Atlanta, Ga. Jan 16, 1893
Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees, Jan 16, 1893
Present Messrs. Crafts, Dixon, Behre and Currier.  Mr. Crafts in the chair.
Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

Communication received from Rev. Grindall Reynolds, Secy American Unitarian Association notifying the church that five hundred dollars ($500.00) had been donated to it for the church year.

Mr. Dixon from the W & M (Ways & Means) Committee reported that the subscriptions to date amounted to $429.00. Report accepted.

Mr. Dixon for Committee on Church Property reported that the rent of house had been reduced to $45.00 per month. Report accepted.

On motion, it was voted to express the thanks of the board to Mr. W. A. Glover for his able and thoughtful source of lectures upon the “labor question” and the Clerk was requested to notify the Dr. of this resolve in writing.

A bill to amount of $6.00 was received from W.W. Fiske for Church Directory. Referred to Committee on Operation of Church.

On motion, it was voted to request the Clerk to make a detailed report of the attendance of the Trustees upon the meetings of the Board and present it to the next meeting.

On motion, it was voted to adjourn for two weeks or until Jan 30, 1893 at 8 o’clock pm.

<signed>
H.M. Currier, Clerk,

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 92 – 93
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Jan 8, 1893
A special meeting – Church of Our Father held in the church Jan 8, 1893. Mr. Harding in the chair.

A special meeting was called to elect three trustees and to arrange to meet the expenses of the church for the coming year. Mr. F. Stain, Mr. H.D. McCutcheon and Mr. Julius R. Watts were nominated and duly elected Trustees.

Mr. Jno. Y. Dixon, Treasurer, made a statement of condition of the finances of the church and recommended that there be an amount $750.00 be raised by the subscriptions. A list was made of members present and $402.00 was subscribed.

On motion the list was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means for additional subscribers.

Mr. Jno. Y. Dixon also expressed his thanks to the church for the token of appreciation in the form of resolutions which had been transcribed, framed and presented by the special committee appointed for that purpose.

The meeting then adjourned.

<signed>

H.M. Currier, Clerk,

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 25   Folder: 03   Book: 01   Pages: 172
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

A New Church Movement

The Liberal Church League of Atlanta Organized

The Liberal Church League will throw open to the public this afternoon a free library and reading room at the Church of Our Father on Church street next to the corner of Forsyth street. This reading room will be open every Sunday afternoon from 5 to 7 o’clock and every Tuesday and Friday form 7 to 9:30 p.m.

The room will be comfortably heated and well lighted. A well-selected library of several thousand volumes will be at the disposal of all comers.

The league will give a series of free lecture courses on practical subjects of the day. The first will be a course of three lectures on the labor question. The opening lecture will be given at the Church of Our Father this evening at 7:30 o’clock b Dr. William A. Glover.

 

Atlanta, Ga. Dec 31, 1892
Special meeting of the Board of Trustees.  Held in the church Dec 31, 1892
Present: Dixon, Crafts, Behre and Currier.
Mr. Dixon in the chair.

Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved as corrected.

Mr. Crafts moved and it was voted that the Treasurer be requested to communicate with the American Unitarian Association and ask for a contribution of $600.00 for the church year.

On motion, it was ordered that a meeting of the Church be called on Sunday Jan 8^th after the morning service to fill vacancies in the Board of Trustees and to arrange to meet the expenses of the Church for the coming year.

<signed>

M.H. Currrier, Clerk,

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 92
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Nov 28, 1892
Regular meeting of the Trustees held at Mr. Behre’s house Nov. 28, 1892

Present: Messrs. Rev. Cole, Messrs. Crafts, Behre, Winslow and Currier.

Mr. Crafts in the chair.

Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

Bills to account of $26.50 received and ordered paid.

Mr. J.E. Harding was elected chairman of the Board for the coming year.

• The following Standing Committees were appointed.
  Ways and Means – Messrs. Dixon, Winslow, Crafts, Kennedy and Behre
• Operation of the Church – Messrs. Currier, Haight and Harding also Rev. Cole, ex officio
• Care of Church Property – Messrs. Harding, Dixon and Winslow
• Music – Messrs. Crafts and Behre

On motion, it was voted to place the Janitor under the direction of the Committee on Operation of Church.

Moved and voted that the regular monthly meeting of the Board be held on the 3rd Monday of each month.

No other business appearing, the Board adjourned.
H.M. Currier , Clerk,

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 91
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Nov 7, 1892
Annual Meeting of the Church of Our Father held on November 7, 1892

A quorum being present the clerk called the meeting to order and Mr. J.E. Harding was elected chairman. Minutes of the last annual and special meetings read and approved.

Mr. Dixon being absent, Mr. Crafts read the Treasurer’s report (see paper A). The report was received and referred to a special committee consisting of Winslow and Crafts. (Archivist Note: This would be an audit committee typically assigned to review the Treasurer’s report at the annual meeting).

Mr. Crafts presented a report (see paper B) from the Committee on Ways and Means estimating the expense for the year 1893. The report was accepted and referred to the Board of Trustees.

The Pastor made a verbal report reviewing the work of the past year and urging upon the members the importance of prompt attendance upon service and an earnest interest in the work of the church in the future.

Mr. Schumann, president of the Fortnightly Club, presented a report (see paper C) which was accepted and placed on file.

In the absence of the Secretary, Mr. Schumann made a report from the Woman’s Alliance (see paper D). The report was accepted and placed on file.

Mr. Crafts, chairman of the Liberal Church League, presented a report (see paper E) of the organization of the League and its work. Accepted and placed on file.

H.M. Currier presented a report upon the Sunday school which was also ordered (placed) on file (see paper F).

Move and voted that a committee of three be appointed to nominate officers for the coming. The Chairman appointed: Messrs. Crafts and Winslow and Mrs. Swift.

• H.M. Crafts – Clerk
• Jno. Y Dixon – Treasurer
• Advisory Committee – Mrs. Inez Waller and Mr. Will Haight

And on ballot the above named persons were elected.

The committee also recommended that the board of Trustees be empowered to fill vacancies in the Board.

On motion the recommendation of the committee was adopted.

It was moved and voted that a special committee of three be appointed to draft resolutions of Thanks and Appreciation to Mr. Dixon for his faithful work as Treasurer in managing the financial affairs of the church. The committee consists of Messrs. Behre and Crafts and Mrs. Swift (see paper H).

No further business appearing, the meeting adjourned.
H.M. Currier, Clerk,

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25 Folder: 03   Book: 01   Pages: 171 – 172
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Oct 19, 1892
A called meeting of the board of trustees.
Present: Rev. Geo. L. Chaney, Rev. William Roswell Cole and Messrs. Crafts, Currier, Dixon, Harding and Kennedy.

Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

Mr. Currier form the Special Committee appointed on Sept 25, 1892 to organize the members of the church into a working committee reported.

That an organization had been effected under the name of “The Liberal Church League” with officers as follows:

• Geo. H. Crafts – Chairman
• Fred W. Stain – Clerk
• Jno. Y. Dixon – Treasurer
• Executive Committee to consist of elected officers

The objects of the League is primarily the dissemination of liberal news and principals in religion and the sustenance and rebuilding of the Church of Our Father of Atlanta, Ga.

An interesting meeting was held at the organization of the League. Several plans were discussed and special committees appointed to carry on the work of the League as follows:

1^st A proposition by Mr. Crafts to make a free Library and Reading Room – which was referred to Messrs. Crafts, Stain and Behre.
2^nd A plan introduced by Mr. Schumann to enlist the aid of the Woman’s Alliance in making the church more social and especially look after strangers who may come to us – which was referred to Messrs. Schumann and Dixon.
3^rd To aid the Sunday school and make it more effective – referred to Messrs. Currier, McCutcheon and Giles.
4^th Missionary work and advertising – referred to Messrs. Dixon and Harding.

On motion the report was accepted and the Committee discharged.

Mr. Dixon for the Special Committee on taxes reported that the tax bills for 1890 – 1892 had been paid. Voted to accept the report and discharge the committee.

The Treasurer made an interesting report showing the total liabilities to Nov 1^st, 1892 of $757.12; assets $493.75; Balance of liabilities $263.37.

After a thorough discussion of the situation and an offer from Mr. Chaney to assist in raising the amount required to balance the account to Nov 1^st, it was voted to refer the report to the Ways and Means Committee to prepare an estimate of expenses for 1893 and present same to the Annual Meeting of the church.

Mr. Theodore Schumann appeared before the Board representing a committee of the Liberal Church League and recommending a committee be appointed to call upon strangers and people who were interested in a liberal; inviting them to the church services and to make then acquainted with our people.

On motion it was voted to ratify the recommendation and appoint Messrs. Schumann and Dixon (and) Mrs. Fanny C. Swift and Mrs. Edwina Schumann upon the committee.

Bills to amount of $30.46 were presented and referred to the Committee on Operation of the Church to be paid if found correct.

On motion it was voted to accept with thanks Mr. C.H. Behre’s donation to amount of $25.00. Balance due him as Treasurer of the Fortnightly Club.

It was voted to invite the different organizations of the church to be present at the Annual Meeting to be held Nov 7, 1892. Also requesting reports from the same.

Moved and voted that the Woman’s Alliance be requested to take charge of the social arrangements for the Annual Meeting.

Mr. Crafts as a committee from the Liberal Church League recommended that the Library be made free and that a reading room be opened two evenings and Sunday afternoon of each week.

On motion the recommendation was adopted and the appointment of Messrs. Crafts, Stain and Behre a committee on the library – by the L.C.L. (Liberal Church League) was ratified.

No other business appearing, the Board adjourned.

<signed>
H.M. Currier, Clerk,

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 03 Book: 02 Pages: 89 – 91
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Archivist Note: Shortly after this board meeting, advertising appeared in the local Atlanta newspapers from Oct 30 to Nov 28, 1892:

What do Unitarian Believe?

Persons who are interested in the answer to this much-asked question, and all who desire to know more of the liberal teachings of the day, are requested to address the Liberal Church League, P.O. Box 643, Atlanta, Ga. Inquiries from residents of Atlanta are specially solicited.

 

Staring Jan 1, 1893, advertising in the Atlanta newspapers begin to appear announcing the a “free library and reading room at the Church of Our Father.”

 

Newspaper articles are not part of the Pitts Theology Library collect. Contact Archivist for access.

Atlanta, Ga. Oct 2, 1892
An adjourned meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Church of Our Father held in Hon. Will Haight’s office at 4 o’clock pm Oct 2, 1892
Present: Messrs. Crafts, Currier, Dixon, Harding and Rev. Mr. Cole.

Mr. Harding in the chair.

Minutes of the last meeting read and approved.

Mr. Dixon read a postal card from Rev. G.L. Chaney from Leominster, Mass. Also a letter from Jas. DeNoneudie (Archivist: Unsure of spelling) with a check enclosed for $50.00 from the Mass. Evangelical Missionary Society. To be devoted to missionary work under condition that we report to Rev. Henry F. Jenkes (Archivist: Unsure of spelling) Secretary Canton, Mass. the manner in which the money has been used.

Mr. Dixon (in the absence of Mr. Behre) reported form Special Committee on taxes. That the amount of taxes for 1890 – 1892 was $163.50 which must be paid at once.

On motion it was voted to borrow $50.00 from the missionary fund to aid in paying the tax bill.

Special committee upon organizing the members of the church into a working committee reported progress.

On motion by Mr. Dixon, it was voted to transfer the missionary fund to the Unitarian Guild as soon as it was organized.

Mr. Harding expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Board for their kindly words and sympathy in his late bereavement.

No further business appearing, the board adjourned.

<signed>
H.M. Currier, Clerk,

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 03 Book: 02 Page: 88
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Sep 25, 1892
A called meeting of the Board of Trustees held in Mr. Crafts’ office at 4 pm.
Present Crafts, Currier, Behre, Dixon, Haight, Kennedy and Rev. Mr. Cole.

Mr. Crafts elected Chairman pro tem

Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

Mr. Behre for Special Committee on taxes reported that the church property had been sold for taxes of 1890 (See Archivist Note below)  and was advertised for sale again on the 1^st Tuesday of October.

That the collection of taxes for 1891 had been indefinitely postponed.

On motion the whole matter of taxes was committed to Mr. Behre as special committee.

Mr. Dixon as Treasurer made the following report which on motion was accepted and ordered placed on file:

List of Liabilities needing prompt attention

Pastor Salary August & September	$200.00
Music	$100.00
Taxes city 1890 about	$90.00
Taxes city 1892 about	$80.00
Pavement assessment about of which	$375.00
¼ and one years interest should be paid at once estimated	$120.00
Theo. Kirk & Co. Rep Sewer	$11.20	$601.20

Cash on hand this date: $141.97

<signed>
John Y. Dixon, Treasurer

A general discussion was had upon the condition and prospects of the church. Mr. Crafts introduced the following questions, viz.

1^st Is there need for the Unitarian church in an enlightened and Christian community

2^nd What work is then for it to do that cannot be done as will outside the church.

3^rd What is the special work in this community that our church should do.

The above questions were referred to Rev. Mr. Cole with the request that he answer them from the pulpit at this convenience.

On motion, it was voted that the chair appoint a committee of three to organize the members of the church into a working committee for the re-building of the Church of Our Father.

The chair appointed the following committee viz, Messrs. Currier, Dixon and Rev. Cole.

On motion, it was voted to request the clerk to introduce an amendment to the constitution to change the annual meeting from November and January and to give members due notice of the proposed change.

No further business appearing, it was voted to adjourn to meet in one week from today (Oct 2 at 4 pm) in Judge Haight ‘s office

<signed>
H.M. Currier, Clerk,

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 03 Book: 02 Pages: 86 – 87
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Archivist Note: From an article that appeared in the Atlanta paper Feb 2, 1892:

Article – Public Notice Church of Our Father parsonage. Item in a larger public notice section indicating “described property, to-wit: A certain city Lot in the city of Atlanta, ward 6, fronting 75 feet on Church street, between Forsyth and Fairlie streets, and running back 100 feet, said lot being improved. Levied on as the property of parsonage Church of Our Father to satisfy a fi fa in favor of the city of Atlanta, against said parsonage Church of our Father and said property, for the proportion of cost of paving the roadway or street proper of Church street with granite blocks.” NOTE: A FIFA lien is a legal writ that has been issued by the tax commissioner against a taxpayer so that his/her property can be seized. This is done with the intention of selling the property to satisfy the tax amount.

This sale is NOT for the church building. Potentially, it is the residential building that the church periodic rented to tenants.

No newspaper notice could be found in Atlanta papers for the “1^st Tuesday of October” (October 4, 1892) for the sale of the Church street property.

Newspaper articles are not part of the Pitts Theology Library collect. Contact Archivist for access.

Atlanta, Ga. Sep 9, 1892
Present Messrs. Crafts, Gunier, Dixon and Winslow.
Mr. Crafts elected president pro tem

It being the first meeting since May 23^rd, the minutes of that meeting were read and approved.

The following communication from Mr. Cole was read and ordered placed on file.

Mt. Washington, Md. Aug 1, 1892
To the Trustees of the Church of Our Father,
Gentlemen,

In answer to your invitation to continue pastor of the Church of Our Father for another year. I am very glad to feel that I can come and continue my ministry among you for another year at least.

I hope the year we are about to enter will be more fruitful and successful in all ways for the good of the cause and church.

Believe me Your Obedient Servant,

<signed>
William Roswell Cole.

The Treasure reported that instructions in regard to paying interest to A.U.A. had been completed with and interest paid.

The Treasurer also reported the following bills due:

For Insurance – $42.00
For Pastor Salary – $100.00
For Music – $75.00
For Gas – $8.40
Total $225.40

And subscriptions due and unpaid: $220.00

Mr. Dixon offered the following resolution which was unanimously adopted.

In Memoriam

Resolved. That the sincere sympathy of this Board is extended to our chairman – Mr. J.E. Harding – in his bereavement consequent upon the death of his wife, Mrs. Mary Harding, and that we deeply deplore this sudden removal of one whom the members of our church had learned to love and esteem.

Resolved. That these resolutions be entered upon the minute book of the Board.

Mr. Crafts suggested a plan to raise funds for the church by the circulation of (a) canvas among the Unitarian churches generally.

The matter was referred to Mr. Dixon with the request that he correspond with Mr. Geo. L. Chaney and get his views or approval.

No other business appearing, the Board adjourned.

<signed>

H.M. Currier, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 84 – 86
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Jun 12, 1892
The adjourned meeting of the members of the congregation of the Church of Our Father was called to order by Mr. Harding, President of Trustees.

In the absence of the Clerk, Mr. Behre was appointed Clerk, pro tem.

The several members and committees appointed to examine the several (points) in the report of the committee of the previous meeting report thus viz –

1^st The pastor commented very earnestly on the non-attendance of many of the members of the church and expressed hope that all would aid him in the progress of his labors by, at least, coming to the services regularly.

2^nd The committee on arrangements for the series of popular lectures “reported that Dr. W. A. Glover (See Archivist Note below) had very kindly consented to give a course of public lectures with the view of interesting all classes of citizens. These lectures to be held just as soon as it might suit the pleasure of the Doctor.”

This report was accepted and the committee consisting of Mr. Crafts and the pastor was requested to thank Dr. Glover on behalf of the congregation for his kind offer.

Mr. Schumann moved that the pastor’s sermons (Abe reviewed in short for publication in the daily papers on Monday following the sermon. Seconded and voted.

Mr. Schumann kindly accepted the appointment to carry out the requirements of the above resolution.

On motion it was voted that a committee of three consisting of Messrs. Dixon, Behre and Crafts be made to look after the local distribution of Unitarian reading matter.

The suggestion of the committee that this church establish a mission church at the West End was not carried in. The body believing that such a step would divide our forces and our strength.

Mr. Dixon moved that the motion made and carried at the preceding meeting regarding the call to the pastor for the year 1892-3 through the Board of Trustees be rendered and the congregation in meeting assembled call Mr. Cole (see paper marked A).

This motion was carried by a unanimous standing vote.

No further business appearing, the meeting adjourned.

<signed>

C.H. Behre, Clerk, pro tem.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 03   Book: 01   Pages: 169 – 170
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 Archivist Note: A notice in the Jul 11, 1892 Atlanta paper shows that Dr. W.H. Glover occupied the pulpit in the absence of Rev. Cole. In Jan 1893, the newspapers have notices of Dr. Glover providing a series of lectures on the “labor question” at the Church of Our Father.

Summaries Rev. George Leonard Chaney’s sermons were regularly published in the Atlanta papers for Apr 1884 through 1890. Summaries of Rev. Cole’s sermons also appeared in the papers in from 1891 – 1894. Summaries of sermons by other ministers also frequently appeared in the paper.

Newspaper articles are not part of the Pitts Theology Library collect.  Contact Archivist for access.

Atlanta, Ga. Jun 5, 1892

At an adjourned meeting held this day at the Church of Our Father, a report of the committee on church matters was read by Mr. Dixon (see report marked Q on file).

It was decided that the report should be acted upon in detail and not as a whole.

The first suggestion was on a vote referred to the pastor. The second suggestion was adopted. The third, fourth and fifth were referred to the committee on operation of the church. The sixth and seventh to the pastor and the eighth to committee on operation of the church.

The offer of Dr. Glover to give lectures was received with thanks and referred to the Trustees.

On a vote of the meeting, the matter of calling the pastor for the next year was referred to the Board of Trustees.

Meeting then adjourned to meet next Sunday (June 12) after service.

<signed>

Julies R. Watts
Clerk, pro tem

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 03   Book: 01   Pages: 169
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. May 29, 1892

Special meeting of the church and congregation of the Church of Our Father was held in the Church on May 29, 1892 immediately after the morning service.

A set of resolutions were read and referred to a special committee of which Mr. Jno. Y. Dixon was chairman. (No detailed minutes of this meeting were made, as the Clerk was absent from town).

<signed>

H.M. Currier, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26   Folder: 02   Book: 01   Pages: 169
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. May 23, 1892
Regular meeting.
Present: Messrs. Behre, Harding, Dixon, Winslow, Crafts and Rev. Wm. Cole.

Mr. Harding in the chair.

Mr. Currier sent word that he had left for the month on the evening train and Mr. Crafts was elected clerk, pro tem.

Records of last regular and special meetings were read and approved.

The committee appointed at the meeting of Mar 28 (Archivist: correct date is Feb 28) to investigate the matter of exchanging lots reported that they had investigated the matter in relation to selling the present lot but had nothing definite to report.

Mr. Dixon made a statement in regard to his interview with Mr. Reynolds, Secy of the A.U.A., in relation to the changes.

On motion, Mr. Dixon was empowered to inform parties who wished to purchase that the price would be $850 per front foot.

On motion, Mr. Dixon was requested to notify the members of the Church to attend the services next Sunday and a special meeting after the services to devise means to make the services more interesting and to interest the members in the welfare of the church.

On motion, the Treasurer was authorized to pay the A.U.A. the amount of interest due Apr 1^st, 1891 as soon as that amount same into his hands.

No further business appearing, the board adjourned.

<signed>
Geo. H. Crafts, Clerk, pro tem

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

SIXTY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY Of THE
AMERICAN UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION.

The Sixty-seventh Annual Meeting of the American Unitarian Association 1892.

Report of Rev. George Leonard Chaney, Southern Superintendent, 1891-92.

To strengthen the churches that remained at the South, and so far as possible, to form new churches, this in brief, was the business set before us at the beginning of the year 1891. This commission, interpreted in the light of the avowed purpose of the Association, to is to promote the diffusion of pure  Christianity is a broad one. I have so interpreted it.

