the UUCFW logo designed in 2005
by Carol Schwartz
January, 2006

   I accepted the assignment from the UUCFW Membership (Welcome) Committee to design a new brochure for prospective members, and I worked with Jay, Emily Schwartz Keirns, and Karen Goldner on the development of the words and message.  Cathie Rowand graciously donated her time and talent by taking the photographs that ended up in the brochure which was printed in the spring of 2005.

   The new logo first saw the light of day in that brochure.  By designing a logo that was distinctly ours, it was our intention to begin creating an image that was unique to our congregation.  The logo was the starting point in my design work for the brochure.

   I did some research on the chalice logo that we had been using at UUCFW.  It is one of several standard formats included on the UUA website featuring a history of the flaming chalice concept as a UU symbol.  The chalice and the flame were introduced by an Austrian artist, Hans Deutsch, in 1941, and remain the “official symbol of the Unitarian Universalist Committee and the Unitarian Universalist Association.”  It has become a focal point for worship, and although there is no one meaning or interpretation, “the flaming chalice stands open to receive new truths that pass the tests of time, justice and compassion.”  There was no question in my mind that our unique logo should not be anything other than a flaming chalice.  My task, as I saw it, was to give a fresh look to the flaming chalice and incorporate our congregation’s lengthy name.

Circle shape: I used Jay’s analogy that we, as a congregation, are a circle that is open.  Our circle expands and changes with the addition of each new member.  It’s never exactly the same.  The circle also gives solid shape and substance to the logo even in a very reduced size.

Flames: I gave them the shape of two U’s.  I interpret the U’s to be people, as well.  They are different from each other.  They are energized and growing upward.  I see them as joyful.  One of the U’s breaks the outer line of the solid circle, making it open, as we are as a congregation.

Chalice: The shape of the chalice is not symmetrical so as not to look too formal or rigid – something our congregation is not.  The chalice shape adds energy to the overall look of the logo.

Color: The maroon color for the logo was chosen at the same time we were deciding colors for the brochure, but the logo design also communicates well in solid black.

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