Bob came from upstate Troy, New York. He majored in history and philosophy at West Virginia Wesleyan College then majored in theology at Yale Divinity School. While in college and seminary, he worked small churches to support his young family. He did graduate work in intellectual history at Temple University and in theology at Drew University. He was ordained in the New York Conference of the United Methodist Church. In 2006, he retired and a year later, discovered the TCUUC, where started the book club. In 2008, he began seven years of part-time ministry at the TCUUC then retired again and moved to Asheville, NC. A year later, Bob and his wife returned to the area, and the TCUUC. 
Narthex Art Gallery
Welcome to the Gallery@theU!
As we celebrate our 25th year on the Treasure Coast, our Art in the Narthex Committee is expanding its mandate to reach artists of all disciplines within the community. The Gallery@theU program will showcase outstanding original art by all ages, promote musical talent and provide outreach through dance, lectures, exhibits and more.
Our goal is to increase knowledge and appreciation of the visual and musical arts as a means of personal growth. We intend to to encourage creativity, champion musical excellence and enrich the beauty of our surroundings.
At the request of, and with financial support from, Shirley and David Craig, our church Narthex was always intended as a home for artistic expression. The high ceilings and abundance of natural light were specifically designed to showcase works of art. For years, we have welcomed local artists to exhibit and sell their work with seasonal programs. Now we plan to broaden our arts program to include music, dance, poetry, authors and lectures.
We believe art is a necessary element for a healthy and vital community. It helps us discover our place in life, enables us to connect with others and allows us to appreciate the beauty of our world. Welcome!
April 7-28, 2019: Diana Rell Dean
Congregation member Diana Rell Dean works in pastels, drawing from photographs she takes during her travels. Ahtough Diana is relatively new to the visual arts scene in Stuart, she has been an artist all her life in the world of dance. In Minneapolis and New York, she was a choreographer, performer and teacher of Modern Dance. As an active member of the Artisans Guild, she opened her studio, RIVERHOUSE WORKSHOP, which she plans to develop as a local arts venue for paintings and objects d’art.
March 1-29, 2019: Art Associates of Martin County
The AAMC is one of the largest and oldest art societies in Martin County. We provide an opportunity for local artists to share and learn in a supportive atmosphere. To that end, we put on a members’ Annual Art Show so that the public can see the works of AAMC’s many talented local artists. The show also enables us to highlight outstanding works of art with awards.The AAMC seeks to assist and encourage creativity in the arts. We provide scholarships and supplies to local students. We also present several exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops from October through May.
February 3-24, 2019: Sally Browning Pearson & Students 
Sally is a well-known watercolor instructor who teaches at the Artist’s Nook in Stuart, Port Salerno and from her home studio. She can be contacted at sallybpearson@gmail.com or at 772-340-3728.
January 2019: The Waterway Women
Sandra Odell: A watermedia artist who’s work has won awards in juried shows. Sandra belongs to the Jensen Beach Art League and the National League of American Pen Women. After retiring from a career in architectural illustration, she began working in fine art. Sandra and her husband lived on their 38 ft sailboat for 10 years. They now live in Indiantown.
Ruth Lyons Fox: A native Floridian, boats and water have always been a major part of Ruth’s life. As a child, she cruised the Caribbean with her parents, then sailed competitively. After a career in Public Relations, Ruth began painting, mostly in acrylics. While cruising with her husband on their 36 ft Monk trawler, she paints the marshes of Florida and Georgia.
Bailey Walker Bartlett: Once a crew member aboard a commercial sword fishing boat off the New England Coast, Bailey and met her husband and lived aboard a 47 ft motorsailer before moving to Jupiter Inlet. Bailey works mostly in acrylic with a splashy style that is loose, primitive, and driven by her passion for color. Her work is in private collections in Florida and New England.