The churches that remained in the South were the old societies of Charleston and New Orleans, and the newer churches of Atlanta and Chattanooga. Charleston was provided with an acceptable minister, Rev. Whitman. It needed no help from us. At the recent meeting of the Southern Conference held in that city, April 27 and 28, we found this church in excellent keeping. The venerable edifice never seemed so beautiful as it now looks in its perfect restoration; the society is united and satisfied; the Sunday-school is full, and flourishing under the able superintendence of Mr. Arthur I. Jones, and the charitable associations of the church are active and successful.

This Conference showed a marked advance in our cause since the meeting in Charleston, seven years ago. In that time the churches had doubled in number; new missions had been started in Florida and Texas; a system of ministry of a Post-Office Mission had carried our literature to four hundred towns and cities in all the Southern States; the women’s societies of our various churches had been reorganized and united in Branch Alliances, and the needed preparation is now made for a forward movement of our cause in the South. If our society in Charleston had, in addition to its perfect church edifice, a parish house, where the active work and social ministry of the modern church could be carried on, we believe that it would more than equal, in the future, its honorable service in the past.

New Orleans had been without a settled resident minister for more than two years when we visited it a year ago. Its needs seemed to be the most urgent, and our earliest efforts were directed toward its relief. The larger part of three months was given to the care of this church. To find the right minister for this society, and to secure his settlement with them, has been the most difficult undertaking of the year. In the summer months lay services were held. From October to December, Rev. D. M. Wilson, of Quincy, Mass., preached most helpfully in New Orleans, I supplied his pulpit in his absence. Since then Rev. Charles T. Sempers, Rev. George H. Badger, Rev. Frederic Preston, and Rev. Charles H. Russell have supplied the pulpit. Early in the coming fall, by the united action of the church and the Association, a suitable minister will be settled there.

Atlanta. — The church here has safely passed the test year of its life. If it is hard for an old church in New England to thrive without a settled minister, it is doubly hard for a young church in Georgia. All that could reasonably be expected of this church has been done by it during the past year. They have at last secured the services of Rev. W. R. Cole, a recent graduate of the Cambridge Divinity School. He is already trusted and beloved by them, and is happy and hopeful in his work. He was ordained to the ministry and installed as minister of the Church of Our Father on the evening of December 16. Mr. C. T. Sempers and Mr. Frederic Preston were ordained at the same time and place. It was a memorable occasion, full of significance and promise for our Southern work.

Chattanooga. — The church in Chattanooga has occupied its new church buildings only a year, but already has a number of helpful agencies at home and at work there.

The society is thoroughly united in its attachment to Mr. Towle and his family. All its activities are in good working condition. Mr. Towle feels that he is not physically equal to the demands of the place, but with such aids as we have been able to give him, and which we hope to continue, it is believed that he will be able to extend his ministry here. During our care of his church, while he was recuperating his health in Asheville, we found so much unity of spirit amidst a diversity of gifts and character, and so much willing ability of many kinds among his interesting people, that we are more than ever impressed with the value of this church to our cause.

Fort Worth. — There is material for a church here.  Rev. W. Schultz has labored devotedly in Fort Worth for two or three years. But since he has given himself to the work of an evangelist in Middle and Northern Texas, it will be necessary to place another minister in Fort Worth. Some of the most responsible people in that city assure me that they can support a minister, if the Association will maintain him for the first six months.

Dallas. — I found earnest friends of our church in Dallas, where I preached one Sunday. I believe that a minister of ability and experience could succeed in building up a Unitarian church there.

Austin. — Austin is the capital of Texas, and the seat of the State University. I found Rev. E. M. Wheelock living there. He and his wife were obliged to leave Spokane two years ago because the climate was too severe for them. The success of his work in Spokane commends him to our confidence. At our request he began Sunday services in Austin on January 3, in the Board of Trade hall. He had an attendance of seventy people. Mr. Wheelock believes that the work he has begun will prove “satisfactory and permanent.

Mr. Schultz is especially suited to a ministry-at-large. He has already organized circles for religious study in ten places, and made beginnings in sixteen others. These circles are put into communication with Branch Alliances, for the advantage of both. As this work progresses, men of similar gifts and consecration will be found to carry it over all the Southern States. Mr. J. C. Gibson is doing the same work in Middle Florida. Mr. Frederic Preston, who desires to devote himself to the work of church-extension at the South, having first visited Chattanooga, and later New Orleans, where he has done useful service at a time when a minister was much needed there, has since visited Galveston and its neighborhood. He is now at Houston. He believes that a Unitarian church can be established in either or both of these places.

Highlands, N. C. — The little company of Unitarian believers living at Highlands are still constant to their faith and regular in their study and worship. Mr. Horbison teaches and labors with them as before.

Asheville, N. C. — When we have established our church at Asheville, a convenient center of helpfulness and sympathy for the surrounding country will be taken. Scattered believers in the Unitarian way live in many of the towns and villages of Western North Carolina. Asheville will be their convenient centre. I am happy to report the satisfactory condition and prospects of the new society here. The congregation is regular, interested, and devoted. Once supplied with a church building or a chapel, they would stand securely among our best and most helpful churches. Rev. Charles T. Sempers, a recent graduate of the Cambridge Divinity School, had charge of this church from October to February, when he was obliged to suspend his labors on account of ill-health. Since then the pulpit has been supplied by Mr. Towle, of Chattanooga, and myself. On one Sunday Rev. Theodore C. Williams, of New York, preached.

The value of Asheville as a place for a Unitarian church consists in its central location in the mountain region of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee, its remarkable growth, its nucleus of resident Unitarian families, and its unique opportunity to reach representative people from every section of the Union. Many thousand visitors from the East, West, and South go there every year. Among these visitors are members of Unitarian families, and they often need the ministrations of their church at a time when sickness and death are either present or impending. A permanent minister is expected here early in July. Meantime I shall hold services here, and do what I can to strengthen and establish the society. A church building is now the foremost need.

On reviewing the work of your Southern Superintendent

for the year, I should say that the business on which he set out — namely, “to strengthen the churches that remained at the South, and so far as possible, to form new ones ” — had been done as well as his limited command of men and means would allow.

The Southern work is in better shape than it was a year ago. A system of mission work, which seeks and finds our individual fellow believers or probable converts wherever they maybe, and gives them the sense of brotherly affiliation and care, while it provides for the planting of churches wherever such organizations are likely to become useful and self-supporting, meets the need of the present situation. The yearly conference of the churches has created a bond of union before unknown among our churches at the South.

The dedication of one new church and the formation of another society; the visiting and encouragement of those already existing; the preparation for further church extension in Dallas, Austin, Birmingham, Pensacola, Brunswick, Fort Worth, and Tampa; the formation of circles for neighborhood worship and study, and their useful connection with friendly alliances at the North; the dedication of three young men to the ministry of oar Church in the South, and the application of several others to enter our Church service ; and best of all, the new interest in our Southern work which has been awakened in the denomination at large, — may be included in the results of this first year of the trial of a special superintendent of your Southern work. The continuance of this way of promoting our cause in this large and increasingly important portion of the Union should give us, before the close of the century, a central Unitarian church in each of the Southern States, and connected with such churches, a network of neighborhood circles for religious study and nurture which would cover the entire South. Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, and Virginia are the only Southern States in which there is no organized Unitarian movement. But we have earnest and interested correspondents in each of these States, and before the year closes we expect to report new societies in important centers in two of these States; namely, Birmingham, Ala., and Richmond, Va.

I regret that the needful limits of a report allow me no opportunity for a description of the Southern field in its peculiar and interesting details. The most difficult of all our fields for church extension, it is also the most attractive. Its difficulty is its attraction. Its opportunity to throw light where light is most needed is the sufficient reason and reward for our work here. We confidently believe that in the South there is more to do and less to get, and therefore a better field for a Liberal religion, than exists anywhere else. Men who like these terms are invited to come South. No others need apply.

George L. Chaney,

Southern Superintendent

Source Archive.org Anniversary of the American Unitarian Association

 

Atlanta, Ga. April 10, 1892
Regular meeting.

An adjourned meeting of the board of Trustees. No quorum.

<signed>
H.M. Currier Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 83
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Mar 21, 1892
Regular meeting.
Present: Messrs. Dixon, Haight, Harding, Kennedy, Winslow and Gunier.

Harding in the chair

A request from the Christian Science Society was received to allow them the use of the church for meetings on Wednesday and Sunday March 23 – 28.

On motion, it was voted to allow the above named society to use the church on Wed. night Mar 28^th, but not on Sunday.

Voted to adjourn until April 10^th – 12 o’clock.

<signed>

H.M. Currier, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02  Book: 82
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Feb 28, 1892
Regular meeting of Board of Trustees, Church of Our Father.
Present: Messrs. Behre, Crafts, Currier, Dixon, Harding, Haight and Winslow.

Mr. Harding in the chair.

Minutes of last regular and special meeting approved as read.

A letter from Mrs. Ellen A. Morrill with an enclosure of $70.00 was read and Mr. Dixon was requested to reply to the same.

Bills received from Theo. Kirk & Co. for repairs – amount of $5.65 and from Barker Pub Co. for printing – amount $8.25. Referred and ordered paid if found complete.

On motion of Mr. Dixon, Messrs. Behre, Haight and Winslow were appointed a special committee to investigate the matter of exchanging church lots and to report at a future meeting.

No other business appearing, the board adjourned.

<signed>

H.M. Currier, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 82
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Feb 9, 1892

Adjourned meeting of Trustees of the Church of Our Father. As there was not a quorum present, the meeting was adjourned without date.

<signed>
H.M. Currier, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02  Book: 02  Page: 81
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Feb 7, 1892
Special meeting of Trustees called to meet immediately after morning service.
Present: Rev. Mr. Chaney, Rev. Wm. Cole, and Messrs. Behre, Currier, Dixon, Harding, Haight and Kennedy

Mr. Harding called the meeting to order and Rev. Wm. Cole stated the object of the meeting as follows. “To consider the financial condition of the Society. The gift from the American Unitarian Association and to make provisions to meet its requirements”

An informal talk by all present was had upon the indebtedness of the society which led us to Mr. Chaney’s offering to raise $700 to be a paid into the treasury when the board had raised an equal amount to make up the total indebtedness of $1,400.

On motion Mr. Behre it was voted to accept Mr. Chaney’s offer with the thanks of the board and to make an effort to raise the amount on or before April 15^th, 1892.

It was also voted to request the Women’s Alliance to assist the church to the amount of $150 by a fair or otherwise on or before April 15^th, 1892.

On motion it was voted to adjourn until Tuesday evening (Feb 9^th) at 7:30 pm.

<signed>

H.M. Currier, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 81
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Jan 29, 1892
Regular meeting of the Trustees held in the Church of Our Father on above date.
Present: Behre, Currier, Kennedy and Winslow.

Mr. Kennedy was elected Chairman, pro tem.

The minutes of last regular meeting and of special meeting held Jan 24^th were read and approved.

The clerk laid before the Board a letter from Rev. Grindall Reynolds Secretary of the American Unitarian Association which contained the following vote of the A.U.A., viz.

“That $600.00 be appropriated in aid of the Church of Our Father, Atlanta, Ga. for the year beginning Jan 1, 1892 provided the Society pays all debts which may now be due; it being understood also that this appropriation is not to be renewed from year to year.”

On motion of Mr. Behre the Clerk was instructed to inform the A.U.A. that the appropriation was accepted under the conditions named with the thanks of the Trustees, which was unanimously adopted.

Mr. Behre reported from the Music Committee that Mr. Johnson, the organist had left town and on motion it was voted to refer the whole matter of music to the Committee on Music.

Mr. Behre reported from Special Committee on Taxes that the matter of taxes for 1891 had been settled by cancellation. Report accepted and committee discharged.

The Clerk presented the following rules for management of the library and on motion they were adopted and ordered printed, viz.

Library of Church of Our Father

1. All members of the Church and Sunday School are entitled to the privileges of the library.
2. One book may be borrowed for two weeks with the privilege of one renewal
3. Any one failing to return their book at expiration of two weeks or of renewal will forfeit the privilege of the library until the book or the value has been returned.
4. Parents and teachers are responsible to assist the children in selection books and to assist in enforcing the above rules.

By order of the Trustees.

No other business appearing, the board adjourned.

<signed>

H.M. Currier, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 79 – 80
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Jan 24, 1892
A called meeting of the trustees of the Church of Our Father was held after the morning service.
Present: Messrs. Behre, Currier, Dixon and Kennedy.

Mr. Dixon elected chairman pro tem.

A communication from Mr. Grindall Reynolds Secy A.U. Association (American Unitarian Association) was read.

On motion, the clerk was instructed to acknowledge the receipt of the letter and bring before the next regular meeting of the board.

No other business appearing, the meeting adjourned.

<signed>

H.M. Currier, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 78
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Dec 26, 1891
Regular meeting of Board of Trustees of the Church of Our Father.
Mr. J.E. Harding in the chair and Messrs. Behre, Crafts, Currier, Dixon present.

Minutes of the last meeting read and approved.

Mr. Behre from special committee on taxes reported progress.

Mr. Dixon for Committee on Ways and Means reported progress and Mr. Behre for sub committee of ways and means reported they had prepared a letter to send to non-residents but had withheld the same on request of Rev. Wm. Cole.

It was moved and voted that Mr. Behre from the Music Committee be requested to express the thanks of the board to Messrs. Miles and Stiff for the use of their organ at the at the ordination exercises.

Mr. Dixon from committee on church property reported that he had procured an estimate from Mr. Lowe on the cost of painting the church. Amount $35.00.

This matter was laid upon the table for future action.

The board then resolved itself into a committee of the whole to prepare a financial statement of the condition of the society Jan 1^st 1892 with the following results, viz:

Receipts

Collections	$600.00
Sunday Collections	$150.00
Rents	$600.00
Total	$1,350.00

Liabilities

A.U.A. Apr 1st 1891	$350.00
A.U.A. Note Oct 30 1891	$250.00
A.U.A Ins Apr 30, 1891	$25.00
A.U.A. Ins Oct 30, 1891	$25.00
Building Fund	$37.82
Woman’s Fund	$42.05
Dr. Chaney	$175.00
Mr. Cole	$150.00
On Taxes 1890	$90.00
Total	$1,144.87

Estimated Expenses

Minister’s Salary	$1,000
Incidental Expenses	$125.00
Light and Fuel	$30.00
Printing	$25.00
Music	$150.00
Insurance	$100.00
Repairs	$75.00
Street Paving	$150.00
A.U.A. Note Apr 1, 1892	$350.00
A.U.A. Ins Apr 1, 1892	$18.75
A.U.A. Note Oct 30, 1891	$250.00
A.U.A. Ins Oct 30, 1892	$18.75
Total	$3,337.37
Sep Receipts	$1,350.00
Balance Un-provided for of	$1,987.37

 

No further business appearing, the board adjourned.

<signed>

H. M. Currier, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 76 – 77
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Archivist Note: There was an error in the total of Estimated Expenses. Correct figure is $3,437.37 (not $3,337.37).

Atlanta, Ga. Dec 16, 1891

Meeting of Council held before the ordination of William Roswell Cole, Charles Tildon Sempers (See Archivist Note 2 at end of this entry) and Frederick G. Preston in the Church of Our Father, Atlanta, Ga. December 16^th, 1891.

At 3:30 pm, Rev. Mr. Chaney called the delegates to order and offered prayer.

Those present were Rev. D. Munro Wilson of Quincy, Mass., representing the church of New Orleans, Rev. Mr. Gibson of Florida, Rev. E.D. Lowe of Chattanooga, Tenn., the Rev. Geo. L. Chaney Southern Superintendent of the A.U.A., Mr. Cole of Atlanta, Mr. Sempers of Asheville, NC and Mr. Preston of Boston, Mass.

Mr. Cole and Mr. Sempers gave a statement concerning their preparation for the Unitarian ministry.

Mr. Cole’s statement: He had prepared for college, in Loyola College, Baltimore, Md. (a Jesuit college) and later a preparatory school in Baltimore. He entered the John Hopkins Ministry of Baltimore, Md. In 1884 and took the degree of B.A. in 1887. He then entered the Divinity School of Harvard University in 1887 and 1890 took the degree of D.D. He returned to Harvard for post-graduate work in Theology and Comparative Religions and seminary (Archivist: not sure seminary is the best transcription, may be in error) the year 1890 – 91.

In July of 1891, he received a call from the Church of Our Father in Atlanta, Ga., which call he accepted.

Mr. Semper’s Statement: He had prepared for college at Andover, Mass. He entered Harvard College in 1884 and graduated in 1888 taking the degree of B.A. The next year, he entered the Divinity School of Harvard University and after three years study graduated taking the degree of B.D. and M.A. In October 1891, he came to Ashville, N.C.

Mr. Chaney then read a hearty letter of endorsement of Mr. Preston form the Rev. E.E. Hale, which will be found at the end of these minutes. Also one from Rev. Thos. Van Ness of California.

All of the above statements being made and the Rev. D. Munro Wilson being appointed to give the Right Hand of Fellowship of the churches to the candidates, it was voted to proceed to the ordination of Mr. Cole, Mr. Sempers and Mr. Preston.

<signed>

E.D. Lowle, Secretary for W.R. Cole for Mr. Lowle.

Letters of Endorsement

South Congregation Church
Boston, Dec. 7, 1891

My dear Mr. Chaney,

My dear friend Mr. Frederick Preston will bring to you this letter and I hope you will read it to your own church or to any council which may call at Atlanta.

It is three years that Mr. Preston has worked with me in my ministry as a valued and indeed necessary assistant. Before that time he had been giving careful attention to theological and philosophical study, and, as you know, he is an accomplished linguist and scholar, having gone over ground which is remarkable for a young man of his age.

What I regard as vastly more important for a young man entering our profession is that his is a consecrated life. His wish and purpose are to be of use to mankind. All his studies for many years have been conducted with the view, and he now wishes to use the results of such study, and to give all his power to the work of the Christian ministry. It seems to me that his preparation for that ministry has been singularly fortunate. I think you know that my own impression has always been that the best preparation for our profession is made in the field in which a man is to work – I mean in the activities of daily life – and that certain dangers attend the merely literary or scientific studies which are call theological.

I wish that this letter may be understood as being the commendation of the South Congregational Church to Mr. Preston as a valued member, and our approval of him for the work of the ministry. He has been diligently engaged with us in the work of our Sunday-school and of our charities.

What is perhaps of more interest to your council, is his active work in the foundation of the Church of the Good Samaritans to which he gave himself with energy and in which he earned a valued company of Christian friends.

In the hand-to-hand work of charity, as well as in the scientific work of charity organization and other branches of social science, he has given his time and admirable talents fearlessly and unselfishly. In this way he has earned the thorough respect of the best leaders in the Christian ministry, and, if it were desirable, I should easily send with this letter their recommendation of him to you and to your friends.

If Mr. Preston were not eager to go into missionary work in the southern state, there are positions here of great usefulness where we could and should immediately employ him. But he believers, and I think he is right, there is more need for such work as he has been preparing for in the growing towns and cities of the South than there is in Boston, or indeed in New England.

It is not for you or me to wish to check such eagerness or the part of a young man to go into fields which you and I think are ripe for harvest.

While I lose, therefore, a personal friend and assistant whom I highly value, I cordially unite with the South Congregation Church in commending him to you and to the council at Atlanta.

You will observe that this letter stands for the certificate of church membership and for the certificate of proper preparatory study which is rightly, as I think, always called for by our congregational councils. Wherever you may station Mr. Preston, you may be sure that he will be followed by our best wishes, sympathies and prayers.

Truly Yours,

<signed>

Edward E. Hale 

Minister of South Congregation Church
Boston

Archivist: Order of Service for installation of Rev. Cole.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 02   Book: 01   Pages: 100 – 105
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Archivist Note 1:  The placement of these minutes on pages 100 – 106 in the Book 1 is out of sequence with the meeting minutes of March 27, 1883 which begin on page 106.   The availability of pages at “the front” of book 1 may have been possible by the leaving of blank pages from member signatures (pages 7 -19),  marriages (page 66), baptisms (page 66) and deaths (page 86).

Archivist Note 2:

HARVARD COLLEGE

CLASS OF 1888 NINTH REPORT FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY

Source: https://archive.org/stream/secretarysreport1888harvuoft/secretarysreport1888harvuoft_djvu.txt

CHARLES TILDEN SEMPERS
Born Dec. 9, 1859, North East, Md.
Parents Charles Tildon Sempers and Eliza Anne Whitaker.
Degrees B.D. and A.M., 1891.
Address R.F.D. No. 1, Elkton, Md.

Having changed the spelling of his middle name and having changed the color of his hair from brown to gray, Charles Sempers, after many years’ absence from our reunions, appeared at our Fortieth. He writes that he lost touch with our former Class Secretary as far back as 1909. He has had the experience of teaching English at the Rand School of Social Science and at the University Settlement in New York, followed by long and severe illness in Philadelphia. He has written many articles — both prose and verse — on a great variety of subjects, has composed several pieces of music (including a hymn for a special Thanksgiving service in Washington attended by President Wilson) and also served for a time as dean of a college for negroes in Philadelphia. His song, “When Molly Takes the Trolley,” received public favor.

