UCC Officially Dissolves Remaining Assets

Union Congregational Church, which held its closing service in May 2011, has received final approval from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to dissolve as a corporation and distribute its remaining assets.

In Massachusetts, the process for dissolving a non-profit or charitable organization begins with a petition to the Attorney General’s Office detailing what the organization intends to do with its assets. Once approved, the petition is sent on to the Supreme Judicial Court. Funds may not be disbursed until the Court issues a final order granting the petition.

The church’s beneficiaries were chosen by its members in the months leading up to the closing. Among them are the town’s six remaining faith communities and the Winthrop Food Pantry. Other beneficiaries include: the Boston City Mission Society, the East Boston and Brighton Allston Food Pantries, the Andover Newton Theological School, Asha Delhi (an overseas aid organization), 2 Congregational clergy retirement funds, and the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ.

Members gathered on September 15 to celebrate and sign checks. “We embrace the opportunity to share the joy of giving,” said Church Moderator Judy Anderson. “We are confident our gifts will be used in ways to honor our Lord and better the world we live in. Our hearts are heavy, but grateful.”