THE POST OFFICE MISSION BOOTH AT ATLANTA.

The query raised by the Post Office Mission Commission in a recent issue of Onward, is meeting with no uncertain answer. ‘”Shall we bombard Atlanta?” was the question, and scarcely was it asked, and the answers in various forms came pouring in.

One Union almost before the ink was dry on the paper which contained the call, answered yes with a remittance of $5.00. Others replied, “We are greatly interested in the Post Office Mission, our Union will contribute liberally on December 8th.”

Meanwhile the Commission itself has not been idle. With the hearty co-operation of the Universalist Publishing House an immense amount of literature has already been shipped to Atlanta.

Brother McGlauflin and the Atlanta friends have been active, so that probably this, the booth has been constructed, tastefully decorated with National Union colors, and well stocked with literature. Now, let there be a veritable deluge of generous offerings by our Unioners and their friends on December 8th, not only that this Exposition Booth may be properly maintained, but that there may be a large surplus with which to do a big work in the general field.

The Atlanta Booth will cost in all not less than $200, the commission ought to have at least $500 above that amount, who shall say they may not have it? Send all remittances to Secretary Canfield. Begin now to plan to take to the devotional meeting on December 8, – or the nearest date to that on which your Union holds its regular meeting, – a generous gift for the Post Office Mission.

Source: Onward found in Google Books, Vol. II, No. 44, Nov 29, 1895, Page:  173

Dec 17, 1895

Meeting of the Board of Church called to order by Mr. Lederle.  A communication presented from the Woman’s Alliance stated that a committee had been appointed to confer with the Committee of the Board concerning the placing of a sink in the Library.  This committee was composed of Mrs. Chaney, Mrs. Lederle and Mrs. Fisher.  Communications was received and referred to the Library Committee.

The matter of securing services of another janitor was referred to Committee on Operations of Church.

<signed>

Walter Menken, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 132
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Archivist Note: Below are two paragraphs from a larger document, full text presented afterwards, that summarizes the Rev. Bowman’s involvement in bring the Universalist faith to Atlanta in the late 1800’s.

Start of document insert . . .

“Reasoning as to the love and the goodness of God in connection with a hell of endless torment, I said: ‘Had I foreseen that a certain number of my children would be miserable to all eternity, I would not voluntarily have become their father. Had God foreseen such a destiny awaiting any of his creatures, would he have brought them into being? If so, then I am more merciful than God.’ For various other reasons, equally conclusive, I was compelled to abandon the doctrine of endless punishment. I had been taught that it was wrong to reason about such things, but I could not help it. Believing, as I then did, that such use of reason was an act of enmity to God and a peril to the soul, I prayed earnestly that my tendency to so be taken from me. But my prayer was not answered. I continued to reason. The result was I found it necessary either to abandon the Bible or to put another interpretation upon its teachings. I chose the latter, and in the light of the ‘higher criticism’ I became a Universalist. I still held to the Bible as the infallible word of God, but it was redeemed in my mind from the horrible meanings given to it by orthodoxy. This was a long stride toward liberation — a great change for the better. The difference between a universe with an orthodox hell in it and one without that foul blot is a din to the benevolent soul.”

But this new things had its drawbacks, soon learned. He was no longer a safe teacher for the young, and no longer was he a well-paid sermonizer, for young or old. He commenced preaching Universalism — working for people who hold fast to the hope that all will be saved. Such never paid as liberally as do those who are striving by aid of the priest to escape the damnation of hell. Professor Bowman therefore was obliged to earn his living by the labor of his hands. He cleared off some wild land, cutting the wood, grubbing up the roots, and preparing the soil, until he had a well cultivated farm, on which he sustained his family by hard labor during the week, and on Sunday pointed out to his Universalist brethren the way toward a higher and better life on earth. After five years of such work, he went to Atlanta, Ga., and organized the first Universalist Church of that city. He was successful in his new field, but after a few years, becoming interested in the writings of Andrew Jackson Davis, and having now time for study, he began an investigation of the Harmonial Philosophy, and without much aid from the phenomena of Spiritualism, he became convinced of its essential truths. With him to be convinced is to act. He therefore severed his connection with the Universalists, and in 1881 organized a Spiritual society in Atlanta. He also edited a Spiritual magazine called The Progressive Age, and later a weekly publication called Light For Thinkers, which was afterward combined, with The Better Way, now ‘The Light of Truth, Cincinnati. After speaking for the Spiritual society in Atlanta a year, he accepted an invitation to go to Cincinnati, where he remained as speaker for the Spiritual society a year and a half. Concerning his growth out of Universalism.

End document insert . . .

 

Full document

William Clayton Bowman, now a resident of Los Angeles,  Cal., was born in   the year 1833 in Western North Carolina. Jacob Bowman, his grandfather, being a pioneer of the mountain region of that State. His father, Joseph Bowman, as the settlement of the country advanced, in order to gratify his preference for life amid Nature’s wilds, made repeated moves still further away from “the busy haunts of men.” Born to the freedom of rural life, nurtured in the atmosphere of the highlands, accustomed to outlooks from mountain peaks over wide expanses of country, young Bowman imbibed and insensibly incorporated into his very nature the spirit of freedom which, in later years, enabled him to break away from the thralldom of a narrow religion, to welcome the broader teachings of Universalism, and, finally, to embrace the still more advanced ideas of the Harmonial Philosophy , until now, as the founder and pastor of the “Church of the New Era,” he is among the foremost advocates of religious liberty, and of moral, social, and political reform. An earnest exponent of the philosophy of spiritual unfoldment, a worthy teacher of the art of right living (which is the essence of true Spiritualism), he is devoted to the emancipation of humanity from all hurtful restraint and from every debasing condition, and the induction of mankind into a higher life on earth — the fraternal love, freedom, purity, and justice of the new era.

Mr. Bowman’s mother, whose maiden name was Sarah I Jarland, was the daughter of Elisha Garland, a Methodist preacher, of whom it is said: “He was habitually filled with the Holy Ghost,” which, in the Methodism of those days, meant not only the occasional ecstasy of deeply religious feeling, but on all occasions great solemnity of manner and awfulness of discourse — an austere bearing and words of deep seriousness being at that time considered as specially befitting an ordained preacher, who must never forget that his holy calling, as the representative of an angry God, required from him a demeanor in the presence of his people that would continually remind them of the terrors of divine wrath. Yet Mr. Bowman writes: “Dreadful as were the visits of my grandfather, I revere his memory because he was sincere, and his somber life was in honest keeping with his faith.”

Sarah Garland Bowman, though a woman of limited education, was liberally endowed by nature, intellectually and spiritually. Her secluded life, and the simplicity of the times in which she lived, prevented the full development of her intellectual faculties, yet the earnestness and sincerity of her character left a lasting impress on her children. Having no newspapers and very few books, she became a devoted student of Scripture, especially interested in the prophesies, and a believer in the speedy coming of the end of the world, when “the heavens shall roll up as a scroll, and the elements melt with fervent heat.” Having no access to any rational interpretation of the Scriptures, her sensitive spirit was oppressed with the dread of a coming catastrophe. As the Jehovah of the Jews visited the iniquities of parents upon the children to many generations, so the God of her imagination was a being of awful majesty and power, whose wrath might at any time be wreaked on the children of men. Death, to her, instead of being the decree of nature, was the direct act of God. As a consequence, young Bowman became subject to fears of impending evil and gloomy thoughts of death, which even the beauty and brightness of nature could not at all times dispel. In relation to this early experience, he writes

“Religious teachings are fastened upon the minds of children at an age when they are incapable of distinguishing between truth and fiction, and are enforced under the awful name and authority of God, written in a book they are taught to revere as divine and infallible truth. Add to this the fact that religious prejudices and superstitions are the deepest and most ineradicable of all the prejudices which enslave mankind, it ceases to be a matter of astonishment that thousands of intellects, otherwise clear and cultured, are still in bondage to the myths and fables of the world’s childhood.”

The Bowman family consisted of eleven children, of whom William C. was the fourth. There were ten boys and one girl. The head of the family, Joseph Bowman, was a moral but not a pious man. Therefore, there were no family prayers, except when a preacher or other zealous Christian visited them. They lived too far from churches for frequent attendance, and Sunday Schools were then unknown in that part of the country, so the children, in spite of their mother’s influence, grew up comparatively free from the early religious bias which priests consider so essential in molding the minds of the young so as to fit them for future service in the church, From his early religious experiences written by Mr. Bowman, the following is taken:

“The little preaching I heard was about equally divided between three Methodist, Baptist; and Tankers or Dunkers (usually called Dunkards), more properly ‘Christian Brethren.’

The preaching consisted mainly of doctrinal controversy, alike unprofitable and uninteresting to those not members of the church. ‘Soul-saving’ seemed only an incident connected with questions of baptism, the Lord’s supper, ‘feet-washing,’ etc. The Dunkards differed from the other two not merely in ritual forms, but on the subject of conversion, commonly called ‘getting religion.’ The Dunkard preachers maintained that the process of ‘getting religion’ under revival excitement was unscriptural. Having a number of relatives on my father’s side who were preachers of that denomination, and noticing that their arguments seemed more plain and scriptural than those of their opponents, I inclined to their views; yet, when I attended the Methodist revivals, where my mother’s people were largely represented, I sometimes found my Dunkard principles severely tested by the earnest exhortations of relatives and friends urging me to go to the ‘mourner’s bench’ and ‘seek religion.’ While I did not doubt the sincerity of those undergoing these ‘religious’ experiences, my doubts as to such being the genuine way of salvation made me stubborn to withstand their entreaties.

Up to the age of nineteen years, young Bowman’s facilities for obtaining school training had been slight indeed. In that region, at that time, boys learned to read, write, and spell imperfectly, and some acquired knowledge of the fundamental rules of arithmetic. Nothing beyond this was thought of in the free schools of that mountain country. Concerning this period of his life, Mr. Bowman writes:

“I had never heard an educated person speak. But, attending a Methodist meeting one Sunday, I had the pleasure of hearing a preacher named Adams, who had just opened a ‘high school,’ at the county-seat, twenty miles away. He was a man of culture, and I was so captivated by his manner of speech, and the strangely beautiful words he used, that I then and there said in my heart, ‘I must go to school of that man.’ The revelation of this purpose to my parent was a surprise to them, my sudden resolve a mystery they could not understand. For awhile they treated my request for permission to attend school an unreasonable proposition, but perceiving that I was determined they final assented, my mother going with me; she had never been to the village. I attended the school three years, paying my way at first by chopping wood, and afterward by teaching, at intervals, in the district schools.

“It was while attending this school that I passed through the experience of  ‘conversion’; a psychological phenomenon of much interest to the student of mental science, although easily accounted for by the well-known laws governing the action of mind upon mind; it is still held by revivalists to be of supernatural character due to conviction of sin and faith in Christ as a Divine Savior. It was a reality to me, as it has been to thousands, in my subsequent progress of observation and thought, though never doubting for a moment the moral and spiritual change wrought in me by that experience, I have been compelled to adopt a theory of its nature and causes widely different from that of the revivalists. My first doubt of the truth of the revivalist theory came very soon after my ‘conversion,’ long before my general revolt from orthodoxy. This doubt arose from the want of harmony between the facts of my experience, and the theory of faith in Christ by which the facts had to be explained. I knew there was a change. The transformation was marvelous. It was darkness changed to light, sorrow to joy, hell to heaven. I knew there was no mistake as to that, yet I also knew that there was no preceding faith in Christ on my part. On the contrary, all had been doubt and utter inability to exercise such faith.

“The principal of the school at that time was Rev. R. N. Price, a Methodist preacher, who had succeeded Reverend Mr. Adams, the founder of the school. For both these men I still cherish a memory akin to reverence. Under Mr. Price’s ministrations a revival was started in the school, the students being required to go on with their school duties as usual, and attend the revival services at night. Having been, years before, familiar with revival proceedings, and skeptical as to the real character of such experiences, I at first took little interest in the revival further than to attend the meetings, as required, and look on with indifference, while my schoolmates were yielding to the appealing sermons, the earnest prayers, and heart-stirring songs. From what I have since learned of the laws of mind, of the psychological influence exerted by magnetic persons and the effect of long-continued excitement, together with the appeals of friends and my natural desire to yield to their wishes, it seems remarkable that I held out so long, especially as I was not at that time fortified by a knowledge of the natural laws underlying such phenomena. But the process is plain enough now. Persistent concentration of mental and moral effort, with one accord, in one place, and for one purpose, can always be relied upon to produce the desired result, in some degree at least. Such result (depending on laws inherent in the mind itself) will follow independently of the truth or error of the beliefs or theories on which such efforts are put forth — just as the rock is broken by the accumulated blows of the hammer, no matter what the purpose for which the blows are wielded, even though it be under the delusion that the rock is full of gold.

“Here seems to be the true explanation, not only of the puzzle of real conversions under the delusions of a fictitious and absurd theology, but of the entire class of religious phenomena so numerous, and otherwise so unaccountable, including ‘jerks,’ ecstasies, and extravaganzas of revival work. Some phases of the trance, also the numerous forms of religious healing, and ‘mind cure’ in the various names of Magnetism, Spiritualism, Mental Science, Christian Science, etc., may be included. In all these phenomena it is evident to the unprejudiced mind that the effect is independent of the theories held by the various schools of religious faith practicing these diverse methods of revival and healing. The phenomena are the result of well-understood causes, being plainly due to the operation of natural law under certain conditions, such as mental suggestion, concentration of influence, persistent effort, abnormal excitement, intense expectancy, exhaustion, reaction, etc.

“It may here be pertinently asked: In a case like my own, where there was no faith to begin with — in fact, a positive disbelief in the whole business of ‘getting religion’ in that manner — how was it possible to even make a start in that direction? My answer is in one word — hypnotism. I was intently listening to the sermon. It was full of ‘holy unction'; it was pleading, inspiring, sympathetic. The speaker, the people, and the very place in which they were assembled had become magnetized with the spirit of the revival work. My attention became absorbed, and I was thus held captive. The eye of my soul was fascinated to one spot, focused to one point — that spot where the preacher stood; that point, the preacher’s mind. My personality had become lost in the oversoul of the magnetic man, who over-mastered me. I could think only his thought — could do only his will. I was mesmerized, and, at his bidding, went to the ‘mourners’ bench’ as helplessly as any subject who obeys the command of the hypnotist. But when I knelt with the other mourners where the magnetic eye of the preacher no longer gazed into my own, and his pleading voice no longer seemed to appeal to me — especially to me — to surrender my will to his — the spell was broken, and my normal condition of mind, with all its power of reasoning, was restored. Freed from the influence which had bound me, my doubts were as strong as ever. What was I to do? Thus openly committed to religion, my self-respect would not permit me to turn back. And there I was kneeling at the altar with no faith in what I was apparently professing. After a few moments thought, I decided to persevere, because failure after perseverance would be less disgraceful than to stultify myself on the spot. So, as though I despised myself for the part I was playing, I remained with the mourners as if, like them, ‘under conviction,’ and continued to go to the ‘anxious seat’ night after night, hoping that I might, by prayer and earnest endeavor, work myself into a different state of mind. After several nights of praying and crying, with no other result than a greater dissatisfaction with myself, an increasing sense of gloom, and, finally, a feeling of utter despair, after a long struggle in my accustomed place at the mourners’ bench, I became exhausted, and sank into a state of profound sleep, a condition of entire unconsciousness. Though there was a great noise of singing, praying, and shouting all around me, there was to me a stillness as deep as death — a blankness of mind as profound as nonentity.

“The intelligent reader will note that this part of nightly religious experience was due to a cause entirely different from that which controlled my will when I first went forward to the mourners’ bench. What was the result of the mesmeric influence of mind over mind: the swooning was the result of mental and physical exhaustion from excessive and long continued excitement and mental agony. The profundity and duration of such syncope are proportionate to the violence and prolongation of the strain which causes it. I have witnessed revival swoons which lasted several hours. In my own case, the time was probably an hour. The return to consciousness never to be forgotten. To the ear, it was like the gradual awakening from sleep by the music of a midnight serenade, the soft strains lulling the mind to quiet enjoyment while arousing it to happy consciousness; and to the eye the resuscitation was like the slow forming of pictures on the canvas in a panorama of dissolving views. Every sound was melody, every scene beauty, and every thought and reeling full of sweetness, harmony, and love.

Why was this?  From whence came the great happiness, the feeling of peace and joyousness glorifying the very existence of one whom an hour before all had been discord and wretchedness? No wonder in the world’s ignorance of the laws of nature such experiences have been deemed supernatural, but in the light of the psychological science of our day, the supernaturalism of modern theology is fading away, as the supernaturalism of ancient mythology disappeared before the advance of physical science hundreds of years ago.  But it may be asked, ‘If these religious experiences are real, and if they change men’s lives for the better, why are they not good for the world, and why attempt to undeceive the mind as to their nature, and thereby dissipate the charm and hinder the good accomplished by it?’ The answer is: Truth is better than error; the true interests of mankind are better subserved by knowledge of the truth than by any accidental advantages which may arise from the delusions of error. Besides, a bliss which depends upon ignorance is not enduring in its nature, neither is it worthy of rational beings.

“After my conversion naturally came the ‘call to preach.’ I say naturally because nothing is more natural for one under the influence of excitement based on a belief in the orthodox hell than to feel a strong impulse to rescue sinners from such awful peril. So I became a student of theology, and at the same time a traveling Methodist preacher, and continued in the business fifteen years, meantime passing through the Civil War, serving a part of the time as a chaplain in the confederate army. I fully believed in the divine right of slavery and the justice, (the necessity even) of secession, for I had been so taught. Our politics and our religion — the result of early teachings — are mainly dependent upon locality; so in a sense they may be said to be geographical questions; and later in life, when I began to think about the reason of things I doubted whether a God of justice would send people to hell for purely geographical reasons. When I spoke of my doubt to some of my brethren in the ministry, they informed me that the heathen would be saved through ignorance, whereupon my missionary zeal began to cool, for it seemed to me hardly the proper thing to enlighten the heathen if nine-tenths of them were to be eternally damned in consequence.”

Near the close of the war, in 1864, came the main turning point of Mr. Bowman’s life, his marriage to Sarah A. Colbert, of Virginia, who, like himself, was an early believer in orthodoxy and who, like him also, by fearless questioning of its correctness, has come out of the shadow of that cold and cheerless religion into the warmth and sunlight of rationalistic belief. One in spirit and purpose through all the joys and sorrows of more than thirty years, and in spite of the struggles and trials that always attend those, who, regardless of material reward, choose the right because it is right, this happy couple have ever kept even step in the march of progress. Happy is the man, who, no matter what wrongs he receives from his fellow men in the struggles of life, can, at the close of each day, turns to his own home, knowing that whoever else is false, there is one, at least, who is true and whose loving faith in him never fails. Especially does the worker in the field of reform need such a place of refuge, where he can get renewed faith in human love, renewed confidence in human integrity, renewed hope in the ultimate triumph of the right, and consequent renewal of strength for the labor yet to come. Fortunate is the man who is blessed with such a home — doubly fortunate he who appreciates his great blessing.

Young Bowman’s high school education, though better than, in his early youth, he had hoped ever to receive, was not satisfactory to him. It served only to show the vast fields of inquiry that lay beyond, and which he could not explore unless better prepared by mental discipline. He accordingly entered upon a three-year course in the University of Virginia, which he found of incalculable value in his future career. Besides preaching, Professor Bowman devoted himself to the cause of education in his native State, including two years service in the Asheville Female College. He was about to establish an educational institution of his own in Bakersville, N. C, to be called “The People’s College,” when his theological views so changed that he gave up his plan, knowing that he would not be sustained by the people of that orthodox community. The following is from a statement recently made by Professor Bowman, concerning his growth out of orthodoxy. He writes:

“Reasoning as to the love and the goodness of God in connection with a hell of endless torment, I said: ‘Had I foreseen that a certain number of my children would be miserable to all eternity, I would not voluntarily have become their father. Had God foreseen such a destiny awaiting any of his creatures, would he have brought them into being? If so, then I am more merciful than God.’ For various other reasons, equally conclusive, I was compelled to abandon the doctrine of endless punishment. I had been taught that it was wrong to reason about such things, but I could not help it. Believing, as I then did, that such use of reason was an act of enmity to God and a peril to the soul, I prayed earnestly that my tendency to so be taken from me. But my prayer was not answered. I continued to reason. The result was I found it necessary either to abandon the Bible or to put another interpretation upon its teachings. I chose the latter, and in the light of the ‘higher criticism’ I became a Universalist. I still held to the Bible as the infallible word of God, but it was redeemed in my mind from the horrible meanings given to it by orthodoxy. This was a long stride toward liberation — a great change for the better. The difference between a universe with an orthodox hell in it and one without that foul blot is a difference of vast significance to the benevolent soul.”

But this new and pleasanter view of things had its drawbacks, soon learned. He was no longer a safe teacher for the young, and no longer was he a well-paid sermonizer, for young or old. He commenced preaching Universalism — working for people who hold fast to the hope that all will be saved. Such never paid as liberally as do those who are striving by aid of the priest to escape the damnation of hell. Professor Bowman therefore was obliged to earn his living by the labor of his hands. He cleared off some wild land, cutting the wood, grubbing up the roots, and preparing the soil, until he had a well cultivated farm, on which he sustained his family by hard labor during the week, and on Sunday pointed out to his Universalist brethren the way toward a higher and better life on earth. After five years of such work, he went to Atlanta, Ga., and organized the first Universalist Church of that city. He was successful in his new field, but after a few years, becoming interested in the writings of Andrew Jackson Davis, and having now time for study, he began an investigation of the Harmonial Philosophy, and without much aid from the phenomena of Spiritualism, he became convinced of its essential truths. With him to be convinced is to act. He therefore severed his connection with the Universalists, and in 1881 organized a Spiritual society in Atlanta. He also edited a Spiritual magazine called The Progressive Age, and later a weekly publication called Light For Thinkers, which was afterward combined, with The Better Way, now ‘The Light of Truth, Cincinnati. After speaking for the Spiritual society in Atlanta a year, he accepted an invitation to go to Cincinnati, where he remained as speaker for the Spiritual society a year and a half. Concerning his growth out of Universalism, Professor Bowman writes:

“After eight years of thought and preaching as a Universalist minister, notwithstanding the great breadth and brightness of my new faith as compared with the old, I found myself again hampered with limitations which had to be broken. These limitations were the One Book and One Savior ideas. Although the change from the orthodox to the liberal theology was a very decided change, yet it was still theology — a binding of the mind and conscience to traditional sources of authority, and supernatural revelation. I saw that the theological plane had to be wholly abandoned, and that I must henceforth trust to absolute liberty of thought and conscience, untrammeled by authoritative limitations to any one book, savior, creed, or system of religion. Authority must not be accepted as truth, but truth must be made the basis of authority. This second transition (the change from theology to philosophy) was made, and I found myself with the universe for my Bible, the soul of the universe my God, obedience to its laws for my Savior, and the dictates of conscience, reason, and experience for my authority. I am free to confess that this surrender of the personal for the impersonal, the definite for the indefinite, the narrow for the boundless, is to launch the barque of an ordinary mortal upon a very wide sea. But every sailor knows it is safer on the bosom of the great deep than in the shallows of the shore, though the sailing may be less spirited and the voyagers less boisterous, because the waters are calmer, and the storms less violent, than along the surfy coasts and the narrow channels of dogmatism! ”

In 1884, Professor Bowman left Cincinnati with his family and went to New Mexico, where he expected to join a co-operative colony (since disintegrated), but on investigation he concluded to not do so, and engaged in other work, first as a laborer, then as clerk, then studied law, practiced three years in the courts of races, and finding such employment uncongenial, he went to Tucson, where he became Principal of the High School and Citv Superintendent of Public Schools. In 1890, he came to California, lectured for a Spiritual society in Los Angeles for two years, stumped the State for John P. Weaver in 1892, returned to Los Angeles and organized the church of the New Era. In 1893, he was the People’s Party candidate for Congress in the sixth district in 1894, and has since resided in Los Angeles, most of the time in charge of the Church of the New Era. Professor Bowman has six daughters and one son — all bright, active, progressive young people, three of the daughters are married, the eldest to James G. Clark, Jr., son of the people’s greatest reform poet and singer.

As a fitting close to this brief sketch of the reform work of Professor Bowman, the following extract is taken from an account written by him concerning his present position in relation to religion, and the circumstances that led to the organization of his reform church. He writes:

“In the transition from the theological to the philosophical plan, I have not abandoned religion. I only view the subject from a different standpoint and treat it in a different manner. Under the philosophic regime, I am free to investigate, criticize, and judge in matters of religion as on all other subjects. Under theology, one cannot do this, but must accept and believe — the penalty for failure being eternal death. Theology assumes to be identical with religion, but philosophy discriminates between the two. Religion is something essential and permanent in the very nature of man. Theology is but a system of doctrines and theories growing out of religion. Religion is innate in man’s spiritual nature; theology is an exotic planted in the mind by education, drawing its life and nourishment from the religious sentiment, but shaped according to environments. Religion, subjectively, in man, is a constant quantity; objectively, its external expression in theological dogmas and rituals is a variable quantity, differing according to the ethnic and historic peculiarities of each case.

“The abandonment of any particular scheme of theology or form of worship is not the abandonment of religion any more than would the rejection of any particular theory of government, therapeutics, or morality be the repudiation of the science of sociology, medicine, or ethics. The so-called liberalists, who make war on religion itself because of the errors and absurdities of theology, are as unreasonable as if they should war against chemistry or astronomy because the ancients held such crude and unscientific views on these subjects. The art of building must not be destroyed because our ancestors built so rudely. The true reformer comes not to destroy, but to fulfill. Religion, innate in man, has found expression in accord with human development. Modern religion is a branch of civilization, not an unnatural excrescence upon it. It should, therefore, be treated as all other branches of civilization are treated — not warred against, but improved upon. The primitive gods and primitive religions need civilizing as much as primitive modes of agriculture or navigation. As a spiritual being, man can no more abandon religion than he can, as a physical being, abandon the atmosphere or the sunshine.

So, although I have been compelled to relinquish my faith in the entire system of theology or ‘plan of salvation,’ yet I hold on to religion as a necessary factor in human life, and to a church as necessary to represent the claims and conserve the interests of religion in the world, believing such to be the highest claims and the most important interests of humanity. But, having rejected the theological foundations on which existing churches stand, it became necessary, before a church could be inaugurated under the new idea, that a new plan on a new basis should be devised for the new church. This new plan was the outgrowth of many years of experience, but more especially of my California experience. After lecturing two years in Los Angeles on Spiritualism, and on religious, social, and political reforms, and becoming deeply interested in the great third-party movement, I became convinced that all reforms aiming at the overthrow of wrong and the establishment of justice are, in their deepest meaning, essentially religious, and, as such, should be taken into the church as a part of its practical work, and as a necessary part of true religion. This conviction was followed by the thought: We must have a church of the new era to realize this ideal — a church broad enough and fearless enough to advocate all righteousness and all truth, irrespective of ecclesiastical customs and theological traditions. My thought was communicated to kindred minds, and the result was the organization of ‘The Church of the New Era,’ devoted not to the propagation of any creed, but to the advancement of universal truth for the truth’s sake, and for the promotion of every human interest, social, intellectual, moral, civil, and religious. The Articles of Incorporation provide that in matters of belief and opinion there is to be absolute liberty of mind to accept whatever is proved or seems probable, and to reject whatever is disproved or seems improbable, unprejudiced in all matters not yet investigated — truth alone being the object sought, and the only authority relied upon.”

 

Source:  Workers in the vineyard. A review of the progress of spiritualism, biographical sketches, lectures, essays and poems. ..

THIS BOOK PRESENTED BY Ernest C. Miller
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH LIBRARY
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA,  Copyrighted by the Author, 1896.

 

Onward Journal of the Universalist Young People

Contributions

Letter from Atlanta.

Our church in Atlanta draws its constituency from so many states, and from so many faiths, that I thought it would be a matter of interest to you all to know something of each one who is interested in our movement in this city.

This church is the church of the Young People’s Christian Union, and its future life and success will depend in a large measure upon the faithfulness of the Unioners all over this land, and because it is our church, we have a special interest in every person who belongs to it.

There are two lists of names given, the first one contains the names of those who are already members of the church, the second one, names of Universalists who live in Atlanta but who have not yet joined the church. Many of them are members of our churches in other cities and are already interested in the Atlanta church, and will in time identify themselves with it.

Members Of The First Universalist Church Of Atlanta, Georgia.

Mr. and Mrs. H. D. McCutcheon are natives of Georgia, and both were members of the old church of Atlanta, which was organized some twelve or fifteen years ago. Mr. McCutcheon was formerly a Methodist and Mrs. McCutcheon a Baptist, but were converted to our faith by Father Clayton who is now past eighty years of age, but still preacher of the faith. Mr. James McCutcheon, Mr. Howard McCutcheon, and Mrs. Culpepper, are children of Mr. and Mrs. McCutcheon.

Mr. and Mrs. H. Linch are natives of Georgia, and were also members of the old church.

Mrs. M. T. Day a native of New Hampshire and later of Massachusetts.

Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Cottington are natives of Alabama and were members of the Second Baptist Church of Atlanta. They became Universalists from hearing Dr. Q. H. Shinn preach.

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Beck are natives of Georgia and were members of the Second Baptist Church of Atlanta. They became Universalists by reading literature received from the Post Office Mission. Score a big credit for the Post Office Mission!

Mrs. H. A. Harwood, Mrs. A. L. Blackman, Miss Bertha Harwood, and Master Spencer E. Blackman are from Joliet, Ill.

Mr. J. T. Buchanan from Georgia, and a Universalist for years.

Mr. and Mrs. G. M. King formerly lived in Colorado.

Mrs. J. M. Hutem of Cannon, Ga., is a daughter of Rev. J. M. Bowers. Rev. Mr. Bowers was formerly a Baptist clergyman who became a Universalist and converted his church (or forty-nine members of it) to Universalism, and is now preaching to the same church in Cannon, Ga

J.E. Bond and J. C. Bond are natives of Cannon, Ga., and formerly members of Rev. Mr. Bowers’ church.

Mrs. Louise Warnock is a native of Alabama and a daughter of Rev. John C. Burruss, editor of the Universalist Herald.

Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Whitney. Mr. Whitney was formerly from Rochester, and later of Buffalo, N.Y. Mrs. Whitney is a native of Fitchburg, Mass., and a former parishioner of Rev. Frank 0. Hall.

Mrs. W. Anderson, and her son J. P. Anderson, are natives of South Carolina.

Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Durdin are natives of Georgia. They have always been Universalists

A. Q. Beem is from Mount Gilead, Ohio.

Dr. L. H. Rhym is a son of Rev. J. H. Rhym, and is a native of Jasper, Ga. (Rev. Mr. Rhym now preaches for our church at Walesca, Ga.)

Mr. and Mrs. O. D. Hicks are natives of Georgia.

Mr. J. N. Little is a native of Alabama and was converted to Universalism by hearing Rev. W. H. McGlauflin preach.

Mr. J. B. Osborn is a native of Georgia.

Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Currier are natives of Vermont and members of the First Universalist Church of Brattleboro, Vt.

To Recapitulate: From Alabama, 4 ; Colorado, 2; Georgia, 19; Illinois, 4; Massachusetts, 1; New Hampshire, 1; New York, 1; Ohio, 1; District of Columbia, 2 ; Vermont, 2. Total 37.

Names Of Universalists In Atlanta Who Are Not Yet Members Of The Church.

Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Finn from St. Paul, and members of Dr. Shutter’s church of Minneapolis, Minn.

Mrs. J. G. Gurwood of Marietta, Ga., daughter of H. D. McCutcheon, and a member of the old church.

Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Jones. Mr. Jones is a native of Georgia, and Mrs. Jones of Massachusetts.

Mr. F. M. Coker is a native of Americus, Ga., (President Bank State of Georgia).

Dr. Brooks. Dr. J. V. Cain.

Mr. C. F. Hoyt is a native of Wentworth, N. H.

Mr. and Mrs. Gill are natives of Vermont.

Mrs. A. E. Grigsby and daughter.

Mr. John Guevin is a native of Georgia.

Mr. S. C. Morely is a native of East Tennessee, and a life-long Universalist.

Mr. J. E. Harding is from Wellsburg, West Va., and a Universalist for years, and a comrade in the same regiment with Dr. Shinn.

Mr. F. E. Dodson is from Dr. Shutter’s church, Minneapolis, Minn.

Mr. Edward Callaway.

Dr. W. F. Park, son of Rev. Mr. Park, is a native of Georgia.

Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Carter are natives of Georgia. Mrs. Carter was a member of the old church.

Mrs. T. W. Lilly is from Illinois.

Mr. A. J. Winslow and family are from Michigan.

Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Milton are natives of Georgia. Mr. Milton was once a primitive Baptist clergyman, but from his study of the Bible became a Universalist. He afterwards converted his brother to our faith, who was also a preacher. He was for a time a preacher of our faith, but from an accident, he is now almost blind. His wife was a member of the Methodist Church, but is now a Universalist and they will both join our church soon.

Mrs. Marr is a native of New Hampshire.

Mr. W. E. Shirley is a native of Georgia.

Dr. Adolphus Dean of the So. Eclectic College is a native of Georgia, and once a preacher of our faith. His son, Mr. H. B. Anolphus and family are Universalists.

In addition to the above lists they have counted over thirty children who are old enough to attend Sunday school, and so Mr. McGlauflin expects to organize a Sunday school this month.

For this very complete report of our Atlanta friends, I am indebted to Mr. H. M. Currier who is one of the loyal and true, of the most loyal and true. His constant kindness and that of his family, to me while in Atlanta, can never be quite repaid.

Mary Grace Canfield.

 

Source:  Onward found in Google Books  January  17, 1896, Volume II, No. 51, Page 202

The Unitarian, Volume 11
Feb 1896
AMERICAN UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION

At the meeting of the board held January 14 several important subjects came up for consideration. The one having precedence was the missionary work in the South. On recommendation of the Southern Committee appropriations were made as follows: Atlanta, Ga., $200; Memphis, Tenn., $350; New Orleans, La., $500; Richmond, Va., $500; Austin, Tex., $500; Rev. Henry A. Westell, Asheville, N.C., $350; and $1,250 for the salary of Mr. Chaney for six months.

Mr. Chaney offered his resignation, which, after much earnest and sympathetic consideration, was accepted. The reasons which caused Mr. Chaney to offer his resignation, and the directors to accept it, may be reduced to one; namely, the lack of money to extend the operations and justify the maintenance of a superintendent in the field.

Mr. Chaney thinks it would be possible to establish churches in every Southern State; but also he recognizes the fact that the work cannot be done without considerable appropriations long continued. The conditions being such that the amount of money needed to carry on new operations in the South cannot be appropriated at present, Mr. Chaney had conscientious scruples against the spending of so much money on his office.

No more honest, earnest, self-sacrificing, and able work has been done by any one in our missionary operations than by Mr. Chaney and his accomplished wife. The directors fully recognized this fact, and regretted the hard conditions which make the practice of economy imperative. Mr. Chaney’s plan will be during the remainder of his term of service to strengthen the churches in the South, and prepare them for the change, in the hope that they may go on steadily toward self-support. The following vote was passed:

“Voted, That, in taking this action, the board wishes to express a feeling of regret that lack of means compels such retrenchment of work in the South, and of gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Chaney for the excellent gifts of mind and heart and the spirit of self-sacrifice which they have brought to this work.”

Reports were received of the action of several State conferences in the Middle West concerning the plan of a missionary council which had been under consideration for several months. Some of these conferences have not accepted the specific plan proposed, but all have expressed a desire to work toward some general plan of co-operation. The directors therefore instructed Mr. Batchelor, the secretary of the Association, to arrange, if possible, upon his return from the Pacific Coast, to attend a meeting of delegates in Chicago, to consider with them any plans of co-operation which may seem feasible, and report the result to the directors of the American Unitarian Association at the meeting in March.

At a meeting of the Western committee Mr. Forbush made a general estimate of the appropriations necessary for the ensuing year. He then, contrasting the cost of superintendence with the amount to be expended, advised the abolition of his office at the expiration of his term of service, Oct. 1, 1896. The committee so recommended, and the board voted to accept the recommendation. The following resolution was passed:

“Voted, That the board desires to put on record its sense of appreciation of the vigor, prudence, and good judgment with which Rev. T. B. Forbush has conducted the work of church extension in the Western department for the past six years.”

The secretary, when this goes to press, will be on the Pacific Coast, hoping to greet all the missionary workers, from Southern California to Washington, and to come into sympathetic relations with those who are advancing our cause. He may be addressed, until February 17, at the Unitarian headquarters, 300 Post Street, San Francisco, Cal.

George Batchelor.

Source:  The Unitarian found in Google Books  Feb 1896, Volume 11, Page 82-83

Atlanta, Ga, March 8, 1896

A special meeting of the Church membership was called to discuss the question of a permanent minster.

Letters were read, opinions expressed and the Clerk was instructed to open every available channel for the selection of a pastor.

After some discussion of the seeming apathy of the Church, it was determined to appoint a Committee on Progress, of which was to stimulate interest and stir up enthusiasm. The Committee as appointed was Messrs. Brigham, Hall and Behre. Prof. Davidson corroborated a statement made by Mr. Brigham to the effect that Rev. W.S. Vail of Wichita, Kansa, if available, was a proper person for our field. The information given was of such nature, that the meeting instructed the Clerk to communicate with Mr. Vail and arrange for a trail visit.

Minor matters received some attention.

Adjourned

<signed>

Walter Menken, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 03   Book: 01   Pages: 191
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. April 20, 1896

Special meeting of the church was called to consider suggestions of Board of Trustees.

Meeting was called to order by Mr. Crafts, who stated that the object and upon request the following resolution, adopted by the Board, was presented and action of the Board ratified.

Whereas in response to our invitation Rev. W.S. Vail has occupied our pulpit as a candidate for the pastorate of our church resulting in four successful meetings and a renewal of interest among both members and friends; and whereas it is our opinion that Mr. Vail’s ability and adoption to our circumstances our opportunity and our people are such as to lead us to believe that his the proper person to organize and stimulate a successful work here, be it

Resolved – that the Board of Trustees call a meeting of the congregation for Wednesday evening at seven forty five o’clock for the purpose of accepting or rejecting the recommendation of said Board, to wit:

That Mr. Vail be called to the pastorate of the Church of Our Father at a minimum salary of Fifteen Hundred Dollars per year, this arrangement to date from the 1st of May 1896.

That a special Committee consisting of Chairman Geo. H. Crafts, Treasurer Frank Lederle and Secretary Walter Menken be appointed to confer with Mr. Vail and arrange all details of the matter.

The question of finances was introduced and thoroughly discussed.

On motion, a Committee, consisting of Messes. Ivy, Stall and Crafts was appointed to look into the matter of property ownership the conditions of lease, title, etc.

Meeting then adjourned,

Walter Menken, Clerk

 

Source: Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 25   Folder: 03   Book: 01   Pages: 192 – 193
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Atlanta, Ga.
April 27, 1896

A special Church meeting was called to nominate delegates to the Southern Conference at Louisville. Mrs. Owens, C. Heflall (Archivist: unsure of spelling)  and Walter Menken were selected to represent the Church at the conference. No further business being presented, meeting adjourned.

<signed>

Walter Menken, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25    Folder: 03   Book: 01   Pages: 193
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

May 10, 1896

Meeting called to order by Chairman Crafts.

Committee of Church Property was authorized to renew lease of building on corner for another year.

Treasurer Lederle made report of finances, general discussion was had.

It was decided to write a personal letter to all friends of the Church soliciting financial aid and Mr. Brigham was asked to aid the Secretary in preparing same.

<signed>

Walter Menken, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 133
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Southern Conference. The eleventh annual session of the Southern Conference of Unitarian and Other Christian Churches was held in Louisville, Ky., April 28-30. The work was well arranged at the meeting of the officers and directors on Tuesday evening; and the keynote of the occasion was nobly struck on Wednesday morning by Rev. J. H. Heywood, the veteran pastor emeritus of the Louisville church.

Wednesday afternoon was devoted to the annual meeting of the Southern Associate Alliance. Mrs. George L. Chaney, president of that Alliance, presided; and addresses were made by Mrs. R. H. Davis of New York, Mrs. Theodore Stanwood and Miss Field of Cincinnati, Mrs. Charles T. Catlin of Brooklyn, and Mrs. Priscilla C. Goodwyn of Montgomery.

At the close of the meeting, on motion of Mrs. Bowser of Louisville, a new Branch of the Women’s Alliance was formed; and thirty-two members were at once enrolled.

This completes the roster of the active Southern societies, each one of which is now provided with a local alliance of its women.

The meeting was deeply interesting from beginning to end, full of earnestness and evident proficiency in administration, an object-lesson indeed to us all in the difficult problem how to do it, or how to so conduct our church-extension work as to secure the benefits of executive concentration and legislative representation.

The same evening very suggestive addresses were given by Rev. Messrs. Weld on “The Duty of the Church to itself and the World,” Thayer on “How to increase the Influence of our Churches in the Community in which they are placed,” and W. C. Peirce on “Weekday Ministries of the Church.”

In the absence of Mr. Snyder, Mrs. P. C. Goodwyn of Alabama repeated by general request her address on “The Calling of Unitarian Christianity to the Scattered Believers or Unbelievers of the South.” Of these addresses the Louisville papers, which reported all the meetings at generous length and in appreciative style, gave excellent reports.

On Thursday forenoon the following subjects were debated in a meeting open to the participation of all: “Circuit Work from Present Church Centres,” “Our Church Organs and Literature,” “Co-operation with the American Unitarian Association,” “Conference Consolidation and Efficiency,” “New Methods of Church Work.”

The following resolution was passed:

“The Southern Conference of Unitarian Churches hereby puts upon record its regret that it is to lose the services of its most competent and devoted superintendent of missions, Rev. George L. Chaney. He has been the organizing head and the inspiring energy of the conference gatherings; and in the performance of the more specific duties of his office be has borne the message of our larger hope to the waiting communities of the New South with a wisdom whose best fruits, like all seed meant for enduring beauty and use, will appear to his successors in the harvest field. Since he is not one, but two, in sharing the counsel of a cultivated and judicious woman, his wife, the debt of such successors may be grammatically as well as sentimentally expressed in the Scripture, ‘Others have labored, and ye have entered into their labors.'”

Source:  The Unitarian found in Google Books  Jun 2 1896, Volume 11, Page 286 – 287

Atlanta, Ga.  Nov 9th, 1896

Annual meeting Church of Our Father.  Mr. Harding elected chairman of the meeting.

The minutes of previous meetings of the year were read and approved.

On motion the chairman appointed a nominating committee to suggest trustees for five and four years, treasurer, clerk and advisory committee.

Under head of “Reports,” the Clerk’s report was read, also the report of Treasurer was presented and referred to an auditing committee consisting of Messrs. Crafts and Menken.

Verbal reports from Operation of the Church Committee and Library Committee were heard.

A statement of the Sunday School situation was made and motion made to refer report to a special committee to be hereafter the S.S. Committee.  The duty of which committee would be to advice with and assist the officers of the S.S.  Mrs. Bass and Prof. Davidson were appointed on this committee to act with the Supt. of the school.

A report of the Boys Club was presented.

The Nominating Committee advised that Mr. Frank Lederle be re-elected treasurer and Prof. E.A. Davidson, Clerk.  Mr. J.A. Watts, trustee for the five year term and Mrs. W.G. Abel trustee for the four year term.  For Advisory Committee, Mrs. C.H. Behre and Mr. Howard Daniels were suggested.

The report of the nominating committee was unanimoulsy adopted and the nomineess elected by acclimation.

The matter of taking up a collect at the evening service was presented and after discussion, motion made and carried that a collection be taken up at evening lectures.

It was decided by vote that in the future, quarterly meetings of the church be regularly held, at which meetings reports on all activities would be received.

<signed>

Walter Menken, Clerk 95/96

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25    Folder: 03  Book: 01   Pages: 194 – 195
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Nov 11, 1896

Regular meeting Board of Trustees for the Church.

Present: Mrs. Owen, Mrs. Abel, Messrs. Crafts, Peck and Davidson.

Absent Messrs. Watts and Lederle.

Mr. Craft was re-elected to the office of chairman of the Board for the ensuing year.

The following church committee were appointed by the chair with the advice and consent of the Board.

Ways & Means – Crafts, Lederle and St. Amand
Care of the Church Property – Peck, Ivey and Hall
Operation of the Church – Mrs. Owen, Rev. Vail and Mr. Menken
Library and Sunday School – Davidson, Menken, Mrs. Bass and Miss Horsey

No further business was transacted and the Board adjourned.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 134
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Dec 15, 1896

Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Church of Our Father.

Present: Messrs. Crafts, Peck Davidson, Mrs. Owen and Mrs. Abel.

The minutes of the meeting held on Nov 11 were read and approved.

A request from the Equal Suffrage Association was present through Mrs. Owen and it was ordered that the use of the Church be allowed the Equal Suffrage Association for their meetings in January, the expense attending the use of the Building to be arranged for and paid to Treasurer Lederle.

It was the sense of the Board that the fiscal year of the church ought to be change to correspond with the calendar year, beginning with Jan. and closing with Dec. but action on the matter was deferred.

The attention of the Board was called to a needed repair on the library window and Mr. Peck volunteered to see that the work was done.

Mrs. Abel of the Music Committee reported that Mrs. Lederle, the organist, had volunteered to play at our morning service without compensation.  The Music Committee was instructed to try to get volunteer music for the evening service also until an appropriation can be made for music.

Adjourned.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 134 – 135
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Archivist Note: The Atlanta Equal Suffrage Association was formed in in February 1892 primarily by women from the Church of Our Father.  See Newspaper Clippings May 31, 1892.  “Atlanta Equal Suffrage Association formed three months earlier.  Regular meeting held at Unitarian church.  President – Mrs. F.C. Swift; First VP – Mrs. M.L. McLendon; second VP – Mrs. Dr. Hicks; Secretary – Mrs. Trippe, Treasurer – Mrs. M. Chandler.”  Mrs. F.C. Swift was among the first women voted onto the Church of Our Father board of trustees in 1895.

Also see meeting minutes of Nov 15, 1897 where is was “Moved and seconded we allow the Equal Suffrage Association the use of the Church Reading room, for one year, in which to hold their meetings, the E.S.A. to pay the expense of janitor, light and fuel incurred by their meetings.  Motion carried.”

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

March 7, 1897

Immediately succeeding morning services a number of ladies convened in answer to an announcement made by the Pastor. Mrs. Hallam was asked to preside and Mrs. McCutcheon to act as Secretary.

Mrs. Hallam explained that the object of the meeting was to form a Mission Circle of the Universalist Church. As the movement had been previously discussed, Mrs. McGlauflin moved the adoption of the Constitution and By-laws in use by other Circles. Carried.

Mrs. Dennis and Mrs. Buchanan were appointed a committee to nominate officers. They nominated Mrs. Cottingham, President; Mrs. Beck, Vice President; Mrs. Ferris, Secretary and Mrs. Gill Treasurer.

The following names were enrolled as members:

• Alexander Beck
• A. L. Blackman
• C. L. Buchanan
• W. S. Cottingham
• D. L. Dennis
• S. C. Ferris
• L. S. McGlauflin
• J. M. Gill
• C. C. Hallam
• F. N. Ickes
• W. E. Jones

Meeting adjourned subject to call.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60   Folder: 02
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

March 15, 1897

On March 15 the Mission Circle met at 36 W. Baker Street with the following members present: Mrs. Cottingham, President, Mrs. Beck, Mrs. McGlauflin, Mrs. Hallam, Mrs. Ickes, Mrs. McCutcheon and Mrs. Dennis.

Minutes of the previous read and approved.

As it was a call meeting for the purpose of arranging for a woman’s service during the week of special service with Dr. Shutter.  No formula for opening was followed.

On motion a committee of two, Mrs. McGlauflin and Mrs. Hallam were appointed to report amendments to by-laws at next meeting.

Motion carried that Mrs. Shutter and Mrs. McGlauflin be invited to give short talks on “Woman’s Work in our Church” at a service to be held the following week.

On motion, Mrs. Hallam was appointed to arrange for the music of said service.

The following committees were also appointed.

• Hospitality – Mrs. Cottingham, Mrs. Beck, Mrs. Hallam and Mrs. Gill
• Benevolent – Miss Clayton, Mrs. Jones
• Flowers – Mrs. Ickes and Mrs. Blackman, Mrs. Cottingham and Miss C. King
• Literature – Mrs. Dennis, and Mrs. Cottingham and Mrs. Calvin

Meetings were appointed for once a month.

On motion a committee of Mrs. McGlauflin and Mrs. Dennis was appointed to arrange the programs and topic for discussion for next meeting.

Adjourned until first Monday in April at Mrs. McCutcheon, 49 Pullian Street at 3:00 o’clock.

Afterwards postponed until April 12.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60   Folder: 02
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Present: Messrs. Crafts, Peck, Lederle, Davidson and Mrs. Owens.

The minutes of the previous meeting held Dec 15th were read and approved.

Treasurer Lederle reported that our minister had been paid in full up to the beginning of this month and third dollars on this month salary. Also that he had paid for repairs on steps and closet and for plumbing $48.00.  Also that all rent due on the church property had been collected except $57.00 and that there was now on hand the sum of $48.00.

It was reported that an organist had been engaged temporarily at $6.00 per month.

The Library Committee reported that it would be impractical to continue to keep the Library open to the public without providing a means of paying a librarian. It was the sense of the Board that no appropriation could be made at  present for that purpose. On motion the Committee was empowered to charge a fee of five cents per month to all members of the library who are not affiliated with the Church or Sunday School.  The amount thus collected to be paid to the librarian.

Mr. Lederle read a letter which he had received from the Secretary of the A.U.A. stating that the Association had considered favorably our proposition to sell a portion of the church property and that $500.00 had been appropriated to the Church of Our Father at Atlanta.

Mr. Menken, on behalf of the The Brotherhood of Industrial Freedom requested the  use of the Church reading room as a place of meeting for the order.  On motion the request was granted with the understanding that the Brotherhood meet not (more) often than once a week and pay at the rate of 50 cents per month for the gas consumed, the arrangement to terminate at the will of the Church Trustees.

No further business was transacted and the Board adjourned.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 135 – 136
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

April 12, 1897

At the regular meeting of the Mission Circle held April 12 at the residence of Mr. McCutcheon, the following members were present: Mrs. Beck, Buchanan, McCutcheon, Dennis, Ferris, McGlauflin, Hallam, Ickes and Jones and four visitors.

In the absence of the President, Mrs. Beck presided.

Minutes of the preceding read and approved.

The Benevolent, Hospitality and Flower committees made verbal reports of work done. The committee on amendments to by-laws proposed the following which upon motion were adopted.

Amendments

No I – Annual Meeting and Elections of Officers

The Annual Meeting of this Circle shall be held on the second Monday of February at which time the Officers shall be elected by ballot consisting of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer and, if desirable, a Board of three Directors to assist the President, the seven of which shall make up the Executive Board of this Society.

No II. Duties of Officers

(a) The President shall call the meeting to order at the appointed time, preside at all meetings, announce the business in proper order, preserve order, appoint standing committees and call an extra session when desired.

(b) The Vice President shall preside in the absence of the President.

(c) The Secretary shall keep a record of all proceedings, inform about persons of elections and office or appointment on committees and invite necessary notices. The Secretary shall also be the custodian of the papers of the Society and sign all orders drawn on the Treasury and make a monthly and annual report.

(d) The Treasurer shall receive all monies of the Circle and expend the same under the direction and on an order duly singed by the Secretary and shall make a monthly and annual report.

No III. Duties of Standing Committees

(a) Benevolent – It shall be the duty of the Benevolent Committee to visit and assist the sick and needy in the parish, to report the same to the Society and receive suggestions from them.

(b) Hospitality – It shall be the duty of the Hospitality Committee to promote sociability and good will in the parish, to call upon the members of the church and congregation especially the new members and strangers and to greet and introduce strangers who may attend church service.

(c) Flower – It shall be the duty of the Flower Committee to look after the neatness and attractiveness of the place of worship, to provide decorations for the altar and consult with the Benevolent Committee concerning their distributions.

(d) Literature – It shall the duty of the Literature Committee to procure denominational literature, keep it on hand at the place of worship and place or lend it where it may seem best.

No. IIII Business Meetings

• Business meetings shall be held the second Monday of each month and oftener when called. And the order of business as follows:
• Opening Exercise conducted by the President
• Roll call by the Secretary
• Report of the Secretary
• Report of Treasurer
• Report of Standing Committees
  • Benevolent Committee
  • Hospitality Committee
  • Flower Committee
  • Literature Committee
• Report of Special Committees
• Unfinished Business
• New Business

No IIIII Adjournment

A quorum shall be necessary to transact business and shall consist of not less than five members; any member can adjourn.

No. IIIIII Amendments

This Constitution may be amended at any regular monthly meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present, one month’s notice having been given of the same.

No. IIIIIII Auditing

An Auditing Committee shall be appointed by the Society at each Annual Meeting to audit the books of the Secretary and Treasurer.

Mrs. McCutcheon reported that at the annual church she had pledged on behalf of the ladies of the church fifty dollars towards the general fund. After some discussion it was moved that the Mission Circle assume that pledge, carried.

Mrs. Hallam, Jones and Cottingham were appointed a committee to arrange for an Experience Social to be given in May for the purpose of raising money for the before mentioned fund.

Mrs. Hallam and Mrs. Ickes were appointed to arrange programs and topic for next meeting.

Two new members were added to our number, Mrs. Laura Dibble and Mrs. C.C. Salten.

All business before the Circle being finished the literary part of the program was taken up with Mrs. Hallam in charge. Several papers were read on the subject “What has been done for the extension of our Faith.”

A pleasant social hour followed and refreshments were served. After which the meeting adjourned to meet the 2nd Monday in May with Mrs. Dibble 72 Walton Street.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60   Folder: 02
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

May 10, 1897

The Mission Circle met at the resident of Mrs. Hallam May 10. The following members present: Mesdames Cottingham, President, Beck, Ferris, McGlauflin, Gill, Hallam and Ickes.

Minutes of the preceding meeting read and approved.

Report of the Treasurer read and accepted.

The Benevolent Committee reported Miss Shirley out of the hospital and gaining health rapidly.

The Flower Committee deserves special notice for our beautiful Easter decorations, among which was a beautiful Easter lily sent as a token of love and remembrance by the Currier family.

The Committee on arranging for Experience Social reported cards written and distributed but no reports from them as yet on account of resignation of Mrs. Jones from before mentioned special committee. Mrs. Gill was appointed to same.

In the absence of Mrs. McCutcheon who had in charge the literary program, informal talks were given on the subject, “What can we do for our church.”

Mrs. McGlauflin and Mrs. Beck were appointed to arrange program and topic for the next meeting.

Adjourned to meet second Monday in June with Mrs. Beck, 210 Woodward Avenue.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60   Folder: 02
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

June 14, 1897

The regular monthly meeting of the Missions Circle met with Mrs. Clark at the Grand Opera House, June 14, 1897.

Mrs. Cottingham, the President in the chair. The Secretary being absent, Mrs. McGlauflin was appointed to act as Secretary pro tem.

No Secretary’s report was read, it having not been sent in.

Mrs. Gill the Treasurer was also absent being in the far West. Her report handed in was as follows.

There are $2.00 in the Treasury all belonging to the fund of “Annual Dues.”

Mrs. Cottingham opened the meeting by devotional services after which the members responded to roll call by Scripture verses on current news form the religious world.

A report of the recent dollar Experience Social was given – which passed successfully which was held with Mrs. Hallam and Bro. and Mrs. McGlauflin on June 7^th, $28.59. Gave the net proceeds of this Sociable (see itemized account) and this amount twenty-eight and fifty-cents was voted to be paid over to our church Treasurer to apply on the pledge of $50.00 which the Mission Circle has made toward the running expenses of the church.

A committee of arrangements for the next monthly meeting was named consisting of Mesdames Cottingham and Blackman.

The Benevolent Committee reported Mrs. Ickes and Mrs. Ferris ill, and Miss Shirley who has been so long in the Grady Hospital as having gone to her home at Tallulah Falls for the summer.

The Hospitality Committee reported as new families on (part of whom we have reached through the S.S. (Archivist: assume Sunday School)) as Bro. and Mrs. Cain, corner Williams and Simpson Street, Mrs. Gillman, Clifford Street and Gill family of East Point.

Mrs. Cottingham, the President, was unanimously elected to represent the interests of the Mission Circle at the public church meeting to be held next Sunday.

Brief mention was made by Mesdames Hallam and McGlauflin of the recent National Convention of our church ???? (img_0432) held at Philadelphia last month.

The following members paid ten cents toward their annual dues: Mrs. McGlauflin and Mrs. Blackman. Bro. McGlauflin added ten cents to this collection.

Bro. McGlauflin who had been invited to make an address before the ladies thought best to defer it on account of the lateness of the hours and the small attendance promising to give it at the August meeting after his return from the North.

He however said a few helpful words, congratulating the ladies on the formation of the Circle and its opportunity for good works.

Members present: Mesdames Cottingham, Beck, Hallam, Blackman, McGlauflin and visitors Mesdames Linch, Clark, Bro. McGlauflin and Mr. Whittemore.

Adjournment.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60   Folder: 02
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

August 9, 1897

The Mission Circle held their regular meeting at the residence of Mrs. Hallam on Pine Street.

In the absence of the President and Vice President, Mrs. Hallam was appointed to preside and opened the meeting with the usual devotional services.

Roll call was responded to by the following members: Mrs. Blackman, Mrs. McGlauflin, Mrs. Hallam, Mrs. Ferris.

Secretary minutes for May 10^th and June 14^th were read (on account of illness of Secretary, no report for those meeting had been sent).

In the absence of Mrs. Gill, Treasurer and Mrs. Beck acting Treasurer, no report was given.

The regular meeting of the Circle on July 12^th at the residence of Mrs. W.S. Cottingham being entirely a social affair, no formal business was transacted and no reports made.

The Benevolent Committee reports Mrs. Ickes and Mrs. Fincher, Mrs. Hutchins and Mrs. Daniel are ill.

Hospitality Committee reports calls made and special care in greeting and introducing strangers in the church.

Flower Committee reported that there had been no expense in decorating the church. It was suggested that all the ladies make an effort now that flowers were not so plentiful to bring them and so make the church as pretty and attractive as possible.

Mrs. McGlauflin reported $1.00 added to Experience Social by Mrs. Ickes which was paid over to Secretary. Also that $1.50 more had been added since the social, that in all $30.00 had been paid over to the Church fund not including the $1.00 from Mrs. Ickes.

Mrs. Strahan, 63 Alexander Street, met with us as a visitor, but untied with the Circle. We are glad to welcome her.

Dues were paid as follows:

• Hallam $.10
• McGlauflin $.10 and a rectified bill of $.10
• Strahan $.50
• Ferris $.25
• Ferris $.15

Total $.90

On account of her removal from the city, Mrs. Ferris handed in her resignation as Secretary and from the several committees of which she was a part. Resignation accepted with kind expressions of regret from the ladies.

Mrs. Blackman was then unanimously elected Secretary.

Papers were read which had been sent us by the Woman’s Centenary Association and were kept for future reference.

Mrs. Blackman and Mrs. McGlauflin were appointed a committee to arrange the program, topic and place September meeting.

Adjournment.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60   Folder: 02
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA
Archivist Note: Woman’s Centenary Association was initially conceived to celebrate the 100^th year anniversary of Rev. John Murray (English) preaching a Universalist message in Murray Grove, New Jersey at a chapel built by Thomas Potter in 1770.

In 1869 Universalist women created the Women’s Centenary Aid Association (WCAA, 1869 – 1871). This group went through various reincarnations as the Women’s Centenary Association (WCA 1871 – 1905), the Women’s National Missionary Association (WNMA, 1905 – 1939) before consolidating with it Unitarian counterpart as the Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation (UUWF) in 1963.

The Women’s Centenary Aid Association was formed a body of women independent of the national General Conference where Universalist men controlled the coffers and agenda of the organization.

Goals of the organization:

• Subsidize pauperized parishes
• Foster Sunday Schools
• Help worthy students especially women to prepare for the ministry
• Relieve the needs of disabled preachers, ministers’ wives and orphans
• Distribute denominational literature
• Practice what Universalists preach through mission projects at home and abroad

Source: Encyclopedia of Women and Religion in North America: Women and Religion found in Google Books,  page 388

September 13, 1897

The monthly meeting of the Mission Circle met at the Good Templars Hall, our place of worship.

Our President, Mrs. Cottingham presiding.

The usual exercise of music and scripture reading opening the meeting.

Roll call answered by the following ladies: Mesdames Beck, Blackman, Cottingham, McCutcheon, Gill, Jones, and Hallam.

Five visitors present: Mrs. Childs, Mrs. Burns, Mrs. J. C. Buchanan, Mrs. Field and Mrs. Clayton. The two latter ladies presenting their names for membership. Ladies will take formal action on their names at next meeting.

Report of Committees

Benevolence Committee reported all those ill at last meeting recovered. Mrs. McGlauflin being too ill to meet with us today. No one else known to be sick.

Hospitality Committee – Mrs. Hallam reports a call made on strangers, which were well received.

Flower Committee – Mrs. Blackman asks to have Miss Carla King’s name added to the committee, which was done with pleasure.

Literature Committee – no report.

Treasurer reports amounts collected to-date from Experience Social – $31.00. Same amount paid on our pledge of $50.00.

New Business

Mrs. McCutcheon reports a letter from Mrs. E.L. Sherwood, Correspondence Secretary of the Woman’s National Centenary Association including cards for distribution and asking for information regarding our State organization. As we are not organized as a State only local mission, a motion was made requesting Secretary to answer letter giving full particulars of our work here. Also to enclose the $.25 for cards to cover expense of publishing and postage.

We are informed by the National Mission of an important amendment to Article XI, U.C.A. Constitution (Archivist: Universalist Church of America) – regarding necessary delegates to annual convention “same shall consist of officers of Executive Board of National Society, President of unorganized States. Presidents and Secretaries of State Missionary Societies with one delegate from every nine members of any circle from each state.”

Motion made by Mrs. Hallam to have another Experience Social to raise the balance of pledge. Said meeting to be held in November in place of regular business. Motion carried.

A committee of three consisting of Mrs. Hallam, Mrs. Gill and Mrs. Clayton appointed to arrange for the evening’s entertainment. Place for holding same to be our Hall if advisable.

Motion made to have Secretary write to Mrs. McGlauflin expressing the love and sympathy of the ladies during her illness and their regrets at her inability to meet with them today – carried.

Next meeting to be at Mrs. Jones.

After a song by the Ladies, we were adjourned to listen to Dr. McGlauflin, who gave us a brief historical sketch of the Mission Society and the power we should be in the world.

The Society was formed in 1869 the first National Centenary Mission Aid. Mrs. Mary Livermore and Mrs. Thomas (Archivist: assume reference to M. Louise Thomas), were among the first to organize for the purpose of raising $100,000 for a general mission fund to aid Universalists ministers.

The fund is now $300,000 or $400,000 proving the strength of the Society.

Clara Barton is a Universalist and a member of this society and the world knows the good she does. Universalist church society was the first to allow ladies to preach.

In 1811, Maria Clark the first women to appear before the public was ordained at a general convention.

Dr. McGlauflin suggested the following thoughts:

We are organized to be a religious power and should fill our thoughts more on such things by being original in prayer and expressions.

To make an effort to meet on time and being our exercise if only a few are present.

Attend to business strictly.

To centralize our power and do all we can to enlarge our church membership.

At the close of Dr’s (Archivist: Dr. Rev. McGlauflin) very interesting remarks, our president thanked him for the helpful words and herself added an interesting talk on power from small beginnings and their growth by steady sacrifice.

A suggestion from Mrs. Hallam asking that the topic cards be distributed and all come prepared to say something on the subject. Also that at the close of this fruitful meeting each member speak a few words of prayer.

Mrs. A.L. Blackman, Secretary

Approved.

Mrs. McGlauflin died September 19, 1897.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60   Folder: 02
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Sep 24, 1897

Called meeting of the Board.

Present: Messrs. Crafts, Watts, Davidson and Mrs. Abel.

Mrs. Abel asked for information how the organist to be paid.  It was ordered that the organist shall be paid monthly at the rate of $1.50 per Sunday, the bill to be approved by the chairman of the music committee and paid by the Treasurer.

The engagement of Miss Dora Morrell as organist was endorsed by the Board.

On motion a vote of thanks was tendered to Mrs. Lillian Garrison for her highly appreciated service while singing in our church and the clerk was instructed to notify her of the action of the Board.

Miss Alice Dixon was elected to fill the vacant on the Sunday School and Library Committee cause by the removal of Miss Horsey away from the city.

A communication form Mr. Otto Abel acting librarian recommending certain improvements and rules for the library was read.

On motion Mr. Otto Abel was appointed to the office of “Librarian” and was authorized to charge a fee to non-members of the Church and Sunday School according to the rule passed by the Board March 23, 1897.

A new book was ordered to be purchased for the library in which to keep the loans and returns of books.  Mr. Crafts volunteered to pay for the same.

The matter of allowing the use of the church to the Equal Suffrage Association was considered and it was decided to allow the subject to be over till next meeting before taking action.

Adjourned.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk
Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 137
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

LUCY SIBLEY McGLAUFLIN.

“There is no death! The choicest gifts
That Heaven bath kindly lent to earth;
Are ever first to seek again
The country of their birth.

And ever near us though unseen,
The dear immortal spirits tread;
For all the boundless universe
Is Life, – there are no dead.”

On Sunday afternoon, Sept. 19, at 4 o’clock, our dear Mrs. McGlauflin, the devoted wife Rev. W. H. McGlauflin, D.D., our Southern Missionary, passed out from this life to the life eternal. She had been ill for a short time and was obliged to undergo a severe surgical operation with the hope that it might restore her; that failed, and the beautiful spirit went on to our common home. She has not been strong for some years, but she was so active in good works, that we could not think of her but as full of strength, and when the message came Monday with its sad tidings, it seemed that it could not be.

In the loneliness and heartache which are the husband’s portion these days, our Christian Unioners everywhere send him their tenderest love, their sweetest sympathy, their earnest prayers. We feel that it has been a rich privilege to know Mrs. McGlauflin. Her nature was one of rare sweetness, and we rejoice that everything that was good and true and beautiful in her life abides with us, and will so long as love abides and God lives. Her graces of character are eternal, her helpful spirit has become a part of the lives of all with whom she came in contact.

We personally remember so well, the first time we met her. It was at our National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. McGlauflin shortly before had been engaged as our Southern Missionary, and they were then on their way to Harriman. With what interest we anticipated the meeting, for a good large portion of our hearts, hopes, and some of our money were already consecrated to this new enterprise, and now we were to meet the chosen leaders for the new field. And there they were, our strong, manly, courageous Missionary and the dear little woman in gray, who was so modest that no amount of cheering could bring her to the platform to stand beside her husband who had taken his position there in answer to our greetings. It was three years before we met again. We had climbed the heights on which is located the church, built by the love and generosity of our young folks and their friends. Harriman, the beautiful dream of three years before, was now the beautiful reality. Standing on the steps of the church with outstretched hands and welcoming words, were Mr. and Mrs. McGlauflin. How we were drawn to her in those days of our Convention, as she passed among us with her tender words, her hopeful words, her appreciative words, her words of consecration and faith. How she had grown in all things lovely and of good report. Her rarely endowed nature had been blossoming richly in those years, her feet had reached the tablelands of faith and spiritual things.

How proud we were of her on the opening night of our “Boston ’95” when she brought greetings to that great gathering. Standing there in all her beautiful womanliness, she seemed the embodiment of what culture, religion, and the consecration to and service in a great cause can make of one. At “Jersey ’96,” she was the leader of one of the morning devotional meetings, from which everyone came away with a deeper and holier purpose in his life. At “Detroit ’97,” she was absent, and how grieved we all were on account of that absence.

Because of her unceasing service for our cause, we had come to say, “Our Southern Missionaries,” for these two were ever busily planning and working for our faith in the South.

We shall meet her no more in our Conventions, but the radiance of her life will be in all of them, her deep abiding trust in God’s love and His purposes in the world, will lead, many a Unioner to the same rich experiences. The widening circle above has been enriched. Our hearts are desolate, separations are hard to bear, but faith looks up, love holds sway, and the arms of the Heavenly Father reach out to hold, sustain, and comfort. May the love of the sweet wife, the love of friends, and the Divine Love keep our dear friend, and help him along the rugged path of life up to the hills of God where loved ones wait and watch the coming of us all.

Source: Onward from in Google Books, Vol. IV, No. 35, Oct 1, 1897, Page 137

Other articles on Lucy Sibley McGlauflin:

Funeral Services and other Details of her Life, Onward, Oct 15, 1897

A Beautiful Life, Onward, Nov 13, 1900.

October 11, 1897

Mission Circle met at Mrs. Hallam’s.

President Mrs. Cottingham presiding.

The regular devotional exercises were held.

Roll call responded to by the following members: Mesdames Cottingham, Jones, Gill, Fincher, Hallam, Blackman with six visitors.

Minutes of the last meeting read and approved.

Reports from committee asked for:

Hospitality – Mrs. Hallam reports 12 calls made and requested all the members to make an effort to call on the strangers.

Flower Committee asks to have Mrs. Cottingham name added to assist the committee in furnishing flowers and decorating church rooms. Motion made and carried. There are now four on the committee.

Benevolent – No report.

Literature – No Report.

Treasurer – Mrs. Gill reports $2.75 received from collections and dues. Dr. McGlauflin paid balance of Mrs. McGlauflin. Mrs. Blackman paid $.25 on dues. Secretary paid $.25 to National Secretary for cards receipt given to Treasurer.

New Business

Committee on Experience Social reports 13 cards signed and $5.00 donated. Final arrangements to be made Sunday previous to social.

A letter from Mrs. Sherwood in answer to one written by Secretary received giving us some good advice and offering her sympathy in our great loss in Mrs. McGlauflin.

An interesting letter written by Mrs. Beck read by Mrs. Cottingham on her impressions of Mrs. McGlauflin and her influence on those around her – was a beautiful tribute.

A motion made and carried, to have Mrs. Hallam draw up suitable resolutions of respect of Mrs. McGlauflin death to be inscribed on Secretary book.

Three names were presented to Circle for membership, Mrs. J.C. Buchanan, Mrs. Wilber Calvin, Mrs. S. Clayton – all approved.

No further business – we took up the literary program. A short paper was read by Mrs. Hallam on the duties and mission of our Circle, which should be worked for with more earnestness, every member should do her duty to live up to the purposes of the Circle.

A letter from Mrs. Calvin who was to read a paper on the life of Miss Moore was read by Mrs. Hallam. Mrs. Calvin being unable to come.

Others who expect to read a paper on this prominent woman of our society being absent on account of inclement weather, we adjourned.

Mrs. Blackman, Secretary

Approved.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60   Folder: 02
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Archivist: Miss Moore is assumed to be a reference to Henrietta Greer Moore. Born in New Jersey, Miss Moore entered the ministry of the Universalist Church and became active in temperance and equal suffrage causes.   She was pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd (Universalist) in Springfield, OH for ten years and pastor of Church of Divine Love (Universalist) in Dayton, OH.

She was president of the Women’s Universalist Missionary Alliance in Ohio, a member of the Executive Board of the Woman’s National Universalist Mission Association and president of the Equal Suffrage Club of Springfield.

Source: Men and Women of America: A Biographical Dictionary of Contemporaries found in Google Books, 1910, page 1189

MRS. MCGLAUFLIN.

Of mournful yet preciously sacred interest is everything relating to Mrs. McGlauflin. Following is a brief sketch of her life, taken from the paper published at her childhood’s home, Cuba, N.Y.: —

“Mrs. W. H. McGlauflin, better known to her earlier friends as Miss Lucy Culver Sibley, died at her home in Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 19, after a brief illness. Funeral services were held in Atlanta Sept 21, and at the Universalist church in this village Friday, Sept. 24, the Rev. Mr. Fisher of Canton officiating, assisted by Rev. M. Alvord of Friendship.

Mrs. McGlauflin was born in Cuba, N.Y., Nov. 23, 1857, where her mother, Mrs. Freeman Sibley, and her brothers, Frank B. and Fred L. Sibley, are living. Most of her early life was spent at the old homestead, attending the public schools of the town until 1878, when she entered Cornell University, remaining two years, then teaching a year, going back there for a third year, and afterwards teaching again. She was ever a thorough, earnest student and a deep thinker; her mental capabilities far exceeding her physical strength.

Sept. 28, 1887, she was united in marriage to Rev. W. H. McGlauflin. They went directly to Rochester, Minn., when, after a most successful and enjoyable pastorate of four years, they moved south, and in the year 1891 she engaged with her husband in church extension work at Harriman, Tenn. The winter of 1892 she spent at Emerson College of Oratory, Boston, Mass., where her exceptionally fine abilities were perfected to that extent she charmed all by her grace and marvelous expression. Returning to Harriman, she taught physical culture and elocution in Harriman University. Her inability to receive all applicants and the constant demand for recitals attesting to her popularity both as a teacher and an artist. The beautiful new church, of their faith, stands as a memorial of Mr. and Mrs. McGlauflin’s successful work in Harriman.

In May, 1896, a new field of labor was entered upon at Atlanta, Ga. Here Mrs. McGlauflin taught Art of Expression in Miss Hama’s private school up to the time of her illness.

She was an honored and beloved worker in the National Young People’s Christian Union, before which body at its annual Conventions her fine addresses and inspiring presence have been a great factor in the onward movement of Christianity. But in the new and wider life she still clung with rare tenderness to her early associations and the friends and scenes of her girlhood.

To those most near her, death has brought an almost inconsolable sorrow and her large circle of friends will realize their loss more fully as the years pass and the old-time reunions do not bring her beloved presence among them, yet her memory will be a silent influence ever increasing until who can say what the harvest of this good woman’s sowing shall be.

It has been well said that ‘everybody loved her.’ The reason for this was both because of what she was in person and character, and because of what she did.

The hundreds of children she has influenced through her phenomenally successful primary Sunday school department work, the W.C.T.U., and the Chautauqua assemblies which she aided by her personal counsels and public recitals, the poor, the sick, and the disheartened, who were never forgotten by this woman, but received visits, flowers, and cheering letters that made life brighter —to all these she will remain a persistent force that will continue to mould and fashion Christian character.”

An Atlanta friend writes as follows : —

“On Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 21, the Atlanta friends gathered at the home of their pastor, Rev. W. H. McGlauflin, to express their sympathy for him in his great bereavement—the death of his beloved wife, Lucy Sibley McGlauflin.

The services were conducted by Rev. W. S. Vail of the Unitarian church, who spoke most tenderly of the noble character and gentle womanliness of her whose spirit had gone before.

At the close of Mr. Vail’s remarks, Rev. G. B. Stowall of the Baptist church arose, and, in earnest and heartfelt words, expressed his sympathy with the husband and the mother, and his deep appreciation of the help and inspiration that Mrs. McGlauflin had been to him. Mr. Stowall will soon join our church here, and his words were most fitting, witnessing the fact that, though so modest and unassuming, she was ever busy in the Master’s vineyard. The choir sang feelingly several of her favorite hymns. The choicest of flowers filled the house, and their sweet fragrance seemed to remind us that they, too, mourned for her who in life was wont to cherish even the tiniest blossoms. In the evening Dr. McGlauflin and Mrs. Sibley, Mrs. McGlauflin’s mother, started for Cuba, N.Y., Mrs. McGlauflin’s girlhood home, where they took her body for its final resting place and where funeral services were held.

We shall miss her more and more as the days pass. In the Y.P.C.U. meetings we shall miss her words of cheer and encouragement, ever urging us on to better and nobler endeavors. In the Sunday school the little children will deeply mourn, for she was as a wise and loving mother to them.

But we must not falter. The influence of her life and precept will go on in the faithful efforts which we, her fellow-workers, will put forth through the coming years.”

We quote from a letter from a friend in Rochester, Minn., where Mr. and Mrs. McGlauflin endeared themselves to our Union and church, and from which place our young people called them to be our Southern Missionaries :

“There were services and decorations at Grace Church last Sunday in memory of Mrs. McGlauflin, our former pastor’s wife. Roses and smilax were gracefully draped on the pew she used to occupy, and beautiful roses adorned the communion table. At the Young People’s service many spoke of her beautiful life and its effect for good only on all with whom she came in contact. None knew her but to love her, and, while she has passed from our earthly view, her life and memory will ever remain an abiding blessing, and she still lives ii> the hearts of all who knew her. Many words of sympathy were spoken for Mr. McGlauflin at the loss of such a true and loving wife and earnest helpmate.

What a heavy blow her death is to us all; but if we only remember how much she loved us and our movement, it may be an inspiration for better and harder work and a desire to live more nearly her life which was most certainly Christlike.”

We quote a few lines from a personal letter from Dr. McGlauflin:

“Mrs. McGlauflin was in usual health up to the latter part of August, when symptoms of a serious nature developed. A council of three of our best physicians decided that an operation was the only chance of recovery. This was performed on Saturday, Sept. 18, and seemed to be successful, and all indications were favorable for eight or nine hours after, when nervous exhaustion followed, and she sank peacefully to the final rest at 4 o’clock Sunday afternoon. . . . Her last letter home written before her mother came to her contained, among other beautiful words, these: ‘Should such a thing happen that I should not rally, death seems not unpleasant. I fear it not at all and, should it come, I feel quite ready for it, and peaceful and happy concerning it.’ Conscious almost to the last moment, she had a pleasant word for all, a smile, a hand pressure, and so we parted.

A funeral service was held at Atlanta, . . . then the sad home-coming and funeral at Cuba, N.Y., on Friday, Sept. 24, with Revs. L. B. Fisher and F. M. Alvord to speak the heart-word of the hour. The service was in the Universalist church, where, ten years ago, Sept 28, we were married. These same clergymen officiated on that happy occasion, and now they came together in the same place when the shadows gathered after ten years of 8 on shine.

The floral tributes were abundant from individuals and many organizations, the one from the National Y.P.C.U. being very fitting and expressive —a pillow of roses with harp at one corner and raised above it a cross with our letters, N.Y.P.C.U, —cross and harp also of roses. So we laid the body in the family lot, under the trees, amid scenes familiar to her youth, and covered with the flowers she loved.”

Source: Onward found in Google Book, Vol. IV, No. 37, October 15, 1897, Page: 146

Also see Onward article announcing her death.

 

Oct 24, 1897

A called meeting of the Board was held at the conclusion of the Sunday evening service.

Present: Messrs. Crafts, Lederle, Peck and Davidson, Mrs. Abel and Mrs. Owens.

Committee on Church Property reported that certain repairs were needed on the building occupied by Dr.Thomas.

Mr. Peck reported that an expense of $56.10 had been incurred in repairs of which $32.90 was due to shingles and of which $23.20 had been to donated by himself.

A vote of thanks was tendered Mr. Peck for his donation and the $32.90 due for shingles was order paid.

It was reported that Dr. Thomas had expressed himself as uncertain whether he would continue to rent the building after the first of January.

Other repairs needed on the the building were discussed and on motion the matter was left to the discretion of the Committee on Church Property.

On motion a vote of thanks was tendered Miss Thomas for her singing for us in the church service.

As the annual was to occur soon, the Clerk was instructed to notify the officers and heads of the different departments of the church work to have their reports ready.

Application was made by the Equal Suffrage Association for the use of the Church for a lecture.  The application was granted with the understanding that the expense of lighting, etc. be borne by the Association.

Adjourned

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 138
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Nov 1st, 1897

The Annual meeting of the Church of Our Father is fixed by the Constitution for today.  No quorum being present, it was resolved to adjourn the meeting until Monday, Nov. 15th at 8 PM and notice to that effect be given by our pastor, Rev. W.S. Vail.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk

Archivist Note: This meeting minute was writing on the bottom of page 193 in the meeting minute book and is out of sequence.  At the top of this page is a meeting minute for Apr 27, 1896. On the next page (194) the meeting minutes for Nov 9, 1896 appear.  There is a reference on page 195 where the meeting minutes of the annual meeting are recorded indicating one should “see page 193″.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25 Folder: 03  Book: 01   Pages: 193
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta Ga. Nov. 15th, 1897

Pursuant to the adjournment from the Nov. 1st, the regular annual meeting of the Church of Our Father was held on the above date.

There were twenty members present and a strong interest in the affairs of the Church evinced.

Mr. J.E. Harding was chosen to preside over the meeting.

The minutes of the previous annual meeting were read and approved.

The following report of the Pastor was read and ordered to be spread upon the minutes.

Being unable to write or even dictate a detailed report, I will try to indicate in a few words what I believe to be the main point of interest present and future.

The time has come when the spirit and condition of the Church is ready for a forward movement, and I am certain that it will be the aim of pastor and people to build up the  membership of Church, Alliance (Archivist Note: Woman’s Alliance) and Sunday School.  I am certain also that every indication, at the present moment shows that the people are willing to work and by that law of development which moves the tide in the given direction, we ought as a church to make gains every month.

As the Treasurer has told you, the financial losses experienced from the reduced rent and repairs have somewhat discouraged us; but with united effort we believe these discouragements can be overcome.

Hoping the meeting may be pleasant and harmonious. 

I Remain Truly Yours,

<signed>

W.S. Vail

The report of the Clerk was then presented and ordered spread on the minutes as follows:

To the Annual Meeting of the Church of Our Father, Atlanta, Ga.

I am pleased to report to you that at the close of this year, more interest is being manifested in the Church than at any time during the three years of my membership.  I have been so placed in the audience that I could keep an accurate count of the attendance at the services during the year, but an exact count for the last service Sunday mornings shows an average attendance of 53.

We have 104 name on our roll of members but of that number a great many have removed from the city.  Some of our members have been taken from us by death and a few have voluntarily ceased affliating  with us.  I have not the means of accurately knowing the number of our members in good standing and I recommend that the Advisory Committee and the Clerk in making so they can be communicated with as occasion requires.

During the past year, the Church Trustees have held five meetings.  Several meeting of the Board have been called but no business transacted for want of a quorum.  This is been due partly to the fact that the business of two members of the Board has occassioned there unavoidable absence from the city much of the time. 

An inspection of the Church records shows that we have to elect at this meeting a member of the Board of Trustees to take the place of Mr. Crafts whose term has now expired.  The resignation of Mr. Watts has been place in my hands if accepted this meeting should elect a trustee to finish his term covering four more years.

I am sorry to report that the quarterly meetings decided upon at the last annual meeting have not been held as proposed.

We have one baptism during the year, Wade Pitts Harding, Jr., son of Wade and Kate Harding.

Respectfully Submitted,

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk.

The Treasurer’s report as follows:

To the Officers and Members of the Church of Our Father,

I regret that a continued absence from the city and my unavoidable absence tonight have prevented my preparing a detailed report for your consideration in time for this meeting.  While the past year has not been as properous as we have hoped it would be, we have held our own fairly well in a financial way.  The total income of the Church from all sources has been nearly $1,900, of which amount $525 comes from the American Unitarian Association, $650 from rent of dwelling, the balance being the contributions of your members.  The principal expenditure has been for the minister’s salary, which is nearly paid up and for the building repairs, taxes and the operating expenses of the Church.  No payment has been made on account of interest due the American Unitarian Association which now amounts to $1,050, it is hoped that this amount may be allowed to stand until the real estate belonging to you may be sold at a fair price.

In February last, the directors of the A.U.A. voted permission to sell a part of the property on very favorable terms to this society.  I submit herewith a letter from Rev. George Batchelor, Secy of the A.U.A. which more fully explains this proposition.  Leaving out consideration the quest of interest due the A.U.A., the estimated expenditures for the coming year are about as follows:

Category	Amount
Minister’s Salary	$1,500
Exp. acct sundries Janitor, etc.	$150
Light and fuel	$50
Printing	$50
Music	$75
Library	$25
Taxes	$133
Building Repairs	$50
Total	$2,033
Estimated Receipts
From rent of dwelling	$540
American Unitarian Association	$500
Leaving balance to be raised by members	$1,000
Total Receipts	$2,040

It is of course uncertain what the A.U.A. may do for us in the way of appropriation for the coming year. I would suggest that the Church through its proper officers make an application at once to the Board of Directors of the A.U.A. for an appropriation for 1898.

As my business engagements keep me away from the city so much of the time, I feel that your interest will be better served by electing someone as your treasurer who can give closer attention to the work. I must ask, therefore that you will relief me of these duties at this meeting and take the opportunity of thanking you for the confidence you have placed in me in the past.

Respectfully Yours,

<signed>

Frank Lederle, Treas.

A rising note of thanks was then tendered Mr. Lederle for his faithful services as treasurer.

The letter from Mr. Batchelor, Secy of the A.U.A. notifying us that we can sell 85ft of our lot also of the appropriation of $500.00 to the Church for 1897.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Crafts, then read his report which was accepted and ordered spread upon the minutes (report attached). (Archivist Note: No report from the chairman of the Board of Trustees was found in the physical archives.)

The Report of the Librarian was then read as follows:

Atlanta, Ga. Nov. 15, 1897

I first took hold of the Library Aug 29th, 1897 as Miss Annie Roering, then Librarian, could act as such any longer.  The Library was in a very bad condition and my first object was to get it straightened out.  First a new set of rules were made out and printed.  The cost of which was very kindly donated by Mr. Crafts.  Through the influence of Mr. Davidson, a new ledger was also donated.

As the books were all taken down to paste in the new rules, they were never re-catalogued as the cataloguing was then in a very bad shape.   I found that about 210 books were missing, most of which were books written by popular authors, Otis Yenan (Archivist Note: unsure of spelling), etc.  I have the names of some of the persons who have these books, but do not expect to get many back.

I have work on the Library Wednesday and Friday afternoons and all day Saturday for the past five weeks, but have not got matters straightened out yet.

The fee system seems to be working as well as might be expected, 65 cents has been collect for Oct. dues, but all have not yet paid.   There are now about 60 persons taking out books from the Library including the S.S. (Archivist: Sunday School) children.

The following books were donated to the Library by Mr. Davidson:  Arabian Nights, Cleopatra, American Chesterfield, History of Texas, A Member of the House, The Bride of Lammermoor, Essays by R.W. Emerson, Physiology and Hygiene by W.Y. Smith, where were gratefully received.

Other books have also been promised by various persons. There are a few books which will have to be recovered before they can be used.  The Library is also in need of a few more new books by popular authors.  

I think the Library has a bright future and if the right interest is shown towards it by all to make it a success, the Library will soon be one of the most important factors in educating the public.

Respectfully Submitted,

Otto Abel, Librarian

The following report of the Woman’s Alliance was then read and ordered spread upon the minutes.

The Ladies Alliance, through small in numbers, is gradually gaining strength.  We had at the beginning of the Church year, fifteen members.  At the present time, we have twenty-five, one member has left the city and another withdrew during the year.

It has been the custom to hold the meetings at the Church, but is was suggested by one of the new members the meetings are now held at the housed of the different members.  This plan seems to have inspired the members with renewed interest, for since adopting this plan, the meetings have been much better attended.

From Nov. 1896 till Dec., we held a meeting every Tuesday; from then until June 1897, every two weeks, we we adjourned for the summers.  The first meeting after adjournment was held Oct 5th.  Several new members have already been added to our list and this has given the Alliance renewed life.

In the last year, the Alliance has given a number of entertainments: a Christmas sale in Dec, a Eugene Field evening in Feb., several socials, a children’s entertainment and on lecture.  They were all fairly successful.

The financial report is as follows:

Category	Amount
Cash on Hand	$73.12
Amount raised	$152.86
Total	$225.98
Amount Disbursed
National Alliance	$285.00
General Expense	$21.10
Church Year on Church Exp	$195.13
Total	$219.08

Amount still on hand: $6.90.

One new feature which was introduced sometime in the last six months that bids fair to arouse more cordiality between members and new comers is the Visiting Committee. This committee serves three months, when another is appointed and so on. The duty of this committee is to visit any new comers in the Church.

For the first year we have done very little besides raising money for the Church.

Some of our members met at the Church a number of times to cover books for the Library, but the attendance at these meetings was quite small.  For the coming year, we hope to raise even a larger amount then the preceding year.  It is to be hoped that all the members will cooperate in the effort to this end and to enlarge membership.

Respectfully Submitted,

<signed>

Mrs. W.G. Abel, Pres.

A motion was carried to change the By-laws so that four members shall constitute the Advisory Committee to act with the Pastor instead of two.

The resignation of Mr. Watts from the Board of Trustees was then read and accepted with regrets.

The Chair then appointed a nominating committee consisting of Mr. Menken, Mr. Chillingworth, and Mrs. Abel who retired and reported the following nominations:

• For Clerk for the ensuring year: E.A. Davidson
• Treasurer for the ensuring year: J.G. St. Amand
• Trustee to success himself for five years: Geo. H. Crafts
• Trustee to fill vancy caused by the resignation of Julius R. Watts (four years): J.B. Frost

On motion the report of the nomination committee was adopted and the nominees were duly elected.

Mr. Frank Lederle and Mrs. Mrs. ?ahner were elected member of the Advisory Board.

Moved and seconded that we re-elect Rev. W.S. Vail as pastor for the ensuing year.  The motion was carried unanimously.

Moved and seconded we allow the Equal Suffrage Association the use of the Church Reading room, for one year, in which to hold their meetings, the E.S.A. to pay the expense of janitor, light and fuel incurred by their meetings.  Motion carried.

Archivist Note: The Atlanta Equal Suffrage Association was formed in in February 1892 primarily by women from the Church of Our Father.  See Newspaper Clippings May 31, 1892.  “Atlanta Equal Suffrage Association formed three months earlier.  Regular meeting held at Unitarian church.  President – Mrs. F.C. Swift; First VP – Mrs. M.L. McLendon; second VP – Mrs. Dr. Hicks; Secretary – Mrs. Trippe, Treasurer – Mrs. M. Chandler.”  Mrs. F.C. Swift was among the first women voted onto the Church of Our Father board of trustees in 1895.

No further business was transacted and the meeting adjourned.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk,

The Clerk was instructed to call meetings of the Church Quarterly. E.A.D.

First Mondays in Feb, May and Aug.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25    Folder: 03  Book: 01   Pages: 195 – 202
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

November 17, 1897

Mission Circle met at Mrs. Beck’s. President presiding.

Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

Reports of Committees.

Hospitality – Mrs. Hallam has made 6 calls, Mrs. Beck 2. Several names given to ladies with a request for them to call.

Benevolent – No report.

Literature – No report.

Flower Committee reports that church room very professionally and artistically decorated for “All Souls Day” – Nov 11. Seven set pieces were made “for memoriam” for those departed who are the following:

• Waldo H. Hutchins
• Bryce P Fincher
• Dora M. Higgins
• Tyler Dickerson
• Lucy S. McGlauflin
• Mamie J. Jones.

Treasurer report – Amount received from supper given Saturday $10.00. Amount from Experience Social Monday $32.00, $2.00 handed in today. Making total of $44.10. Dues – $1.00. Expenses – $1.00 to Miss Clayton for piano with .$15 to Ms. Hallam for cards, $19.00 balance on church pledge.

Total balance to-date – $45.10

Secretary gives orders to Treasurer to pay three bills mentioned above.

New Business

Motion made and carried for Secretary to write a card of thanks to Miss Nin for use of rooms for the supper Saturday eve. Also to Mr. (Archivist: No last name appears in the meeting minutes after “Mr.” Assumed to be Nin) for donation of oysters.

Letter read from Mrs. Louise A. Lord of Woodside, H.H. asking for donations of one or more handkerchiefs for their sale.

Motion made to send one – carried. Mrs. Dr. Ickes offered to get one donated and see to sending it, so matter was left in her hands.

The resolution drawn up by Mrs. Hallam in memory of Mrs. McGlauflin read and approved. Motion made to have them recorded in Secretary book – carried.

A tribute in the Christian Leader to Mrs. McGlauflin read, also a report of our local circle written by our National Secretary Mrs. Sherwood. (hyperlink to http://nwuuc.org/archive/?p=3857)

Mrs. Strahan then made a few remarks on the beautiful character of Mrs. McGlauflin closing by making a motion to organize a Lucy Sibley McGlauflin fund for charity. Purpose to be decided upon later. The idea well thought of and carried.

Mrs. Strahan started the fund by giving $1.00. Mrs. Ickes adds the promise of $1.00.

Motion made to change day of meeting from Mondays to Fridays – carried.

Ladies present: Mesdames Beck, Gill, Cottingham, Blackman, Hallam, Ickes, Strahan. Visitors – Mrs. Linch, Miss Harwood.

No program for today. We adjourned to meet at Mrs. Hallam’s Friday, Dec. 10, 1897.

In Memoriam

The angel of death came and took from our midst one who was ever our guide and inspiration while we must and can go on without her, letting the influence of her example help us to carry out the principles for which she so zealously labored. We would pause to lay this garland of love and remembrance upon the grace of her who has gone before.

Therefore resolved that we place upon our memorial tablet the revered and honored name of Lucy Sibley McGlauflin who on the nineteenth (19^th) day of September, eighteen hundred and ninety seven (1897) was called to the heavenly home there to continue a life which had been filled with duties done and a blessing to all who knew her.

Ever the leading spirit in this Mission Circle the child of her love and care.

To our pastor, whose sorely tired spirit must bow in Christ-like submission to the will of Him who doeth all things well. We extend our sincerest sympathy.

As to the mother and friends to whom she was so inexpressibly dear.

With them let us say “Thy will be done who seeth not a man whose way is not ours. Let not anxious doubts or dark dismay cloud the quiet closing of a beautiful life, knowing that the Father careth for his own.”

Committee,

Clara E. Hallam

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60   Folder: 02
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Nov 18, 1897

First meeting of the Board of Trustees after the Annual Meeting Nov 15.

Present: Messrs. Crafts, Frost, St. Amand, Davidson, Mrs. Abel and Mrs. Owen.  Mr. Crafts presided

Mr. J.C. Peck was elected as chairman of the Board and Geo. H. Crafts vice chairman.

The following committees were appointed for the ensuing year.

Ways & Means – St. Amand, Crafts, Lederle
Operation of the Church – J.G. Frost, Mrs. Owen, Rev. Vail, Judge Ward, Miss Yates
Care of the Church Property – J.C. Peck, Dr, Tucker, Judge Hall
Music – Mrs. W.G. Abel, Mr. Harding, Mrs. Garrison, Mrs. St. Amand, Miss Gleen
Library and Sabbath School – Davidson, Chillingworth, Menken, Miss Martin, Miss Alice Dixon, Miss Morrell, Miss Harding

Mr. St. Amand reported that the taxes on the church property were due and unpaid and that there was not sufficient money in the Treasury to pay them. It was therefore –

Ordered, that the Treasurer be authorized to borrow the sums of One Hundred Dollars to pay taxes and other pressing indebtedness. The money to be borrowed for the three months.

By vote, the regular monthly meeting of the Board was fixed for the second Monday in each month at 5 pm.

No other business was transacted and the Board adjourned.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk
Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 139 – 140
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

December 10, 1897

Mission Circle met at Mrs. Hallam’s. President presiding.

The usual devotional exercises were held.

Roll call responded to by the following: Mesdames Beck, Cottingham, Gill, Hallam, Blackman and Strahan.

Dr. McGlauflin gave us a quotation.

Four visitors present: Mrs. B.E. Taylor, Mrs. Billings, Mrs. L.B. Thompson, Mrs. J.W. Snowden.

Minutes of the last meeting read and approved.

Treasurer reports $27.35 on hand. Three dollars handed in on Experience social, $.15 dues. Total $30.50.

Committee Reports.

Hospitality – 7 calls made by Mrs. Hallam.

Flower Committee regrets they had no flowers on deck last week and find it very difficult to always have them, but hope it will not often happen.

Special Committees

Mrs. Beck reports for Mrs. Ickes one handkerchief donated and on bought and sent to Mrs. Lord Woodside, N.H.

Mrs. Hallam reports on apron sale to be held at Harriman (Archivist: Assumed to be reference Harriman, Tennessee. Rev. McGlauflin, current minister of Atlanta church, was previously the minister of the church in Harriman, TN before coming to Atlanta.) and she thought but to send one without counseling the ladies for want of time. She asks our opinion as to sending from the Mission Circle. Motion made and carried to have Mrs. Hallam write a letter to the Harriman ladies to that effect. The apron suit was bought from the Y.P.C.U. (Archivist: Young People’s Christian Union) collection, costing $.75. Motion made and carried to pay that amount from Mission funds.

Secretary writes order of Treasurer to pay Mrs. Ickes $.25 for handkerchief and Mrs. Hallam $.75 for apron.

President reports the ladies of the Executive board decided to have a supper. Mrs. Cottingham and Mrs. Beck were appointed to look for suitable room, they report no success as yet and ask what should be done. Motion made to leave the decision with Executive Board – carried.

Motion made to have President appoint ladies to fill vacancies on committee.

Benevolent – Mrs. Ickes, Miss Clayton.

Literature – Mrs. Strahan, Mrs. Calvin, Mrs. Cottingham

Selection affirmed.

Names of Mrs. L.B. Thompson, Mrs. J.W. Snowden presented to the Circle for membership – all voted to accept them with pleasure.

No further business, the literary program was presented.

Mrs. Beck gave a most interesting paper on Christmas giving. A sketch of the holidays of older times in foreign countries as well as our own and remembrances of her own childhood days.

Mrs. Strahan gave a few remarks contrasting the celebrating of Christmas by the antients (Archivist: antients is an obsolete spelling of ancients) and our own day, rather in favor of the Antients.

She wondered where any improvements had been made in this world of progressives and asked Dr. McGlauflin what he thought about it.

Dr. (Dr. McGlauflin) thought there had been some improvements on the Antients manner of celebrating, but there was plenty of opportunity for improvement especially here in Atlanta where noise and drunkenness seemed to prevail.

Mrs. Strahan said if there were not enough good men to enforce a quiet sacred celebration of Christ’s birth. The woman should be allowed to vote on the subject when she knew we would surely have a quiet Christmas Holiday.

Topic for next meeting – Japan. Mrs. Strahan, Mrs. Gill, Mrs. Hallam to have papers on subject.

Adjourned to meet at Mrs. Cottingham.

Respectfully submitted,

A.L. Blackman, Secretary

Approved.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60   Folder: 02
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Monday Dec 13, 1897

Regular meeting of the Board.

Present: Crafts, St. Amand, Davidson and Mrs. Abel and Rev. Mr. Vail.

The minutes of the Board meeting of Nov 18 were read and approved.

Treasure St. Amand reported in regard to the loan authorized at the last meeting that it had not been made, that Mr. Peck had advanced fifty dollars and that he himself had advanced enough money to pay the tax in all sixty-nine dollars and thirty cents.

The Treasurer reported that three hundred and sixty-five dollars had been subscribed to the Church for the coming year of which sixty-five dollars had been paid in.

Considerable discussion for the good of the church was entered into but no definite action taken and the meeting adjourned.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk
Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: Pages: 140
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Monday, Jan 10th, 1898

Regular meeting of the Board with every member present and the Pastor.

The minutes of Dec 13th were read and amended by inserting the word “city” so as to read “city taxes.”  The minutes were then approved.

Mr. Peck for the Property Committee reported that two of the rooms in the corner building needed papering and that keys were needed for the doors.  That the house would have to be receive repairs before it could be rented and that the cost would be about ten dollars.

A motion was carried that the Property Committee be authorized to make necessary repairs at a cost not to exceed $25.00; and that Mr. Frost be authorized to rent the Parsonage to Dr. Browser for two years with the privilege of two more years if no sale.

Notice was received of the resignation of Miss Yates form the Operation of the Church and Mrs. Johnston was appointed to fill the vacancy.

The following bills were presented and ordered paid.

Woodyard Lumber Co.: $32.90
Atlanta Gas Light Co.: $14.85
County tax for 1897: $57.10 (interest on same .25)

It was the sense of the Board that a committee should be appointed to pass upon all books intended for the Library so that more but suitable books should be received.

The Board then adjourned.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk
Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: Pages: 141
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Feb 7, 1898

The Board met in the Woodman of the World Office.

Present: Mrs. Abel, Mr. St. Amand, Mr. Crafts and Mr. Davidson.  Mr. Frost was chosen to preside.

The reading of the minutes of the previous meeting was postponed.

The Treasure made a report of the receipts and disbursements since last meeting as follows:

On hand and received since last meeting: $303.53
Paid out: $300.83
Balance on hand present date: $2.70

A motion was carried that the report be received and spread on the minutes.

A motion was carried that the Treasurer pay T.H. Porter bill of $23.00.

The Treasurer was instructed to pay the following bills as they become due: Gas, Water, Fuel, Janitor and Organist.

The Sunday School Committee reported that the Sunday School had been re-organized since the last meeting of the Board by the election of a full corps of officers and the adoption of a new set of rules for the government of the School.

The Treasurer reported that he had turned over to the Sunday School Treasurer all the monies belonging to the Sunday School which had come into his hands since his election.

A motion prevailed authoring the Property Committee to rent the Parsonage at a  price not less than $35.00 per month and to place the property in the hand of other agents if necessary to secure a tenant.

The following resolution was passed by the Board:

Resolved, that the use of the Church to the Junior Debating Club be discontinued and that the Clerk be instructed to so inform the member of the Club.

No further business was transacted and the Board adjourned.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 142 – 143
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Monday, March 14, 1898

The Board met at the Woodman of the World Building with every member of the Board present.

A written report was submitted by the Music Committee which was amended to contain the names of Messrs. St. Amand, Peck and Frost and ordered to be speech on the minutes.

Music Committee Report

Since the last monthly meeting of the Trustees, the Music Committee has had only one meeting which was held Feb 23rd.  At this meeting Messrs. St. Amand, Peck and Frost kindly proposed to donate the services of Miss Morehead to the Committee which offer was thankfully accepted.

Miss Morehead sang at the Church for the first time Feb 13th.  Since then, every Sunday which had greatly improved the music.

The Children’s Choir is still in existence, but not as large as it should be.  We hope some time in the future to get more recruits for the Choir.

Respectfully submitted,

<signed>

Emma L. Abel, Chair

Library Report

The report of the Librarian was read and ordered transcribed.

To the Trustees of the Church of Our Father,

Since August 1897, when I began acting as Librarian, the number of patrons outside the Church has decreased a little on account of the fee system, although all expressed their willingness to pay 5 cents a month as fees before the new system was put into effect.  The number of persons now using the Library is 48.

The last accession (Archivist Note: accession – a new item added to an existing collection of books, paintings, or artifacts.) number is 1861, though there are not 1861 books in the Library, for many have been taken out, before I came, and only about six have been returned.

The income of the Library is as follows:

Dues for Oct:  $.70
Fines for Oct: $.00
Dues for Nov: $.65
Fines for Nov: $.28
Dues for Dec: $.65
Fines for Dec: $.76
Dues for Jan: $.85
Fines for Jan: $.93
Dues for Feb: $.50
Fines for Feb: $.14

Total: $5.46

There are many persons who owed dues and fines and preferred to give up using the Library to paying them.

In the last month or two, no new books have been donated.

Respectfully submitted,

Otto Abel, Librarian  3/14/98

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer reported

On hand and received since last meeting of the Board: $88.48
Disbursements: $81.19
On Hand: $7.29

A motion was carried that the Equal Suffrage Association be charged $15.00 per year for the gas and fuel payable quarterly in advance beginning with November 1897.

Property Committee

The Property Committee reported that no tenant had been secured for the Parsonage yet.

The meeting then adjourned.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 143 – 144
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta Ga., Apr 11, 1898

This day was held the regular monthly meeting of the Church of Our Father, every member of the Board being present.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

The Clerk reported that the average attendance at the Sunday morning services during the preceding month had been sixty.

It was recommended that in future the attendance be reported for both the morning and evening services.

The Treasurer repots was read and accepted showing

On hand and received during the month: $177.43
Disbursements: $174.78
Leaving a balance on hand of: $2.65

Mr. St. Amand stated that certain repairs were necessary on the Parsonage to make it satisfactory to the new tenant as papering, fixing of locks, and hanging blinds to the amount of about $5.80.  By vote of the Board, Mr. St. Amand was requested to see that the work was done.

The Treasurer was authorized to sign the lease for the Parsonage for one year.

Mr. Frost tendered his resignation as chairman of the Committee on Operation of the Church. On motion his resignation was referred to the committee with the recommendation that the committee enlarge itself.

A communication was received from the Equal Suffrage Association asking that the charge to them for gas and rule be reduced to one dollars per month.  A motion that the requested be granted was lost.

The matter of a summer vacation being under discussion it was moved, seconded and carried that we allow our pastor a vacation of six weeks or a less time at his discretion, to include the month of August.

A bill from Weisenfield and Murin was read amounting to $2.15.  The bill was referred to the Music Committee.

A communication was received from the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union asking for the use of the Church in which to hold a convention in May.

On motion the request was granted and the charge fixed at $10.00.

No further business was transacted and the meeting adjourned.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk
Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 145 – 146
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. May 30, 1898
A called meeting of the Board was held at the church.

Present: Mrs. Owen, Mrs. Abel, Mr. Crafts, Davidson and Frost.

The Treasurer’s report was read embracing the transactions of his office since last meeting. On Hand and received $171.71. Paid out $171.71 with no money in Treasury at this date.

On motion the report was approved and ordered placed on file.

Our Pastor reported that a contribution had been received from Rev. Geo. L. Chaney. A note of thanks was tendered to Mr. Chaney for the ten dollars contributed and the Clerk was instructed to write Mr. Chaney accordingly.

On account of threatening storms, the Board adjourned.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 25   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 146
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Jun 13, 1898

Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Present: Messrs. Crafts and Davidson. Mrs. Owen and Mrs. Abel.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

Librarian report read and filed.

It was carried by the Board that the amounts which have been received by the Librarian to date be allowed him as compensation for his services.

It was carried that the Librarian be instructed to refuse books to persons who own as much as fifty cents for fines and dues.

The Library Committee was instructed to see that only proper books be received into and become a part of the Library.

No further business was transacted and the Board adjourned.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Church Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Page: 147
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga., Jul 11, 1898

Regular monthly meeting of Trustees.

Trustees present: Messrs. Peck, St. Amand and Davison, Mrs. Owen and Mrs Abel and Rev. Mr. Vail.

The minutes of the June 13th were read and approved.

The Treasurer’s report embraced the time since the meeting of the Board May 30th.

Amount received: $247.61
Amount disbursed: $246.90
Leaving a balance on hand: $.71

The matter of insurance on the Parsonage being under consideration it was moved that the Treasurer be authorized to reduce the insurance, at the time of renewal in September from $3,000 to $1,800.  The motion was seconded and carried.

The Librarian report was read and ordered placed on file (Archivist Note: no report is found the physical file).

The Pastor of the Church being present addressed the Board in reference to plans for increasing an interest in and building up the Church.

The Board then adjourned.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 147 – 148
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Aug 29, 1898

Board met in special session Aug 29th.

Members present: Mrs. Abel, Mrs. Owen, Messrs. Peck, St. Amand, Davidson, Frost and Crafts.

The minutes of July 11th were read and approved.

The Treasurer reported that the amount on hand and received since last report was $94.88, the amount paid out $106.20, creating a deficit or amount due the Treasurer of $11.32

It was carried that the ex-treasurer be requested to put his books in balance and turn then over to the present treasurer and the clerk was instructed to so notify him.

The bills for floral offerings from the Church to Mrs. Frost and Mrs. Tucker amounting to $12.00 were ordered paid.

On motion the Board adjourned.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk
Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 148
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Sep 26, 1899
A special meeting of the Church of Our Father held Sept 26^th at 8 p.m.

Present: Mrs. St. Amand, Owen, Daniels, Lederle, Moore, Chillingworth, Spencer, Abel, Archer and Miss Martin and Messrs. Vail, Crafts, St. Amand, Frost, Moore, Harding, Daniels, Moore, Farrell, Ward, Chillingworth, Spencer, Able and Lederle.

Mr. Chillingworth presided. Mr. St. Amand stated the object of the meeting, which was called to take action in the sale of the church property and offered the following resolution:

Appreciating the generous and substantial aid given the Church of Our Father, from its organization in 1882 to the present time, by the American Unitarian Association, and desiring to meet the wishes of said American Unitarian Association in the disposition of the property held by them for use of the Atlanta Parish.

Resolved, that the member as a body of the Church of Our Father, by vote in a meeting called for the purpose September 26, 1899, do hereby ratify and confirm the sale of lot corner of Church and Forsyth streets, fifty-five feet by one hundred and thirty-nine feet, more or less, including all buildings thereon, to the trustees of the Carnegie Free Library for Twenty thousand five hundred ($20,500) dollars cash upon acceptance of titles; it being understood that said sale shall net the American Unitarian Association Twenty thousand ($20,000) dollars.

Mr. St. Amand then offered the following resolution which was seconded by Mr. Frost. After remarks by Messrs. Vail, Crafts, St. Amand, Tucker and Lederle, the resolution was accepted.

Resolved, that the entire proceeds of said sale of Twenty thousand ($20,000) dollars be turned over to the American Unitarian Association, and in doing so the members of the Atlanta Parish ask the directors of the American Unitarian Association appropriate of said proceeds of sale Five hundred ($500) to pay off the present floating indebtedness of the Parish, and Eight thousand, five hundred ($8,500) dollars, or as much thereof as may be needed, to purchase a suitable site and erect a church building (upon it).

Resolved, that the Atlanta Parish, in order that the membership may feel that they have an interest in a permanent home, that the American Unitarian Association, on completion of the new church edifice, deed the property to the Church of Our Father, incorporating in said conveyance, should the organization in Atlanta as any time agree to disband and give up the church movement, that the property shall as one revert to the American Unitarian Association.

The Clerk was instructed to forward copies of the resolution to the Secretary of the American Unitarian Association.

After some remarks by Mr. Vail regarding the Annual Conference of the A.U.A. to be held in Washington, DC in October, Mrs. Owen and Mr. St. Amand were appointed delegates.

Upon motion the following on Real Estate was appointed to act with a committee already appointed by the Board of Trustees, Messrs. Spencer, Kennedy, Ward?, Atkinson and Peck.

It was moved that a note of thanks be tendered to the Trustees of the Carnegie Free Library for their offer to allow the use of the church building until the same was r???ed. Carried.

Meeting then adjourned.

<signed>
Frank Lederle, Clerk pro tem.

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 25   Folder: 03   Book: 01   Pages: 204 – 205
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Dec 20^th 1898

The regular annual meeting of the Church of our Father which was adjourned from November was held this day in the church parlor.

Present: Madames St. Amand, Lederle, Owen, Chillingworth, Vail and Miss Martin and Messrs. Vail, St. Amand, Crafts, Chillingworth, Frank Able and Lederle.

Mr. Crafts elected Chairman and Mr. Lederle, Secretary of the meeting.  The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.  The following annual reports were then read and ordered filed.  Pastor’s report by Mr. Vail; report on Sunday School by the Supt. Mrs. Chillingworth; report on Women’s Alliance by Mrs. Abel.  Report on Library by Otto Abel; Treasurer’s report by Mr. St. Amand.  Upon motion the following officers were elected for the coming year.

Mr. J. S. St. Amand, Treasurer, Mr. E. U. Davidson, Clerk and Mrs. M. E. Owen as Trustee for a five year term.  Mrs. Zahner, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Chillingworth and Mr. Lederle were elected as the Advisory Committee.  Upon motion of Mr. Chillingworth, a vote of thanks was extended to Mr. Vail for the work he had done in the past year.

Upon motion of Mr. St. Amand, Mr. Vail was nominated to serve as pastor for the coming year at a salary of $1,500 per annum.  In reply, Mr. Vail stated that he did not feel that he was exactly the man for the place nor that it was the place where he could best succeed as a minister.

The times were in such condition that the next few months would probably see great changes and better prospects for the church.  He had received offers from other churches in the last two months, at a better salary, but had declined these offers.  He believed that if the members would give him more support and sympathy he could do better work.  He would agree to stay if the financial arrangements could be made satisfactory.

The meeting then adjourned.

<signed Frank Lederle>

Clerk, pro tem

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25    Folder: 03   Book: 01   Pages: 203
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

The directors of the American Unitarian Association held their regular monthly meeting at their rooms, 25 Beacon Street, Tuesday, January 10. There were present Messrs. Bowles, Brown, S. A. Eliot, Fox, Howe, Hutchinson, Lincoln, Little, Slicer, and Wright, and Mrs. Catlin and Mrs. Talbot.

The business of the Southern States had precedence, and the report of the Southern Committee was laid before the board. The Southern field is the most difficult one with which the Association has to deal. The South is intensely orthodox in all its traditions and associations. There are comparatively few people whose minds are even open to new thought in religion, and the social ties which bind people to the older churches are almost unbreakable. The devoted labors of Mr. Chaney, who was for six years superintendent of missionary work in the South, succeeded in organizing a number of churches composed of earnest and devout people, who seriously set themselves to the task of building up a liberal constituency in the Southern States. The growth has, of necessity, been very slow, but it is quite impossible for the directors of the Association to think of abandoning enterprises which have been sustained at the cost of much self-sacrifice, and which surely contain the seeds of future growth. The Association, therefore, maintains four mission churches in the South as centers of influence, and as the light-houses from which the flame of spiritual religion can spread. These churches are in Austin, Tex., Atlanta, Ga., Chattanooga, Tenn., and New Orleans, La.

The church in Austin has existed for six years, and it enjoys the leadership of one of the most able and persuasive of Unitarian ministers. Rev. Mr. Wheelock’s sermons are much in demand in local papers, and are read broadly through the State. The resources of the local society are, however, very small. The people cannot raise more than the running expenses of the parish, including rent of hall and music; and the Association and the National Alliance contribute the little salary which Mr. Wheelock receives. About twenty families are associated with this movement. Services are regularly held in the Board of Trade Hall. The Southern Committee voted that $500 be appropriated toward Mr. Wheelock’s salary for the year 1899.

The church in Atlanta gains slowly, and is doing an efficient work under the self denying leadership of Rev. W. S. Vail.  Mr. Vail enjoys the hearty co-operation of a most efficient treasurer and a hard-working board of trustees. There are some fifty families directly associated with the church, and from subscriptions and other sources this little company raise about $1,500 a year. To this the Association will add, in 1899, $500 toward Mr. Vail’s salary.

The society in Chattanooga has survived many difficulties and embarrassments, and seems now at last to be on the road to prosperity and success. Mr. Ham, the minister, is a native of Chattanooga, and brings to his work not only a genuine religious zeal, but also local knowledge and experience. Thirty-one new members have been added to the society during the year 1898, and the church is well organized with a Sunday-school, Women’s Alliance, Lend a Hand Club, and Emerson Club. In applying for aid, the society reported good courage and cheerful “outlook, and reduced its application by $100. The Southern Committee recommended that the application for $700 be granted, and it was so ordered.

The church in New Orleans is the oldest and the largest of these missionary enterprises. The work has suffered greatly in the past few years owing to the application of quarantine rules at New Orleans just at the busiest season of the year. The officers of the society are devoted, and the people respond according to the proportion of their means. The Southern Committee, believing that this church can be accelerated toward self-support, reduced the appropriation asked for by half, and recommended that, $200 be appropriated for the year 1899; and this was adopted.

Upon the further report of the Southern Committee, $800 from the income of the Frothingham Fund, No. 2, was appropriated in aid of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute. The other applications for aid from the Frothingham Fund were laid upon the table until such time as the income of the fund can be determined.

Source: Google Books Unitarian Word and Work Directors Report January 1899 Vol I No. 3

The directors of the American Unitarian Association held their regular monthly meeting at their rooms, 25 Beacon Street, Tuesday, January 10.

There were present Messrs. Bowles, Brown, S. A. Eliot, Fox, Howe, Hutchinson, Lincoln, Little, Slicer, and Wright, and Mrs. Catlin and Mrs. Talbot.

The treasurer made the following statement for the month of December:
(Archivist Note: Omitted details for Treasurer’s report)

The amount of temporary loans is $19,500 to the Church Building Loan Fund, including the $2,000 brought over from last year; and the balance on hand of $9,232.35 includes uninvested bequests to the amount of $7,000, and the $2,000 held for reinvestment.

The business of the Southern States had precedence, and the report of the Southern Committee was laid before the board. The Southern field is the most difficult one with which the Association has to deal. The South is intensely orthodox in all its traditions and associations. There are comparatively few people whose minds are even open to new thought in religion, and the social ties which bind people to the older churches are almost unbreakable.

The devoted labors of Mr. Chaney, who was for six years superintendent of missionary work in the South, succeeded in organizing a number of churches composed of earnest and devout people, who seriously set themselves to the task of building up a liberal constituency in the Southern States. The growth has, of necessity, been very slow, but it is quite impossible for the directors of the Association to think of abandoning enterprises which have been sustained at the cost of much self-sacrifice, and which surely contain the seeds of future growth. The Association, therefore, maintains four mission churches in the South as centres of influence, and as the light-houses from which the flame of spiritual religion can spread. These churches are in Austin, Tex., Atlanta, Ga., Chattanooga, Tenn., and New Orleans, La.

Austin, Tex

The church in Austin has existed for six years, and it enjoys the leadership of one of the most able and persuasive of Unitarian ministers. Rev. Mr. Wheelock’s sermons are much in demand in local papers, and are read broadly through the State. The resources of the local society are, however, very small. The people cannot raise more than the running expenses of the parish, including rent of hall and music; and the Association and the National Alliance contribute the little salary which Mr. Wheelock receives.

About twenty families are associated with this movement. Services are regularly held in the Board of Trade Hall. The Southern Committee voted that $500 be appropriated toward Mr. Wheelock’s salary for the year 1899.

Atlanta, Ga

The church in Atlanta gains slowly, and is doing an efficient work under the selfdenying leadership of Rev. W. S. Vail. Mr. Vail enjoys the hearty co-operation of a most efficient treasurer and a hard-working board of trustees. There are some fifty families directly associated with the church, and from subscriptions and other sources this little company raise about $1,500 a year. To this the Association will add, in 1899, $500 toward Mr. Vail’s salary.

Chattanooga, Tenn

The society in Chattanooga has survived many difficulties and embarrassments, and seems now at last to be on the road to prosperity and success. Mr. Ham, the minister, is a native of Chattanooga, and brings to his work not only a genuine religious zeal, but also local knowledge aud experience. Thirtyone new members have been added to the society during the year 1898, and the church is well organized with a Sunday-school, Women’s Alliance, Lend a Hand Club, and Emerson Club. In applying for aid, the society reported good courage and cheerful “outlook, and reduced its application by $100. The Southern Committee recommended that the application for $700 be granted, and it was so ordered.

New Orleans, La

The church in New Orleans is the oldest and the largest of these missionary enterprises. The work has suffered greatly in the past few years owing to the application of quarantine rules at New Orleans just at the busiest season of the year. The officers of the society are devoted, and the people respond according to the proportion of their means. The Southern Committee, believing that this church can be accelerated toward self-support, reduced the appropriation asked for by half, and recommended that, $200 be appropriated for the year 1899; and this was adopted.

Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute

Upon tbe further report of the Southern Committee, $800 from the income of the Frothinnham Fund, No. 2, was appropriated in aid of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute. The other applications for aid from the Frothingham Fund were laid upon the table until such time as the income of the fund can be determined.
Upon recommendation of the Committee on Education:

Voted, To appropriate $200 from the income of the Perkins Fund for beneficiary aid at Meadville Theological school.

(Archivist Note: remainder of director’s report omitted)

Source:  Unitarian Word and Works: Volume 1 -3 found in Google Books  January 1899, Volume I, No. 3 Pages 25 – 26

Atlanta, Ga., Mar 6, 1899

Board of Trustees Church of Our Father held its first meeting of the year at Mr. St. Amand’s residence on Church Street.  The weather was cold and storming.

Present: Dr. Vail, Mrs. Owen, Messrs. Crafts, St. Amand and Davidson.

Mr. Crafts was elected chairman of the Board for the ensuing year.

Treasurer St. Amand read his report covering the time since last report to Mar 6th.  Total amount received $519.25.  Total disbursements the same leaving nothing on hand.

The Treasurer stated that the subscription list for this year had reached $350.00.

The pastor read a report of work done by him other than conduction the regular services, embracing the Young People’s Meeting, pastoral calls, etc. He stated his intention of rendering written monthly reports of his work on these lines.  He specially requested all the members to “talk” for the Church.

E.A. Davidson church clerk stated that his engagements were such that it would be impracticable for him to discharge the duties of his office and that he would be completed to resign. On motion his resignation was accepted by the Board with regrets and the resignation to be referred to the next church meeting.

Mr. Frank Lederle was elected to act as secretary pro tem.

It was moved, seconded and carried that the members of the Church committees of 1898 be all re-elected to serve the same committee for the year 1899.

The Board then adjourned.

<signed>

E.A. Davidson, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 149
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Oct. 1899

To the members of the Church of Our Father, Greeting.

Having received a call to become the pastor of Unity Church Sioux City, Iowa, and having carefully studied the situation, and being convinced that it is my duty to accept the same, I take this opportunity to offer my resignation as pastor of the Church of Our Father, Atlanta, Georgia.  My service to close with the church year, October 31, 1899.  Mindful of past favors, with happy memories of helpful days both with the Church and Sunday School; conscious of friendships, true and tired; of real help in times of real need, I feel a deep regret at parting, and leave my best wish most heartfelt prayer for the welfare of the Church.

Walter S. Vail

Source: Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 25   Folder: 03   Book: 01   Pages: 207
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Nov 10, 1899
The regular annual meeting of the church was held in the church rooms on Nov 10^th at 8:30 p. m.

Present: Mrs. Swift, Daniels, Lederle, Spencer, St. Amand, Owen, Miss Martin and Miss Abel and Messrs. Daniels, Chillingworth, Moore, St. Amand, Spencer, Lederle and Dr. Fisher.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

The following action of the American Unitarian Association regarding the sales of the Atlanta church property was reported in a letter from Mr. Eliot to Mr. Vail and submitted to the meeting.

The resolution of the church of Our Father in Atlanta were submitted to the board yesterday. Authority was promptly given to the treasurer of the Association to carry forward the sale on the terms proposed and it was further,

“Voted, that the treasurer be authorized to pay $500 to the Church of Our Father in Atlanta, out of the proceeds of the sale of the property now held in Atlanta by the Association, and that it is the purpose of the board to give to the Church of Our Father under such conditions as are embodied in certain resolutions passed by them, whatever sum is realized from the sale above the claim of the Association.”

The Treasurer then read an acknowledgement of the receipt of the resolution passed Sept 26, 1899, regarding (the) sale of church property form Mr. Lincoln, Treasurer of the A.U.A. also a statement of settlement, hereto attached.

The following communication from the Pastor, Rev. W.S. Vail was then read.

Atlanta, GA Nov 10, 1899

To the members of the Church of Our Father, Greeting.

Having received a call to become the pastor of Unity Church Sioux City, Iowa, and having carefully studied the situation, and being convinced that it is my duty to accept the same, I take this opportunity to offer my resignation as pastor of the Church of Our Father, Atlanta, Georgia.  My service to close with the church year, October 31, 1899.  Mindful of past favors, with happy memories of helpful days both with the Church and Sunday School; conscious of friendships, true and tired; of real help in times of real need, I feel a deep regret at parting, and leave my best wish most heartfelt prayer for the welfare of the Church.

Walter S. Vail

 It was moved that the resignation be accepted.  Carried. It  was further moved that a committee of three be appointed to draft resolutions of revet. Mr. Moore,  Mr. Owen and Mr. St. Amand appointed.  The treasurer read his report sharing the financial condition of the church.

It was moved that a new site be selected and that a new church building be erected as once.  Adopted.

It was moved by Mr. Owen that the committee on Real Estate appointed at the Special Meeting on Sept 26th be empowered to select a site and plan for the new church. An amendment to this resolution instructing the committee to report back to a church meeting before taking final action was lost.  The original motion was then carried.

Moved by Mr. St. Amand that the present church year be continued to Dec 31, 1899 on and after January 1st, 1900, the church year shall convene January 1st and end December 31st – Carried.

It was moved that a special committee be appointed to examine the present church building to ascertain whether any part of it was suitable for the new building.  Messrs. Peck, Farrell and Lederle appointed.  It was moved that the sum of $50.00 be appropriated from the church funds for the Sunday School – Carried.

It was moved that a committee of five be appointed whose duty it shall be to find and report on suitable candidates for the pastorship of this church.  It was the sense of the meeting that a young and unmarried man and one of Unitarian birth be preferred – Carried.  Committee: Messrs. Chillingworth, Crafts, Lederle, Mrs. Swift, Miss Martin.

Meeting adjourned 10:00pm.

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 25   Folder: 03   Book: 01   Pages: 206 – 207
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Nov 11, 1889
Meeting opened with prayer by Mr. Chaney. Mr. A.V. Gude presided.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

E.P. Burns was appointed secretary, pro tem.

The report of the Treasurer was read and accepted with the thanks and approval of all and passed to the auditing committee; Messrs. Kennedy and Winslow.

Election of officer came next; the following nominating committee, Mrs. Chaney, Mr. Dixon and Mrs. Swift presenting the following report:

Treasurer – J.Y. Dixon

• Clerk – E.P. Burns
• Auxiliary Committee – Mrs. Chaney, Mrs. Swift, Mrs. Gude
• Advisory Committee – Mrs. Gude, Mrs. Schumann
• Library – Miss Lenora Schumann with authority to appoint the other members of the committee
• Members of the Standing Committee – Geo. H. Crafts

These nominations all confirmed by the meeting.

Mr. Dick then moved, Mr. Kennedy seconding, that five percent of the gross receipts of the church be reserved for a building fund.

After some discussion, Mr. Dick moved as a substitute that instead of taking this from the present receipts of the church, a committee be appointed to get up a fund for (a) building. After some discussion, the substitute was withdrawn. Mr. Morley then moved that two and half percent of the gross receipts be laid aside for the building fund. He offering this as an amendment to Mr. Dixon’s (Archivist Note: Believe that the reference to Mr. Dixon is in error here. Mr. Dick’s made the original 5% motion. Henry R.S. Dick signed the membership book) motion to reserve five percent. Amendment accepted by Mr. Dixon (Archivist Note: same assumption that reference to Dixon is in error) and motion as amended was carried.

Mr. Dixon moved that a committee by appointed to increase the building fund to supplement it. Carried.

After discussing the method of securing subscriptions for supporting the church, the method passed last year was continued for this year.

Mr. Chaney report came next; was accepted with much pleasure by all. The chairman then announced Messrs. Norrman, Dixon and Winslow as the committee on building fund provided for by Mr. Dixon’s motion.

After was further informal discussion of matters of general interest , the meeting adjourned.

<signed>

E.P. Burns, Secy

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26   Folder: 02   Book: 01   Pages: 158 – 159
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Nov 12th 1899

At a special meeting of the Church of Our Father, held this day, the following resolution was adopted by a rising vote and ordered spread on the minutes of the Church.

We the committee appointed at a meeting of the Church of Our Father held November 10th 1899, to draft resolutions expressing our loss at the resignation of Rev. W.S. Vail as pastor of the church, realize that we can but feebly express in words the deep sorrow and regret the departing of Rev. Vail at the present time will cast over the entire parish.

Since Rev. Vail came into our midst some three years ago, he had endeared himself to the members of our parish by his eloquent speech, simplicity of character, and lovable disposition, and the seed sown by him for the cause of Unitarianism we are satisfied will be fruitful when Father Time sees fit to cover his brow with snowy locks.

It is with regret the connection of pastor and church is severed, but our weakness financially, we consider that Rev. Vail has acted wisely in accepting the call from Unity Church, Sioux City, Iowa, and we congratulate the church securing his services, and can truly say our loss is their gain.

Wishing Rev. Vail abundant success in his new field of labor, and trusting that he may be spared to his family and work many years to come, we remain

Very respectfully,
Mrs. M. E. Owens
John L. Moore
Joseph G. St. Amand

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25    Folder: 03   Book: 01   Pages: 208
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga Jan 8th, 1900

The regular annual meeting of the Church of Our Father was held in the church parlors, this day.  Meeting called at 8:30 pm.

Present: Mesdames St. Amand, Abel, Spencer, Daniels, Dixon, Owen, Archer, Lederle, Miss Martin.  Messrs.  Peck, Daniels, St. Amand, Crafts, Spencer, Chillingworth and Lederle.

Mr. St. Amand, for the Committee on Real Estate, reported that a lot had been selected, paid for and the title passed.  Mr. Crafts, for the Committee on New Church Building, reported progress.  Mr. Chillingworth for the Committee on New Pastor reported that from names suggested and of these one – Mr. Langston, had preached two Sundays.

The Treasurer then submitted his financial report covering a period form Nov 13th 1898 to Dec 31st 1899, which was adopted and ordered spread upon the minutes.

Receipts	Amount
Sunday Collections	$207.09
Rent from Dwelling	$359.30
Woman’s Alliance	$125.00
Equal Suffrage Assoc	$6.00
Subscriptions	$577.15
American Unitarian Association	$500.00 211.75 125.00 3750.00
Total Receipts	$5,862.29
Disbursements
Janitor	$105.00
Organist (49.50 + 27.00)	$76.50
Taxes (State and City ’98 45.60, ’99 66.10; City ’00 36.00	$148.10
Fuel & Gas	$19.40
Expense Account	$55.05
A.U.A.	$10.00
Real Estate – Church lot	$3750.00
Sunday School	$50.00
Total Disbursements	$5,714.55

Balance Jan 1st, 1900: $147.74

It was moved that the Pastor’s salary be fixed of the year at the maximum amount decided upon at the last meeting, which as $1,200. Adopted.  The special committee appointed at the last meeting made a report on the material in the old church building that might be utilized.  Election of officers for the ensuring year then took place.  Mr. J.G. St. Amand was elected Treasurer, Mr. Frank Lederle as Clerk, and Mr. J.C. Peck as Trustee for the full term of five years.  Miss Martin reported on behalf of the Sunday school, that the attendance had been better than the year before, that there was enough money in the treasury to pay all debts and that the piano fund now amounted to $60.00.

It was then moved that the matter of selecting a pastor be taken up.  The members present gave their views, expressing the favorable impression that the candidate, Mr. Langston, had made upon each and all, both as  preacher and man.  It was moved and seconded, that the Church of Our Father extend a call to serve as minister of the church to Rev. Clarence Langston of Boston.  Carried unanimously.

Upon motion a committee of threes consisting of Mrs. Own, Messrs. Moore and Chillingworth were appointed to notify Mr. Langston.  The Real Estate Committee was then instructed to select a temporary meeting place for the use of this society.

The subscription list for the year 1900 was circulated by the Treasurer.

After the conclusion of the business session, Rev. Geo. L. Chaney, the founder of this church, who was temporarily in the city made a short address in which his pleasure at the interest shown by the members in the work of the church and expressed the hope that the new conditions which would be met the coming year would also bring to the church a new career of work and usefulness.

Meeting adjourned at 10:30 PM

<signed>

Frank Lederle, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 04 Book: 01   Pages: 209 – 210
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

January 17, 1900

Annual Meeting at G.F. Hall. Although a stormy night there was quite a nice representations of the friends and members of The First Universalist Church present. A nice supper was prepared by the ladies and a table set sufficient to feed many more than there was to be fed.

After the supper was served the chairman of Finance Committee announced that the affairs so far as morning was concerned were straighten up. President of the board Marsh called the meeting to order.

The members of the board present were. Marsh, Fincher, Crone, Gill and Dr. McGlauflin.

The report of the last annual meeting were read and accepted. Also the report of the Treasurer. Next came the report of Dr. McGlauflin, which was read with applause. Report from the Woman’s Mission Circle reported a prosperous year everything considered. Mrs. Beck who made the report said that they had not divided themselves into sections the first year as they had in 1898 but had worked all together and raised from all source $126.65 had paid towards Pastor’s salary their pledge of $100. The balance being used in the discretion of the Circle for such purposes as the saw fit.

Miss Herllam reported for Y.P.C.U. (Archivist Note: Young People’s Christian Union) that it had been a pleasant and successful year with them. That they had held the meetings regularly and during the absence of the Pastor had taken the place of the morning services at the Hall.

The Sunday School report showed an increase generally both as to the attendance and interest and promised to show still better results the coming year. The amount raised by the entire church for the year was (Archivist: no figure presented in written document)
After receiving all the reports, a nominating committee consisting of Dr. McGlauflin, Mrs. Holtz, Mr. Crone, Chas. Thomas and Mrs. Beck were appointed who nominated for the following year the officers

President: R. M. Crone
Secretary: Jos. Fincher
Treasurer: F. M. Marsh
W.C. Gill
J.E. Bond
A.E. Holdt
J.G. Thrower

On motion it was voted that the Secretary should cast the vote electing the whole ticket. Thereafter, the New President was escorted to the chair and presided. Further business consisted of electing Mr. Crone chairman of the finance committee and voting in as associate members Mr. Booth and Mr. J.G. Thrower both being voted as business members of the church, and taking a list of volunteer pledges for the coming expenses of the church. Pastor’s salary gets the amount of between $450.00 and $500.00 being pledged. Plans adopted regarding the payment of pledges making some due monthly or weekly so that expenses accruing might be met with unnecessary delays.

A very beautiful and encouraging address was given by Mrs. Quimby who stated that she pledged her best efforts towards helping this endeavor and that she felt since we had the right man in the right place as a leader, Dr. McGlauflin, this statement brought for the bond and long cheers from the congregation. After a song and benediction, meeting adjourned.

Signed, Jos. Fincher, Secty

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60 Folder: 01  Pages: 1 – 2
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

January 21, 1900

A special meeting of the Church of Our Father was held this day at which twenty-five members were present.

Mr. Chillingworth presided.

A letter from Mr. Eliot (Archivist: Secretary of the American Unitarian Association) was read regarding the call extended to Mr. Langston.  It was moved and voted to amend the resolution regarding the Pastor’s salary, adopted at the Annual Meeting, by substituting the amount of $1,400 dollars in place of $1,200.  Adopted.

The meeting then adjourned.

<signed>

J.E. Harding, Clerk pro tem

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 04    Book: 01   Pages: 210
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

January 29, 1900
Board Directors Meeting office Mr. Thrower
Present Mr. Crone, J.C. Bond, F.M. Marsh, Miss Thrower, Gill & Fincher.  Also Dr. McGlauflin and J.C. Bond.

The Secretary was instructed to write D.A. Helmich at Birmingham, Ala. declining his offer to give plans and specifications thanking him for his offer but stating to him that was not convenient to wait on him.

On motion, a building committee was appointed Viz- Mr. Crone from Board directors, J.C. Bond from Y.P.C.U.  (Archivist Note: Young People’s Christian Union), Mrs. W.C. Gill from Ladies Society, Mr. J. G. Thrower from B/D/ L B. Folsom from Citizens at Large. Amended putting Mrs. Holt on same  committee. Decided that Dr. McGlauflin was also an ex officio member of all committees.

A motion was also carried authorizing Mr. Marsh to pay rent for Hall whenever he had the funds without any further orders.

Adjd (adjourned).

<signed>

Jos Fincher, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60 Folder: 01  Page: 3
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

A meeting of the General Executive Board was held at the Publishing House, 80 West St, Boston, Jan. 19 and 20, 1900 all the members being present. After the opening prayer by Rev. Alfred J. Cardall, the Board proceeded to the consideration of business.

Atlanta Gifts

Mr. Fowler as a member of the Board of Trustees of the General Convention reported that that Board had made the generous appropriation of twenty five hundred dollars ($2500.00) for the Atlanta Church edifice.

The same to be payable in five yearly payments of $500.to each. And that the Woman’s Centenary Association has pledged $200.00 for the same purpose.

These generous gifts relieved the extreme anxiety of the Board in its efforts in behalf of the Atlanta Building Fund.

Building

It was, therefore, after due consideration of the Lynn Recommendation No. 6, ordered, that the building of the church edifice at Atlanta be begun at once, and it Is to be ready for dedication at the time set for the next annual Convention.

Convention Date

The place of holding the next Annual Convention now being assured, the date of the Convention at Atlanta, Ga., was set to begin July 11 and continue to and including July 18.

Source: Onward found in Google Books, Vol. VII, No. 5, February 3, 1900

March 11, 1900

A special meeting of the members was called after the sermon by Dr. McGlauflin and the following were voted in as active members of the church: Mrs. Mary E. Light, G.F. Marshall and Mrs. Ada Marshall. All being welcomed into the church and Mrs. Light was baptized.

Jos. Fincher, Secretary

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60 Folder: 01  Page: 3
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. March 18, 1902

The meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Church of Our Father was called to order at 8:20 P.M. with John L. Moore in the chair.

Present: Mesdames Daniels and Behre and Messrs. Moore, St. Amand and Walker.

On motion, C.A. Langston was appointed clerk pro tempore.

The resignation of Minnie Evans Owen as a member of the Board of Trustees was submitted and on motion of Mr. St. Amand, Mrs. Owen’s resignation was accepted with regrets.

On motion of Mr. St. Amand, Mrs. Daniels seconding, Mrs. Metta Foster was elected to serve until the next Annual Meeting of the church.

On motion Rev. C.A. Langston, J.G. St. Amand, and Mrs. Charles Behre were instructed to draft suitable resolutions on the death of Mr. Robert P. Beecher and that copies of the same be sent to his family and to the Sunday school of The Central Congregational Church. This ac­tion was taken in appreciation of the donation of carriage block by Mr. Beecher.

The Treasurer submitted statement of receipts and disburse­ments from January 1 to March 18.

Receipts: $172.84
Disbursements: $159.33
Balance in hands of treasurer: $13.51

On motion, the Branch Alliance was empowered to dismiss present janitor and to employ another one satis­factory to themselves for the balance of the year at an expense not exceeding $1.76 per week.

A committee representing the Branch Alliance requested the permission of the Board to place the library in order. On motion Rev. C.A. Langston and the ladies of the Alliance were authorized to overhaul the library and report to the next Quarterly Meeting as to disposition of books not needed.

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 9:20 P.M.

C.A. Langston, Clerk Pro Tem.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26   Folder: 02  Book: 02 Pages: 168
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

March 25, 1900 12:30 PM

A special meeting of the Church of Our Father was held in the Woman’s Club Rooms immediately after the morning service.  After a few remarks the following resolution was unanimously adopted by a rising vote.

In as much our church has been kept together during the interim between Mr. Vail’s departure and Mr. Langston’s arrival by lay services conducted by our fellow members Mr. C.C. Chillingworth, we feel that it is mete and proper that we should express our appreciation of Mr. Chillingworth’s kindness in conducting the services and it is therefore:

Resolved: That the thanks of the church be extended to Mr. Chillingworth for his kind offices in conducting Lay services for the past five months and that this resolution be spread on the minutes of the church.

After a few remarks by Mr. Chillingworth expressing his appreciation of the kind feelings of this fellow members and that he was pleased to have been of any service to the church, the meeting adjourned.

 

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 04 Book: 01   Pages: 211
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

April 5, 1900
Board Meeting  at office of Mr. Thrower.
Present Crone, J.C. Bond, Marsh, Dr. McGlauflin and Fincher

Minutes of meeting of January 29th read and accepted.

Treasurer Marsh reported amounts received Viz

• from former Treasurer Gill on building fund $100.00,
• from general fund 68 cts,
• from National body of Y. P.C.U. two chex five hundred dollars each – $1000.00,
• local body Y.P.C.U.  $20,
• J.C. Bond on sub(cription) $2.50,
• from Dr. Fobsom on building fund $50.00,
• Japan Mission collection $10,
• F.M. Marsh on sub(cription) $10.00,
• besides the Sunday collection for general fund which amount he was unable to give definitely at present,
• from Secretary Collections $4.90.

Moved and carried that Secry Fincher be allowed $1.64 for bills paid by him out of funds belonging to the church. Miss Crone and Fincher delegated to look after further subscriptions and collections. Mr. Marsh reported that he had paid $24.00 hall rent since last meeting.

Building committee per Dr. McGlauflin reported that they were progressing.

Adjd. (adjourned)

<signed>

Joseph Fincher Secy

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60 Folder: 01  Page: 4
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Excerpt from Letter from the Southern Missionary, Tennessee Division.

Atlanta—The Annual Church Meeting

It was held on January 17th. The attendance was larger than at any previous assembly of the kind, and the reports from all departments, which were formally presented, were encouraging. The Finance Committee showed, that for all purposes during the year, the church and auxiliary bodies had raised and paid out, two thousand three hundred and twenty five dollars and ninety cents; that all bills were settled and a small sum remained in the treasury. Would you like to see the items? Here they are:

On Pastor’s Salary	$600.00
Hall Rent	$115.00
Janitor	$24.00
Special Meetings	$51.50
Church Building Lot	$1,250.00
Interest at Bank	$18.00
Missions (State, Gen Convention, incl Japan)	$38.00
Two-Cents as week for Mission	$20.00
Benevolence	$55.00
Sunday School Supplied	$30.00
Y.P.C.U. Expenses	$16.00
Blackboard Sign, Etc.	$12.00
Printing of Paper and Expense of Lecture Course	$99.40
Total	$2328.90

The statement that the Central Union had in October last, sent on from the “4 to 1″ fund, twenty-five hundred dollars, plus the interest on the note given by the Atlanta Board of Directors, and that the church lot was now free of all encumbrance, was received with cheers and a vote of thanks was tendered.

The Woman’s Centenary Association, which has voted $200.00 for the Atlanta Church, received a like expression of appreciation. The new Board of Directors were instructed to choose a Building Committee and prospects of the erection of the edifice were set forth.

The Church Edifice

It was January 24th that letters from President Fowler and Secretary Demarest of the General Convention were received, telling that the Official Board of that Convention had voted twenty-five hundred dollars, to be paid in five annual installments, toward the Atlanta Church.

This most generous and timely action, which must certainly a deep impression upon all our young people, settled two questions; viz., that the edifice would be built, and the Y.P.C.U. Convention would be held therein July 11-18.

So many are writing me, asking what we are doing, how we are doing, and why we are so long doing it, it may be well to state these few facts from my diary:

January 30th. Learn from Mr. D. A. Helmich, of Birmingham, Ala., (who had kindly offered to donate plans and specifications of church) that business engagements would not allow him to take up Atlanta plans for some weeks. It was deemed inexpedient to wait and Atlanta architects were asked to make competitive sketches of the proposed building.

February 6th. Committee accepts sketches drawn by Mr. W. F. Denny, and he is employed to make plans and specifications in full.

February 26th. Plans go to contractors.

March 6th. Bids of contractors opened and all rejected because too high. Changes made in plans to lessen the cost of building, and decision reached to hire our own foreman and build by day labor.

March 8th. Mr. H. W. Veazey, of Harriman, Tenn., engaged as foreman.

March 12th. Lot surveyed, and under sunny skies, at 3:40 P.M., I throw up two shovelfuls of earth, say, “Laus Deo” and so the work begins. (Archivist: Laus Deo – Praise be to God)

The basement walls are now nearly completed, all lumber, brick, and slating bargained for, and matters of windows, pews and lighting are being negotiated.

Nothing will be done about heating the church until after the Convention. We will not even have a suggestion of heat about the edifice while you are here.

I hope you will all hasten to send to headquarters your “two cents a week” or more, so that the work may go forward to beautiful completion and be ready for your coming.

Some one will wish to present the church with a section of one of the large windows. Send twenty-five dollars, stating what emblem is desired, if you have a choice, and your name shall be beautifully inscribed to abide perpetually in the light.

 Beyond the Ordinary

December brought a course of lectures by Rabbi E B. M. Brown, which netted a goodly sum for the Building Fund.

January, introduced Mrs. C. A. Quinby, who spent a week among us to the delight and profit of all. Her influence in public discourse, and private conference, was unifying, quickening, uplifting. She is one of the young, and will remain so.

February, took me to Rev. J. A. Murphy, the colored minister of Bartow, Ga., who has a church organized on our faith and practice. That visit has been reported to Dr. Demarest. Rev J. H. Whitmore, of Boston, my long time friend, spent a few days in Atlanta, and placed our mission under lasting obligations by his kindly ministries.

March, Rev. Frank Fay Eddy and wife, of Maine, are among our visitors. His sermons will not be forgotten.

Three valuable members received into church fellowship, making five since the beginning of the year; two children christened.

Our offering for Japan on Sunday last amounted to ten dollars.

Dr. Shinn will be with us to lay the corner stone in the near future.

H. McGlauflin.

Atlanta, Mar. 20, 1900

Source: Onward found in Google Books, Vol. VII, No. 14, April 7, 1900, Page: 109

 

 

 

Apr 15, 1900

A meeting of the Board of Trustees was held after services this day.

Present: Messrs. Peck, Crafts, St. Amand, Mrs. Owen, Mrs. Abel.

Mr. Crafts acted as chairman.  It was voted that Mr. Crafts as chairman of the Board be requested to confer with Mr. J.B. Frost, a member of the Board, with reference to his attending the meetings of the Board or if absence from the city prevented, to suggest his resignation.

Upon motion the same committees were re-appointed.

<signed>

J.C. Peck, Clerk, pro tem
Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 150
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

April 29th, 1900 12:30 PM

A special meeting of the Church of Our Father was held in the Woman’s Club Rooms after the morning service.

The resignation of Mr. J.B. Frost as a  Trustee of the Church was received and accepted. Upon motion, Mr. C.C. Chillingworth was elected to fill the vacancy.

Adjourned.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 04    Book: 01   Pages: 211
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

May 1, 1900 Board Meeting at Mr. Thrower’s office
Present Crone, Marsh, Thrower, Dr. McGlauflin and Fincher.

Minutes of last meeting read and accepted as corrected.

Treasurer Marsh reported collection on current expense fund for the year had been $96.29.
Expenditures $35.64.
Balance $60.66.
Total collections on Building fund up to date $1,460.00.

The Pastor’s Salary matter was brought up and moved that he be paid $100 out of first available funds – and that a canvass be made at once to collect amounts sufficient to meet the same.

Dr. McGlauflin made a lengthy report concerning the building on behalf of the committee.

Adjd. (adjourned)

<signed>

Jos Fincher Secy

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60 Folder: 01  Page: 5
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

June 15th 1900

A meeting of the Committee on Real Estate and Building was held in the Guild (Archivist: unsure of transcription) Building, Atlanta, Ga., on June 15, 1900 at 5 P.M.

Present Messrs. St Amand, Moore and Chillingworth, also Rev. C.A. Langston.

The Chairman, Mr. J.G. St. Amand called the meeting to order and C.C. Chillingworth was chosen Secretary pro tem.

Mr. J.C. Fanell, upon request of the Committee, was also present.  The Chairman explained the nature of the business before the Committee.  The reply of Messrs. Bleckley & Tyler was presented to the committee, and in the plan submitted on the detail specifications prepared by himself.  After making his statement the committee asked him many question concerning his estimates.

The communication of Rev. G.L. Chaney to J.G. St. Amand dated June 1st 1900 was discussed by the committee.  Moved, seconded and carried that the committee fully appreciates the kindly interest of the Rev. G.L. Chaney in the welfare of the Church of Our Father, but it deems the proposition of Mr. Chaney unwise in that it will antagonize the feeling of the American Unitarian Association towards our movement.

Moved, seconded and carried that the plans in classic architecture submitted by Messrs. Bleckley and Tyler be received and adopted.

The following resolutions were then unanimously adopted.

By the Real Estate and Building Committee of the Church of Our Father that Messrs. Bleckley & Tyler, architects, be instructed to draw plans and receive bids for the erection of a church building in classic style, said building to be complete including all plumbing, gas pipes and fixtures, wiring for electricity, all furniture in the auditorium including pews, pulpit, reading desk, and choir seats, at a cost not to exceed $4,500 including architect’s fee.

The auditorium shall have a seating capacity of not less than two hundred and twenty five, shall contain space for small pipe organ and a choir of ten members, pulpit space, and minister’s room.

The basement shall contain the following rooms and conveniences: Sunday School room and social hall to seat at least seventy; ladies parlor to seat at least forty, and opening into the Sunday School room by means of sliding door or other contrivance; small kitchen; library; furnace room; two water closet, and two wash basins.

The Church of Our Father has 3 doors 3×7-6,2 doors 2-6×7-3, 1 door 2×7-3, 1 pr. outside doors 4×7-5 which may be used in the basement of building.

The building shall be placed on a rock or brick foundation the rest of the wall to be built of material to be selected by the architects.

Chairman

Secretary pro tempore
Atlanta Ga.,
June 15, 1900

Source: Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 151 – 152
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

June 17, 1900
At office of R.M. Crone. Meeting called to order by chairman, those present were Fincher, Marsh, Crone and Dr. McGlauflin.

Mr. Fincher’s resignation as secretary was offered and accepted.

Report of secretary was not given by reason of his not bringing the book.

Treasurer Marsh collected on current expenses $156.55 and disbursements to account of building fund except rent of hall and some incidental expenses.

Building Committee reported that work had regularly been carried on except during carpenter’s strike which caused a delay of about one week. Wages up to that that time (June 1st) had been $2.00 for 10 hours, foreman $2.50. After strike it was $2.00 for 8 hours and foreman $3.00 for 10 hours. Mr. Veazy began work on March 8th and worked continuously 9 wks and 3 days at rate of $25 a week. Paid Mr. Veazy $187.00 still owe him $50.00.

Mr. Veazy donated $25.00 to the church which was paid in the $187.00. The church has also been insured for $2,000.

It has also been reported that the large window for the church, by Von Gerichten Co of Columbus Ohio  will be donated by friends of the church and will be something very handsome.

Dr. McGlauflin reports a gift of $150.00 from Mrs. E. M. Walker of Geneva, Ill. to be applied on organ fund.  A motion of thanks was passed by board to Mrs. Walker and also this fund to be known as the Mrs. E. M. Walker organ fund.

The building committee reports that all money received up to this time has been applied on paying bills.

The following loans have been given to committee.
Dr. McGlauflin $100
W.C. Gill $100
F.M. Marsh $100
A.E. Holdt $100

Board reports having paid out for material and labor up to this time in cash about $3,000. Total expense foots up about $7,000.

K.P. window estimated at $50.00.

J.C. Bond was unanimously elected to fill the unexpired time as Secy.

<signed>

R.M. Crone. Acting Secy

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60 Folder: 01  Pages: 6 – 7
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Jun 25, 1900

Meeting of the Board of Trustees at Mr. St. Amand’s office – 5 PM.

Present: Messrs. Peck, Crafts, Chillingworth, Langston, St. Amand and Lederle.

The following committees were appointed:

Ways & Means: St. Amand, Crafts, Spencer, Moore, and Tucker
Operation of Church: Lederle, Harding, Mr. Langston, Mrs. Owen, Mrs. Johnson, and Miss Yates
Care of Church Property: Mr. Peck, Dr. Tucker, Judge Hall
Music: Mrs. Abel, Mrs. Lederle, Mrs. Langley, Mrs. St. Amand, Mrs. Watts
Sunday School and Library: Mrs. Chillingworth, Miss Martin, Miss Dixon, Otto Abel

It was voted that the third Wednesday in the month, 5:30 pm be the regular meeting time for this board.  A suggestion from Mr. Langston that the church consider the advisability of changing its convenient was referred to the Committee on Operation of Church.

The Treasurer report was then read.

Balance on hand July 1st, 1900: $147.47
Receipts to date: $448.10
Total: $595.84
Disbursements: $594.44
Cash on hand: $1.40

The Treasurer also reported that the subscriptions to date amounted to $547.00.

A letter was read from Rev. Geo. L. Chaney regarding an appeal to the Unitarians for fund to build the Atlanta church.

Meeting adjourned 6:00 pm

<signed>

Frank Lederle, Clerk

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

Jul 7, 1900 8 PM

Meeting of the Committee on Real Estate and Building at residence of Mr. J.C. Peck.

Present: Messrs. Peck, Spencer, Moore, St. Amand, Lederle and Langston.

Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

Mr. St. Amand explained Mr. Chaney’s letter referred to in the minutes of previous meeting.  Moved and voted that bides on new church building be opened and read. The only bid received was on from L.P. Hunerkopf agency to build the church of $4,525.00.

It was noted that the next meeting be held on the night of the 14th instance, at Mr. St. Amand’s residence.  The members of the committee requested to see contractors and to ask for further bids.

It was voted that the architects be requested to turn over plans and specification with all bids received in time for the next meeting.

Discussion then followed on Mr. Eliot’s (Archivist Note: Eliot is president of the American Unitarian Association) letter about extra contributions to the church fund. Upon motion by Mr. Langston it was voted that Mr. Eliot be informed that a representative of the church would come to Boston in the fall to solicit subscriptions to the amount of $750.00 for the furnishings of the church.

Adjourned, 9:30 pm

<signed>

Frank Lederle, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 154
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

From the Realm of Religion Column

Unitarian

Church of Our Father, temporary place of meeting Women’s Club room in the Grand.  Service at 11 o’clock. Rev. F.A. Bisbee, D.D., editor of the Universalist Leader will preach.  Dr. Bisbee is visiting in the city as a delegate to the annual convention of the Young People’s Christian Union of the Universalist church. The public is cordially invited.

Universalist

This will be a memorable day with the Atlanta Universalist.  The convention of the past week has brought together some of the best brain and heart of the whole church, and today these will make their impress.  At 9:30 this morning, Rev. F.C. Leavitt, of Alabama, will conduct the devotional meeting.  At 11, Rev. F.C. Priest, of Chicago, will preach.  The greatest interest of the day will center in the dedicatory exercises of the new church edifice.  Several prominent ministers will participate in the service.  Rev. I.M. Atwood, D.D., of New York, will preach the sermon. At night there will be a praise service at 7:30 followed by three-minute speeches from delegates here representing some twenty-eight states, Canada and Japan.  The service will close with the celebration of the communion.

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)  Sun, Jul 15, 1900  Page 21
Copyright © 2013 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSALIST CHURCH IS TO BE DEDICATED TODAY

Dedicatory exercises over the First Universalist church of Atlanta will be conducted this afternoon at 3:30 o’clock.  Prominent members  of the denomination from all sections of the country will participate in the service. As is well known the annual convention of the Young People’s Christian Union, which is composed of the young Universalists of America, is now being held in this city.

The church was completed only a short time before the convention opened and its pastor, Rev. W. H. McGlauflin, D.D., decided to wait until today before formally dedicating the new house of worship to the service of the Lord.

While the structure is not large it is one of the prettiest in the city. It is located on East Harris street, near Peachtree street. The church, with the ground on which it stands, cost about $12,000. The structure was designed by W. F. Denny, who employed in designing it the English gothic style.

The stained glass windows of the church make one of its prettiest features. One represents “The Sower,” by Millet; another “The Nativity,” by Hoffman, and a third “The Resurrection,” by Plackharst. In addition to these there are windows which were given the church by the Knight of Pythias, the Good Templars and the Federation of Trades.

The sermon during the dedication this afternoon will be delivered by Rev. I. M. Atwood, D.D., of New York, one of the best known of the Universalist pulpit orators. The prayer of dedication will be offered by Rev. F. A. Bisbee, D.D., editor of The Universalist Leader.  The following is the programme:

Voluntary, “Praise Ye the Father,” Gounod – Choir
Invocation – Rev. J. C. Burrus, D.D., Alabama
Spiritual Lessons – Rev. J. D. Corby, New York
Hymn No. 742 – Dwight
Sowing the Seed” – Rev. Q. H. Shinn, D.D.
Sermon – Rev. I.M. Atwood, D.D., New York
Offertory Solo – Mrs. Harry W. Young, Georgia
Sentences, dedication
Prayer of Dedication – Rev. F. A. Bisbee, D.D., editor of Universalist Leader.
Hymn, “Original” – Miss Etta Wallace Miller

Source: The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)  Sun, Jul 15, 1900  Page 21
Copyright © 2014 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.

Jul 27, 1900, 5:40 pm

Meeting of Committee on Real Estate and Building in Mr. St. Amand’s office.

Present: Messrs. Langston, Moore, Dr. Tucker, St. Amand, Lederle.

Upon motion of Mr. Langston it was voted that the following changes be made in the plans.

• The main window as gothic to be changed to colonial at a cost of $42.00
• The gas piping in contract be dispensed with, excepting that for kitchen and ladies parlor
• That the Godfrey Rolling partition be dispensed with and credit taken for same

The chairman was authorized to make the necessary arrangements to effect these changes.

It was moved that the chairman be authorized to get a drawing of the church at a cost of $15.00 – Carried.

The chairman was authorized to pay the architects $25.00 on account.

Meeting adjourned.

<signed>

Frank Lederle, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 154
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

On last Sunday The Constitution published a drawing of the new home of the Church of Our Father. Unitarian, now being erected at the corner of Spring and Cain streets. As the picture indicates, the building in at simple classic design.

The Church of our Father was organized in 1883 in the upper room of the old Kimball house by the Rev. George L. Chaney and ten other persons. Of this number only two are now living in Atlanta. Mr. Frank Lederle end Mr. G. L. Norrman. Soon after the organization of the society the property at the corner or North Forsyth and Church streets was purchased and a chapel wee erected on Church street, leaving the large old building at the corner to be used by the Means classical school, then one of the leading institutions for the preparation of boys for the university. The chapel was occupied by the society on Christmas of the same year, but was not formerly dedicated until the following April. This chapel was used as a place of worship until last January, when it was torn down to make room for the Carnegie Free library. With the proceeds of the sale of the fine property how held by the trustees of the Carnegie Free library the site at the corner of Spring and Cain streets was bought, leaving a sufficient sum to enable the society to dedicate its new house of worship entirely free of debt.

The Church of our Father, in accordance with the principles of Unitarianism, has no written creed or confession of faith. The organization is based on the simple covenant: “We accept the religion of Jesus, believing in accordance with His teaching that practical religion is summed up in love to God and love to man, and in the love of truth and in the spirit of Jesus we unite for the worship of God and the service of man.” The acceptance of this convenient and the signing of the church roll constitute a person a member of the church.

The present minister, Rev. C.A. Langston, assume date duties of the pastorate last April. He is a native of Kentucky.

Sunday, November 11th, has been selected as the date for the dedication. The Rev. Samuel A. Eliot, D.D., president of the American Unitarian Association in Boston, will deliver the sermon for the occasion.

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta Georgia) – Sun Aug 26 1900 – P 7
Copyright © 2013 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved

Atlanta, Ga Aug 26, 1900.
Universalist Church

A called meeting of Board was held on the date above for the purpose of electing delegates to the Georgia State Convention of Universalists which convening at Mulberry Church in Jackson County, Ga. near Winder on Aug 30th, Sep 1 and 2nd 1900.
The following delegates were duly and regularly elected Rev. W.H. McGlauflin, Mrs. W.C. Gill, Miss Grace Gill, Mrs. Elizabeth Love, Mr. Elija Love, Miss Mabel Hallarn, Miss Nellie Hefferman, Mrs. J.C. Bond, Miss Clara King (Archivist: Unsure of transcripts of this last name), Mr. Lewis Brown, Mr. R.M. Crone.

Adjourned.

<signed>

J.C. Bond Secy

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60 Folder: 01  Page: 8
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Sep 3, 1900 8:15pm

Meeting of Committee on Real Estate and Building at Mr. Peck’s residence.

Present: Messrs. Peck, Langston, St. Amand, Moore, Atkinson, Lederle.

The Chairman reported that the amount contracted for to date on building was $4,114 less deduction of $40.00 leaving $4,178.00.  To this were added the following extras:  gas piping-  $12.00, changes in window: $42.00, extra grading: $50.00. a total: $104.00 which makes the total cost to date $4,178.00.

The following items were still to be provided for: electric light fixtures – $100.00, extra wiring – $43.00, furnace – $140.00, tinting walls – $75.00, mantel – $15.00. Total $373.00

Upon motion of Mr. Peck the chairman was authorized to raise the amount necessary to complete the church, estimated not to exceed $400.00 – Passed.

Meeting adjourned.

<signed>

Frank Lederle, Clerk

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

Atlanta Ga Sep 6, 1900
A regular business meeting of the Board was held in the Sunday School room on the evening of Sep. 6, 1900.

The following persons being present President Crone, Treasurer Marsh, Secretary Bond, Dr. McGlauflin, Mr. John M Miller and Jos. G Thrower.

Reading of last regular and special board meeting minutes read and adopted.

Treasurer not having his book with him was not able to make his report.

Dr. McGlauflin on behalf of the Building Committee read a detailed and complete statement of the actings and doings of said committee since its organization showing how the church was built, how much money it had taken, how much we now owed on our church building. It was very gratifying to learn that the deficit was much smaller than it was first supposed to be. Upon motion it was decided that said report as read by Dr. McGlauflin be adopted and that same be written in a separate book for future reference.

Upon motion of Dr. McGlauflin the following committee was appointed for the purpose of looking after the furnace or other heating apparatus to be put in the church. Dr. McGlauflin, R.M. Crone and J.C. Bond.

Upon motion of J.C. Bond, Dr. McGlauflin was authorized to secure the services of a carpenter for the purpose of finishing up some of the odd jobs in and through the church which having not been finished up heretofore.

Dr. McGlauflin reported that a Mrs. Carver had written him that she was a daughter of a Universalist minister and that he had died leaving quite a nice library. Dr. McGlauflin called to see her and she agreed to give the library to our church provided we would defray the expense of moving same into the church. The same was heartily accepted with the thanks of the board.

Mr. Holdt, having stated that he was in a position where he could buy paints at a discount of 50% it was agreed that we get Mr. Holdt to order enough paint to paint the church and that we get the paint at once as the offer was probably not an indefinite one.

Mr. J.G. Thrower who was present stated that he was still due a balance of something over forty dollars in the work he did in plastering the church.

It was stated that Mr. Thrower had made a subscription of $25.00 and that in the settlement he had been asked to deduct the amount or his subscription from the amount of the bill for plastering which he was not willing to do just yet, on the idea that he was not able to spare. This being the case then objections were raised to some of the plastering in the basement. After going down and inspecting same with Mr. Thrower, he admitted it was not all right and agreed to make it all right. There upon it was agreed by the Board to give Mr. Thrower an order to pay in 90 days or some other time was to we agreed on which closed up the matter with him.

Adjourned.

<signed>

J.C. Bond Secy.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60 Folder: 01  Pages: 9 – 11
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Atlanta, Ga. Nov.7, 1900
Universalist Church

A call(ed) meeting of the board of directors was had in the parlor of the church on the above date.

The matter of the furnace was first taken up. The Furnace Committee reported that the contract for the purchase of the furnace had been completed and that same had been purchased and that same had been purchased from the Moncrief-Carter Furnace Co. upon the following terms: $190.00, $50.00 cash when furnace is placed in church complete. Balance to be paid Jan 1, 1901.

The report of committee was accepted. Reported that work began on putting in furnace Nov. 6, 1900.

Dr. McGlauflin made a report as to how many bills remain outstanding and paid. Also he reported that he had on hand cash to the amount of $292.00 On motion, he was instructed to make such payments on the unpaid bills as he deemed best, paying some of them in full, others making partial payments on some.

Present at meeting: Dr. McGlauflin, F.M. Marsh, R.M. Crone and J.C. Bond.

Treasurer Marsh not having his book at the meeting was unable to five report as to money on hand or collections since last meeting.

Adjourned
<signed>
J.C. Bond Secy

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60 Folder: 01  Page: 12
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Nov 9^th 1900 8:30pm

A Special Meeting of the Church of Our Father was held in the new church building on this day;  this being the first time that the new building was occupied.  The reading of minutes of previous meeting was dispensed with.

Mr. St. Anand – Chairman of the Building Committee reported that the new church building was now completed and ready for occupancy and that funds were on hand to pay all bills outstanding.  Mr. St. Amand moved, seconded by Mr. Chillingworth, that the keys of the property be turned over to Mr. Eliot, as the representative of the A.U.A., at the dedication service, on next Sunday morning.  Adopted.

Mr. Owen and Mr. Chillingworth were elected as the delegates from this church to the Southern Conference. A letter was then read from Mr. Chillingworth, resigning as a member of the Board of Trustees, on account of his departure from the city.  Mr. C. requested that he be allowed to continue his membership and contributions in the future.  After many expressions of regret, Mr. John L Moore was elected to fill the vacancy in the Board of Trustees.

The meeting then adjourned.

(signed)

Frank Lederle
Clerk

Source: Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 04   Book: 01   Pages: 212
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Nov 19, 1900 5 PM

Meeting of the Board of Trustees at Mr. St.Amand’s residence.

Present: Messrs. Crafts, Moore, Peck, Lederle, Mrs. Abel.

The subject for discussion was the proposed election of a President of the Society and the changes to be made in the Board of Trustees.  It was suggested by Mr. Peck that the Pastor be authorized to appoint the Committee on Operation of Church, Music, Library and Sunday School.

Mr. Langston suggested that an Associate Membership be one of the features of the new constitution.

Meeting adjourned.

<signed>

Frank Lederle, Clerk

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

Atlanta, Ga. Dec 10, 1900

The regular meeting the church board was had at above place and time; the session being held in the parlor of the First Universalist Church, Chairman R.M. Crone in the chair, others present were treasurer Marsh, Secy Bond and Dr. McGlauflin.

Minutes of the last meeting read and accepted.

Dr. McGlauflin as chairman of the building committee submitted a detailed statement as to expenditures etc. , showing among other things his salary paid to Sep 1, 1900; that all the windows had been paid for so far as the church was concerned. His report showed that the following amounts are owning to the organizations on account of the windows:

Mrs. McGlauflin Window (Viola Keller)	$19.00
The Veazy Window (Rev. E.V. Stevens)	$41.00
Good Templars Window	$28.00

Making a total owing on account of windows $88.00

Dr. McGlauflin having reported that our church is indebted to Filton Lodge F.O.G.T. (Archivist Note: May be a reference to a Masonic Lodge where services are held) $14.00 he was appointed a committee of one to look after the matter.

He reported a balance in his hands as Chairman building committee of $43.09.

The treasurer not having his books present was unable to make a report.

It was voted to pay $50.00 on furnace account to Messes. Moncrief-Carter Furnace Co., the furnace having been completed and accepted.

Meeting adjourned.
<signed>
J.C.Bond Secy

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60   Folder: 01  Page: 13
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Minute of Trustees’ Meeting.

December 22, 1900.

A meeting of the board of Trustees was held at the residence of Mr. J.C. Peck 7 Ivy St.

The following members were present: Mrs. Owen, Messrs. Peck, Moore, Crafts, and St. Amand.

The clerk being absent the minute of previous meeting was not read and Mr. C.A. Langston was requested to serve as clerk, pro tempore.

The treasurer made a verbal report in which he stated that all bills for the year were provided for and suggested that the Alliance appropriate fifty dollars to the church so that year might begin with a balance on hand.

Application to the American Unitarian Association for aid for the coming; year was considered and on the motion of the treasurer, the Association was asked to contribute $450 for the year, being fifty dollars less than the amount asked for and appropriated last year.

On motion of Mr. St. Amand, a committee of three was appointed to draft suitable resolution on the death of W.G. Abel and that the same be spread upon the minute of the board and a copy transmitted to the family. The chairman appointed Mrs. Owen, Messrs. Moore and Langston to serve.

The question of revising the Constitution of the church was introduced and after considerable discussion the following resolution was accepted and on motion, the chairman was instructed to present it to the church for consideration.

It was voted to call a meeting of the church after service Sunday December 310 for the purpose of electing a nominating committee.

No other Business being called the Board adjourned at 11 P.M

<signed>

C.A. Langston, Clerk, pro temp

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

Atlanta, Ga. January 14^th, 1901

The regular annual meeting of the Church of Our Father was held in the main hall of the church building, this day. Meeting called at 8:45pm.

Present: Mr. Crafts, Mr. and Mrs. Daniels, Miss Dixon, Miss Behre, Mrs. Beardeley, Mr. Harding, Mr. and Mrs. Langston, Mr. Mr. and Mrs. Lederle, Miss Gertrude Lederle, Miss Margaret Lederle, Mr. and Mrs. Moore, Mr. H. M???, Mr. E. M???, Miss Martin, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Schumann, Mr. and Mrs. St. Amand, Mr. and Mrs. Watts, Mr. Walker, Mr. Young.

Mr. Crafts was nominated for Chairman. The chair stated that as there was a question as to the legality of the meeting and it would there be well to consider a motion to have the meeting declared a legal one. It was moved by Mr. St. Amand and seconded, that the meeting be declared a legal one by the vote of the assembled. – Carried.

The minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved. The Pastor’s annual report was then read and ordered spread upon the minutes. Annual reports were also received from the following officers, the Treasurer, the Clerk, the Woman’s Alliance, by Mrs. Owen, President, the Board of Trustees by Mr. Crafts, Chairman, the Sunday School, by Miss. Martin Superintendent and the Young People’s Religious Union, by Mr. Paul Dixon, President. There reports were all accepted and order spread upon the minutes.

Treasurer’s Report for the year ending Dec. 31^st 1900

Receipts		Disbursements
Balance on Hand	$147.74	Expense Account	$80.84
Sunday Collection	$164.24	Janitor	$45.50
Woman’s Alliance	$100.00	Pastor’s Salary	$1150.00
Return of Paving Bill	$40.37	Organist	$73.50
Galveston Sufferer’s Collection	$15.50	A.W.A	$10.00
American Unitarian Association	$500.00	Gas & Fuel	$19.17
Subscriptions	$622.13	Rent Women Club Room	$105.00
		Insurance	$11.00
		Galveston Sufferers	$15.00
Total Receipts	$1,589.98	Total Disbursements	$1,510.01
		Balance	$79.97
			$1,589.98

The new Covent and Constitution were then submitted and read article by article. The first article changing the name of the church was lost by a vote of 15 to 10. The other articles of the new constitution were then voted upon and all adopted.

 

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

Article I. –  Name

The Name of this church shall be the Church of Our Father in Atlanta, Georgia. (Archivist Note: in original typed document the name of the church was noted as the First Unitarian Church. This reference was crossed out and the Church of Our Father was written in.)

Article II. –  Purpose

The purpose of this church shall be to maintain the worship of God, to cultivate in its members virtuous affections and habits, and to promote the common weal (Archivist Note: weal – a sound, healthy, or prosperous state). To secure these ends, the following Covenant which shall be the basis of membership. And the following, Constitution which shall be the rule of this church, have been formed and adopted.

Article III. – Covenant

The following shall be the Covenant of this church: We accept the religion of Jesus believing with him that practical religion is expressed in love to God and love to Man, and in the spirit of Jesus we unite for the worship of God and the Service of Man.

Article IV. – Membership

All persons who after making proper application, shall sign the church roll, thereby agreeing with the purpose add consenting to the rules of this church, shall be considered members thereof.

Article V. – Officers

Section 1.

The Officers of this church shall be a clerk, a treasurer, who shall be elected annually, and nine trustees who shall be elected so that three shall go out of office each year.

Section 2. Election of Officers

All elections shall be by ballot, by a majority vote, and all officers shall serve until their successors are elected and qualified.

Article VI. –  Board of Trustees.

Officers provided for in Article V of this constitution shall constitute a Board of Trustees. It shall be the duty of this Board to secure its legal corporation; to hold the property of the church; to superintend the raising a the minister’s salary; to provide for incidental expense; to make to the church through its chairman an annual report of its transactions. This board shall be subject always to the directing vote of the church and shall have no power to sell or encumber the property of the church without a specific vote of those entitled to vote in these matters as named in Article IV. This board shall have the power to organize itself as it deems wise, except that it shall hold monthly meetings on the third Monday of each month.

Article VII. –   Duties of Officers

Section 1.

The Chairman of the board of Trustees shall preside over all church meetings, and have the general oversight of the affairs of the church under the directing vote of the Board of Trustees.

Section 2.

The Clerk shall keep a faithful record of the proceedings of the church and shall at each regular meeting read the minutes of all proceeding meetings. He shall also render a written report of his year’s work at the Annual Meeting.

Section 3.

The Treasurer shall receive all money belonging to the church and pay out the same on the order of the Board of Trustees. He also shall reader a written report at the Annual Meeting of his receipts and disbursements.

Section 4.

The Minister shall have immediate charge of the religious, educational, and philanthropic work of the church subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees; he shall have authority to appoint such committees as desires to assist him and shall render to the Board of Trustees monthly reports of the transactions of such committees.

Article VIII. – Business

All questions involving the disposal or encumbering the property of the church shall be exclusively in the hands of those members whose names are on the church roll. All other questions not otherwise provided shall be decided by a majority vote.

Article IX. – Meetings

Meetings of the church shall be held on the second Monday of January, April, July and October. The meeting held on the second Monday in January shall be the Annual Meeting. Other meetings may be called as in the judgment of the Board of Trustees <as> they are needed giving timely notice, or whenever an application to the clerk for a meeting shall be made by at least twelve members of the church due notice of the same in writing to sent to each member.

Section 2. Quorum

One fourth of the resident members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Article XI. – Amendments

Section 1.

This Constitution may be amended by a vote of two thirds of the members present and voting at any regular meeting or any meeting called according to article XI.

Section 2.

By-laws to carry out the provisions of this Constitution may be enacted at any regular meeting.

By-Laws

I. –

At each Annual Meeting and Advisory Committee of two, one woman and one man, shall be elected, with the minister ex officio a third member, shall receive applications for membership in the church and pass upon the fitness of applicants. The unanimous vote of this committee shall qualify candidates to sign the church roll.

II. –

The Advisory Committee shall have authority to place on the church roll the names of non-resident fellow believers who may apply for membership in the church and such persons shall be known as Associate Members without the right to vote. No person may become an Associate Member without making an annual contribution to the church of at least one dollar except by the unanimous vote of the Advisory Committee. It is expressly stipulated that no part of contributions from Associate Members shall be used for the maintenance of the local church. Such contributions shall be kept as a separate fund used only for strictly missionary purposes outside of Atlanta.

III. –

At each Annual Meeting a Superintendent and an Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School shall be elected in accordance with the provisions of the constitution for the election of officers and the Superintendent shall render a written report at each Annual Meeting.

IV. –

At least two weeks before the Annual Meetings and at a church meeting called by the Board of Trustees, a committee of five shall be appointed to nominate officers for the ensuing year and shall prepare and present a printed ballot to the Annual Meeting.

V. –

All affiliated organization in the church are advised to submit through their respective presiding officers written reports of the year’s work at each annual meeting of the church.

(Archivist Note: written comments appended to By-laws document)

The resignations of Mrs. Owen, Mrs. Able, Messrs. Peck, Moore and Crafts as Trustees of the Church were received and accepted to take immediate effect. Upon motion the following committee was appointed to sell the building material left from the old church. Messrs. Lederle, Peck and Walker. A committee was also appointed to adjust and sell the old books in the library – the member of which are Mr. Otto Abel. It was moved by Mr. Langston that a record of the Dedication Services, the Installation Services and the Southern Conference services be made upon the minutes of the church. It was also voted that the Minister’s salary for the coming year be fixed a $1,400. The Nominating Committee reported the following list of officers for the year 1900 (Archivist: believe this year is in error. Should be 1901), who were balloted for and duly elected.

For Pastor: Clarence A. Langston

Clerk: Frank Lederle
Treasurer: J.G. St. Amand
Trustees for 3 years: Geo. H. Craft, J.C. Peck, Mrs. Goldsborough Owen
For 2 years: Mrs. Howard Daniels, John L. Moore, J.H. Kennedy
For 1 year: J.E. Harding, Mrs. Chas. H. Behre, A.F. Walker
Advisory Committee: J.E. Harding, Mrs. Geo. Johnson
Sunday School Superintendent: Miss Hattie Martin
Assistant Superintendent Mrs. B.F. Langley

Meeting then adjourned.

(signed) Frank Lederle,Clerk

Source: Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 04   Book: 01  Pages:  215 – 219
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Atlanta, Ga. Jan 20, 1901
A call meeting of the church was had on Sunday, Jan 20, 1901, after the service for the purpose of voting on the following persons for membership in the First Universalist Church of Atlanta.

Mr. Harlyn Hitchcock
Miss Rose Elizabeth Hubner
Mrs. Ella Davis
Mr. James Harvey

The above named were presented by the Pastor W.H. McGlauflin, and upon motion duly made and seconded, they were each elected to active membership in the church.

<signed>

J.C. Bond, Secy

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60 Folder: 01  Page: 14
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Jan 21, 1901

The Board of Trustees met in the church pallor at 8:30 pm.

Present: Mr. Crafts, Moore, St. Amand, Harding, Lederle, Mrs. Owens and Daniels.

Upon motion of Mr. Crafts, Mr. John L. Moore was elected as chairman of the board for the coming year. Mr. Geo. H. Crafts was elected to serve as vice chairman.

It was moved and voted that a Finance Committee of not less than five members be appointed by the chair with the authority to increase.  The chair appointed as such committee the following: J.G. St. Amand, Chairman; Geo. H. Crafts, J.C. Peck; Mrs. M.E. Owen; Mrs Howard Daniels.

It was moved and voted that the chair appoint a committee of three on Care of Property. The following were appointed: J.C. Peck, Chairman; Dr. W.J. Jackson; A.T. Walker.

It was moved and voted that the Clerk be instructed to have the Constitution and list of members printed, issue to be about 250 copies.

Mr. Harding was requested to keep count of the attendance at services and to report on same at the next meeting

The Treasurer then read his report showing that the total amount of subscriptions to date was $780. The Woman’s Alliance had promised to raise $150.00 for the church in the coming year.

Upon motion of Mr. Crafts it was voted that the Pastor be requested to attend the regular meetings of the Board.

It was moved and voted that the Chairman of the Finance Committee be request to make a statement on Sunday morning explaining the needs of the church.

It was moved and voted that five members be considered a legal quorum of this Board.  Board meetings to be held on the third Monday of each month at 8 pm in the church parlor.

Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm.

<signed>

Frank Lederle

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

Atlanta, Ga. Jan. 22, 1901
The regular annual business meeting and banquet of the First Universalist Church of Atlanta was held in the vestry of the church on the evening of Jan. 22, 1901.

The following officers being present: President R.M. Crone, Treasurer F.M. Marsh, Secy J.C. Bond and W.C. Gill, also the pastor W.H. McGlauflin and between forty and fifty other members and friends of the church.

After prayer by the Dr. McGlauflin those present seated themselves around the tables where a most sumptuous repast was spread.

After the supper was eaten President R.M. Crone stated the object of the meeting which he said was that of hearing the different reports from the different officers and the election of officers for the ensuing year.

Dr. McGlauflin on behalf of the Church, as the Pastor made an interesting report which showed J.C. Bond Secretary and Financial Secretary reported that during the year just closed we had raised in Atlanta and paid out on the Atlanta Building Fund the sum of $2,208.78

That our total disbursement for the year, which were raised and paid out as current expenses, such as rents, fuel, lights, janitor, etc. were $759.37

That we had raised sums for missions and Elecassasy???? (Archivist Note: Could not transcribe.) vary purposes the sum of $64.44.

That our total sums raised in Atlanta and paid out during the year amounts to $2,968.10

The Treasurer Mr. F.M. Marsh submitted a report which showed our total indebtedness to be ??? (Archivist Note: Could not transcribe)

The treasurer showed that the Sunday morning and evening collections had gradually increased since we had moved into the new church.

The balance in the treasury was reported to be $45.00.

(Archivist: Insert transcription of pages 17 – 19…starting below page 20 – Jan 2017)

After listing to these various reports, the election of officers was next announced upon motion President Crone appointed the following names:

Mrs. W.C. Gill
Mr. J.T. Miller
Mrs. Alex Beck

During the time the Nominating Committee were (sic) getting ready to report, Mr. J.C. Bond who is a member of the Central Board of the Y.P.C.U. and who had just returned  just returned from a committee meeting in Boston, was called upon to briefly report his trip which he did so and at the conclusion of same presented the church with a splendid photographic group of the members of the Executive Board for the years 1899 – 1900 who served during the building of the Atlanta church.

The nominating committee were (sic) then ready to report and they did as follows for officers of our church board 1901:

President –  R.M. Crone
Secretary – J.C. Bond
Treasurer – F.M. Marsh

Board Members:
Mrs. H.C. Blake
Mr. W.C. Gill
Mr. C.W. Hubner

The report was unamiously adopted and the Secretary was instructed to cast the ballot for the nominees which he did.

Dr. McGlauflin reported the following names which he said ?? ????? voted in as business or associate members of the church: (IMG_6695)

Mr. Chas. W. Hubner
Mrs. Chas. W. Hubner
Mr. Chas. H. Smith
Mr. F. G. Painter
Mrs. F.G. Painter
Mr. ?. L. ???
Miss Martha Smith
Miss Mittie Smith
Mrs. James Harvey
Mrs. Strahan
Mrs. Douglas
Miss Mizzura Cawthon
Miss Davis

After singing “God be with you till we Meet Again”, upon motion an adjournment was had.

<signed>

J.C. Bond

Secy

After several interesting talks including a very interesting talk by Mr. Hubner, the President announced that the mater of pledges for 1901 be taken up.  $483.50 was raised.

 

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60 Folder: 01  Pages: 15 – 21
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

 

Atlanta Ga Jan 29, 1901
The regular monthly business meeting of the church Board was held on Jan 29, 1901 in the study of Dr. McGlauflin; the following members being present: Dr. McGlauflin, Treasurer Marsh, Secy Bond, H.C. Blake, Chas W. Hubner and James Harvey.

The president being absent, Mr. Blake was called to the chair to preside over the meeting.

The minutes of the called meeting of the church and the annual meeting were read accepted.

Treasurer reported a balance on hand of $113.21.

Upon motion duly seconded it was ordered that an order be drawn for $1.90 that same being the amount of the Sunday evening collection of Jan. 27, 1901, the same to be paid to the Treasurer of the Y.P.C.U. to be sent to Central Y.P.C.U. to be applied on state assessment owning by the Georgia Y.P.C.U.

It was moved that an order be drawn for $3.29 payable to Mrs. Nellie Peters Black for the Free Kindergarten School, the same being the amount of the collection taken on Thanksgiving Day 1900, it having previously been agreed that said collection be given to said school.

Dr. McGlauflin who was appointed a committee of one to look after the rent owning by the church to the Good Templars reported that he had made no progress in adjusting same and suggested that as Br. Harvey was an officer in the Good Templars Lodge he could look after this matter better. Upon motion, the matter was therefore referred to Mr. Harvey.

It was moved and seconded that the Board make and deliver a promissory note to Dr. McGlauflin in the amount of $200.00 dated July 1, 1901 the same being for his salary from Sep 1, 1900 to Jan 1, 1901, carried.

It was moved and seconded that the chair appoint a committee of four to be known as the Furnace Committee, carried. The chair appointed Mr. Marsh, Mr. Crone, Mr. Blake and Mr. Bond.

It was also moved that the chair appoint a committee of five to be known as Music Committee, carried. The chair appointed Dr. McGlauflin, Mr. Hubner, Mrs. Gill and Miss Bert Crone and Mr. Holdt.

The chair appointed a committee consisting of Dr. McGlauflin and Mr. Bond for the purpose of revising our old constitution and by-laws.

It was moved and carried that the committee on Music make such arrangements with Miss Cawthon as to retaining her services in the choir as it saw fit, it being the sense of a majority of the members of the board that a sum not exceeding ten dollars for be paid her for this purpose.

Upon motion duly seconded and carried the Secretary was instructed to write Mrs. H.W. Young thanking her for past services but owing to our present financial condition we could not pay her anything and did not think it fair to her to ask her further services or accept same.

Upon motion duly carried the Finance Committee was empowered to make such settlements of accounts owning, as well as note for furnace, as it deemed best and to borrow money to do so if necessary.

Adjourned at 10:30 pm

<signed>

J.C. Bond Secy

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60 Folder: 01  Page: 22 – 24
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta Ga. Feb. 3, 1901
Board of Trustees of the church held their regular February meeting in the study of Dr. McGlauflin on above date. President Crone in the chair, members present, Dr. McGlauflin, Mr. Marsh, Mr. Blake and Secy Bond.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and adopted.

Treasurer reported that since the last reporting he had collected $(Archivist: amount in original), that he had paid out on order $(Archivist: amount in original). That he now had on hand $103.05.

The report was accepted.

The committee on furnace reported that in pursuance of the authority granted them at the last board meeting, they had on February 4, 1901 taken up the note of $148.00 given to Moncrief-Carter Furnace Co., due on said Feb. 4th and had given a new note therefore for $70.00, paying half the principal and also $1.00 interest; that this note falls due 60 days from date and draws 8% interest from date, payable to Neal Loan and Bkg. Co.

The committee also found it necessary to borrow the sum of $200 which they did from Neal Loan and Banking Co., giving note for $200 dated Feb. 4, 1901, due in 90 days from date with interest at 8% from date. This latter $200 was borrowed for the purpose of taking up the note of $200 due to F.M. Marsh, which was done.

This report was accepted.

The secretary was not able to make his report as financial secretary owning to the absence of his financial books, but was asked to be sure to report next meeting.

The Secretary stated that in pursuance of the instructions of the board at its last meeting, he had sent Mrs. H.W. Young the following letter, to which he had received no reply.

Atlanta Ga. Jan 30, 1901
Mrs. Harry W. Young c/o Carroll House, City.

My dear Mrs. Young, at a meeting of the new church board last evening, I, as Secretary of the Board, was instructed to write you and express to you our sincerest and profoundest appreciation and thanks for the valuable assistance you have rendered us these past few months; that we are indeed grateful to you for what you have done for us and we really feel sorry because of our inability to remunerate you in a more substantial way than by our expression of thanks, but that owing to our financial condition at present we find we are utterly unable to do more; that we do not feel as though it would be fair to you or to ourselves to accept your services further until we are in a position to adequately compensate you for same.

Again thanking you on behalf of the Board and with best wishes, I am

Cordially yours

(signed) J.C. Bond Secy.

The committee on Music reported that since the last meeting they had secured the services of Miss Mizzura Cawthon as Leader of the Choir for a period of five months at $10.00 per month, beginning Feb. 1, 1901.

This report was accepted and adopted by the Board.

Upon motion duly seconded and carried, the following orders were drawn on treasurer.

Empire Glass and Decorations Co Acct in full	$3.00
J.J. Thousason  account in full	$6.75
Bass Drygoods Co. on account of carpet	$25.00
W.H. McGlauflin salary for Jan 1901	$50.00
Ga. Paint and Glass Co account in past	$10.00
E.D. Thomas Atty for Williams Bros in full	$10.00
Miss Mizzura Cawthon Feb salary ½ month	$5.00
Total	$109.96

Dr. McGlauflin reported that progress was being made on adjustment of the rent owed Good Templars and amount owning by them on their window.

He reported also that $5.00 has been received on the Veazy window and $11.00 had been received on Mrs. McGlauflin window.

Concerning the contemplated services of meeting to begin on this 21^st of February, with Dr. Bizbee of Boson Mass with us. The matter of his entertainment was left to Dr. McGlauflin to make such arrangements as he thought best.

Upon motion the following committee was appointed to look after the advertising of said meetings; Mr. Crone, Mr. Blake and Dr. McGlauflin.

Upon motion, meeting adjourned.

<signed>

J.C. Bond, Secy.

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60 Folder: 01  Page: 25 – 27
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Mar. 14, 1901

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the First Universalist Church was held in the Sunday school room of the church on the above date.

There were present: Dr. McGlauflin, Mr. Marsh, Mr. Harvey, and Mr. Bond.

The president being absent, Dr. McGlauflin was called to the presiding chair.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer reported a balance on hand at this meeting of $83.95 and that all orders that have been drawn have been paid. Treasurer’s report was accepted.

Secretary reported that he had collected since last meeting the sum of $124.86.

Dr. McGlauflin reported on the Bisbee meeting that they were of great to our cause in this city; that the total expenses of same including extra lights and fuel would be about $80.00. Dr. Bisbee preached ten sermons in all.

Upon motion the following orders were drawn.

Dr. F.A. Bisbee	$33.00
Dr. McGlauflin	$34.80
Miss Mizzura Cawthon (Bal Feb Salary)	$5.00
Shing Hardware Co on account	$10.00

J.C. Bond bal on printing and cash books $1.25

Dr. Shinn having been passing through Atlanta it was deemed advisable to have him stay over and preach for our church on Mar 15 and Sunday Mar 17th. It was stated his expenses would be about $15.00.

It was reported that progress was being made on adjusting the windows account.

Mr. Harvey reported that the Good Templars had ordered a warrant drawn in our favor for $14.00 to be credited to their window account. This $14.00 being amount of rent owning by church to said Good Templars.

Upon motion the meeting adjourned.
<signed>
J.C. Bond Secy

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60   Folder: 01  Pages: 28 – 29
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Nov. 10, 1901

After the regular preaching service today the church held a called meeting for the purpose of voting on certain names for active membership in the church. Dr. McGlauflin acted as chairman of the meeting and the following names were presented and upon motion duly seconded they were unanimously elected.

Mr. T. C. Garrett
Mrs. Jasmine W. Garrett
Miss Minnie Davies

<signed>
J.C. Bond

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60   Folder: 01  Pages: 43
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. December 4, 1901

The regular monthly business meeting of the Board was held on the above date at the house of Dr. McGlauflin. A quorum was present.

The minutes of the last regular meeting of the board and the called meeting of the church were read and approved.

Treasurer reported a balance on hand at this meeting of $28.76.

Upon motion, a warrant for $35.00 for pastor’s salary to end of June 1901.

The committee appointed to investigate matter of fuel for Miss Cramer at the church was given further time in which to make its report.

Dr. McGlauflin reported that upon invitation from the Unitarian minister Rev. Mr. Langston be preached at latter’s church on Thanksgiving Day and that there was a good crowd present.

It was reported that the Senior Association of Elocutionist had spoken for the use of the church on Dec 26, 27 and 28th of the present year. On motion this privilege was extended at same price granted last year.

Adjourned.
<signed>
J.C. Bond

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60   Folder: 01  Pages: 44
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Dec 17, 1901

The  Board of Trustees met in the church rooms at 8:15 pm.

Present: Mrs. Owen and Daniels, Messrs. Crafts, St. Amand, Moore, Langston and Lederle.

The Treasurer read his reports for the months of October and November which were as follows

Receipts Oct 14th to Nov 19th
Balance on hand last report: $17.66
Receipts to date: $72.46
Total: $90.12
Disbursements 10/14 to 11/19: $78.35
Balance in hand: $11.97

Receipts Nov 19th to Dec 17th
Balance on hand: $11.97
Receipts to date: $139.99
Balance: $151.76
Disbursements: 11/91 to 12/17: $141.24
Balance on hand: $10.52

The Treasurer also reported that the balance due the Pastor on account salary was $437.34. On motion Mr. Crafts appointed a special committee to present the matter of church finances to the congregation after church services and to make an appeal for further subscriptions.

On motion the Board concurred in the action of a church meeting held on Sunday December 8th, instructing the Pastor to purchase 50 new hymnals and 50 service books.

Mr. Langston reported the results of his visits to Fruithurst, Ala. to organize new church. On motion it was voted that the material from the old church building still in hand be donated to the proposed society at Fruithurst, Ala, if the A.U.A. decided to support such movement. This shipment to be made at the expense for the Fruithurst society.

On motion the Board recommended to the church the postponement of the selection of a service book until the annual meeting in January.

On motion the Pastor was requested to have a rubber stamp prepared for stamping the new hymnals.

The meeting adjourned at 9:45 pm.

<signed>

Frank Lederle, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 165
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Dec 22, 1901

After the regular preaching service today a called meeting of the church was held for the purpose of electing certain members who had been endorsed by the Board of Deacon. The following names were presented and on ballot they were unanimously elected:

Rev. Frederick W. Wey
Mrs. F. W. Wey
Mr. N. Perry

These three together with Mrs. Mary F. Hubuer and Mr. & Mrs. T.C. Garrett were formally welcomed into the church by the Pastor, the latter three members having previously been duly elected. This was a most beautiful service and the words of the Pastor in receiving them were particularly fitting and impressive.

<signed>
J.C. Bond

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60   Folder: 01  Pages: 45
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

UNITARIAN

First Unitarian Church of Atlanta (The Church of Our Father, Unitarian) was organized in the spring of 1883 in an upper room of the old Kimball

House by Rev. George Leonard Chaney and ten others. Mr. Chaney had held services during the spring and fall of the preceding year, in the Senate Chamber, the United States Court room, and Concordia Hall, and from the two or three families at first interested in this movement were added a sufficient number of interested persons to justify the organization of a local church, Soon after the formation of the church, the property at the corner of North Forsyth and Church streets was purchased and a suitable chapel was erected on the Church street end of the property. The chapel was built and occupied by the church on Christmas of the year of its organization, but the building was not formally dedicated until April 23. 1884. The architect of this building was Mr. G. L. Norrman and it was pronounced by so competent a judge as Bishop Beckwith “a perfect gem.”

Rev. George Leonard Chaney continued in the office of minister for eight years, and during the period of his residence in Atlanta was directly responsible for the organization of many good works not connected with the church, notably, the founding of the Georgia School of Technology. He resigned to become the superintendent of the American Unitarian Association for the Southern States.

He was succeeded in 1892 by Rev. W. R. Cole, who came directly from the Divinity School of Harvard University. After four years of efficient service Mr. Cole resigned to accept a call from the First Parish of Cohasset, Mass, Rev. W. R. Cole was followed by Rev. W. S. Vail, who came to Atlanta from Wichita, Kansas, but had previously been affiliated with the Universalists in Minneapolis. Dr. Vail spent four or five useful years in the community, resigning his charge in November of 1889 to accept a call from the Unitarian Church of Sioux City, Iowa.

The church was without a minister until April, 1900, when Rev. C. A. Langston, the present minister came from Boston to assume the pastorate of the Atlanta church, Mr. Langston upon graduation from the Divinity School of Harvard University entered city missionary work in Boston which, after four years of service, he resigned to accept the call from the Atlanta church.

A few months previous to his coming the church accepted an offer, the tender of the Board of Trustees of the Carnegie Library for the purchase

of the property, at the corner of North Forsyth and Church streets, With the proceeds of that sale a suitable lot was purchased at the present site of the church (corner of Spring and Cain streets), upon which the present church building was erected, The dedication exercises were held on November 11, 1900, and were participated in by Rev. Samuel A. Eliot. D. D., president of the American Unitarian Association, Boston and Rev. Marion F. Ham, Chattanooga, Tenn. On the following Monday evening Rev. C. A. Langston was installed as the permanent minister.

The new church has every convenience for the work of a modern parish and is held entirely free of debt.

During the sixteen years of Unitarian work in Atlanta many families and individuals have been associated with it, but owing to the transient population the church has never at any time had a large membership. The present membership is about one hundred. But despite the small membership, which is a serious handicap in city church work, the Church of Our Father has cooperated in all the good movements for the betterment of social and educational life, The church library was maintained for several years and the public was allowed to withdraw books free, The Saturday Night club was organized in the church by a member and its meetings were held therein for three or four years,

The Covenant of the church, the acceptance of which is the sole condition of membership  is as follows: We accept the religion of Jesus, believing with Him that practical religion is summed up in love to God and love to man and in the spirit of Jesus we unite for the worship of God and the service of man.

UNIVERSALIST

The Universalist Church.—Universalism was preached in Atlanta in the early ’80’s by Rev. D. B. Clayton, D, D., Rev. J. C. Burriss, D. D., and others, but no permanent organization was effected until the advent of the general missionary of the denomination, Rev. Q. H. Shinn. D. D.,

early in the year 1893. He preached in the basement of the Court House and, after a series of meetings, secured the names of 23 persons who were interested in Universalism. From this nucleus the church was organized and in October of the same year Dr. W. H. McGlauflin, of the State of Maine, who had been engaged for some years in the Universalist Church extension work in the South, began supplying for the newly formed congregation two Sundays out of each month.  This continued until the first Sunday in May. 1896, when he permanently settled in Atlanta and still remains in charge of the work. His services were first held in the Knights of Pythias Hall at the corner of Alabama and Forsyth streets, then the Phillips & Crew Music Hall on Peachtree street was used for a year, then the church arranged with the Good Templars for the finishing off of a room in the block at 72 1/2 North Broad street, and this hall was occupied for more than three years. During this time funds were raised for

the purchase of a suitable lot of ground on Harris street a little East of Peachtree street,  where on a beautiful edifice has been erected, the total cost of the property being nearly $13,000. The auxiliary bodies essential to the efficiency of the modern church, such as a Woman’s Mission Circle, Sunday School, Young Peoples’ Union and various committees on benevolent and philanthropic affairs are a part of the regular machinery by which the church does its work in the community.

In government the church is congregational. Its articles of faith, conditions of fellowship and covenant are as follows:

Articles of Faith

I. We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God and of the duty, interest and final destination of mankind.

II. We   believe there is one God whose nature is Love, revealed in one Lord Jesus Christ by one Holy Spirit of Grace who will finally restore the whole family of mankind to holiness and happiness.

III. We believe that holiness and true happiness are inseparably connected and that believers ought to be careful to maintain order and to practice good works for these things are good and profitable unto man.

Conditions of Fellowship

The acceptance of :

1. The Universal Fatherhood of God.
2. The spiritual authority and leadership of his Son Jesus Christ,
3. The trustworthiness of the Bible as containing a revelation from God,
4. The certainty of just retribution from sin.
5. The final harmony of all souls with God.

The Covenant

“Cherishing these truths we covenant and promise that we will, by study of God’s Word, written in nature, in human nature, and in the sacred scriptures, by the habits of prayerfulness and regularity in attending public worship, and by other available helps to Christian culture, earnestly endeavor to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, walking with the church in love and helpfulness.”

During Dr. McGlauflin’s pastorate more than 150 members have united with the church and the present official board consists of Mr. R. M. Crone, president; Mr. J. C. Bond, secretary; Mr. F. M. Marsh, treasurer; C. W. Hubner. W. C. Gill, James Harvey and Harry Blake. The deacons are: Mr. J. T, Miller, Mr. H. C, Morley, Mr. William Powell and Mr. Alexander Beck.

 

Source: Google  Books Atlanta and Its Builders: A Comprehensive History of the Gate City of the South, Volume 2.

Thomas H. Martin
Century Memorial Publishing Company
1902

Atlanta, Ga. Jan. 8, 1902

The regular monthly business meeting of the Board was held at the house of the Secretary, J.C. Bond.

President Crowe, Treasurer Marsh, Hubner, McGlauflin, Harvey and Bond being president.

The minutes of the last Board meeting were read and approved.

The Treasurer reported a balance on hand of $13.78.

Dr. McGlauflin reported that the total cost of the labor in painting the church would amount to about $23.00.

The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer:

W.H. McGlauflin for amount paid on painting, janitor service, etc. – $33.92
W.H. McGlauflin balance painting – $7.45
Atlanta Gas and Light Co. – .70
Miss Janise Cramer – $5.00

Dr. McGlauflin stated that Miss Cramer had tendered to him her resignation as organist. Upon motion Dr. McGlauflin was instructed to ask Miss Cramer to play the organ for us until the annual church meeting and supper.

Adjourned.

J.C. Bond

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60 Folder: 1  Page: 46
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Jan. 13th, 1902

The regular annual meeting of the Church of Our Father was held in the church auditorium this day.  Meeting was called to order at 8:15 pm.  Mr. Jno. Moore in the chair.

The minutes of the July meeting were read and approved.  The following reports were then read and ordered placed on file.

Report of Pastor, Report of Clerk, Report of Superintendent of Sunday School, Report of Treasurer, Report of Woman’s Alliance, Report of President of Young People’s Religious Union (See Archivist Note below citation), Report of Mr. Lloyd Daniels for Library.  (Archivist Note: none of these reports are found in the physical archive).

The nominating committee appointed at a special church meeting held Dec 19th then reported the following names for officers for the year 1902.

• Pastor – Rev. C. A. Langston
• Clerk – Frank Lederle
• Treasurer – J.S. St. Amand
• Trustees, to serve three years – J.E. Harding, Mrs. Chas. H. Behre, A.F. Walker
• Advisory Committee – Mrs. Metta Foster, Mrs. Jno. L. Moore
• Sunday School Superintendent – Rev. C. A. Langston
• Assistant Superintendent – Mr. B.F. Longley

It was moved by Mr. Crafts and seconded that the chairman cast the vote of the meeting for this ticket  as a whole.  Carried unanimously.

The report of the President of the Board of Trustees was then read and ordered placed on file.  It was moved by Mr. Crafts and seconded that the salary of the Pastor for the coming year, be made fourteen hundred dollars ($1,400), that same as last year.  Carried.

The Treasurer reported that there was still due the Pastor $183.34 in last year salary and that there were unpaid subscriptions of $105.00, leaving a balance of $79.34, unprovided for.  Upon motion a subscription list was passed and this amount subscribed.

Mr. Langston then reported on the new service books which its was proposed to adopt.  Upon motion the committee were given further time to get up a proper form of worship and to learn what other churches would join in such a movement.  This committee to report at the next quarterly meeting.

Mr. St. Amand moved that a committee of five be appointed to solicit subscriptions for the coming year.  Carried.

Subscriptions were then called for and a total of $670.00 was subscribed.

Upon motion Mr. Lloyd Daniels was elected Librarian.  Mr. Behre moved that a vote of confidence and of thanks be extended to the Pastor for his conscietious work during the past year. Carried.

The meeting adjourned at 9:50 pm.

<signed>

Frank Lederle

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 25   Folder: 04  Book: 01   Pages: 223 – 224
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Archivist Note: There is scant mention of the Unitarian Young People’s Religious Union (Y.P.R.U.) in the records of the Unitarian church archive.  The Unitarian Young People’s Religious Union was founded in 1896.

See reference Annual Meeting of 1907 my Miss Hattie Martin to organize a Young People’s Union at the Unitarian church.

In the archive records of Atlanta Universalists, there is extensive information on the Universalist’s Young People’s Christian Union (Y.P.C.U.).

The Atlanta Universalist’s church was considered a missionary church that was explicitly supported by the Universalist’s Y.P.C.U. National organization.  The “young” element of the name of the association is a bit misleading.  When this “young people’s” organization was founded in 1889, membership age boundaries were rather elastic.  It was not unusal for individuals to join in their mid-thirties and linger on the rolls until their mid-fifties.  In later years this “elastic membership criteria” became more youth focused.  However, at the time of the formative years membership in the Universalist’s Young People’s Christian Union was quite open.

Atlanta, Ga. Feb 2, 1902

A called meeting of the board was held at the church today for the purpose of determining the date of the annual meeting.

After some discussion it was decided to hold said annual meeting on the evening of February 5, 1902 in the parlor of the church.

J.C. Bond, Secy

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 60 Folder: 1  Page: 47
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Atlanta, Ga. Feb. 5, 1902

The annual meeting and supper of the First Universalist Church was held tonight in the Sunday school room of the church with about seventy persons present.

The ladies of the church had prepared a very elaborate supper which was enjoyed after a return of thanks by Rev. F.W. Wey.

The meeting was under the charge of President Crowe. All of the members of the Board were present excepting Mr. Blake who had moved away from the city.

After the supper the financial report of the secretary was called for and the secretary reported as follows:

I am glad to report to you that our finances are in much better condition then they were one year ago. Yet we are poised to have to announce the fact that of the pledges that were made around this banquet board one year ago, there are still remaining due and unpaid the sum of $72.60. For the year 1901 our total pledge amounted to $639.20 and we have collected on same $566.60.

We began the year just past with old debts hanging over us amounting to something over $600.00 exclusive of the salary account. During the year we have paid on debt $404.00 besides having paid $300.00 on salary. Our total indebtedness at the present time does not exceed $200.00, not accounting the amount we own on salary.

The total amount raised from all sources during the year has been $2,057.10.

For special purposes, during the year we have raised and expended the following:

Dr. Bisbee’s meetings in March	$41.00
Florida Sufferers in May	$37.00
Mission in Japan	$15.00
Harvest House Offering	$15.73
Painting the Church	$22.12
Organ Fund	$77.60
Onward Subscription	$6.50
Total	$237.95

Beside this, Dr. Bisbee received subscriptions to the amount of $179.00 to the 20^th Century Fund during his visit in March 1901.

Your Board has been doing everything in their powers to further the interests of the church. To do this it is of the upmost importance that we receive the financial assistance of each and every member of the church and we heartily recommend that each member of the church make contributions as God as prospered them in some amount however small because each one receives morally, socially and spiritually from the church and their pledges when once made should surely be paid and we earnestly recommend the use of the envelope system in the payment of same.

We recommend that the sum of $750.00 be paid on salary the coming year.

We further recommend that as we believe in the doctrine of doing the “greatest good to the greatest numbers” during the coming year a most determined effort be made to finish up the basement of our church that same may be used for broadening the scope our work and increase the sphere of our usefulness in this community

We further and finally recommend that during the coming year we renew our consecration and increase our fidelity to our church and our good pastor, who at a great sacrifice, is surly giving the best and noblest service of his life in the upbuilding of the faith we so much love here in Atlanta. Let us give him our prayers and show him in every way we can by our interest in attending church every Sunday and in thousands of other ways how much we appreciate the great work he is doing for the cause of “Christ and His Church” in the Gate City of the South.

Respectively Submitted,

By the Secy J.C. Bond for the Board

This report was adopted.

Dr. McGlauflin as pastor made his report which showed he had received into church membership twenty-seven persons since the last annual meeting, including one minister from the Episcopal church. His report showed that some special features had marked each month’s work during the year.

Mrs. Hallam in behalf of the Woman’s Mission Circle reported the work of that body during the year. Her report showed during the year the circle had raised the total sum of $792.45, had paid its pledge in full of $100.00 and had voted $250.00 over to the Treasury of the church to be used as the Board saw fit; and pledge $100.00 to the church the coming year.

Mr. Bond reported that the Y.P.C.U. was doing a good work; that the Union of the Atlanta church was up to the standard of any Union; it had paid it pledge of $75.00 in full to the church and pledged for this year the sum of $100.00; that during the past year it had raised the total sum of $151.71.

Mrs. Davis the secretary of the Sunday school gave a fine report of the work that is being done in this department of our work; that the Sunday school was gradually gaining in numbers and had raised during the past year $80.00; had paid its pledge to the church of $25.00 in full and for the 1902 pledged the sum of $50.00.

This being the regular time for the election of new board of directors for the ensuing year the following officers were duly named by a nominating committee:

• President – C.W. Hubner
• Secretary – J.C. Bond
• Treasurer – F.M. Marsh
• W.C. Gill, B.M. Zetter, N.V. Perry and W.A. Davis

Upon motion the report of the Nominating Committee was adopted and the Secretary was instructed to cast the ballot for the nominees, and said officers were duly declared elected.

Upon motion of Dr. McGlauflin the following were elected as members of the church:

• J.W. Turner
• Dr. Horniker (Archivist: Unsure of spelling)
• Miss Cramer
• Mrs. Harry Brun (Archivist: Unsure of spelling)
• Miss May Hollingsworth
• Mrs. Linderman
• Miss L. Allen
• Mr. Whatley
• Mrs. A. B. Robinson
• Mrs. C.J. Harris
• Mrs. Bertha Creswell
• Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence

Upon motion of C.W. Hubner a rising vote of thanks was tendered to the ladies of the church for the excellent supper they had prepared.

The chair appointed the following committee to solicit further subscriptions to the salary and running expenses fund: Miss Grace Gill, Miss M. Cawthon, Mr. Perry and Mr. Bond.

Enthusiastic talks were made by Messrs. Zetter, Hubner, Harris and Dr. Cain. Pledges were received to the amount of $670.00.

After singing “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” the meeting adjourned sine die.

J.C. Bond, Secy

Physical Archive: UUCA   Box: 60   Folder: 1  Pages: 48 – 52
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA