First Time Visitors

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Peace Meadow and the Peace Stones open to the public?

 We invite the public to visit or meditate at The Peace Stones.  The tragic killing in 1992  of Yoshi Hattori, a Japanese exchange student,   and the ensuing push for gun-control legislation spearheaded by his Unitarian Universalist host family and supported by many members of the congregation resulted in worldwide exposure for the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge. A quarry near Nagoya, Yoshi’s home, sent two large stones to the city of Baton Rouge. The city could not find a place for them at that time, so the church offered to keep them. They were dedicated as Peace Stones in 1996 in memory of Yoshi. They symbolize the Church’s ongoing quest for peace and justice for all peoples.  At the dedication,  Sr. Minister, The Reverend Steve J. Crump, named them, "Fear Less and Love More." 

How long are the services?

Both the 9:30 AM and 11:15 AM services are approximately one hour in length.

 What should I wear?

Casual or dressy-casual are both acceptable.

 How do I recognize the church?

We are the church with the large round window on the front of our brick building.  The parking lot is west of the building complex and is seen first when traveling toward Airline Hwy. from the Chevelle Drive traffic light.  Traveling from Airline Hwy. toward downtown, after the Tara Blvd. traffic light there is a left turn lane which funnels you directly into our parking lot.

 Where do I park?

If our parking lot at 8470 Goodwood Blvd. is full, we may park across the street in the lots of our business neighbors that are closed on Sunday.  Be careful crossing Goodwood Blvd.  There are no buses nearby on Sunday. 

 What do I do after I arrive?

Enter along a covered walkway between two wings of the building.  At the patio area you will be greeted by members who want to make you welcome.  The sanctuary where the worship services are held is to your left; the Fellowship Hall where we meet after each service for coffee and snacks and conversation is to your right.  You will be given a program in the sanctuary foyer and you may go inside and sit where you are most comfortable.  Restrooms and water are to your right of the foyer. 

Infants and children under 3 are in the Nursery during the 9:30 service.  Older children go to the classroom to the immediate right after you enter the Fellowship Hall.  During the 11:15 service there are age-appropriate classes from toddler through highschool.  Ask a greeter for directions.

 Restrictions?

Ours is a no-smoking, no-alcohol, no-firearms campus, please.