WESTPORT — A new minister has joined the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport in a “hybrid” role, according to the religious community, both in person and from his Illinois home.

The Rev. Alan Taylor will serve as the congregation’s “transitional” minister, preaching three Sundays out of every four — two of which will be in person and the other from his hometown of Oak Park, Ill., the congregation said in announcing his appointment.

Taylor is scheduled to preach at the congregation’s “Homecoming Service,” set for 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, at its sanctuary, 10 Lyons Plains Road. To see the service via livestream, click here.

He will carry out other ministerial duties for the Westport congregation via email, Zoom and phone. 

Taylor, who previously has been a transitional minister for other Unitarian Universalist churches, has served more than 35 years at congregations around the country, including California, New England and the Pacific Northwest.

Most recently, he served 18 years as minister at the Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Oak Park, Ill., which is known for its sanctuary designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

During Taylor’s tenure, according to the announcement, the congregation not only restored the historic building, but its membership doubled, the budget quadrupled and the Unity Temple Community Center was built.

“We, as a congregation, are much more comfortable with virtual engagement since COVID, and we are confident that despite the geographic distance, Rev. Alan will be present with us — he just may be online vs. sitting across the pew from us,” Luke Garvey, the UU Westport board president, said in the congregation’s statement.

“We know it may not always be easy, but we expect it will be eminently worth it for all of us — for the congregation, and for the greater Fairfield County area.”