The origins of the Community Church are inseparable from its founding minister, Charles Miles Jones. Rev. Jones came to Chapel Hill in 1941 as minister of Presbyterian Church of Chapel Hill^**. Rev. Jones and Chapel Hill seemed to be ideally suited. His manner of character and style of ministry blended perfectly with the campus atmosphere of the community. True to his promise, he had a profound effect on the community. Ever an activist, with his abhorrence of the injustices of war, segregation and poverty, combined with his acceptance of all people regardless of doctrine or creed, he attracted criticism from people all across the state of North Carolina and particularly from the officers of the Orange Presbytery. 

Two public incidents of friendship with and support of blacks, especially one associated with an effort to test the Supreme Court's decision barring discrimination in interstate bus travel brought attention throughout this segregated state. Suspicion of his motives and especially of his commitment to the Presbyterian doctrine led to the appointment of a Special Judicial Commission to investigate and recommend action if warranted. 

The commission reported their findings and recommended in 1952 that he resign "for the welfare of the church." This was strongly opposed by the Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church where a crucial vote of confidence ended with a vote of 156 to 14. Three months later, the commission formally recommended his removal from the pastorate. 

Shortly after losing his ordination with the Presbyterian Church, Rev. Jones was ordained by the United Church of Christ and accepted on August 2, 1953 a call by the nondenominational Community Church of Chapel Hill (C3H). In 1959 the original building of the Community Church was dedicated. The Community church had a home. 

The struggle for civil rights was a focal point for the young church as racial activism separated the Community Church from its more complacent counterparts in the area. In the sixties and seventies, the Community Church declared itself a "safe haven" for resisters of the Vietnam war. Once again, the church found itself at the forefront of activism in pursuing the goals of peace and justice. In 1955, the church started the first integrated preschool in the south, which continues its service to the community to this day. 

The next decades saw steady growth in the Community Church with emphasis on continued involvement with local and international issues of justice and resistance to oppression in all its forms. At a pivotal point in the 90's, the Community Church recognized both the need for a higher level infrastructure for conducting church business and a commonality of purpose with the Unitarian Universalist Association. On January 23, 1993, the Community Church formally affiliated and became the Community Church of Chapel Hill, Unitarian Universalist. 

The Community Church continues its proud heritage of activism, outreach and the embrace of ethical principles and spiritual growth no matter the prevailing cultural sentiments. We look to the future with optimism and determination for the challenges that await.