He mentions being in Washington in 1917 and also in Baltimore. In 1924 he took a small farm near Elkton, Maryland, where he has been raising ducks. He greatly enjoyed our Fortieth Reunion, and we were very glad to have him with us again. ”I said to Wardner,” he writes, ‘I was the hundredth of the flock that got lost. To the good shepherds of my Class who sought me and brought me back to the fold.’

Atlanta, Ga. Nov 25, 1891
Regular meeting of Board of Trustees of the Church of Our Father held in the church on above date at 8 o’clock.
Messrs. Crafts, Currier, Behre, Dixon, Harding present. Dixon in the chair.

The first business was the election of a chairman for the ensuing year and upon the nomination of Bro. J.E. Harding, he was unanimously elected.

Upon motion of the Clerk the following rules of order were adopted:

Order of Business
For meetings of Trustees of the Church of Our Father

• At the hour upon which the meeting is called the chairman shall promptly call the board to order and declare the meeting open for business.
• The clerk shall read the minutes of the last meeting and should no errors appear, the record shall stand approved.
• Communications and referred
• Reports of Committees and Officers
• Unfinished business
• New business

Mr. Crafts for Committee on Music reported that Miss Helena Schumann had volunteered to act as organist until Jan 1^st, 1892 without pay.

The report was accepted and the clerk ordered to express the thanks of the board to Miss Schumann by letter.

Mr. Currier for Committee on Operation of the church reported that the committee had investigate in regard to the Church Registers in hotels and recommended that the board subscribe for same in the future if corrected properly.

The report was referred back to same committee for further action.

Mr. Harding for Committee on Care of Church Property reported that the bill of Wingate & Well had been settled. On motion the report was accepted.

The chair then appointed the standing committee for the current year as follows:

• Ways and Means – Dixon, Winslow, Crafts, Behre and Kennedy
• Operations of the Church – Currier, Haight, Harding, Gardner and Rev. Cole, ex officio
• Care of Property – Harding, Dixon and Winslow
• Music – Crafts, Behre and Fisher

Mr. Dixon offered the following resolution which was unanimously adopted.

Resolved! That it is the sense of the meeting that the best plan for the “ways and means committee” to secure subscriptions will be by personal visitation and the contributions should be requested to make payments monthly.

On the matter of taxes it was voted to refer the matter to Mr. Behre, a special committee.

No other business appearing, the meeting was adjourned.

<signed>

H.M. Currier, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 74 – 75
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Nov 2, 1891
Annual Meeting of the Church of Our Father.
The hour of meeting – 8 o’clock pm – having arrived, the clerk called the meeting to order.

Prayer was offered by the pastor.

The meeting proceeded to business by the election of Bro. J.E. Harding ,Chairman.

Minutes of last Annual Meeting and two Special meetings read and approved as read.

The Treasurer presented his paper marked A.

On motion, the report was accepted and referred to the Auditing Committee to consist of Bros. Kennedy and Behre.

A Special Committee appointed July 20^th, 1891 for the purpose of conveying a call to Mr. Cole to become pastor of the church presented their report as follows:

To the Officers and members of the Church of Our Father –

Your committee appointed a the special meeting of July 20^th, 18891 to extend the unanimous call of the church to Wm. Roswell Cole of Baltimore, Md. to become our Pastor for the ensuing year are happy to state that their duties were pleasantly consummated in the following letter:

To the committee of the Church of Our Father, Atlanta, Ga.

Gentlemen, I now address you to communicate my acceptance of the invitation of the Church of Our Father to settle as their minister until July 1892.

I rely much upon the cooperation of every member of the church and feel that in that way only will I be able to establish a strong church in Atlanta.

In settling among you I shall consider the prosperity and interest of the society as my end and happiness

As a follower of Christ, I shall endeavor to declare those truths which he has made known to me. Restricted by no denominational feeling or by any form or belief. Free and independent I feel I must be.

Though young, I am encouraged to form this solemn connection in reverent trust in God. Confident in your zeal, candor and affection of which I had already had experience.

I desire the earnest progress of all to Almighty God that He may enable me to perform the duties of my calling and that our labors together may bear fruit to the glory of the life of Christ and the human race.

Mt. Washington, Md.
Aug 17^th 1891

<signed>
Wm. Roswell Cole

On account of the sickness of Mr. Cole services could not be resumed as early as hoped and the first service was held by him Oct. 14^th, 1891.

Respectively Submitted,

<signed>
John. Y. Dixon
Geo. H. Crafts

On motion, the report was accepted and ordered to be placed in the journal.

Mr. J.E. Harding from committee on Care of Church Property presented a report as follows. The report was accepted and adopted.

To the Church of Our Father, Nov. 2, 1891

Your Committee on Care of Church Property begs leave to submit the following report for the year ending Nov. 2, 1891.

Since the general and extensive repairing done on (the) dwelling house attached to the church property, we have paid for sundry repairing and plumbing $30.07. Much of this was the finishing up or a part of the general repairs.

A new water meter was needed jointly for the dwelling and church which was purchased and put in at a cost of $17.75.

A new veranda became necessary and was put on last August at a cost of about $25.00. This included the lumber needed and labor to remodel (the) roof before putting on this.

A church sign has been put up at a cost of $2.25 making a total expenditure of $75.57.

We carry $4,500 insurance on the church building, library, furniture, etc. and $3,000 on (the) dwelling house.

Soon after the general repairs last fall, a fire occurred inn the roof of the dwelling house. This damage, however, was made good by the insurance companies.

We were unfortunate this year in securing a tenant for the house it being vacant some seven months. We, however, are now glad to report the house occupied by a first call paying tenants.

Your committee thinks the woodwork of (the) church needs a coat of paint and recommend that this be done at an early date.

Respectfully Submitted,

G.L. Norrman
J.W. Harding
Jon. Y. Dixon

Mr. Crafts presented the following report from the committee on music which was accepted and adopted.

The music committee of the Board of Trustees beg to report that the music for the past year has been conducted by Mrs. Fisher as organist and soprano together with what volunteer assistance could be obtained.

We regret that Mrs. Fisher will not be able to be with us the next year. She has been of the greatest assistance to us in our music being every ready to assist when she could be present and her music is highly appreciated by all.

In order to make the music a stronger and more constant aid to the services the committee by consent of the Board of Trustees decided to engage an organist and soprano singer for the year and Miss Helena Schumann and Miss Addie Currier will fill the respective places. We hope that we may have volunteer singers to enlarge the choir and complete all the parts and we want all to help us that can help us to make our music better.

Respectively Submitted,

Geo. H. Crafts
J.E. Harding
W.E. Fisher

Mr. Currier for committee on operation of church present a report which was accepted and placed on file mark C.

On motion to proceed to election of officers, the chair appointed Messrs. Crafts and Kennedy and Mrs. Swift a special committee to nominate officers.

The above committee reported as follows:

•  H.M. Currier – Clerk
• J.Y. Dixon – Treasurer
• C.H. Behre – Trustee
• Will Haight – Trustee
• Mrs. Swift, J.E. Harding – Advisory Committee

On motion, Mr. Behre was instructed to deposit a ballot in accord with the report of the nominating committee which he did at once and the several nominees were declared unanimously elected.

The pastor then addressed the meeting upon the needs and future work of the church and presented his written report which was accepted and placed on file marked D.

On motion, it was voted to hold a special meeting of the society in connection with the Fortnightly Club on Thursday, Nov. 12.

It was moved and voted that the committee on Operation of the Church be increased to five (5) members with the pastor as chairman.

No other business appearing, the meeting was adjourned.

<signed>

H.M. Currier, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 02   Book: 01   Pages: 164 – 168
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Article written by Rev. George Leonard Chaney for the November 1891 issue of the New England Magazine, The New South – Atlanta.

Download  a copy of this article in PDF format. 

Click here to view a PDF version of this article.

Source: The New England Magazine Volume 11 Issue 3 – November 1891 – Cornell University Library

 

Atlanta, Ga. Oct 30, 1891
Regular meeting of Board of Trustees

Mr. John Y. Dixon Chairman called the meeting to order at 8 o’clock pm.

Members present Messrs. Crafts, Currier, Dixon, Harding, Kennedy and Winslow and Mr. Cole – the pastor – by invitation.

Minutes of the last meeting read and approved.

Mr. Dixon presented a bill from Wingate and Well – Architect $20.50 for repairs new water meter. On motion, the bill was referred to the committee on church property.

A communication from W. W. Fish Hamilton, 34^th Street Philadelphia, Pa, in regard to the Church Register in hotels was referred to committee on operation of the church.

The committee on music reported that they had engaged Miss Helena Schumann organist and Miss A.N. Currier as soprano singer at a salary of $100.00 each per year.

An informal talk was indulged in by all present and the pastor gave good council in regard to the future work and necessities of the church.

No other business appearing, the meeting adjourned.

<signed>

H. M. Currier, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 73
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Sep 25, 1891
Regular meeting of the Trustee of the Church of Our Father held on above date at 8 o’clock pm.

Mr. John Y. Dixon in the chair.

Present Messrs. Currier, Dixon, Harding and Kennedy.

The minutes of the last regular meeting was read and approved.

Mr. Harding for the church property committee reported that they had procured a sign and caused it to be placed on the church – at an expense of $2.25.

He also reported from the same committee that they had placed new tile on the house veranda roof – but could not give the expense, as the bill had not been presented.

It was voted to accept the report and the bill presented was ordered paid.

Mr. Dixon for Committee on Operation of Church reported that the circular notice of resumption of services had been procured and sent to members of the congregation also notices were inserted in the Atlanta papers in accordance with instructions.

Report was accepted and bills for same ordered paid.

On motion it was ordered that the Treasurer request the subscribers of church fund to make an early settlement of the present year’s subscription.

No other business appearing, the meeting was adjourned.

<signed>
H.M. Gunier, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 72
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Aug 26, 1891
Regular monthly meeting of the Trustees of the Church of Our Father held on above data at 8 o’clock pm.
Mr. John Y. Dixon in the chair.

Messrs. Crafts, Gunier, Dixon and Harding present.

Mr. Dixon presented a report from a special committee appointed by the society consisting of Messrs. Dixon, Harding and Crafts for the purpose of giving Rev. Wm. Roswell Cole a call to the church as pastor.

The report was that they had offered Mr. Cole $1,000 per year and had arranged for the first year to end June 30^th 1892.

Mr. Cole had accepted the call by the following letter.

To the Committee of the Church of Our Father, Atlanta. Ga.:

Gentlemen, I now address you to communicate my acceptance of the invitation of the Church of Our Father to settle as their minister until 1892. I rely much upon the cooperation of every member of the church and feel that in that way only will we be able to establish a strong church in Atlanta.

In settling among you I shall consider the prosperity and interest of the society as my end and happiness. As a follower of Christ, I shall endeavor to declare those truths which he has made known to me. Restricted by no denominational feeling or by any form or belief. Free and independent I feel I must be.

Though young I am encouraged to form this solemn connection in servant trust in God. Confident in your zeal, candor and affection of which I have already had experience.

I desire the earnest prayers of all to Almighty God that he may enable me to perform the duties of my calling and that our labors together may bear fruit to the glory of the life of Christ and the human race.

With great respect, I remain your obedient servant,

<signed>

William Roswell Cole
Mr. Washington, Md.
August 17, 1891

The report was accepted and the letter was ordered to be entered in the records.

On motion, it was voted that the church committee be instructed to have Mr. Cole’s letter published in the Atlanta papers and notice of the resumption of service be sent to members of the society.

By vote it was ordered that the same committee make necessary repairs on house veranda roof.

The chair appointed H.M Gunier upon the church Committee vice E.P. Burns who had resigned.

No other business appearing, the board adjourned to next Friday, Sept. 25, 1891

<signed>

H.M. Currier, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 70 – 21
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Jul 26, 1891
Special meeting of the Church of Our Father called for the purpose of electing delegates to the Fourteenth Biennial Meeting of the National Conference of Unitarian and Other Christian churches to be held at Saratoga Springs, NY, Sept. 21- 14, 1891.

Bro. John Y. Dixon in the chair and a quorum of members present.

Bro. Geo. H. Crafts nominated Mrs. Caroline Chaney and she was elected 1^st delegate. Bro. Harding nominated Bro. Geo. H. Crafts and he was declared elected 2^nd delegate.

Bro. Eugene C. Gardiner and Sister Mary D. Gude were nominated as alternates and were duly elected. Rev. Wm. Roswell Cole (elected) delegate ex officio.

No other business appearing, the meeting was adjourned. Sum Dia.

<signed>

H.M. Currier, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26   Folder: 02   Book: 01   Pages: 164
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Atlanta, Ga. Jul 20, 1891
Special meeting of the Church of Our Father called by the Trustees.
The hour (8 o’clock PM) having arrived, the meeting was called to order by Bro. J.Y. Dixon.

Bro. S.C. Morley was elected chairman and the clerk being absent, Bro. H.M. Currier was elected clerk pro tem.

Bro. Dixon briefly stated, “that the meeting was called for the purpose of taking action in the matter of calling a minister to the charge of the church and for the transaction of any other business that may be presented.”Bro. Geo. H. Crafts moved that a call be given to Rev. William Roswell Cole to become the pastor of this church. After being freely discussed by all the members present the motion was unanimously adopted.

Upon motion of Bro. Dixon, it was voted that a committee be appointed to convey the call to Mr. Cole and offer him a salary of thousand dollars a year.

In accord with the above motion, the chair appointed Bros. John Y. Dixon, J.E. Harding and Geo. H. Crafts a special committee.

Bro. Dixon read a communication from Bro. E.P. Burns resigning his office as clerk. Bro. Harding moved and it was voted that Bro. Burns resignation be accepted.

The meeting then voted to proceed to the election of a clerk and Bros. J.E. Harding and H.M. Currier were put in nomination whereupon Bro. Dixon moved and it was voted to instruct Bro. Crafts to deposit the vote of the church for H.M. Currier which he proceeded to do. Bros. Dixon and Harding were appointed tellers by the chair.

On the close of the ballot, Bro. Currier was declared duly elected Clerk vice Bro. Burns resigned.

Bro. Crafts offered the following resolution which was considered and adopted as read.

Resolved! That a Welcoming Committee be appointed by the chair to be composed of people interested in the welfare of our church.

Their duties shall be to welcome all attendants at the services and entertainment of the society. To make the people acquainted with each other and with the Pastor and especially to make strangers welcome and if they show an interest in the church, introduce them to the pastor and people and to make them feel at home among us.

This committee shall keep a record of the attendance at all services and make a report (monthly) to the Trustees of their doings. They shall appoint their own officers and times of meeting and are authorized to increase their numbers at any time or to call upon any member of the church to act with them.

In accord with the above resolution, the chair appointed the committee as follows: Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Behre, Mr. and Mrs. Julies E. Watts, Mr. and Mrs. Will Haight, Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Fisher, Mr. and Mrs. H.W. Walker, Mr. and Mrs. A.V. Gude, Miss Helena Schumann, Miss Leonora Schumann and Miss Isabel Roach.

No other business appearing, it was moved and voted to adjourn without date.

<signed>

H.M. Currier, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 02   Book:  01   Pages: 162 – 163
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Atlanta, Ga. May 11, 1891
Called meeting of the Board was held this evening at 8 o’clock. Mr. E.C. Gardner presided.
Present: Messrs. Fisher, Kennedy, Harding, Gardner, Dixon and Rev. G.L. Chaney.

J.Y. Dixon was requested to act as clerk.

Mr. Chaney stated the object of the meeting to make arrangements to receive and welcome Mr. Wm. R. Cole to Atlanta.

It was moved and unanimously carried that a public reception be tendered to Mr. Cole at the Church on the evening of Tuesday May 19^th. ; or at earliest practicable date should Mr. Cole be unable to reach Atlanta on 19^th instance.

The following committee of ladies was appointed to make all necessary arrangements for the reception: Mrs. F.C. Swift, Mrs. Theo. Schumann, Mrs. W.E. Fisher, Mrs. A.V. Gude, Mrs. H.W. Walker, Mrs. J.Y. Dixon.

It was suggested that a musical program should be a feature of the reception and that the members of the standing committee should act jointly with the committee of ladies on reception.

On motion the following committee was appointed to receive Mr. Cole on his arrival and conduct him to boarding house: Dixon, Harding and Winslow.

The Treasurer presented written report for six months from Nov 3, 1890 to May 10, 1891 – showing that subscriptions offered for year ending Nov 1, 1891 amounted to $582 and that there had been collected on subscription account $231.00 for current year and $25.00 for account previous year.

Total receipts $395.66 added to $108.50 balance on had Nov 3, 1890 = $504.16. Expenditures $481.93 – balance on hand May 10, 1891 = $22.23.

A discussion was had as to the making use of dwelling house which is unoccupied and from which on $21.00 was received for current rent during the term and $49 for back rent.

It was suggested that the committee in charge of church property use extra efforts to get the property rented.

No further business being presented, the board adjourned.

<signed>

Johnny Dixon, Clerk pro tem

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 68- 69
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Dec 26, 1890
Regular monthly meeting of Board of Trustees 8 pm.

No quorum – Messrs. Dixon, Chairman, Harding and Burns present.

Informal discussion of matters of church interest.

Adjournment 9:30 pm

<signed>

E.P Burns, Clerk,

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 67
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Nov 28, 1890
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Church of Our Father was held this date seven thirty o’clock pm.

Mr. Dixon acted as Chairman.

Being the first meeting of the year, a permanent chairman was to be chosen. Mr. Dixon was elected unanimously.

The appointment of the committees for the year being next in order; it was done resulting as follows:

• Committee of Ways and Means – Kennedy, Crafts and Dixon and one to be appointed
• Committee of Care of Property – Kennedy (chairman), Harding, Dixon
• Committee of Music – Crafts (chairman), Harding, Fisher
• Committee Operation of Church – Gardner (chairman), Winslow, Burns

Next the committee on Operation of the Church was instructed to write Mr. Westall to spend the month of January with us at a rate of twenty dollars per Sunday. Done.

Upon motion duly seconded, an application from Mrs. Mimms and others was read asking the use of the church next Sunday afternoon (Nov 30) for services of Christian Science Society. The request was granted by adoption of resolution of Mr. Gardner and seconded by Mr. Crafts

The Music Committee asked authorization to procure a piano for use in the church during the holiday. It was give by unanimous vote.

The auxiliary committee was instructed to have a Christmas tree prepared.

Mr. Dixon read a circular which met with the approval of the entire Board ad he was authorized to publish it.

The Committee on Care Church Property was instructed to procure a sign for the church.

The Committee on Operation of Church was instructed to investigate the mater of temporal entertainment for the church members as a body

Adjourned.

<signed>

E.P Burns , Clerk,

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 65 – 66
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Letters from the People

A Card from Mr. Chaney

Editor Constitution: In your excellent report of my sermon in this morning’s paper, for which as for the kindly words accompanying it, I heartily thank you.  I am reported saying that the Young Men’s Library and the reform school for youthful criminals are inert.  Now, the library is very far from inert and I cannot let an other impression go forth from me.  The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Dumb Animals and the Reform School were two sleeping agencies which I referred to.

The statement that the Church of Our Father was named for him who went about dong good would also need modifying to suit a Unitarian sermon.  But I am less concerned about that. The report in the main was true and I wish to thank the reporter rather than correct him.  I am also glad of this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation of the courtesies and hospitality of the press of Atlanta towards myself and my utterance since I have been here.  Alsway truly yours, George Leonard Chaney

 

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) · Tue, Nov 4, 1890 · Page 4
Copyright © 2014 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.

 

REV. GEORGE L. CHANEY
Preaches His Farewell Sermon to His Churchmen

An Able and Impressive Sermon – He Will Be Missed in Atlanta and in His Church. Will Go to Birmingham.

In bidding adieu to the congregation of the Church of Our Father yesterday, Dr. George L. Chaney preached a sermon that was interesting and able throughout and telling in its effect.

Since he has been associated with this church as pastor, Mr. Chaney has won the admiration and reverential respect of every one who came to know him well, and it was a large crowd of friends and fellow-churchmen that gathered yesterday to hear his sermon, sorry that it was his last Sunday in the cozy little temple to the living Jehovah where his influence had sway so long.

Everybody is sorry that Mr. Chaney has decided to leave Atlanta, and nowhere is this regret more genuine or more keenly felt than among the members of his church.

An Impressive Sermon

After the choir had sung several beautiful hymns and the preliminary service was gone through with, Mr.Chaney began his sermon by reading the following text, appropriate enough in his bearing on the occasion – II Corinthians, chapter XIII and verse 11: “Finally. brethren, farewell. Be perfect. Be of good comfort, be of one mind: live in peace. And the God of love and peace shall be with you.”

“When Paul wrote these words to his church at Corinth,” said Dr. Chaney, “he was not at the point of leaving them. He was already far away. He was at Philippi in the far north; but so present was he in heart and mind with his dearly loved people in Corinth that he ended his letter to them with a farewell as impressive and affectionate as if he were really taking leave of them in person.

“What miracle workers letters are! They annihilate space. They are the wishing cap of fairy mythology. A man has only to put it on and forthwith he is in the presence of his friends, though they may be miles away. Paul was with his church in Corinth when he was writing to them, and they were with him when they read his letters.

“Sometimes I think friends meet more safely in their written correspondence than when they speak face to face,” and from this point Chaney argued that written sermons were safer and more substantial than extemporaneous verbal ones. He then took up the message of  Paul to the Corinthians set forth in the text and used it most appropriately in the description of the partings and greetings of this life. How full of warm affection and of friendly advice that message was!

