Consulting Minister: Rev. Dr. David H. Messner Dhmessner@gmail.com

Rev. Dr. David H. Messner is Consulting Minister to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stony Brook, New York for the 2025-2026 year. He is the Senior Minister of the First Unitarian Church of Chicago, serves as a Religious Advisor at the University of Chicago and is a member of the UChicago Alumni Board. He also serves ministerial colleagues as a Board Member of the UU Ministers Association with the ethics and collegiality portfolio.

Rev. Messner is an Accredited Interim Minister and previously served as Consulting Minister to the First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City, Interim Senior Minister of the Main Line Unitarian Church, and Interim Minister at the Unitarian Church in Charleston. He was the settled minister for seven years at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Savannah, where he accompanied them in their growth into a mid-sized church with an outsized public voice for unity and justice. He trained at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, NY, and the University of Rochester Medical Center, where he specialized in trauma response, acute psychiatric support, and end-of-life care.

He earned his Ph.D. in Religion (Ethics & Society) from Emory University, a Master’s in Divinity from the University of Chicago with an emphasis on theology and ethics, an MBA from Yale University with concentrations in strategy and organizational behavior, and a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Reed College with a focus on decision making and risk.. His scholarly interests include how institutions, professions, and practices can foster better moral choices. 

Born in Washington, D.C., he now lives on the South Side of Chicago with his wife of 30 years. They have two wonderful young adult offspring and a Blue Heeler pup that won’t quit. In his free time, he writes, grows (very) hot peppers, smokes meat, and photographs wild places.

Congregational Administrator: Sharena Sacher office@uufsb.org

BIO COMING SOON