In May 1981, after talk of establishing a second Unitarian Society in the Salt Lake Valley had been prevalent for twenty years, a meeting was held to form a steering committee. On 22 April 1983, the second society, named the South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society, with twenty-five members, was chartered by the Unitarian Universalist Association. Robert Goff was elected president of the board of trustees. The Reverend Donn Marcussen was called as full-time minister in 1985. The membership in May 1991 was 115 adults, with 60 children enrolled in the religious education growth and learning program.

November 1990 saw commencement of a fund-raising drive for $300,000, to enlarge the Salt Lake City facilities for religious education and social activities. The goal was passed in May 1991 with pledges at over $400,000. The Centennial celebration of the organization of the Unitarians in Salt Lake City took place on Sunday, 24 February 1991.