“Be of good comfort. Do not be discouraged. The way may be long, but so is eternity. Time asks no more of you than gradual progress in the right direction to do a little better and be a little better day after day. Nobody can be wise and virtuous by proxy.  We must live and learn ourselves. Only in the midst of it all there is comfort in the sympathy and good will of our friends. And that is what Paul offered his church when he wrote, ‘Be of good cheer.'”

And then Dr. Chaney urged the necessity of being of one mind, giving an indication of the unbounded comfort and happiness to be derived from such a course.

“The people already enrolled in this church with their friends and sometimes fellow-worshipers are capable of doing any good thing they may chance to undertake in this city. Already, as a church or individuals, we have had a hand in many of the most useful and humane enterprises started here, during the last decade. The Industrial Home, the Woman’s Exchange, the Home for the Friendless, the Artisans’ Institute which led the way for the School of Technology, the young men’s library, and the projected reform school for youthful criminals are some of the public benefits we have sought to promote. It is a great grief to me that the last two seriously needed agencies are still inert.

<Archivist Note:  In a letter to the editor on November 4, 1890, Rev. Chaney clarifies which two endeavors were inert. The Society for the Presentation of Cruelty to Dumb Animals and the Reform School were two sleeping agencies which I referred to.”>

“Take them up, some of you, and carry them on to successful operation. God will bless the church which makes the poor her care.”

Mr. Chaney then proceeded at length to urge the Christian fidelity of all members of his congregation to their own church.

In closing his sermon Dr. Chaney said: “And the God of love and peace shall be with you. Heaven grant it. In building this church we have named it the Church of Our Father for him who went about doing good. <Archivist Note: See letter to the editor regarding this statement.>

“I know not how others may feel, but as for me I had rather be in a life boat bottomed with truth than in a large ship of the line scuttled by falsehood. I make no apologies for the comparative littleness of the church to which I belong.  In what age of the world was truth ever in the majority?  If you continue to live by the faith of your creed, then surely will the God of love and peace be with you.”

Mr. Chaney will be missed in Atlanta, as well as in his church circles.

He leaves Atlanta – Thursday for Birmingham, where he will remain several days. He will preach in that city next Sunday.  As yet he is unsettled in his mind as to where he will locate permanently.

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) · Mon, Nov 3, 1890 · Page 6
Copyright © 2013 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.

 

Atlanta, Ga. Nov 3, 1890
The regular annual meeting of the members of the Church of Our Father was held at the church this evening at eight o’clock.
The meeting was opened with prayer by Mr. Chaney. Mr. Harding presented at the opening of the meeting sixteen members were present.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

The Treasurer then read an able and instructive report which was with much pleasure received and passed to the auditing committee appointed; Messrs. Winslow and Norrman.

Upon motion of Mr. Crafts duly seconded, the following were appointed as a committee for nominating officers for the following year, Messrs. Crafts and Norrman and Mrs. Swift.

The reported as follows:

• Clerk – E.P. Burns
• Treasurer – J.Y. Dixon
• Trustee to fill vacancy of the board, Mr. E.C. Gardner
• The Board was authorized to keep its full members by selecting member for itself when occasion required.
• The Auxiliary Committee – Mrs. Swift, Mrs. Gude and Mrs. Robertson.

All nominations made were confirmed by the vote of the Secretary who acting under instruction given by providing motion made by Mr. Dixon cast the vote of the assembly making all elections unanimous.

The full board of directors then standing consisted of Messrs. E.C. Gardner, Geo. H. Crafts, J.E. Harding, T.H. Kennedy, G.L. Norrman, W.C. Fisher, T.M. Winslow and E.P. Burns and J.Y. Dixon ex officio.

Upon motion of Mr. Gardner, Mrs. Van Pelt seconding, Mrs. Wade Harding was elected librarian.

The Pastor report was then read. It was interesting and instructive and delightfully presented yet all viewed it with sadness as it was the parting address of our beloved leader.

Upon motion of Mr. Dixon, a committee of five was elected to draft resolutions suitable to the occasion of the resignation of Mr. Chaney as pastor. They were: Messrs. Dixon, E.P. Burns and Gardner and Mrs. Swift and Mrs. Gude.

No further regular business transacted and after informal conversation and expressions of regret about Mr. Chaney’s resignation, the meeting adjourned 10 pm.

<signed>

E.P. Burns, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 02  Book: 01   Pages: 160 – 161
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Church of Our Father, Atlanta, Ga
Report of Special Committee

The Special Committee appointed at the Annual meeting of the Church of Our Father, held November 3rd, 1890, to draft resolution expressive of the heart-felt regret of the members in consequence of the resignation of their beloved pastor – respectively reports as follows:

Whereas, the Rev. George Leonard Chaney, the organizer of the Church of Our Father of Atlanta and its faithful and devoted pastor during the eight years of its existence, had tendered his resignation as pastor.

Resolved. That in yielding to Mr. Chaney’s wishes and accepting his resignation, the members of the Church of Our Father do so with sincere regret that the intimate and loving relations that have existed between him and his people are to be in a measure broken by his departure from their midst.
Resolved. That they will always remember with affection and gratitude the steadfastness and courage displayed by Mr. Chaney in the work he has accomplished in the establishment of a Unitarian Church in Atlanta.

Resolved. That as citizens of Atlanta they gratefully bear record to the influences for good and works of charity and benevolence exercised in this community by Mr. Chaney and his esteemed wife and co-laborer – Mrs. Caroline I. Chaney – in the year of their residence here.

Resolved. That in parting with Mr. Chaney as their pastor, they earnestly desire to retain him as their friend and advisor.  That as the Church of Our Father owes to him, in the goodness of God, all of good it has accomplished, so they – its members – will ever regard him as their beloved Bishop in Christ, whose visitations will always be gladly welcomed and whose counsel and advice will always be valued.

Resolved. That these resolutions be spread upon the Record Book of the Church and that copies of same be sent to Mr. and Mrs. Chaney, to the American Unitarian Association, Boston, Mass, to “The Unitarian” of Ann Arbor, Mich, to the Atlanta “Constitution” and to the Atlanta “Evening Journal.”

Committee:
John Y. Dixon, Chairman
Mrs. A.V. Gude
Mrs. F.C. Swift
E.C. Gardner
E.P. Burns

 

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60 Folder: 01   Book: 01   Pages: 160 (Archivist Note: This resolution is not on a numbered page, but found in book 1 near page 160)
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Oct 31, 1890
A meeting of the Board of Trustees was held at the Church this evening.

There were present Messrs. Burns, Harding, Kennedy, Dixon and Fisher.

Upon motion of Mr. Dixon that the resolution passed last meeting to call Mr. Galvin to the pastorate be reconsidered.

Mr. Kennedy seconded, the motion was unanimously carried.

<signed>

E.P Burns , Clerk,

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 64
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

George Leonard Chaney will Leave the Church of our Father – His services are required in New Fields of Labor – The Unitarian Movement

Dr. George L. Chaney will sever his connection as pastor of the Church of our Father, after the first Sunday in November.

This announcement will be read with sincere regret by thousands of people in the city of Atlanta, who have known. admired and loved this distinguished divine during his residence in the city.

Eight years ago he held the first Unitarian service ever held in the city, at a room in the Kimball house, and his congregation consisted of two ladies. From that smell beginning the church has grown and prospered until today it numbers among the congregation many of the best people at the city.

For quite awhile alter the Kimball house beginning the Sunday services were conducted in the senate chamber at the state capitol.

In the spring of 1883, Dr. Chaney secured Concordia hall, and for several months the services were held there. In the fall of 1883 the place of worship was changed to the United States courtroom, in the custom house,where services were held until the property on the corner of North Forsyth anti Church streets was purchased and the beautiful church building erected there, a monument to the untiring efforts of Ur. Cheney and the society of Unitarians.

Dr. Chaney leaves the city and savers his connection with the Church of Our Father so that the scope of his labors may be broadened. But in speaking of the matter last evening he said: “I am not going to bid farewell forever to the church here in Atlanta, where I have labored so long. It has been a work at love with me, because I love the south; and some of my dearest interests are in the south and connected with the upbuilding of moral and social interests of this section of the union. Even though my labors be henceforth in some other part of the country, I intend to continue to work for the south and with those who are interested in the well-being of southern interests.”

Dr. Chaney has not decided on the plans for his future work,and neither has a successor been selected to take charge of the Church of our Father.

The services for the next two Sundays will be of additional interest in to the member of the congregation in consequence of the coming severance of his pastoral duties from the church that he has served so long and so well.

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) – Sun, Oct 19, 1890
Copyright © 2013 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.

The Unitarian: A Monthly Magazine of Liberal Christianity, Volumes 5-6
Oct 1890

WHY AM I A UNITARIAN?

Because I could not, honestly, be anything else.

The creeds or formulated doctrines of other Christian sects contain articles or passages which I do not believe.

“Do you, then, believe all the doctrines commonly taught by Unitarian teachers?” I may be asked.

Perhaps not, but there is this difference between the Unitarian and other Christian churches: the other churches make belief in their opinions a condition of membership; the Unitarian church does not; at least, the Unitarian church is much more hospitable to freedom of thought and much more tolerant of the differences it engenders than other churches are or can be.

Not that Unitarians are indifferent to the beliefs and practices of their brethren in the church. They are not. If such matters were of no consequence to them, all the positive value of their existence as a distinct body would be gone. But they are more patient with honest difference from their standard opinions than other sects are.

Such differences of opinion unless issuing in overt acts which destroy the very purposes for which all true religions exist, i. e., Worship and Virtue, are not made a reason for the denial of church fellowship among Unitarians.

Unitarians emphasize personal character. They are tolerant of differences in belief; but they insist on upright character and righteous living. This, with the divine blessings that attend it, constitutes the only salvation or safety of man, here, or hereafter.

Unitarians use the Bible without abusing it. They accept its testimony about itself; and, as it nowhere claims to be verbally inspired, they see no reason to believe that it is.

“Every Scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for discipline which is in righteousness.”

This is the statement of the revised version of the second letter to Timothy, and this is a good statement of the Unitarian view of inspired writings, wherever they may be found. Thus, Unitarians are able to read the various books of the Bible with discrimination, and, so used, they find much of it profitable in the way just described.

Unitarians believe in the undivided Unity of God and not in any Trinity in the Godhead. They believe in Jesus as the Christ or anointed one, i. e., the divinely chosen revealer of spiritual realities. The Holy Spirit, as Unitarians believe and teach, is God’s Spirit in its moral and spiritual influence upon men’s souls—not a third person in a divine Triad.

The Unitarian view of retribution or recompense is best expressed in the language of Paul in his letter to the Galatians. “Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the spirit, shall of the spirit reap eternal life.”

Death on the one hand, Eternal Life on the other; but not Eternal Punishment in the sense of never-ending suffering.

No authority could make such a doctrine as that credible to Unitarian believers. It contradicts the Fatherhood of God, and is therefore inconsistent with the fundamental faith of Unitarian Christianity.

Unitarians believe in the divine capacity of human nature: that the human is only perfected in its oneness with the Divine.

They look upon themselves and the present race of mankind as the latest result of a long process of upward tending life on this earth, and they believe that the process will go on and lead men to higher reaches of character and influence.

As to church organization, Unitarians believe in a church where all are brethren and where all are equal in dignity and in their rights in the church. They accept Jesus’ law that there should be no lordship among Christians, but that service or ministry should be the way of true greatness among Christian disciples. The unit of the Unitarian church is the individual, not any society, conference, presbytery, or parish. All such associations, wherever formed, may be “helpers of our joy,” but must not have “dominion over our faith.”

It is because I approve of these principles and enjoy the freedom and comfort they give, that I am a Unitarian. I would that all other men who are ready to profit by these views and practices and are almost persuaded to be Christians after this pattern, were not almost but altogether such as I am; excepting the bonds of individual weakness and shortcoming, for which Unitarianism is in no way responsible, and of which its noble faith and humane energy are doing their best to relieve me.

George L. Chaney.
Atlanta, Ga.

Source:  The Unitarian found in Google Books October 1890, Volumes 5-6, Page 476 – 77

Atlanta, Ga. Sep 29, 1890
Pursuant to call the Board of Trustees meeting was held this date 8 pm.
Messrs. Kennedy, Dixon and Crafts were present. Mr. Kennedy was selected Chairman and Mr. Crafts, Secretary pro tem.

Messrs. Burns and Lederle were represented by proxy.

Mr. Crafts moves that whilst Mr. Chaney had notified the Board that he could not serve the Church another year as their pastor, the board recommended to the church that they call for the coming year, as pastor, Mr. P. Galvin of New Orleans, La.

The motion seconded by Mr. Dixon, passed unanimously.

A letter of resignation was received from Mr. Lederle as a member of the Board of Trustees and on motion of Mr. Crafts, the same was accepted and a vote of thanks for his pass service extended to Mr. Lederle.

Adjourned at 8 o’clock.

<signed>

Geo. H. Crafts, Clerk pro tem

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 63
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

During July and August the Secretary was absent from meetings and Secretary’s pro tem failed to deliver him minutes taken at the meetings held.

The matters acted upon legally calling Mr. P. Galvin to act as pastor during Mr. Chaney’s absences which extended to Oct second Sunday.

The screen for shielding of the choir was erected.

The Committee of Care Church Property had repairs made on dwelling on church property, acting under direction of the board. The repairs being made in October.

E.P. Burns, clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02  Pages: 62
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Archivist Note:

The entry in the meeting book was undated.  Use Sep 1, 1890 as an assumed date given no minutes taken in July and August.

From a review of Atlanta contemporary newspapers, it is announced on Jul 13, 1890 that Rev. P. Galvin, of Mississippi, will preach at the Church of Our Father. Rev. Galvin is also listed as the preaching minister on July 20 and August 3.

There is, however, no minister mentioned in church service announcements posted in the Atlanta papers August 10, 17 and 24.   Then in the August 31 notice, Rev. Galvin is listed as the pastor of the Church of Our Father.

In the Sep 7, 1890 notice in the newspaper announcing services at the Church of Our Father, it is indicated that Rev. P. Galvin is preaching and that Rev. Chaney is the pastor, but oddly mis-spells Rev. G.L. Chaney’s name as “Rev. G.E. Chaney.”

In the Sep 21, 1890 church notice in the newspaper, Rev. Galvin is not mentioned; Rev. Chaney is noted as the pastor of the Church of Our Father, but another odd mis-spelling appears, “Rev. G.E. Chane.”

Also in the Sep 21, 1890 paper there is a lengthy article of a discourse delivered by Rev. Galvin on Sep 14.

The Sep 28, 1890 church announcement continued to mis-spell of Rev. G.L. Chaney’s name (Rev. G.E. Chane), referred to him as the pastor and made no mention of the preaching minister.

At the board’s Sep 29, 1890 meeting, it is noted that Rev. Chaney has indicated that he is resigning his pastorate of the Church of Our Father. This information may have been known to the church board earlier, resulting in the listing of Rev. Galvin as pastor.  At that same meeting a recommendation is made to call Rev. Galvin as the pastor of the Church of Our Father for the next year.

A October 5, 1890 newspaper article announces that “Rev. George L. Chaney, returned to the city yesterday and will preach a the Unitarian church.”

During the October 1890 boarding meeting a vote is taken to reverse the calling of Rev. Galvin as pastor of the church made at the board meeting a month earlier.

Atlanta, Ga. Jun 6, 1890
At this meeting Messrs. Chaney, Crafts, Kennedy, Harding, Dixon and Burns were present.

The subject matter for discussion and decision was selection of pastor to take Mr. Chaney place during his vacation. This was referred to Committee on Operation of Church, Messrs. Winslow, Burns and Harding.

The obtaining of a screen to shield choir from congregation was advised by vote after discussion and referred to Music Committee for action.

<signed>

E.P. Burns, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 61
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Nov 1, 1888 (Archivist: No specific date in original notes; used Nov 1)
Meeting called to order at 8:20 pm. Mr. Gude chosen chairman.

The meeting was opened by prayer by Mr. Chaney. In (the) absence of the Secretary, Mr. Lederle was chosen to act in his place.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted.

The Treasurer then read his report, which was accepted. On motion of Mr. Harbison, the thanks of the meeting was tendered to the Treasurer for his full and able report.

Mr. Chaney explained the attitude of the (American Unitarian) Association toward the Parish stating he has requested the Secretary to reduce the appropriation this year by three hundred dollars which would leave about five hundred dollars to be raised above that was raised last year.

He suggested that we try to raise this by increasing our subscriber-ship list. He offers to deliver lectures by which about two hundred dollars could be raised. The rest could be raised by a sale or other enterprise.

Mr. Chaney also suggested that each member present pledge himself to endeavor to get one or two members in the next six months.

Mr. Harbison moved that a soliciting committee to secure new members be appointed.

The Chair appointed as such Committee (of) Messrs. Winslow and Kennedy. Messrs. Dixon and Norrman and Miss Cooledge were appointed a nominating committee.

Theo Kennedy was chosen a Trustee to fill the place of A.V. Gude whose term had expired.

The nominating committee reported as follows:

• Clerk – J.M. Klingelsmith
• Treasurer – J.Y. Dixon
• Auxiliary Committee – Mrs. Chaney, Mrs. Morrill, Mrs. Center, and Mrs. J.R. Hodge
• Advisory Committee – Mrs. Gude and Mrs. Morrill
• Library Committee – Mr. Klingelsmith, Howard Fisher

These officers were all elected.

It was moved and seconded that the Trustees be asked to express to the American Unitarian Association our gratitude for their service during the year.

Mrs. Chaney read a report of the work of the year (Archivist: Assumed to be work of the Ladies Auxiliary), which was received with the thanks of the meeting.

After interesting discussion and conference, the meeting adjourned

<signed>
Frank Lederle, Secretary pro tem

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26   Folder: 02   Book: 01   Pages: 156 – 157
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Jun 9, 1888
Special meeting of the Board of Trustees in the Ladies Parlor of the Church at 8:00 pm.
Present: Messrs. Morley, Gude, Dixon, Lederle, Winslow, Klingelsmith and Rev. Mr. Chaney

Mr. Morley was chosen chairman.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

The music committee had no report to make.

The Treasurer, Mr. Dixon, reported a very flattering condition of the finance of the church.

Regarding the special contributions to meet the expense of the street improvement, it was found by a report from those receiving subscriptions for this purpose that sufficient (funds) had been received to pay the entire assessment.

Rev. Mr. Chaney desired to lay before the board his plan for the summer and receive any suggestions the Board have to make on this subject. His plan was to close the church for the summer vacation after the first Sunday in July and reopen September first instead of closing and reopening a month later as heretofore. Mr. Chaney also suggested it as his wish that if any time during the summer vacation prominent Unitarians were in this section and could be secured to preach n our church on Sunday and effort be made to secure them. These plans were approved by the Board.

It was moved and adopted that the Committee on Care of Property be authorized to see Prof. Means and arrange with him regarding the painting of the school building and if found necessary to do so to make a contract for the work at a cost not to exceed $40.

Adjourned.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Sec

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages 47 – 48
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Atlanta, Ga. May 14, 1888
Called meeting of the Board of Trustees in the Ladies Parlor of the Church at 8:00 pm.
Present: Messrs. Lederle, Chairman, Gude, Norrman, Harding and Klingelsmith.

The Treasurer furnished a report of the financial condition of the Church showing net cash on hand for church expenses to be $181.75, with a fund of $88.66 to the credit of the Women’s Auxiliary Society. The liabilities were shown to be $412.00

On order to meet the obligations of the church now due it was moved and adopted that Rev. Mr. Chaney be asked to announce from the pulpit on the Sunday following to the subscribers (and others interested) of the church that they make as large as payment on their subscriptions account as possible on the Sunday following, calling their attention to the fact of our extra expense on account of the city assessment of $153.00 for street pavement in front of our property on Forsyth street.

The special committee of Messrs. Dixon and Klingelsmith appointed to prepare and present the petition of the church to the city council asking that body to exempt us from the payment of the $153.00 assessed against us for street paving our Forsyth street, reported that after consultation with the Tax Committee to whom the petition would be referred, they found that the petition would be reported by the committee without its approval and would not be granted, and the committee beg to return the petition adopted by the Board at its last meeting with the endorsement “not presented.”

The committee on Care of Property reported that the had interviewed Prof. Means in regard to painting the school building and had told him that we were not able at present to bear the expense. We also found that the expense for one coat of paint would be about $35.00. Prof. Means was very anxious to have it painted. The Board voted not to paint the building at present on account of the unwarrantable condition of the Treasury.

Mr. Lederle, of the Music Committee, reported that the Chairman of the committee, Mr. Fisher, who had the report in hand being absent, that no report could be made.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Sec

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 45 – 46
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Apr 28, 1888
Called meeting of the Board of Trustees at the Church at 8:00 pm.
Present: Messrs. Gude, Chairman, Burns, Dixon, Fisher, Harding, Lederle, Klingelsmith and Rev. Mr. Chaney

The committee appointed at the last meeting to investigate as to the advisability of petitioning the city council to release the church form the assessment for street pavement on Forsyth street reported in favor of making such petition, and presented for the consideration of the Board the following as the form of the petition to be presented.

Atlanta, Ga. April 30, 1888
To the Honorable Mayor and City Council of Atlanta

Gentlemen:

The Church of Our Father, Rev. Geo. Leonard Chaney pastor, petitions your honorable body to relieve them from payment of the assessment of one hundred and fifty-three dollars for Belgian block pavement in front of their property on Forsyth street.

Respectively submitted,
Church of Our Father
By John Y. Dixon, Chairman

The report of the committee was accepted and the petition approved by the Board and Mr. Dixon was chosen to present the petition and consult with the committee of council to whom it might be referred.

The Committee on the Care of Property reported that Prof. Means desired that we should paint the school building which by motion was referred to the committee to investigate as to the cost and report at the next meeting.

The Music Committee reported that they considered it necessary that the choir should be provided with a paid leader and organist. And after a full discussion it was moved and adopted that the Music Committee be authorized to confer with the choir and procure a regular organist at a cost not to exceed $12.00 per month.

An amendment to this was also adopted, authorizing the Music Committee to solicit subscriptions for anything it might cost in excess of this appropriation of $12.00 per month to secure such against.

An expense of $1.00 damage on the piano returned was reported by the Music Committee and approved and ordered paid.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Sec

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 42 – 44
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

The Southern Conference of Unitarian Churches met in Atlanta, Ga., on April 11 and 12. Mr. Shippen, of Washington, preached on the first night a lively sermon on the Gospel of Service. On Thursday night Dr. Hale opened and illustrated the rational Unitarian doctrine of salvation, and in a most vigorous way lashed out of the temple the old middle-age teachings that have so distorted this truth, and unhappily fixed themselves in the minds of many. The spirit of the whole conference was cheery and hopeful. Mr. Allen, after reporting his own varied activities in New Orleans, told about the peculiar and patient work of young Mr. Schultz, who has the whole of Texas for his field. Mr. Chaney, whose work in Atlanta spoke for itself, reported the hopeful beginnings up in Ashville and Highlands, N. C, ” a handful of corn in the earth on the top of the mountains, the fruit whereof shall shake like Lebanon.” And Mr. Browne told how happily the Unitarian family were abiding in Charleston in their restored religious home. One of the most impressive “reports” was in the form of a little map dotted all over with the red marks that tell where the winged seeds of the P. O. Mission have lighted. From Canada in the northeast down to Texas, and up again to Oregon in the northwest, some in groups, like flocks of birds, and some scattered, like solitary ones—

“Lone wandering, but not lost.”

Several Chicago ladies, wintering in Marietta, were present to spy and speed our work.—B.

Source: Unity: Freedom, Fellowship and Character in Religion in Google Books April 28, 1888 , page 122

Order of Service for Conference.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: xx Folder: xx
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Atlanta, Ga. Mar 24, 1888
Meeting of the Board of Trustees at the Church at 8:30 pm.
Present: Messrs. Burns, Gude, Lederle, Klingelsmith and Rev. Mr. Chaney

Mr. Burns presided as Chairman.

It was moved and adopted after a full discussion that a committee be appointed to investigate as to the advisability of paying the bill of $153.37 presented by the City for the street pavement on Forsyth street fronting the church property and that his committee be authorized to consult an attorney if necessary to learn our legal rights.

The committee appointed by the chair consisted of Messrs. Dixon, Norrman, Burris and Klingelsmith. They were instructed to report to the Board at their next meeting to be called when necessary.

Mr. Chaney reported that the Southern Conference of Unitarian Churches would take place in our church April 11th and 12^th, and he suggested that a committee be appointed to consult with the assist the Ladies Auxiliary Committee on the entertainment of the members and guests of the Conference. The chair appointed as such committee Messrs. Fisher, Harbison, Gude with power to add to their numbers.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Sec

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 42
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Atlanta, Ga. Mar 10, 1888
Meeting of the Board of Trustees at the Church at 8 pm.
Member present: Messrs. Dixon, Norrman, Lederle, Winslow, Klingelsmith and Rev. Mr. Chaney.

The Treasurer, Mr. Dixon, reported a balance on had of $380.45 of the church fund and 86.00 of the Ladies Fund. He reported that with extra large payments during the month of March by subscribers that he would be able to meet the April interest to the AUA and all other obligations of the church.

He also reported sending a check for $10.00 to the Rev. Atticus G. (Green) Haygood for his service in filling our pulpit on Sunday, Jan 29^th.

Mr. Lederle, of the Music Committee, reported that the time for the piano was rented had expired and inquired if he should renew it. It was agreed to renew it for another month.

The committee on Operation of the Church reported that they had had the front yard sodded, at a cost of $1.25, which was approved.

Mr. Chaney issued cards to the members of the Board present containing the subjects of a series of “Sermons of Belief and Trust,” which he would commence on March 11 and continue until Sunday April 1st, both morning and evening also Special Services on Thursday evening during the month of March on the subject of Temptations and Victory of Jesus.

He urged upon the Board to give these cards to friends and send to anyone whom we thought would be interested and benefitted by these services as the he desired that they should be made as useful as possible and give all an opportunity of hearing our gospel.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Sec pro Tem.

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 40 – 41
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Archivist Note: See newspaper clipping of Jan 29, 1888 announcing Rev. Haygood in pulpit at the Church of Our Father.  Newspaper clippings are not in Pitts Theology Library collections.  Contact Archivist for access.

Atlanta, Ga. Mar 10, 1888
Special meeting of the Board of Trustees at Mr. Hodge’s office at 7:30 pm.
Present: Messrs. Hodge, Gude, Winslow and Klingelsmith.

Mr. Gude was chosen Chairman.

Minutes of previous meeting were read and accepted.

It was moved and adopted that Mr. Klingelsmith be requested to give notice to Mr. Brumsted (See Archivist Note below) to announce a collection for next Sunday. This motion was caused by the failure for the past three months of the ministers officiating to give such notice in consequence of which no collection had been taken during that time.

Mr. Hodge reported for the Committee on Music that they had secured the services of Mrs. Werner as soprano for the choir at $5.00 per Sunday, during the last two Sundays in February, but that she had given notice the first of the month that she could no longer sing for less than $10.00 per Sunday. As this was received by the Committee too late to secure the services of any other soprano, they retained her for last Sunday at her advanced price of $10.00 per Sunday.

The report was accepted and the Committee approved in their action.

Moved that the Committee on Music be authorized to secure the service of Mrs. Werner as soprano at an expense not to exceed $25.00 per month. Motion lost.

Moved that Mr. Klingelsmith secure a committee of ladies to call on Mrs. Fisher and urge her attendance at church, in order to lead the singing either in the choir or in the congregation; and that if she could not attend, to notify Mr. Brumsted that no service would be held on account of our inability to secure any singers to lead the singing.

Moved that we adjourn.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

Archivist Note:  Rev. Horace Brumsted had preached at the Church of Our Father per newspaper clipping research on Jan 17, Jan 31, 1886. It could not be confirmed via archival newspaper research that he preached in March. It appears, however, from these meeting minutes that Rev. Brumsted was again preaching in early March 1886.

From a review of contemporary newspaper church notices, Rev. Chaney preached at the church on Jan 3, 1886, but was absence from the pulpit for several months thereafter.

From newspaper research, several ministers preached at the church in the early part of 1886. Rev. Westall on Feb 14; Rev. Wm. P. Tilden preached on Mar 21 and Apr 25 “during Dr. Chaney’s enforced absence.”

The full record of ministers in the pulpit for this period for Rev. Chaney’s absence could not be re-created from a review of archival newspapers.

On May 24, 1886, the newspaper reported that Rev. Chaney was again back in the pulpit after his absence for several months.

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 22 – 23
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Feb 26, 1888
Meeting of the Board of Trustees in the Pastor’s Study after service Sunday morning.

It was moved that the Board authorize the Treasurer to present to Rev. H. A. Whitman a check for $25.00 on his leaving for his home in Cambridge after his months preaching for us, which motion was passed. (See Archivist Note)

Present at the meeting: Mr. A. U. Gude, Mr. Winslow, Morley, Norrman, Lederle and Klingelsmith.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Sec pro Tem.

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 40
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Archivist Note: Rev. H.A. Whitman is the Unitarian minister from Charleston, S.C.  Unsure of the reference to “Cambridge.”

 

Atlanta, Ga. Jan 20, 1888
Meeting of the Board of Trustees was called at Mr. Norrman’s office and met at 6 pm.
Present: Messrs. Norrman, Lederle, Winslow, Harding, and Klingelsmith.

Mr. Lederle was chosen chairman.

He stated that the object of the meeting was to consider a portion of a letter written to Mr. A.U. Gude by Rev. Grindall Reynolds, Secretary of the America Unitarian Association, relating to the question whether the Association could expect to reduce the appropriation the coming year amicably voted for the support of our church in Atlanta.

After full discussion it was not considered best to advise any reduction this year and committee consisting of Messrs. Norrman and Klingelsmith was appointed to communicate this opinion to Mr. Reynolds, the Secy of the American Unitarian Association with a statement of the reasons controlling our decision.

The following letter was sent to the Secy of the Assn. in Boston by the committee (see letter on file) (See Archivist Note)

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Sec pro Tem.

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 39
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Archivist Note: No letter has yet been found in the Church of Our Father physical archives.

Atlanta, Ga. Jan 5, 1888
Meeting of the Board of Trustees in the Chapel, Saturday, Jan 5 at 8 pm.
Present: Messrs. Chaney, Harding, Winslow, Norrman and Lederle.

Mr. Norrman presided.

Mr. Chaney of Committee on Care of Property reported that the necessary repairs to (the) church had been made at the expense of $4.00.

Mr. Lederle of Music Committee reported that a piano had been rented for three months at $4.00 per month. Also that a two light gas fixture had been put up in the gallery.

Mr. Dixon, Treasurer, submitted a report giving the amount of subscriptions made to date for support of the church, also a financial statement show the receipts and explanation form Nov 26, ’87 to date.

A statement of accounts of Mr. Chaney of certain receipts and disbursements was referred to proper committees and ordered paid.

A communication form Prof. Means requesting that he be allowed $180.00 for repairs in place of the $125.00 previously voted him was referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. Winslow, Norrman and Dixon with the power to act.

The Treasurer suggested that proceeds form sale of articles at the Ladies Fair and all revenues of that nature should pass through to his hands for the purposes of record.

Mr. Chaney requested that the minutes of the previous meeting stating that he had issued subscription cards be corrected.

Adjourned.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Sec pro Tem.

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 38
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Nov 26, 1887
Meeting of the Board of Trustees in the Chapel, Saturday, Nov 26 at 8 pm.
Members Present: Messrs. Dixon, Lederle, Gude, Winslow, Fisher and Klingelsmith.

Mr. Lederle was chosen chairman.

Mr. Norrman, as retiring Treasurer, reported a balance of $136.00 on hand.

As there were no committee reports to hear, it was moved and approved that a nominating committee be appointed to make nominations for the Standing Committees for the coming year and the chair named Messrs. Gude and Winslow as such committee, who reported the following nominations:

• Ways and Means – Messrs. Winslow and Gude
• Care of Property – Messrs. Norrman and Klingelsmith
• Music – Messrs. Fisher and Lederle
• Operations of the Church – Messrs. Klingelsmith and Winslow

The nominations were accepted.

The following business was then disposed of by referring each item to its proper committee.

The better lighting of the choir gallery was referred to the Music Committee with power to cooperate with the Committee on Care of Property and to have the necessary increase and rearrangement of lights put in at once.

The repairs to the window shades or coverings and the stopping up of the holes in and around the window frames was referred to the Committee on Care of Property with power to act, as also the matter of the broken window pane.

The question of engaging a piano was referred to the Music Committee with the power to hire a piano for two months for the use of the church and Sunday school and to secure the best terms for such times.

The approval of bills for the Sunday school was referred to the Committee on ways and Means with power to act.

The question of getting the church subscriptions for the coming year was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means with the request that they see all parties to whom Mr. Chaney had issued subscription cards and see that these cards were promptly filled out and returned to the Treasurer.

The sum of $10 was voted to the ladies of the church in aid of the Sewing school for girls.The proposed concert by Mr. Behre was referred to the Music Committee to report at the next meeting.

It was move and adopted that the Treasurer prepare a statement of the condition of the subscriptions accounts of each subscriber and send each for verification if correct and if not to obtain the proper correction, that each may be closed or balanced on the books of the last fiscal year.

It was also resolved that the new Treasurer, Mr. Dixon, have the privilege of depositing the funds in any bank in Atlanta most convenient to him

Adjourned.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Sec pro Tem.

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 36 – 38
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Nov 7, 1887
Fifth Annual Meeting of the Members of the Church of Our Father held in the Ladies Room of the chapel.
Monday evening Nov. 7, 1887.
Members Present: Rev. G.L. Chaney, Messrs. Gude, Norrman, Fisher, Winslow, Behre, Klingelsmith and Mesdames Swift, Gude, Morrill, White, Fisher, Winslow and Klingelsmith and Miss Cooledge and Miss Center.

Mr. Gude was chosen chairman and Mr. Chaney opened the meeting with prayer.

The Treasurer’s Report was called for and read by the Treasurer, Mr. G.L. Norrman, and will be found on file marked, “Treasurer’s Report, Nov. 7, 1887.” The report was received unanimously and a vote of thanks was tendered Mr. Norrman for his faithfulness as such officer for the past year.

The Board of Trustees report was then called for and was read by it Secretary, Mr. Klingelsmith and will be found on file marked, “Board of Trustee Report, Nov. 7, 1887.” The report was accepted and ordered placed on file.

Mr. Chaney then read a very interesting and valuable report covering the main features of our church work not only in Atlanta, but all over the South, which was received with a vote of thanks. Marked, “Rev. G.L. Chaney report for the year 1887, Nov 7, 1887.”

An auditing committee consistent of Messrs. Winslow and Behre was then appointed to audit the account of the Treasurer.

The Treasurer, Mr. Norrman, tendered his resignation as such officer as he found it impossible to fill the position longer on account of absence from the city and other duties, which resignation was accepted.

A nominating committee consisting of Mess Cooledge and Messrs. Norrman and Klingelsmith was then appointed by the chair to make nominations for officers for the coming year and after retiring the committee reported the following nominations.

•  Treasure – Mr. John Y. Dixon
• Clerk – J.M. Klingelsmith
• Board of Trustees – Mr. Norrman to fill the place vacated by Mr. Dixon becoming Treasurer and Mr. Frank Lederle to fill the place of Mr. Snowden whose term expired with this year, leaving the full Board for the year stand as follows:  A.N. Gude, G.L. Norrman, W.E. Fisher, T.N. Winslow, Frank Lederle, S.C. Morley, J.A. Burns, J.E. Harding.
• Ladies Auxiliary Committee – Mesdames Morrill, Lowe, Swift and Center
• Library Committee – Mrs. Klingelsmith and Mr. E.P. Burris

Upon motion, the Secretary was asked to cast the ballot for the church for the election of the officers as presented by the Nominating Committee and the ballot was cast and the election confirmed as reported and adopted.

It was moved and adopted that a committee be appointed to draft a suitable expression of our appreciation and gratitude for the manifold and continuous assistance at the hands of the American Unitarian Association and a committee consisting of Mr. Gude, Miss Cooledge and Mr. Klingelsmith was appointed to prepare such paper and transmit it to the Secretary of the A.U.A. in Boston.

A general vote of thanks was then passed to all the church people for their faithfulness and good works for the past year.

Adjourned.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26   Folder: 02   Book: 01   Pages: 153 – 155
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Atlanta, Ga. Oct 28, 1887
Meeting of the Board of Trustees in the Chapel at 8 pm.

Present: Messrs. Morley, Fisher, Norrman, Winslow, Klingelsmith and Rev. Mr. Chaney

Mr. Klingelsmith of Committee of Operation of Church reported the employment of a janitor for the winter at $8.00 per month.

Mr. Norrman, from the Finance Committee, reported that they had spent $125.00 on repairs of the Means School building and that this accomplished all necessary repairs and entirely to the satisfaction of Prof. Means as well as our Committee on Care of Property.

Mr. Fisher, from the Committee on Music, reported that he had tendered to Mrs. White the position of soprano in the Church choir and that she had accepted it, much to the gratification of the Committee and the pleasure of the Board.

Mr. Norrman, from the Committee on Finance, reported funds in bank $178.90 and due from other sources than church subscriptions $110.00 more.

It was decided by the Board that it would be best to close all subscriptions for the support of the church at the end of the church year which would be on Nov 1^st. And in the future to have the subscriptions book opened at the beginning of our new church year, as this will enable the treasure to make a complete report of the financial condition of the church at the regular annual meeting that takes place the first Monday in Nov.

The Secy of the Board was requested to send a notice to the Committee on Care of Property to look after the broken awning on the front of the church, just in the rear of the pulpit.

The Secy was also instructed to make a report for the Board at the Annual Meeting of the church on the first Monday in November.

The Ways and Means Committee reported that the insurance on the church property had been adjusted, as per discussion at the previous meeting.

Motion to adjourn.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Sec pro Tem.

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 34 – 35
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Jul 12, 1887
Meeting of the Board of Trustees after morning service Sunday July 10 (Archivist: July 10 does appear in the meeting notes under a Jul 12, 1887 meeting minutes date)
Present: Mr. Chaney, Messrs. Dixon, Morley, Harding, Norrman, Burns and Klingelsmith.

Mr. Chaney presides as chairman.

The committee on the Care of Property reported that the necessary repairs had been made on the school building to the satisfaction of Prof. Means.

It was moved and adopted that the amount due the publisher for the printing of the parish library catalogue be paid.

It was also adopted that the price of the catalogue be fixed at ten cents each.

It was also moved and adopted that the Finance Committee be asked to look into the question of the insurance risk carried on the church property and if any policy had lapsed and have it renewed and if they found the insurance insufficient to increase the same to an amount they deemed proper.

The meeting then adjourned.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Sec pro Tem.

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page 33
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Jun 13, 1887
Met in Chapel
Present: Messrs. Gude, Winslow, Morley, Chaney and Harding.

Mr. Gude was elected to preside and J.E. Harding to act as Secretary pro tem.

Mr. Gude stated object of meeting was to hear report of Mr. Morley about changes and repairs to be made on the Means School building.

Mr. Morley reported that work that was needed to be done on the building, and gave in the estimate of Messrs. Irby and Lipps. Mr. Irby’s being $125.00 and Mr. Lipps $75.   It was then moved by Mr. Norrman that we allow Mr. Means $100.00 for repairs as proposed by him which amount should include work to be don on chimney and roof. Carried.

Moved by Mr. Chaney that Mr. Norrman look after the repairs and see that they ere properly done. Carried.

The meeting then adjourned.

<signed>

J.E. Harding, Sec pro Tem.

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 32
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

May 12, 1887
Met in Chapel
Present: Messrs. Gude, Dixon, Fisher, Winslow and Rev. Mr. Chaney.

Mr. Gude was appointed chair and Chaney agreed to act as secretary.

Mr. Winslow reported that the net proceeds of the lectures was fifty-one dollars and moved that the thanks of the church be extended to Mr. Chaney for the same.

It was moved and heartily passed that the (proceeds) of the lecture be turned over to the ladies for their large donation to the treasury of the church. The amount cleared by their parlor sale was over four hundred and thirty dollars.

Mr. Dixon moved that twenty-five dollars be appropriated to the Woman’s Auxiliary Society for their post office mission.

Mr. Fisher moved that a committee be appointed to (determine) whether anything is owed to the church from the city in return for amount paid by the church for curbing and paving. Passed.

It was moved by Mr. Dixon that a subscription card be sent all regular attendants at the church, who have not already subscribed for the current year and that the Secretary be requested to attend to the matter after consulting with Mr. Chaney.

The meeting then adjourned.

<signed>
G.L. Chaney, Sec pro Tem.

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 31 – 32
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Mar 17, 1887
Met in Pastor’s room at 8 pm.
Present: Messrs. Burns, Morley, Harding, Fisher, Winslow and Rev. Mr. Chaney.

Mr. Fisher moved that the regular meetings of the Trustees be held on the first Friday of each alternate month beginning with January of each year. Passed.

Mr. Harding reported from the Committee on Church Property that repairs had been made on the gate, the front door, the windows and the gon-pipe (Archivist: Unsure of this last item. Transcribed as it appeared in written record).

Mr. Chaney reported for the Treasure (who was absent) that there was fifty dollars in the treasury and that the church would be owing three and fifty dollars (interest mainly to the American Unitarian Association) on April 1^st. And the income from rent collection confirm(s) that data would not be sufficient to meet their indebtedness.

Mr. Chaney offered to give a course of lectures on American Authors and Poets, the proceeds of which lectures should go into the church treasury.

This offer was accepted and Messrs. Harding, Fisher and Winslow were appointed a committee to cooperate with Mr. Chaney in carrying out this plan.

It was also stated that the ladies of the church were arranging for a Parlor Sale the proceeds of which would be given to the church for current expenses.

The meeting then adjourned.

<signed>
G.L. Chaney, Sec pro Tem.

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages 30 – 31
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Archivist Note: In the Atlanta papers large ads appeared on of a Parlor Sale by the Ladies of the Church of Our Father. A notice appeared on Apr 1 announcing lectures by Rev. Chaney. The first lecture was on “Longfellow and his Cambridge Friends” was delivered on Aug 12, 1887. A second lecture was scheduled to be delivered on April 7^th on “Hawthorne and Old Salem.”

Jan 8, 1887

Meeting of the Board of Trustees in the Ladies Room of the Church.
Members present: Messrs. Burns, Harding, Winslow, Norrman, Klingelsmith and Rev. Mr. Chaney.

Mr. Burns was chosen Chairman.

Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

Mr. Norrman reported for the Committee on Care of Property the cost of painting the church at $41.00 and the removal of the furnace and changes connected with it at $15.00 and the same was unanimously approved by the Board.

The same committee was instructed to proceed to darken the windows on each side of the pulpit by nailing on the outside of each window frame heavy oiled canvass.

Mr. Chaney reported to the Board an offer from Prof. Barili (See Archivist Note Below) to give a concert in our church upon some mutual basis agreeable to us. A motion was made and adopted requesting Mr. Chaney to tender to Mr. Barilla the sincere thanks of the Board for his generous offer, the giving of a concert in our Chapel by the Polymnia Club for our mutual benefit; and to accept the offer and make any arrangements in regard to it congenial to the wishes of Prof. Barilla and himself.

Adjourned.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 29 – 30
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Archivist Note: Base on a May 2, 1888 newspaper article in the Atlanta paper, “The Polymnia is composed of sixty-three ladies, every one of whom is a trained singer.” For a performance conducted by Mr. Alfred O. Barili at the DeGive’s opera house, “Forty gentlemen will sing with the Polymnia in the choruses.”

Nov 26, 1886

Meeting of the Board of Trustees in the Ladies Room of the Church.

Members present: Morley, Fisher, Norrman, Harding, Klingelsmith and Rev. Mr. Chaney.

Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

Mr. Norrman, reporting for the Committee on Care of Property, reported that the furnace had been removed from where it was formerly located, at the extreme end of the basement, under the pulpit, to the center of the church. He could not report, however, the cost of the change as no bill had yet been received.

He reported also that his fellow members of his committee, Mr. Gude, would look after the repainting of the church and promised to have it done within a week.

The reorganization of the Standing Committee being next in order, it was moved and adopted that each committee be composed of two members. The Chair appointed the following as members of the Standing Committee for the ensuring year:

• On Care of Property – Mr. Gude and Mr. Harding
• Ways and Means – Mr. Norrman and Mr. Dixon.
• Music – Mr. Fisher and Mr. (Archivist: could not transcribe)
• Operation of the Church – Klingelsmith and Winslow

Adjourned.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 27 – 28
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Nov 15, 1886
Fourth Annual Meeting of the member of the Church of Our Father in the Ladies Room of the church.
Members Present: Mesdames Morrill, Powers, Fisher, Winslow, Klingelsmith and Van Pelt and Miss Cooledge and Miss Center.Messrs. Burns (chairman), Dixon, Norrman, Winslow, Fisher, Hodge, Gude, Van Pelt, Morely, Klingelsmith and Rev. Mr. Chaney.

Minutes of the last annual meeting read and approved.

The Treasurer then read his annual report, which will be found on file and marked, “Treasurer’s Report, Nov. 15, 1886.”

The Treasurer’s report was accepted and approved and Mr. Hodge’s resignation as Treasurer of the church accepted with a vote of thanks for his efficiency and faithfulness as such officer for the past three years.

The Board of Trustees report through their Secretary was then read and accepted and will be found on file and marked, “Board of Trustees Report, Nov. 15, 1886.”

Mr. Chaney then read his annual report, which was received with pleasure and a vote of thanks.

The chair then appointed the following committee to draft and transmit suitable resolutions to the parties named in Mr. Chaney’s report for the their and kind gifts – Messrs. Chaney, Gude and Klingelsmith.

A resolution was also adopted providing for an advisory committee of four ladies to serve for one year.

The electing of officers and members of the Board and the advisory committee and the two librarians being now in order, a nomination committee was appointed by the chair as follows: Miss Cooledge, Mr. Norrman, and Mr. Klingelsmith. This committee after retiring presented the following nominations:

• Treasurer – Mr. Winslow
• Clerk – Mr. Klingelsmith
• New Members of the Board – Messrs. Fisher, Burns and Harding
• For Members of the Ladies Auxiliary Committee – Mesdames Chaney, Lowe, Swift and Morrill
• Librarians – Mrs. Klingelsmith and Mrs. E.P. Burris

As Mr. Winslow could not accept the Treasureship, Mr. Norrman was put on the ticket for that office. The chair of the nominating committee being instructed to cast the ballot, the foregoing was elected to the positions named.

There being no other business, the meeting adjourned.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26   Folder: 02   Book: 01   Pages: 151 – 153
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

At the Church of Our Father

“It is good to be zealously affected is a good cause at all times,” was Dr. Chaney’s text yesterday. He preached a sermon on living zeal, showing how often it was suffered to depend on personal influence or some other extraneous cause. Paul wanted no galvanized Christians, men who only moved as he moved them; men who fell back on ceremonialism, the moment he turned his back. “Foolish Galatians who hath bewitched you?” he wrote, knowing that the secret of their faith was in some magnetizing personality. They were a prey to the lost prophet.

The preacher then illustrated the distinction between proselytes and converts. Converts are inwardly convicted and regenerated. Proselytes are charmed by some personal trait in their leader and overawed by his domineering will, or subjected to his authoritative self confidence, or fairly cowed by his supposed commission from on high.

The Galatian church, when Paul wrote seems to have had more proselytes than converts in it. The Galatians were gentiles by birth, had Judaized by contact with Jewish proselyters. Paul had come upon them with the gospel of grace like the sun upon the darkness of night, or rather upon the dimness of early morning. So long as Paul was present with them, the persuasion to creep back under the cover of the darkness and sleep again the fascinating morning nap, could not prevail over his stirring call, “Let us who are of the day, awake!”

The only safeguard against running down is running up. When progress ends, decline begins. Men catch the thought of a spiritual religion in which free devotion to the one sole good is more. than all sacrifices or offerings, and just as they are getting acclimated, as it were, to the higher air, gravitation proves too much for them, and they stagger earthward like as stricken kite.

After showing the various ways in which men lapse, (1) on account of mere proselytism towards a prophet rather than conversion to his spirit and life, (2) by law of return to primitive type unless maintained by watchful cultivation, and (3) by reaction from over-zeal running into fanatical enthusiasm, the preacher said that the tenor of the text was this: “A good thing is always worth good championship.” Once convinced of the worth of our cause, we must not depend on Paul or apostles to keep us hearty and active in the defense.  More and more, we are to value principles above their prophets; vote for measure rather than men: live for ideas and not for teasing and disappointing persons and those devoted to things that endure. We are to work for them with a zeal proportioned to their intrinsic value.

Atlanta, Ga. Oct 22, 1886
Meeting of the Board of Trustees in the Ladies Room of the Church at 8 pm.
Members present: Morley, Chair, Norrman, Winslow, Hodge, Klingelsmith and Mr. Chaney

It was moved and adopted that the Committee on the Care of Property be authorized to expend in the repainting of the woodwork and such other repairs as were necessary, a sum not to exceed $40.00.

The same committee was also authorized the cost of excavating so much of the cellar as would enable them to move the furnace back to the center of the church, and report cost of excavating and removal of furnace at the next meeting

Adjourned.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 26
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Papers Read Before the Conference at Saratoga.

Saratoga, N. Y.. September 23.—The opening session of the Unitarian conference this morning was devoted to general remarks. The anti-saloon and a white cross movements were commended. A resolution was offered requesting congress to obtain material statistics in regard to marriage and divorce, which was referred to the business committee. The following officers were elected:

President, Samuel F. Miller of Washington; vice-presidents John D. Long, Higham, Mass.; George McCaray, Dallas City; Dorman B. Eaton, New York. Daniel L. Sharey, Chicago; Horace Davis, San Francisco, and George E. Adams, Chicago. Secretary, Russell N. Bellows, New York, and treasurer, William Howell Read, Boston. William B.

Weeden, of Providence, read a paper on,”Arbitration and its Relation to Strikes.” He severely arraigned the Knights of Labor for the tactics put in force by their organization.

Carroll D. Wright, of Boston, read a paper on “The present actual condition of the-workingman.”

The afternoon session was devoted to the discussion of the subject, “The use and abuse of alcohol and tobacco.”

Judge Robert C. Pitman read a paper on “The attitude of the church toward the dramshops.”

Dr. Francis Minat, of Boston, read a paper on “The effect of alcoholic beverages on health.’

The evening session was devoted to three essays on the general subject of “Religious Education.” Rev. Joseph May, of Philadelphia,  read a paper on “The Influences of Home.” Rev. Brook Herrford, of Boston, contributed an essay on “The Church,” and Rev. Seth C. Beach, of Dedham, Mass., one on The Sunday school.

Note: This conference was attended by the Rev. G.L. Chaney, pastor The Church of our Father, Atlanta, GA

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) · Fri, Sep 24, 1886 · Page 1
Copyright © 2013 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.

Atlanta, Ga. Jul 24, 1886
Meeting of the Board of Trustees in the Ladies Room of the Church.
Present: Mr. Gude, chairman, Messrs. Winslow, Norrman, Klingelsmith and Mr. Chaney

Mr. Chaney state that the object of this meeting was to lay before the Board the proposition of inviting the Rev. E.C.L. Browne of Charleston, SC to occupy his pulpit during the month of September. Mr. Chaney said it was much against his wishes that the Church should be closed entirely for two months and as Mr. Browne could make it convenient to preach for us during Sept.

He urged that we authorize him to invite him and make such arrangements regarding compensation and other matters with him as he thought best.

The board concurring on Mr. Chaney’s views, Mr. Browne’s kind offer to conduct our services during the month of September was gratefully acknowledged and accepted and Mr. Chaney received hearty thanks of the Board for bringing about the much-desired September church services.

After authorizing Mr. Chaney to secure a space for our church in a new church chart, the board adjourned.

Adjourned.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 01 Page: 25
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Jul 18, 1886
Meeting of the members of the Church of Our Father at the church.

Rev. Mr. Chaney called the meeting to order and stated that the object of the meeting was to lay before them the invitation to the pastor and two lay delegates from the National Conference of Unitarian and other Christian Churches to the Twelfth Biennial meeting held at Saratoga, NY, Sept. 20^th, 21^st, 22^nd, 23^rd and 24^th, 1886.

Mr. Chaney asked for nominations for delegates to the convention and suggested that those be nominated who expected to (be) present at the convention.

Mrs. W.C. Morrill and Miss E.E. Cooledge were nominated as delegates and Mrs. Swift and Mrs. G.L. Norrman as alternates and they were unanimously elected.

There being no other business before the meeting, it adjourned.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 02   Book: 01   Pages: 150
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Atlanta, Ga. Jun 1, 1886 8pm
Meeting of the Board of Trustees in the Ladies Room of the Church.
Present: Messrs. Hodge, Gude, Dixon, Norrman, Winslow, Klingelsmith and Mr. Chaney

Mr. Hodge was chosen Chairman.

Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.

Upon report from the Treasurer it was moved and adopted that we renew the lease of the school building for another year at $55.00 per month to Prof. Means.

It was moved and adopted that the action of the Committee on Operation of the Church in procuring a carpet for the ladies room be approved.

As there was no money in the Treasurer’s hands to meet the bill, a special committee was appointed to raise the amount; which amount was immediately raised and the bill paid.

Adjourned.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

 

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 24
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Feb 5, 1886
Meeting of the Board of Trustees at Mr. Hodge’s office at 7:30 pm.
Present: Messrs. Hodge, Lederle, Moreley, Winslow and Klingelsmith.

Mr. Hodge was chosen Chairman.

Minutes of previous meeting read and accepted.

Mr. Klingelsmith of the Committee on Operation of the Church reported the satisfactory repairing of the furnace and chimney at an expense of $2.50.

Committee of Music asked for instructions as to procuring a soprano for the choir, and it was moved and adopted that the Committee on Music be authorized to expend not to exceed 45.00 per Sunday for choir assistance, as occasion may require.

Moved and adopted that it is the sense of the Board not to hold evening services during the month of February on account of not having any choir for evening service.

Adjourned

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

 

 

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 21
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Dec 18, 1885
Meeting of the Board of Trustees in the Ladies Room of the Church 7:30 pm.
Present: Rev. Chaney, Messrs. Dixon, Morley, Winslow, Hodge, Snowden, Norrman, and Klingelsmith.

Mr. Morely was chosen Chairman.

Minutes of previous meeting read and approved.

A lengthy and thorough discussion of the advisability of sending our subscription cards to members and worshippers of the Church was indulged in, but no plan was brought before the board in the way of a motion, and it was laid on the table for consideration at the next meeting.

It was moved and adopted that the Board Committees be reorganized.

The Chairman named the following as such committees, for consideration of the Board, and they approving the same, they were duly formed as named.

• On Care of Property, Messrs. Norrman and Gude.
• Operation of Church, Messrs. Morely and Klingelsmith.
• Music Messrs. Winslow and Hodge.
• Ways and Means, Hodge and Dixon.

The Treasurer, Mr. Hodge, reported that all the obligations of the Church were paid, including Rev. Mr. Chaney’s salary allotment of $1,000.00, and that the interest on the loan was provided for, leaving a balance in the hands of the Treasurer of $211.00.

The Treasurer also stated that the proper committee be allowed to make some improvements needed about the Church.

It was agreed that the meetings of the Board be hereafter held in the Ladies Room of the Church.

Adjourned

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 19 – 20
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Nov 9, 1885
Annual meeting of Church of Our Father
Members present: Mesdames Center, Fisher, Klingelsmith, Lederle, Winslow, Hodge, Dixon, Powers, Gude and Chaney.
Messrs. Chaney, Hodge, Dixon, Burris, Norrman, Winslow, Fisher and Klingelsmith.

Reading of the minutes and reports of last meeting was dispensed with.

Mr. Burris was called to the chair.

The report of the Treasurer was then called and accepted with thanks, but the resignation contained in it of Treasurer Hodge was not received or accepted. Said report is filled and marked “Treasurer’s Report Nov. 9, 1885” and is part of these minutes.

The Secretary’s report was then called for and read and ordered received and accepted. The same is filed and marked “Secretary’s Report Nov 9, 1885.”

Rev. Mr. Chaney then asked leave to make a report, which was received with a vote of thanks as establishing a valuable precedent. Said report is filed and marked “Rev. Rev. G.L. Chaney Report Nov. 9, 1885.”

The next in order was the election of officers for the coming year.

A motion was made and carried to increase the Standing Committee by one.

A motion was made and carried to appoint a committee of three to report nominations and the chair appointed Messrs. Dixon, Norrman and Fisher.

This committee reported the following:

That the Treasurer and Secretary be elected as their own successor for the coming year.

Mr. Dixon to be the new member on the board and Mr. Winslow to fill the vacancy occasioned by the expiration of the term of Mr. Lederle.

It was voted to give the Committee on (nomination) power to cast the ballot of the church and it resulted in the election of those nominated.

It was moved that the chair appoint a committee to draft suitable resolutions and send same to the Rev. Cole Davis Bradley who presented our church with a very elegant communion set, the same being received with gratitude and admiration. The committee appointed consisted of Rev. G.L. Chaney and Mr. Gude.

It was moved that the Auditing Committee of last year be retained to audit the accounts of the Treasurer.

Adjourned

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 02   Book: 01   Pages: 147 – 149
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

The Artisans’ institute began its second session on Monday evening, in its new rooms on Wall street, in rear of Centennial building with a gratifying attendance of new and oldstudents. As the school can only accommodate forty scholars at one time, youngmen desiring to share its advantages must apply at once. The same teachers who made the school so useful last year will be in charge of it this year. Mechanical drawing, as well as the use of wood working and iron workingtools, will be taught. Such schools as this offer the surest means of increasing and improving the useful industries of Atlanta.  If, in addition to these evening classes, an arrangement could be made which would give to promising pupils in our public schools an opportunity to use the apparatus of the Artisans’ institute on certain afternoons of the week, we should confer an inestimable benefit upon our youth and the productive industries which we wish to encourage. The teachers and supporters of the institute are glad to receive any friends of the movement in their rooms on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 7 to 9 o’clock.

 

 

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) · Wed, Oct 7, 1885 · Page 56
Copyright © 2013 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.

Atlanta, Ga. Sept 26, 1885
Meeting of the Board of Trustees at Mr. Hodge’s office.

Present: Gude, Lederle, Morely, Norrman, Hodge and Klingelsmith.

Mr. Lederle was chosen Chairman.

Reading of minutes of previous meeting dispensed with.

The committee appointed at a previous meeting to prepare a suitable circular to send parties supposed to be interested in the church asking their material support was requested to await such action until later, as it was thought best by the committee.

It was decided not to paint the church at present, but hope to in November; as the available funds are not yet in and it was the sentiment of the Board that the pastor, Mr. Chaney, should have the amount agreed upon paid to him first before any other expenditures.

Mr. Klingelsmith reported the employment of the janitor for the winter at $8.00 per month the same being acceptable to the Board.

After the informal discussion of other matters pertaining to the welfare of the Church, the Board adjourned.

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 18
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Church Of Our Father

Mr. Chaney preached last night on “A 19th Century Religion.” His text was John (newspaper noted Job) 12:24 “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abideth alone.” Every seed must die to live. Germinal Christianity is no exception. Everything, pure religion included must have a local fitness, in order to catch and hold in this world. Christianity had this time and place element in it in virtue of which it sailed the Mediterranean coast region or part of them in the eighth century, from the foundation of Rome. To get this hearing and acceptance in these regions at that time, it must and have dreamed the people in their language according to their habitual form of thought. It did so, and the result is that method of proof quite common and convincing to Jews of that time, quotation from Scripture and interpretations perfectly suited to their mental habits, arguments that had their point in peculiarities of the particular hearers, etc., were common. The Bible is full of such adaptations of the word to the times. Church history is even more illustrative of the same process. This shows us that there Is a transient and a permanent element in traditional Christianity and the need of to-day is a rendering of the essentially religion contained in Christianity in forms adapted to the 19th century.

Mr. Chaney then described some of the marked features of this century and what it would expect of the religion which it accepted.

(1) If there is any principle of which the age is convicted it is unity in the supreme power of the universe. Science attests it in all lands, in its correlation of forces; its discovery of protoplasm, etc.

(2) The God this century worships must be a great God – no magnified Judean king or common, human-natural being.

(3) Christianity must be seen to be the revelation of that which has been from the beginning; no interruption of nature, but the purest piece of nature ever seen.

(4) The universality and impartiality of the deity must be seen.

What is needed, therefore, is a religious creed or system of worship and training which shall reflect these deep convictions of the age. A religion which shall be true to the charity, variety, grandeur, progress and universality of God and nature. Earnest and able men in all the churches and out of all the churches are striving for this new statement of religion. “It is because I believe,” said the preacher, “that the church I represent has some peculiar advantage for securing this statement and order that I advocate its claims.” He then quoted several candid and interesting estimates of the Unitarian teachings which had come to him from various parts of Georgia and the south; and made them the evidence of  what he had been saying. He closed by urging all who were virtually at one with him to throw the courage of their conviction and the constancy of their avowal into the scale with him and help make Atlanta the Antioch of the south, the center of a rational, moral and spiritual faith; a religion ‘which maketh not ashamed ; a Christianity released from the shell of its Judean birth and become that branching tree, in which, as Jesus had said, all the birds of the air may find shelter and rest.

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) Mon, May 18, 1885

Atlanta, Ga. May 15, 1885
Special meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Present: Messrs. Snowden, Hodge, Morely, and Klingelsmith. Mr. Chaney was also present.

Mr. Snowden was chosen Chairman.

Minutes of previous meeting read and approved.

A general discussion relative to Church lights was had and it was concluded to ask Mr. Chaney while in Boston the next week to investigate Church lights.

It was agreed to have an appropriate sign in front of the Church containing “Church of Our Father.”

The question of ventilation for the choir gallery was discussed and the Committee on Care of Property was asked to ascertain the best method and to act upon such knowledge and have work done immediately.

A resolution was adopted authorizing Mr. Hodge to offer Prof. Means the School building another year at $55.00 per month.

Mr. Chaney brought up the question of the subscription book and church subscriptions and after discussion it was resolved that suitable cards be prepared by Miss Hodge and Snowden and to habitual worshippers of the Church asking them to fill out the blanks of same with the amount they desire to contribute to the support of the Church for the year and return them to the Treasurer.

Adjourned

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 15 – 16
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Mr. Chaney preached an anniversary sermon yesterday, it being just a year since his church was dedicated. The text was Matt. v 43, “He commanded that something be given her to eat,” “Life is the gift of God,” he said, “but it is the ward of man.” The sole command of Jesus to the household of Jairus on the restoration of his daughter was that something be given her to eat. This is a striking presentation of the truth that the life which is given by God most be fed and sustained by the ministry of man. The purpose of the discourse was to apply this truth to spiritual life, and show how necessary it was after the soul of man had been turned from self-seeking to seeking God, that it shall be fed with a true worship, sincere prayer, humane deeds and an active Christian life.

Everybody in the congregation, he said, had known what it was, either momently or habitually, to turn from a life of selfishness to one of love. At first the life of selfishness was every man’s necessity. It was the safeguard of his infancy. But, by and by, he come to a time when he caught sight of the glory and sweetness of living for others and honoring the power that made it in its likeness. This was what was called the second birth. It lay at the foundation of all true religion. But this once gained, the equally important matter of feeding this new life remained. For this end the church existed. It offered Worship, charitable labor and religious friendship, and these were the meat and drink of the awakened soul.

The preacher then described the aims and methods of his church, and showed how helpfully interested in its work the Unitarian church at large had been.

There was all the charm of infancy in its young life. Its strength was a constant surprise and its weakness was never the weakness of old age, the premonition of decay, but spoke of a young child that was finding its feet.

The Unitarian church of New England had done a now-recognised service to Christianity, in tempering the heat and terrors of Calvinism. The same service needed doing in other sections of our common country. The Methodist preacher, Father Taylor, had said to his brethren: “If you send Emerson to hell, he will change the climate there.” Precisely that has been done in the orthodoxy of the north by the presence of Unitarianism there. It will do no harm but good, if the same service can be repeated elsewhere.

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) – Mon, Apr 27, 1885 – Page 7
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TRAINING THE HAND.
AN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL IN FULL BLAST IN ATLANTA.

What a Constitution Man Found on the Second Floor of a Marietta Street Building –

Twenty-Five Boys and Young Men Perfecting Themselves in the Use of Tools, Etc.

“Come out to see me to-night,” said Mr. Frank Lederle to a Constitution Man, Friday.
“I hunt news o’nights,” said the scribe.
“That’s why I want you to come out,” was the reply. “You’ll see something worth writing about.”
“I muff your meaning,” said the scribe.
“Well, here’s what you do,” said Mr. Lederle.
“You come out Marietta street to the saw works building, turn down the side street, pass two doors enter the third, go up one flight of steps, and I’ll show you the only industrial school in the southern states!”
“What?”
“Yes!”
“Do you mean to tell me that there is an industrial school in this place?”
“I do. We have the pioneer.”
“You’ve been very quiet about it. How did it originate?”
“Five big hearted men put up the money and started the school.”

A GRAND SPECTACLE.

At eight o’clock Friday night The Constitution man, who received the invitation noted above, stepped off a car at the place indicated. The saw works building was dark on the first floor, except in the engine roam, where, by a modest coal oil lamp, lighted the way for the grim looking engineer, who ever and anon shoveled coal into the firebox. A big fly wheel revolved with steady strokes and the band flapped and crackled as It disappeared in the darkness. From overhead came a low, buzzing sound as of many wheels in motion. The reporter ascended a flight of stairs, passed through a door and stood in a room that was a perfect blaze of light – a wonderful contrast to the dark and deserted quarters below. The room was about thirty feet by forty. It was packed with machinery and twenty-five men and boys had their coats off and were working like beavers..

Clatter; clatter went the shafting. Bz-z z-z z z went the lathes.

A steady snoring sound and a bright bed of fire beside which stood two perspiring boys, betrayed the locality of the forge. Several boys were industriously filing cast iron tubes. Another was drawing at a draftman’s table. Still others were cutting screws at iron lathes. Three older gentlemen were passing to and fro among the workers, showing first one how to hold a file, then the other how to do something else, another how to draw and so on. A busier shop, a brighter place or a more earnest crowd of workers was never seen.

Beside a youth stood Mr. Lederle giving instructions in drawing. The boy was patiently applying himself to making a picture of a circular saw. “Come here,” said Mr. Lederle, motioning to the reporter as he entered. The news-ite walked over. The boy proceeded with his drawing with the precision of a mature man. The reporter asked him his name.

“My name is Emile Ranschenberg!” was the reply.

“Tell me something about yourself and your ideas in coming to this school?”

“I am sixteen years old,” said the boy. “My father is a pattern maker and I have served three years at that trade. When this school was organized six weeks ago I came here and I have missed only one night. I am now going to school in the day time and attending this school at night. I am devoting my attention almost exclusively to drawing.'”

“Do you find any benefit?”

“A very decided benefit, so much so that I will stick to the school as long as it lasts ores long as the teachers can teach me anything.”

TALKING WITH AN APPRENTICE.

The CONSTITUTION man dropped into conversation with Elbert S. Broadus, a very earnest looking young man! who was running a lathe and cutting threads on a screw. Said he:

“I have been working at Winship’s for fourteen months and am learning the machinist trade. I have nearly four years yet to serve. I have been attending this school ever since it started, and intend to stick it out. It takes a good machinist to get good pay and I want to pick up all the knowledge of the business that I can get.”

“What does a good machinist get?”

“They get from a dollar and a half to three dollars a day. The better the machinist the higher the pay. A poor machinist gets only a dollar and a half a day, and I’m sorry to say the good ones are in the minority.”

“What does an apprentice get?”

“The first year fifty cents a day. The six months following they get seventy five cents a day and the third year they get a dollar a day. I’ve done some very hard work as an apprentice, but I don’t regret it,’

SOME INTERESTING CASES.

“It takes pluck to do this,” said Mr. Lederle, pointing to the busy crowd in the schoolroom. “Most of these young men work hard all day. Three nights in the week they come here and work two hours – from seven to nine. This is work to them. There is no novelty in it. You see a young man there filling a block of cast iron down to a perfect cube. He is training his hand in the use of the file. It is not new to him. It is very monotonous. It takes a man who is very much in earnest to stick it out and come here where a bed and sleep would be so much pleasanter. There is a little boy here who carries THE CONSTITUTION every morning at four o’clock, goes to school all day and works here at night. He brings water and sweeps out the room to pay his way. Is there a business man who would not be glad to have a boy of such pluck? There are two young men who come in from Edgewood, and another who comes in from Grant park. We have pupils from most of the shops in the city. All are working boys except three or four, who go to school.”

“What do you teach the boys?”

“They are taught the use of tools. Mr. H. T. Roffe, superintendent of the Georgia machinery company, is principal of the school. He teaches the use of the machinists’ tools, lathe work, vise work and general setting up. Mr. William Ott teaches pattern making and general carpentering and wood turning. I teach drawing. The school is intended merely as a move in the right direction, and as a nucleus for a great technical school. We call it the artisan’s institute, and hope, in time, it may grow into something great and more useful than at present.”

HOW IT WAS ORGANIZED

“How did the institution get started?”

“Dr. Chaney has a great fancy for this sort of education. He was president of the institution in Boston that started the schools there. He conversed with Mr. Elias Haiman on the subject, and at last it was known that Mr. Roffe could conduct the school. A meeting was called and Messrs. S. M. Inman, W. C. Morrill, W. A. Moore, F. P. Rice and J. W. English gave $1,000 to be spent in buying the tools. The teachers agreed to work three months free. We fitted up the place here as you see it. The first night there were 23 applicants and that was nearly as many as we could attend to. The boys pay a dollar a month each which about pays for rent, power and gas,”

“What about the future?”

“The experiment is a success and I have no doubt there will be means provided for continuing the school. The boys hang on well and there are many on the outside anxious to get in.”

WHO THE PRINCIPAL IS.

The principal of the school, Mr. H. T. Roffe, is one of the finest machinists in this country. He served a regular apprenticeship in England and attended a course at a technical school. He sees the great need for practical education for boys learning trades and has his heart in this work. Said he:

“In England an apprentice has to serve a term. Here he picks up what he can and quits when he pleases, consequently nobody teaches him anything. Boys should be taught many little things that are necessary to make them skilled mechanics. How to file even, how to hold a file and a thousand other little things that make them perfect are never taught in this country nowadays. This school is intended to help boys to perfect themselves while serving their trades and prepare boys for entrance into the higher schools.

The institution certainly deserves the hearty support and encouragement of every Georgian. No man who sees the earnest workers who attend the school can doubt that it fills a long felt want.

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) – Sun, Apr 19, 1885 – Page 9
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Last evening at the Church of our Father, Dr. Chaney gave a discourse from Mark 15:31 . “He saved others, himself he cannot save.” What the mockers of Christ said to his shame, Hit followers repeat as his noblest praise. Those mocking scribes spoke more wisely than they knew. He did save others. He could not save himself i.e., he could not give his mind or heart to self-preservation. His thought was for others. From the life and practice of Jesus we may -get a better clue to the meaning of a true salvation than from the men’s report and resetting of His doctrine. It is the life filled with saving work for others; not the life spent in weary efforts to save itself. “He that saveth his life shall lose it.” The example of broad sympathy and free, large minded nurture which Jesus gave to men, was soon lost sight of in the critical emergencies in which the early church found itself. And Christendom to day gets its customary expression from the perils and sorrows of its childhood. As a result we find the grandest causes advocated in the narrowest spirits, temperance intemperately defined and urged; moral reform prudishly pursued; abuses of popular amusements long-facedly rebuked; and sins of frivolity just as frivolously objected to.

The preacher then drew a striking contrast between the self-forgetful spirit and the practice of Jesus and the self- seeking methods of the modern church. While fully realizing the peculiar spiritual deeds of men, especially in their transition from youth to maturity and from maturity to old age, he rebuked the preaching which sought to magnify their fears and increase the excitement of those excitable periods. “I would that men should come of age in the church,” he said, “as they come to maturity elsewhere and only by a deepening of the voice, make known their spiritual stature.”

Oh, that we might have a revival of conscience. The revivals now visible and active seem rather to have come from concert; men struggling together to see how many people they can bring into their several fold. Not what we all know together; our conscience, but what we all think we know separately; that is the basis of this religious agitation.

A revival of conscience; that is the great want of the time. Men, like Zacchaeus waking up with the resolution to restore threefold all they have gained by falsehood! Men refusing to recite or sing in concert what they do not believe apart! Men intending to do what they say they will, and doing it when they say they will. Men who find their joy in ministering, not in being ministered unto! Men who are too intent on saving others to think much of saving themselves!

To promote such a revival as this the church will labor. It will never be crowded, for men are always more anxious to be saved in their sins than from their sins. We have no salvation for such. But what one man can do for another, God helping him, in the worship of God; the promotion of virtue and the recovery of the spirit and life of Christ –that we will try to do for those who come to us.

Mr. Chaney closed his discourse with an illustration of the love and loyalty for Jesus which distinguished the Unitarian church likening it to the love of Cordelia in King Lear, a love too deep for extravagant protestation; a love which would live and die for its Lord, whether it could speak much about him or not.

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) – Mon, Apr 13, 1885 Page 7
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Church of Our Father—Unitarian.

Mr. Chaney preached in the morning a sermon appropriate to Palm Sunday. In the evening he discoursed on the relations of evolution to religion as they had been recently presented by Mr. Beecher. The texts chosen, rather as mottoes than guides for the sermon, were from Job 17, 14: ‘I have said to the worm, Thou art my mother and my sister;” and Mark 3 35: “Whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother and my sister and my mother.” Man’s spiritual and natural relations were indicated in these two passages. The coming of Mr. Beecher, and his discourse on evolution and religion was the foremost religions event of the times in this city. His clear statement of the much-abused and seldom understood doctrine of Darwinian evolution, and his frank acceptance of it, as the truth regarding man’s physical origin, was worthy of the man. He showed that he had the courage of his conviction, and was ready to stand alone, if need be, in his adoption of an opinion not popular in the churches, and often misrepresented as hostile to religion. Mr. Chaney took up the several divisions of the lecturer’s argument, and gave a running commentary upon them. He vindicated Beecher from the charge of loosely accepting the extremist views that go by the name of evolution, showing that be carefully separated himself from all the atheistic and agnostic schools. In modifying his view of the inspiration of the Bible to suit its repeated discrepancies with modern science, he only did what all prudent scholars in the church are fast doing for them. That difficulty removed, he took up the great essential verities of religion—God, man, design, providence, miracles, prayer, sin and immortality – and by a rare combination of spiritual and commonsense, lifted them all over the bar of popular prejudiced objects to evolution and left them to free to go upon their saving way.

Though asserting bravely at the very outset that evolution would work revolution in traditional Christianity and long current theology, Mr. Beecher did not full show in his own teaching a very new opinion or striking reform. The novelty was more in his illustration than in the doctrine.  In this he failed to push his accepted theory of creation to all its consequences and implication and missed much of its finest service.  Mr. Chaney showed what he meant by this criticism by explaining the new view of sin, as the survivor in man of passions belonging to hit lower ancestors – which elevation punished sin, he said, in the survival of the un-fittest. Other reforms in opinion equally radical and helpful were wrought out by the theory of evolution. Religion, then, in his opinion, had more to gain than lose in the establishment of this scientific doctrine, and certainly was not justified in opposing any probable truth, as it any truth could injure its cause.

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) – Mon, Mar 30, 1885 –  Page 758

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Matt. 22:29, “Ye do err, not knowing the Scripture,” was the text of Mr. Chaney’s discourse on the “Bible of Jesus.” It was the aim of the preacher to ascertain by a careful study of the quotations from the Old Testament, attributed to Jesus in the gospels, and by considering what Jesus said about the law and the prophets, what his view of the Scriptures of his day was. No abstract could do justice to the evidence thus brought together or show how strongly it established the preacher’s statement that there is no sign here of any belief in the infallible inspiration or absolute truth of the Hebrew Scriptures. On the contrary there is the express statement that Moses suffered many things because of his people’s hardness of heart and unfitness for anything better. There is also a very elastic method of interpreting and fulfilling prophecy; small heed being paid to its original signification or its literal accomplishment. Whatever our attitude towards the Old Testament should be, it is clear that the position of Jesus was wholly free from rabbinical adoration of its text or a corresponding Christian worship of its letter. What Jesus had and what he constantly shows is a reverent regard for the Hebrew Scriptures a line of thought running parallel with their most spiritual ideas and fulfilling them; a form of expression largely influenced by their models; and an insight into the eternal principles underlying all the changing incidents of their history, which made the story of the past seem like a leaf from the diary of the present and his daily life a fresh rendering of that which was from the foundation of the world.

The evening sermon was from Acts, 26:28 on Agrippa’s words to Paul: “Almost thou persuaded me to be a Christian.” The apparent fulfillment of Messianic prophecies was what almost persuaded Agrippa to be a Christian. But nowadays something nearer to the faith and interest of our times is needed for that object. The Jews might be converted by a proof of Jesus’ messiahship. Both the people who most need converting to Christianity to-day are not Jews but Christians.

Whether we will or not, we all have certain inbred hopes and fears and desires as to death, immortality, duty, God, retribution and future progress, which some form of religion alone can help. Shall it be Christianity! Can that in any of its forms do us this service?

Before answering these questions, Mr. Chaney proceeded to meet and remove some preliminary objections to Christianity, based upon the claims of infallibility and uniform inspiration in its sacred books, and the mistaken doctrines thus derived from them. He also discussed the hasty refusal of men of modern training to examine or trust books which were compromised with miraculous evidences. So long as Plutarch was read with instruction and profit, in spite of such admixture, and Herodotus, ,though frankly telling all sorts of fancies, was accepted is the father of history, there was no sense or justice to disqualifying the Bible as a vehicle of real history on the ground of its miraculous elements. It was not true, that one must believe all that is in the Bible or nothing, on the contrary, once let the methods of separating truth from error, which are in use in the universal history have their way in the Bible, and it would give new power and interest to the Book, and new reality and permanence to its religion.

The discourse closed with an earnest and convincing illustration of the sufficiency of the historic Jesus when separated from the dogmas, ceremonies, commentaries, governments, sects, books, saints, candles, clothes, cathedrals, bishops, priests, deacons, catechisms, standards, creeds and conferences of the church that has succeeded him – the sufficiency of Christ and his word, to take the weariness from life, the chill from death, condemnation from judgment, fixity from the future state, whether it be one of woe or bliss, delay from reformation, and postponement to some other world, from that heaven in progress for which the heart and soul of man cry out: <missing remaining clipping>

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) – Mon, Mar 9, 1885 – Page 590
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Atlanta, Ga. Mar 6, 1885
Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Present: Snowden, Hodge Lederle, Gude, Norrman, Marley and Klingelsmith.

Mr. Hodge called to Chair.

Minutes of previous meeting read and approved.

A report was then called for from the Committee on the Care of Property.

Mr. Snowden, chairman, reported that they could not report on lights at this meeting as they had not yet reached a decision point, but would make a report at the next meeting.

The time of the meeting was taken up in an informal discussion relative to the general welfare of the Church.

Adjourned

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 15
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

The Art club met last Monday night by invitation at Mrs. W. L. Peel’s on Peachtree street. Despite the absence of a number of those on the regular programme, the meeting was a most exceptionally pleasant one.

Miss Lillie Walker’s recitation, “Little Hugo,” was a charming effort, followed by Prof. Barilli at the piano, who was warmly encored.

Mr. Robert Hayden, of the Philadelphia Press, yielded to the call of the club, giving a most clear, forcible and graphic offhand talk on the land question in Ireland, dwelling upon his personal observations of the operations of the evictive laws in county Conemars, “upon whose rocky shore the sea dashed an hundred feet its spray.”

By request, Mr. Ryan, accompanied by Miss Farrar, favored the club with a song. Judge Kit Warren, of Dougherty county, followed with sketches from his lecture on “The Baby,” carrying the club by storm. His effort certainly deserves to rank with the most humorous of the day.

Mrs. Peel and Mr.Scrutchins, Miss Farrar accompanying, sang a charming duet. The club was on the qui vivi to hear Rev. Mr. Chaney, of the Unitarian church. His paper on Ralph Waldo Emerson, was listened to with close attention, the liveliest interest excited by the quotations with which the paper was interspersed.

Refreshments followed the “tea,” attracting many gentlemen. Professor Barilli responded after the intermission with a delightfully arranged minuet, answering the encores with other attractive compositions – all original.

The next meeting of the club will be held at Mrs. Howell Jackson’s residence.

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) – Sun, Mar 1, 1885 – Page 516
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Church of Our Father

Mr. Chaney preached in the morning on the rod and staff of God’s comfort, showing that His consolations are strong in rebuke as well as tender in support; the rod of His correction laid athwart the stall of His support make the Christian’s cross. Ary Schoeffer‘s picture of Christ the Consoler, was taken to depict the fullness and breadth of Christian consolations. In the evening the subject of “Culture and kindness,” was treated in answer to a recent reproach of Unitarianism that this was all it stood for.

The preacher said that having preached four discourses on the piety of the heart, mind, soul and strength, he had shown what Unitarians believed and taught about our duty to God. He would now take up the second commandment, which Jesus had declared like unto the command to love God, viz: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” He showed how perfectly balanced this command was – not falling into the error of altruism on the one side, or egoism on the other—but stating in one sentence man’s equal duty to himself and to his neighbor. This command was exactly repeated in the charge just made against Unitarianism, that it emphasized culture and kindness. So it does. And it has a higher authority than any of the sects can offer, no less an authority than the head of the church for this emphasis. The best gift any man could make to the world would be his own best self. This was culture. This again could only be obtained through kindness to others. Mr. Chaney showed how naturally from the Unitarian teaching of self-respect and self-care, there had come the most original and fertile literature of America and the most able contributions to history, poetry and philanthropy. Channing‘s prophecy of inherent work in the human nature, which the popular theology had decried, was the inspiration of Emerson’s original thought and fertile writing. And Emerson more than any other American had -opened the mouth of genius wherever it exists in this country. At his feet or by his side were the poets, Longfellow, Lowell, Holmes. Among jurists Story, Hoar and Shaw confess the same honorable extraction. Everett, the Adamses for three generations, Sumner and Daniel Webster were Unitarian. Among historians, Sparks, Bancroft, Tickner, Palfrey,  Parkman were Unitarians. Two of them Unitarian ministers and two the sons of such ministers. After illustrating at further length the grand roll of famous Unitarians, the preacher said that he delighted to match these eminent New England, names with those of the south; – Story with Marshall, Adams with Jefferson, Franklin with Washington, Webster with Calhoun, and it added to his delight to know that these giant minds were dearer to each other in their religious views and dearer to the views of Unitarianism, then they were to the prevailing orthodoxy of their gay.

Webster and Calhoun united in starting the Unitarian church in Washington; and the rivals of the forum bowed their heads together in the same church on Sunday. This was in the noon of their powers, when their minds were clearest and their thoughts most trustworthy.

The preacher closed his discourse by declaring that wherever minds were free and human nature was respected, there the gospel of culture and kindness as the human side of religion would be welcome and dear.

 

Psalm 81: 16. – “With honey out of the rock should I have satisfied Thee,” was the text of Chaney’s morning sermon. The sweetness that comes from strength and the tenderness that is born of misfortune and sorrow were the subject. It was variously enforced and illustrated from nature, society, history and the experiences of home life. And at the end the seeker of the divine mercy flowing from the rock of the divine justice was earnestly portrayed. In the evening a discourse to young men was given from the text, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his ways.” – Psalms 119.9. After dwelling upon the common conception that the “wherewithal” means money, the preacher showed how many of the best enterprises owed their origin and final success to men who had no money to give.

Study the history of any noble institution, and question the motives and means that built it, and you will find that humanity, the love of truth and learning, piety, a generous rivalry in good deeds, energy and prudence constancy and industry, all the better instincts and powers of man – that is, the wealth which all men may have – had more to do with its establishment than the money donation of its patrons. And fancy the answer to this sober question of the Psalmist, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his ways ?” – -“By making money.” So far from that, abundance of money in youth is often the chief source of youth’s temptations and ruin.

Most of the special temptations of youth may be traced to four conditions as their source, if not their cause: Ignorance, especially ignorance of physiology. The physician has a revelation of God to make to young men of the first importance. Mr. Chaney advised young men to seek such knowledge from them.

Next to ignorance he placed “leisure” and pleaded for a right use of spare time or better such a use of all time as to have no idle leisure. Leisure, as an opportunity to do nothing, is almost always sure to end in doing something wrong. A sense of a divided responsibility is another condition of evil. And in this not only youth but man find a successful trap to catch their conscience. They do things in company which they would scorn to do as individuals acting each on his own responsibility, And lastly, bad company. The only cure for that, is to leave it. You can do it, and you can do the other things that will make for your better manhood. You can learn, obey, keep holy and keep- clean if you will. You can do it by taking heed to the truth you already know or can readily obtain.

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) – Mon, Feb 9, 1885 – Page 345
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Atlanta, Ga. Feb 6, 1885
Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees.
J.R. Hodge’s Office 8 pm

Mr. Snowden was chosen chairman.

Present: Snowden, Lederle Gude, Hodge, and Klingelsmith.

Mr. Lederle was chosen Chairman.

Minutes of previous meeting read and approved.

The following report was then received from the Committee on Care of the Property.

Your committee begs to report progress as follows (under instructions of Trustees at last meeting).

The doorways leading to the Chapel proper and to the gallery stairway have been curtained; bill for the same is not yet presented.

The brick wall has been completed at a cost of $41.00.

A lightening rod on Prof. Means’ school has been repaired and readjusted at a cost of $1.50.

In regard to lights for the Church, your committee asks for further time and request further conference.

Respectively, W.H. Snowden, Chairman

It was moved and adopted that this Committee be requested to put in the Church either drop lights or so change the present side lights as to serve the purpose to be attained that of increased light.

Adjourned

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 13 -14
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Mr. Chaney preached to his people on Sunday morning on “How They Planted the Church in Apostolic Times” taking for his text the early chapters of the book of Acts. Be likened Atlanta to Jerusalem in its influence for good or evil, upon the southern country which looked to its example of industry and progress and he enforced the duty of personal fidelity to every good cause in this city, especially to the church. In the evening, he took “Methodism and Unitarianism” for his subject and gave a careful prepared, study of those two Christian bodies, first in the person, of Wesley and Channing, their accepted fathers, and then in their doctrines, their aims, their methods, their results and prospects. Methodism had built up, during the last century, the largest church in America. But Unitarianism had educated more eminent men. The glory of the one was its establishment The glory of the other its persons.

The preacher paid a hearty and discriminative tribute to the Methodist church, admiring the missionary seal, self- sacrifice, devotedness, humanity and energy of its minister, and people. The secret of its success, he thought, was not especially its doctrine as Dr. Borie had claimed ; nor yet wholly its appeal to experience rather than to doctrine as Bishop McTyeire had said, but to the relief it brought to a world given over to sin and Calvinism, in its proclamation of free grace in contradiction of fixed decrees; its free access to the people carrying the church to the people and not waiting for them to come to the church, its push for life as more than creed, its social classification and connectionalism and above all the activity and devotedness of it traveling clergy

Unitarianism was in many respects its reverse, but, not on that account, its opponent and Methodism and Unitarianism were complementary to each other, rather than contradictory. The latter took the doctrine of free grace and extended it into another world. It did not believe that God was merciful this side of death and merciless on the other side.

In its Arminianism Methodism came very close to Unitarian sympathies. But in way and methods there is little similarity. The one is propagandist to a fault. The other has very little spirit of proselytism. Methodism is intense, because concentrated upon one phase of life as all that is needful. Unitarianism broadens the religious sphere till it includes all normal life, and misses intensity because of its breadth. But both are earnest reactions from Calvinism, and in both churches there is the same appeal from ceremonialism to inward piety. Methodism is Anglicanism with a new heart. Unitarianism is Methodism with a new head. Its thought is different, but there is the same generous and saving spirit in both. In the development of the better church of the future each has its appointed part. Let each do It with equal earnestness and mutual love.

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) – Mon, Feb 2, 1885 – Page 285
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Every-day Life and Every-day Morals
By George L Chaney. Robert Bros.

This is a series of Sunday evening lectures delivered by the Rev. Mr. Chaney, pastor of the Church of Our Father, Atlanta, Ga. They are plain practical talks upon practical subjects. They are eight in number, under the following heads: “Arts and Morals,” “Juvenile Literature and Morals”,” “Industry and Morals,” “Business and Morals,” “The Stage and Morals,” “The Press and Morals,” “The Pulpit and Morals.” While free from anything like harsh and unjust criticism they are pointed, honest, manly utterances, and without apparent effort eloquent in their simplicity. It is rarely we have seen the subjects treated in the pulpit by methods more likely to persuade and convince young readers. The lecture upon “The Press and Morals” is a keen criticism, and as true a picture as if made by the camera.

The Inter Ocean (Chicago, Illinois) – Sat, Jan 17, 1885 – Page 10

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Click here to access a copy of this book.

Atlanta, Ga. Jan 11, 1855
Special meeting of Member of Church of Our Father in Ladies Room. Mr. Gude was called to chair.

Mr. Chaney stated that the business before the meeting was the election of two delegate to the meeting of the Southern Unitarian Conference to be opened at Charleston, S.C., Wednesday the 21^st instance and continue three days.

He also urged that as many as possible of the church would attend this conference.

Mrs. Morrill and Mrs. Fisher were then nominated as delegates and were unanimously elected.

Mr. Gude and Mr. Snowden were then elected alternates to the regular delegates

Meeting adjourned

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 02   Book: 01   Pages: 146
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Atlanta, Ga. Jan 2, 1895
J.R. Hodge’s Office 8 pm
Mr. Snowden was chosen chairman.

Present: Snowden, Gude, Hodge, Norrman, Morely, Lederle and Klingelsmith.

Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved.

Report from Mr. Klingelsmith, Committee on Property of Church.  He had secured a man for janitor who he believed was fully competent to take care of such duties at a price of $8.00 per month, instead of the boy formerly had at $5.00 per month.  His action was approved by the Board.

It was moved that Messrs. Snowden and Norrman be appointed a committee with power to act to arrange for the procure improved lighting facilities in the shape of some kind of chandelier for the church and that $100.00 be appropriated to be at their disposal for such purpose.   Adopted.

Mr. Norrman then suggested plans for building wall fence surrounding the yard in front of the Church porch that same to be built of brick and correspond with the wall of the porch and it was moved and adopted. That Messrs. Snowden and Norrman be requested to put in the brick wall as suggested by Mr. Norrman (1).  This committee was also requested to put up a suitable curtain across the foot of the gallery stairs in the vestibule.

Mr. Gude brought before the Board the question whether they would grant the privilege to a musical gentlemen of the delivering musical lectures in our Church.  The question was discussed as to its propriety both as a precedent and as to the proper use of the Church.

After full discussion, it was moved and adopted that the application be considered and the question held for future discussion.

Adjourned

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

(1) Archivist Note:  Norrman was the architect that designed the Church of Our Father

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 2 Page: 11 – 12
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

The Church of Our Father.

The church was handsomely decorated for Christmas with holly, laurel and pine.  At the morning service the text of Mr. Cheney was from Haggai, 2, 7; “The desire of all nations shall come,” and Luke, 2, 34 and 35;  “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be spoken against  . . . that the thoughts of many hearts shall be revealed.” The revolution which Simeon predicted is to us a matter of history. The text indicates an office of Christ is not often considered, namely, Christ the revealer of man to himself, the educator of human thought.

In every age since the first Christmas – the person of Christ has attracted the inquiry and (???) the reverence of the foremost as well as the humblest minds.

The brilliant and reckless Rousscan joins in the simple peasant’s hymn of praise to Jesus. From scholarly Goethe to the unlettered frau in the humblest German village, one tribute ascends to Jesus of Nazareth. The profoundest learning of the most diligent and acquisitive body of students the world has ever seen has spent its every hour of active life in searching and unfolding the life work of Jesus and whether the conclusion be in one view or the other, whether with Strauss you end with myth, or with Schenkel in reality, whether with Renan you end in naturalism or with Neander in supernaturalism, whether with Channing you come forth a Unitarian or with Hopkins a Trinitarian, the profoundly significant thing is this—that in every case your judgment carries with it a disclosure of your real character and habitual thought. Men’s thoughts about Christ are often less descriptive of his character than of their own.  And it is here in the revelation of man to himself and to his brother that Christ’s gospel shows its predicted power.

In the evening Mr. Chaney preached a sermon appropriate to the close of the year, taking for his subject “A New Departure – Depart from Evil and Do Good.”

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) – Mon, Dec 29, 1884 – Page 1009 (not a mistake)

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Atlanta, Ga. Nov 3, 1884
Annual meeting of Church of Our Father

Members present: Mesdames Morrill, Gude, Center, Hodge, Winslow and Miss Cooledge and Center.
Messrs. Morely, Lederle, Winslow, Norrman, Harding, Hodge, Gude ad Klingelsmith.

Meeting opened with prayer by Rev. Mr. Chaney who then retired from the meeting. Mr. Gude was chosen chairman.

The Treasurer’s report was called for and Treasurer Hodge made the following report:

In making his report of our financial condition during the year since our last Annual Meeting your Treasurer desires to extend his congratulations not only that we have been able to readily meet all demand made upon us, but also that at this time the end and beginning of our church and fiscal year, we have not inconsiderable cash balance on hand.

Leaving out of account the American Unitarian Association and the salary or our pastor, items that cannot at present be fairly considered among those that we are called upon to meet, we have paid up everything and instead of having like of our sister churches, a debt to board of, we have $361.20 in hand.

We all know that this happy result is due to the kind assistant of our friends outside of the Church and while thanking then from our hearts for their more than generous help, must bear in mind that the time is fast approaching when we must not look to them for further aid, but must be self-sustaining.

While your Treasurer believes firmly that every member has done all he could to put our church in good financial condition the fact remains that we, as a body corporate, must do more, much more, this year than last. And inasmuch as we are all doing as much as we can the importance of securing new members and gaining increased financial strength becomes self-evident.

To illustrate this fact more clearly, you will pardon me if I here give some figures that will make the case plain.

Our pastor originally came here on a salary from the A.U.A. of $2,000 per year and for nearly two years they paid him this sum. This summer he very properly told them he did not think they should pay him over $1,500, but that wherever more he needed would be made up here. The fact is, that in order to meet his necessary expenses, he needs not the $2,000 originally paid him, but $2,500. You all know him and his family so well it is needless to attempt to say why he needs this amount.

I think you all will admit it is not unreasonable that $2,500 should be required for the support properly of a family like his, when the necessary travelings expenses are included. It therefore falls upon us to pay him $1,000 in addition to what he receives from the A.U.A.   That is, the heaviest expense we have to meet.

We had subscribed by members last year $600. We received this year from excess rent over interest $310 so that if this year’s subscriptions should be the same as last year, we can expect a total of $910 and we $250 cash on hand, making $1270.

I would recommend that we consider not less than $270 of this be set aside for the care of church, fuel and light which would leave only $1,000 for all expenses besides, including those items we cannot now reckon upon and our pastor’s salary. It is not enough to make things sure, and at the closet calculations would leave us this time next year without a cent.

I believe you will agree with that our subscriptions list must be increased.

I should say that there is still $290 due us on this year’s subscription and $65 rent for the dwelling house, but these figures do not affect the totals I have given you.

Thus briefly I have mentioned the main points to be considered and at the close of this report will read in detail our receipts and payments. There are many things we would like to do here in the church and outside, but we must wail until on little handful of members has grown as it will to compare favorably with the members in our neighboring churches.

The demand for pecuniary aid will be constant and increasing and it becomes the duty of each of us who feels a real interest in the welfare of our church to do all he can until we have passed from the category of missionary churches and like some of the older Unitarian churches of the north, cannot only support ourselves, but lend a helping hand to other young and struggling organizations.

In so far as it may seem to hear only the Treasury interest of the church, I will in conclusion refer to the indirect strength we seem to be gaining in this city. A couple of years ago, a Unitarian church here was with religiously inclined people a thing not to be thought of – an impossibility. Today, I can confidently assert there is not one of those people ignorant of our existence. Many come to hear the words of our pastor and of those many, some will stay. It rests with us to encourage them and to hold them.

Everyone gives us strength as to numbers and finance ally and speaking from the last point, no opportunity should be lost.

Respectfully Submitted,

<signed>

J. Russell Hodge, Treasurer

Receipts to Nov 3, 1884	1883	1884
General subscription	4195.50
Rev. L. Chaney		215.00
Annual subscriptions		307.00
Rent	417.50	520.00
Hymn Books	900.00
Collection for Christmas Festival	29.45
General Contributions		86.45
Box Receipts		15.90
American Unitarian Association		363.87
Gifts		254.00
Receipts 1883	4657.25
Receipts 1884	1662.22
Total Receipts	6313.47

Receipts to Nov 3, 1884	1883	1884
General subscription	4195.50
Rev. L. Chaney		215.00
Annual subscriptions		307.00
Rent	417.50	520.00
Hymn Books	900.00
Collection for Christmas Festival	29.45
General Contributions		86.45
Box Receipts		15.90
American Unitarian Association		363.87
Gifts		254.00
Receipts 1883	4657.25
Receipts 1884	1662.22
Total Receipts	6313.47

Payments to Nov 3, 1884	1883	1884
Real Estate Dwelling	835.57	84.00
Chapel	2617.00	1047.29
Hyman Books	62.05
Christmas Festival	19.35
Expense	33.85	103.37
Insurance	37.50	69.00
Furnishings	33.62	484.58
Books, etc.	63.00	35.04
Fuel and Light		43.05
Interest		350.00
Printing Sermons		24.00
Suffering Poor		10.00
Payments 1883	3701.94
Payments 1884	2250.33
Total Payments	5952.27
Cash on Hand as per Trial Balance	361.20
Amount to balance receipts	6313.47

Trial Balance of Treasurer Church of Our Father Nov 3, 1884

Cash	361.20
Geo. L. Chaney		215.00
Miss Cooledge		27.00
W.H. Snowden		65.00
E.P. Burris		25.00
Mrs. Morrill		35.00
F. Lederle		12.00
J.R. Hodge		34.00
J.M. Klingelsmith		6.00
Real Estate Dwelling		17.93
Chapel	3664.29
Hymn Books	53.05	10.10
Christmas Festival	137.22
Expenses	106.50
Insurance	518.20
Books and Library	98.04
???? Subscription		4195.38
Mrs. Center		3.00
Miss S.E. Center		3.00
Miss M.J. Center		2.00
W.E. Fisher		29.00
A.V. Gude		15.00
J.E. Harding		18.00
John Y. Dixon		15.00
T.N. Winslow		8.00
J.D. Wilson		5.00
General Contribution		76.44
Fuel and Light	43.05	15.90
Box Receipts
American Unitarian Association		363.87
Interest	350.00
Gifts
Women’s Auxiliary		120.00
Women’s Auxiliary Kings Chapel		29.00
Miss ???? Bradley		5.00
Printing	24.00
L.L. Fisher		5.00
Total	5355.55	5355.55

The Treasurer’s Report was accepted and ordered spread upon the minutes.

The Report of the Board of Trustees was then called for and the following report was read by Mr. Klingelsmith, Secy of the Board.

Report of the Board of Trustees to the Members of the Church of Our Father:

In addition to the report of the Treasurer, the Board of Trustees desires to make a report though somewhat meager of their stewardship of the affairs of the church for the past year.

It will be observed that the Treasurer’s report covers almost the entire ground, of the receipts and disbursements by that officer if followed up would disclose about every effective act of the Board.

We congratulate the church on the splendid showing which the Treasurer’s report discloses the amount of means generously bestowed upon us and its wise and fruitful investment. We hope that the entire church will feel a personal pride in endeavoring to add to this fine record.

Our church as come to us like a great friend and we should feel a deep interest in extending the blessings and benefactions that have added so much to our usefulness and happiness.

As to the work of our various committees, they have each performed their duties, though quietly, with apparent zest and satisfaction and we believe everything has been as well done as could be desired.

The musical department of the church has been so well conducted and has rendered so much sweet and serviceable aid to the church, that it and the music committee are entitled to special praise and the sincere gratitude of the Board as well as the church.

We can only scan the past year’s record and report to you a few feature of our work.

Our manner of seeking subscriptions and the methods of collecting them on the first Thursday of each month, we believe you are well acquainted with and heartily approve, as well as the uses and good looks of our contributions box in the vestibule.

Last spring we increased the insurance on the Chapel and school building $1,500 and also insured the books in the Parish Library to the amount of $1,000.

Our improvements during the past year aside from the completion of work begun previous to our last annual meeting consisted mainly in a new and ornamental fence enclosing the church yard and the laying of a sidewalk of brick by the city at our expense on the church street side of our property.

We also added to the accommodation of the library by supplying additional shelf room in the Ladies Room and we would also suggest at this point that it would perhaps be well to enlarge on this improvement and relieve the already too much crowded small room of a few of its books. This small room has also been supplied with hydrant water and a sink for the convenience of the ladies.

Plain but durable matting has been laid in the aisles of the church and also in the vestibule and gallery, and it might be well to add also a width in the ladies room from the entrance door to the center aisle, as it would make quieter entrance from those coming late.

We have to report that the school building was re-let for one year to Prof. Means at a monthly rental of $55.00. This is somewhat less than we thought the building was worth at that time, but in view of the fact that its occupation for school purposes was much to be preferred to that of a boarding house or some similar purpose, we deemed it best to renew our lease with Mr. Means, as he had been a pleasant and acceptable tenant.

Early with summer, we appropriated $50.00 for a publication fund to be use by our pastor, Mr. Chaney, in the publication of sermons, tracts, etc. for general distribution. We felt that the high character of his sermons and the Christian doctrines promulgated were worthy of a wider circulation and influence. We feel that this fund should never be left at low tide and it might be proper to suggest that special contribution could be made to this fund.

Printing presses are plenty nowadays, but good and sound Christian doctrines are scarce, and a few dollars invested in extending the circulation of Mr. Chaney’s sermons, we feel will result in great good and material advancement of our Church.

Last spring we were made a generous and useful donation in the shape of a carload of coke from Col. W.C. Morrill for which we return our hearty thanks.

Many generous gifts of beautiful and fragrant flowers have graced the pulpit and tables at various times and we are deeply indebted for these refined acts of attention.

The following letter which was sent by the board to the American Unitarian Association of Boston on Sept 5 last explains itself and will probably be new to some of you although it was published in the Sept number of the Christian Register.

American Unitarian Association, Boston, Mass.

Gentlemen,

In one month the Church of Our Father of this city as expected, will re-open for another year, and it may not be inappropriate for us, its Trustees, to say a few words to you in regard to its past and future welfare, recognizing as we do, the fact that it is really due to your Association that it is in existence at the present day.

When, with your assistance, Mr. Chaney came to Atlanta it seemed to us that the prospect of successfully establishing a Unitarian Church here, was more than discouraging. There was the merest handful of real Unitarians to be found by the most careful search, and the powerful orthodox organizations and influences, strong by age and the natural tendencies of the people of this section seemed to prohibit almost the possibility of adding to our numbers by the new converts, either form those found to other creeds or those who seemed to incline to no especial denomination.

With rare tact and discrimination, Mr. Chaney began by interesting the few Unitarians in his project and other residents of the city in general matters of public education and charitable importance, forcing them to admit the desirability of his influence in affairs entirely disconnected from the Church and to regard him mainly in the light of a most valued citizen.

About a year ago after his arrival the field seemed ready for more definite work and our Society was organized and with the liberal contributions he secured from the North, added to what we could raise here, our Church was built and from the day we first held services in it we have more and more felt we were coming a power in the community. Our membership has nearly doubled its original number and we are confident that the coming year will produce even better results than the past.

We appreciate fully the help you have given us by sending Mr. Chaney here and aiding us so much in the matter of supplying us with land for the our Church. We feel with reason that each year we should need less help from you than the year before, and it will be but a little time when we shall be self-supporting.

To accomplish this, however, and thoroughly complete the good work that has been begun, we cannot too strongly urge you to add your endeavor to our own to keep Mr. Chaney here. It is due to him that the first discouraging features and their insurmountable obstacles have been so well overcome and today he has hold upon us as a Society and upon the community at large as a man and a citizen that no one else could take.

The knowledge we have of him induces a love and respect that cannot be transferred to any one else, and we are convinced that the successful fruition of the work attempted depends more upon his continued stay here than anything else and earnestly hope you will be of the same opinion.

We cannot close without some reference to the important influence Mrs. Chaney also has in the matter. Her popularity with the people generally is as great as her husband’s. Her interesting work and excellent judgment are manifest both in the church and in numerous matter of public interest and we feel that in our present success, she has been a factor of the greatest value.

<signed by Board>

J.R. Hodge
W.H. Snowden
A.U. Gude
W.E. Fisher
G.L. Norrman
Frank Lederle

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secy

Hoping thee the coming year will be improved more than the past, and leave better results to be reported to you.

We are your obedient servants,

By the Board

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secy

The following resolution was then adopted, in response to the recommendation of the Treasurer’s report and as the sense of the meeting to provide for the necessary addition to Mr. Chaney’s salary.

Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting that it is the duty of this society to pay during the coming year $1,000 toward the pastor’s salary and that the Treasurer be instructed after meeting absolutely necessary expenses to pay this amount of as much of it as he can as he from time to time may have funds.

A committee of three was then appointed to nominate a member of the Board of Trustees to fill the vacancy caused by the expiration of Mr. Fisher’s team.

The Committee nominated Mr. Morely and he was unanimously elected.

Treasurer Hodge and Clerk Klingelsmith were both unanimously elected for another term.

A vote of thanks was passed for the faithfulness and efficiency of the Treasurer and Clerk.

Rev. Mr. Chaney presented to the church two beautiful tablets 6 ft. x 13 ft. containing the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer, former occupying a place in his old Boston church, the Hollis street.

After considerable discussion and consultation with Architect Norrman, it was regretfully concluded not to accept the gift on account of the inability of using them in our small church. Many thanks mingled with many regrets were tendered Mr. Chaney for his generous gift.

A committee of three was appointed to examine the Treasurer’s books, consisting of Messrs. Lederle, Norrman and Snowden.

Adjourned

<signed>

J.M. Klingelsmith, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 02   Book: 01   Pages: 130 – 145
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA