To him be clear, far-seeing eyes, And, 'midst the wrongs that round him rise, See but the good to do! Be thou to him a faithful mind; On every thought, clear and deep-lined, Then shall his heart with love o'erflow, The deaf shall hear, the sightless know, A joint conference of the Unitarian, Universalist, and Independent societies of the State was held here December 11 and 12. On the evening of the 11th Rev. T. J. Horner was installed as pastor of the Independent Congregational Society, Rev. Charles G. Ames of Boston preaching the sermon and Rev. Caroline J. Bartlett of Kalamazoo giving the right hand of fellowship. The most important action of the conference was the organization of all the liberal societies of the State for the purpose of missionary work and general co-operation. Whatever may be true elsewhere, there was not the slightest friction manifested here between Unitarians and Universalists, but rather a rivalry with each other to see which would be the most self-forgetful in devotion to their common cause. Each denomination is to keep up its separate organization; but they are to work together through common officers in the missionary field. Rev. T. P. Byrnes of Manistee is secretary alike of the Unitarian Conference and of the Joint Liberal Conference. Boston, Mass.-Great uneasiness was caused in Unitarian circles here, and especially among the members of the Church of the Unity, by the announcement that Rev. Minot J. Savage had been called to the Church of the Messiah, New York. It was understood that many inducements besides that of a largely increased salary were offered by New Yorkers, if Mr. Savage would consent to leave the city he has so long honored, and the church to which he has so successfully ministered for twenty-one years, and, in association with Rev. Robert Collyer at the Church of the Messiah, enter the metropolitan field offered by such a city as New York. There is no doubt that Mr. Savage at New York would mean an immense gain to Unitarianism in that important centre; but to Bostonians it seems certain that the loss to New England would be more damaging to the national cause than would be counterbalanced by New York's gain. Mr. Savage is at present the best known and most influential preacher in the denomination, and wherever he goes there follows increased interest in our work and cause; but in Boston he has a church and a permanent body of supporters so largely dependent upon his holding personality that it would be very difficult, if not impossible, for Mr. Savage to leave without irremediably scattering the church. Efforts are being made by the Unity Church people and others to raise a large fund, by which a splendid new church may be built on Commonwealth Avenue if Mr. Savage will remain in Boston. We hope this movement will be successful. -Vesper services at the First Church have been of unusual interest this season. The next two vesper services take place at 7.30 P. M., on January 5, preacher, Rev. Minot J. Savage; January 19, preacher, Mrs. Mary A. Livermore. -At King's Chapel there is service every Sunday afternoon at 3.30, at which all seats are free. These services are very interesting, and have an increasing attendance. -At Arlington Street Church the vesper services have been as well attended as in any previous season. The wonderful new organ has been an inspiring power, and is the admiration of visitors. -Dorchester: Street: This The Norfolk Unitarian Church is having a course of six Wednesday evening entertainments. Rev. M. J. Savage gave the first last Wednesday,- -a lecture on "American Wit and Humor." The remaining five are as follows: Wednesday, January 1, Carolyn M. Field, "History of Spire Growth"; Wednesday, January 15, Damon Sisters' Orchestra; Wednesday, January 29, Gen. A. P. Martin, “The Battle of Gettysburg"; Wednesday, Febru ary 12, Mrs. Emily A. Fifield, "Present Condition of our Public Schools"; Wednesday, February 26, grand concert. -Unitarian Church, Richmond The first meeting of the Young People's Auxiliary after the summer vacation was held on October 3. Plans were at once made for a dramatic entertainment, which was given on November 21 and 22. proved very successful, as the sum of $75 was cleared. Mr. S. J. Willis very kindly took the management of the plays; and for helpful services we are also indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Mott, Mr. and Mrs. Hadaway, Miss Le Fray, Dr. Rice, Mr. Chipman, Mr. Seavey Swan, Mr. Earle, and Mr. Young. The club has changed its name from the Young Ladies' Auxiliary to Young People's Auxiliary, in order to give our gentlemen members the privilege of coming to the business meetings. For our Christmas work we have given $10 to a mission school in Boston to help fill the candy-bags. At a sale held at Mrs. Eddy's on December 11 for the benefit of the Kindergarten at the Home for Incurables, one table was devoted to fancy articles contributed by the members of the club; and $23 was realized. There have been an unusual number of inquiries about our church lately, and a great many strangers coming into our services. Several families have taken sittings. Brooklyn, N.Y.-The Church of the Saviour is in possession of another beautiful memorial window given by the children of the late Mr. Isaac Frothingham. It was unveiled on Sunday morning, December 15, Rev. Samuel A. Eliot preaching a sermon appropriate to the occasion from the text, As the hart panteth after the waterbrooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God!" These words appear on the window, which is the work of the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company, who probably have never produced anything more lovely and artistic. The lower part is a landscape picture, representing a running brook in the midst of a forest, and a hart quenching his thirst at its waters. The setting sun sheds its glory over all. Two angels in flowing robes, carrying large, uplifted trumpets, fill the upper part of the window. Cambridge, Mass.-On the evening of December 10 the Young People's Society of the First Parish Church gave a reception to the Unitarian students of Harvard and Radcliffe in the church parlor. Several hundred young people were in attendance, and the occasion was an enjoyable one. A new Bible class is being organized for the young people, in connection with the Sunday-school, to be taught by Prof. Toy. The last meeting of the Women's Alliance was largely devoted to a review of the work of the late Helen G. Putnam, who had many warm friends in the parish. Chattanooga, Tenn.-Rev. Leslie W. Sprague and his wife, Rev. Lila Frost Sprague, have been called, jointly, to the pastorate of All Souls' Church. Mrs. Sprague has ministered acceptably to the usual congregations during Mr. Sprague's sojourn in the East. Cincinnati, Ohio. The formal ordination and installation of Rev. George R. Gebauer as pastor of Unity Church took place Sunday, December 8, at College Hall, where the congregation regularly assembles for the purpose of worship. Rev. George R. Gebauer has been in charge of the pastoral work for some time, and is meeting with great success in his efforts to build up the membership. The clergy who participated were Rev. Dr. David Philipson, rabbi of the Holy Congregation Children of Israel, Rev. John Goddard, pastor of the Church of the New Jerusalem, Rev. Trowbridge B. Forbush of Chicago, Western superintendent of the American Unitarian Association, Rev. George A. Thayer, pastor of the First Unitarian Church, Rev. Hugo G. Eisenlohr, and Rev. E. A. Coil. Forbush preached the sermon. The conclu Mr. sion reached was that the soul, being still capable of receiving new impressions in regard to the mysteries of the universe, should not be trammelled with the shell of the religion of former ages, but should be free to grow and expand under the influence of the great recruiting power existent everywhere around it. Concord, N.H.-Sunday, November 24, marked the beginning of Rev. Frank L. Phalen's fourth year as minister of this society; and he took occasion on that day to review the work that had been done during the three years of his ministry, taking as the subject of his anniversary sermon the theme "Our Memories and Hopes.' He said that he was much gratified with the strong support given him in every department of church work, and thought that marked progress had been made along all lines. He touchingly referred to the many devoted and beloved parishioners who had passed on during the three years. Others, however, were taking their places in the church work, and laboring with zeal and enthusiasm; and there was every reason to believe that the church would continue to advance in usefulness and influence. A very large congregation listened with interest to the pastor's words. On Sunday, December 8, we had the pleasure of listening to Mr. George W. Stone of Boston, treasurer of the American Unitarian Association, who spoke on the subject of the missionary work carried on by the Association. Mr. Stone is a man of impressive presence and a speaker of decided ability. He urged a larger interest and enthusiasm in the work of extending the church into new fields, and told of what had already been accomplished. This society has recently received a bequest of $100 from the estate of the late Miss Nancy Fessenden. The annual meeting of the Concord Female Benevolent Association was held in the chapel, Wednesday, December 4, and officers were elected for the ensuing year. The annual address before the association was delivered in the church on Sunday evening, December 8, by Rev. C. J. Staples of Manchester. Mr. Staples's address was an eloquent and scholarly one. He took for his subject "A Plea for the Helpless." Channing Guild resumed regular meetings in the chapel on Sunday evening, December 1. On Sunday evening, December 1, Rev. F. L. Phalen gave a very interesting lecture in the church on "Savonarola, the Monk, Reformer and Martyr of Florence." The annual Christmas sale of the Women's Alliance and the King's Daughters_connected with this church was held on Tuesday afternoon and evening, December 10, and was a most delightful affair, as well as a financial success. Supper was served at six o'clock to about two hundred people. The evening was given over to social pleasures. Confectionery, lemonade, ice-cream, and a variety of fancy articles were offered for sale. Eastport, Me.-The new year promises to be one of still greater zeal and interest. A sewing-circle, with some social possibilities as adjuncts, is about to be organized. The "Study Class," meeting Thursday evenings at the parsonage, has also resumed its work. The Lend a Hand Club of girls has resumed its fortnightly meetings, and has, besides, some excellent work in view. The Alliance has had its first meeting for the season, and takes up on its study side Rev. Frederick B. Mott's "History of Unitarianism since the Reformation.'' Ithaca, N.Y.— On November 24 the monthly vesper service was given. The musical numbers were by Barnby, Sullivan, Gadsby, and Tours, and were highly appreciated by a large audience. Mr. Calthrop of Syracuse preached on December 1, using the text, "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing." The eloquence and power of the discourse touched many responsive hearts. The Monday following a reception was given by Dean White of the university to the Liberal Unity League, at which Mr. Calthrop was present. The children's social and the Scotch evening were pleasant features of the month. The class in sociology discussed a paper by Mr. Fairchild of Troy, December 15. Mr. Fairchild advocates a systematic course of instruction in ethics and religion, this course to begin with the kindergarten, and to pass on through all the grades, the instructors having these classes in charge to be people of ability and of special training. The paper awoke an animated discussion, during which some valuable suggestions were made. The dome of the church has been beautified quite recently by the gift of Mrs. Kirkendall, a talented artist and friend of the church. The gift consists of eight paintings, four of which are finished. subjects are taken from frescos by Forli, in the Vatican. During the last week T. F. Seward of New Jersey has been holding meetings in the various churches for the purpose of interesting the people in the Christian Brotherhood. The meetings have been attended by many earnest people, and have done a very great good in demonstrating the fact that there are a great many cherished convictions that are common to us all. We are too apt to make the differences prominent rather than to emphasize those things on which we can agree. Seward's subject in the Unitarian church was "The Spiritual Basis of Organized Society and Christian Unity." "The School of Life," by Mr. Seward, has re The Mr. ceived the highest commendation from such men as Prof. John Fiske, Drummond, Schurman, and others. Jackson, Mich.-At the annual meeting of the Unitarian society held December 8 Rev. Walter A. Taylor was re-elected pastor for the following year by the enthusiastic and unanimous vote of his people, the whole assembly, men and women, springing at once to their feet when the question was put. The society, though not large, is united and flourishing. The adult class in the Sunday-school numbers over fifty members, several coming into it from other congregations. Rev. Mr. Taylor, who has been acting as its pastor two years, is very much beloved and respected. Kansas.-The Van Mission: In the early part of the year Mr. Bland visited Westmoreland in June and Manhattan in July, specially to get in contact with institute candidates for examination, who attended from different parts of the counties of Pottawatomie and Riley, to whom he distributed a variety of literature and tracts and his Van Mission Echoes. While at Manhattan, he had interesting interviews with several of the professors at the college, and sold several books. Visited, with van, Olsburg, where much interest was taken in his work, though they were having stirring times made by a boy preacher, twenty-eight years of age! Through the receipt of a barrel of literature from the Orange Branch of the Alliance, July 24, a special extensive distribution was made, and also reading cycles formed for the purpose of promoting mutual interest in the different readers, a plan being arranged for the readers to pass the literature from one to the other in hopes that it would deepen the sympathies and prove more effective work. In August the "van" was started on its fall trip, and visited Garrison, where open-air meetings were held, and many interesting interviews with people of broad religious views. On the course of the journey of some thirteen miles, two reading cycles were formed, and supplied with literature, the residents participating living about a mile apart. This is a valuable feature of the Van Mission, as it is calculated to produce a helpful and kindly spirit, and practically forms an organized circulating library, deserving of being instituted in many places where there are no libraries. Also made a considerable visit to Manhattan, as the college was in session, and among the students made an extensive distribution of tracts and magazines, and was much pleased to talk with the professors, and find a great sympathy among them with modern higher criticism. A fair opening here presents itself for the commencement of an organization for this city. Mr. Bland's indisposition makes him practically another "shut-in," and the work in which he has taken such deep interest must for a time be much more limited; but he hopes to carry on the publishing of the Echo, and trusts to be encouraged in this feature of his missionary work by the receipt of many new subscribers. Further information will be given on application. Mr. Bland thanks all who have so kindly aided the work of the mission. Madison, Wis.-The Unitarian church stands for a rational theology and a religion pure and undefiled. It has worked along constructive lines; and, by virtue of its location at this educational centre, it has reached and influenced the young men and women of Wisconsin and neighboring States. The church seems now entering upon a period of prosperity even greater than it has enjoyed at any time in the past. The president of the Young People's Guild says: A little over two years ago, when our church was trying once again to move forward, and all earnest members were looking about to see what could be done, it occurred to one who was much interested that the pith of the vitality of the church rested in the strength of the young people. So, being of a practical turn of mind, another member was conferred with; and it was at once decided to act. An in vitation was extended "to all young people interested in the growth of liberal religion" to meet for consultation; and the starting-point for the guild was made. And, when we closed our first year's labors, we were fully convinced that we represented something, and that after the summer's rest we should renew our efforts with redoubled vigor. Re-electing officers of the past year, with the exception of the vicepresident, we added new departments of usefulness, consisting of a Flower Mission, Circulating Library of Magazines and Lectures, a Dramatic Club being included. For our literary work we have arranged biographical studies of Channing, Parker, Starr King, Helen Hunt Jackson, Charles Sumner, Charlotte Cushman, and Henry Ward Beecher. We feel that by a study of leading liberal minds, and so being in touch with them, we are learning from example the usefulness of liberalism, and in this way are laying good foundations for the best type of womanhood and manhood. With our guild we hope to utilize the unused material, and, by guiding it aright, develop it into the brain and sinew of the church. In addition, we desire to carry out any charitable work that may be within our reach, realizing always that our first duty is to help bear the burdens of the church. Before closing, we must add that we wish the minister and church to feel that in the guild are resources as yet but little used in the strength, elasticity, and hopefulness of the young men and women. Oakland, Cal.-Mr. Wendte was greeted by a large congregation on his return from the East. His topic was "At the Nation's Capital. He gave an account of the physical, political, social, and religious aspects of Washington life, and closed with a brief report of the recent National Unitarian Conference in that city. The society has kept up well during his absence. The last Sunday service was conducted by Rev. George H. Rice of Stockton, who preached a most excellent sermon. The readings by Mr. Hannibal Williams of New York and the Unity Club and Starr King Fraternity socials were much enjoyed. a Omaha, Neb.-The Unity Club of the First Unitarian Church has arranged a very interesting programme and course of study for the coming season. Meetings every Saturday evening, promptly at eight o'clock, paper on English civic history, and the commencing November 9,--one week next week a literary section. "English Civic History, A.D. 449-1776, a study of selected periods, topics, and institutions illustrating the legal, constitutional, and economic evolution of England until the separation of America, prepared and conducted by Mr. Charles S. Lobingier; literary section, "Molière," prepared and conducted by Mr. Mann. In addition to the Unity Church during the winter, the full foregoing a lecture course will be given at details of which will be made public later. The list of lecturers will include several of national reputation, as well as some of the best local talent. Providence, R.I.- At On Westminster Church the Women's Alliance held a wellattended meeting on December 9. An extremely interesting paper on "The Status of Women in Japan" was read by Mrs. Liscom. On Christmas Eve there was a gathering in the vestry, at which a number of the poorer children of our city were entertained. A cantata entitled "Santa Claus, Junior, was given, under the direction of the Friday Club. In this the little ones of the primary class, so efficiently taught by Miss Dora Calder, took a leading part. the Sunday before Thanksgiving the usual offering was taken for the charities of the church. Although the amount was generous and larger than last year, it will nevertheless be insufficient to meet the innumerable calls for help which are made upon a modern church. Some of the young men have been interesting themselves in trying to form a district conference of the Society for Organizing Charity. The Westminster Church stands in the heart of the business section of the city, and it is not easy to find residents in the locality willing to undertake the work. Roxbury, Mass.-The work of raising the debt on the church goes bravely on, and the gap between the conditional thousands and the subscriptions grows less. Santa Ana, Cal.-Our society in this city is again experiencing the disadvantage of being without a home of its own. Unity Hall has been leased for a term of years by the military company. The society will hold services for the present in the new Grand Army of the Republic Hall. In the mean time a fine corner lot has been purchased, and it is hoped that erelong the wanderings of the society may cease. A Seattle, Wash.- Notwithstanding its financial difficulties the church in its various activities gives promise of better times. Sunday congregations are good. In social and other life the church is being benefited, as it has never before had opportunity to be, by the cohering power and aid of the pastor's good wife, Mrs. Acton. "Kermess" is in process of preparation, to be given shortly before the holidays, under the direction of Miss Harris. Much interest is being shown, and the prospect for success is considered good. The Ladies' Auxiliary is well attended, with a membership of thirty or more. The Young People's Unity Club meets every other Wednesday evening. "The Young People's Circle" is the name of a new and popular organization of twenty or more boys and girls under the leadership of Mrs. Rexford and others. Its members write papers, recite, and play games on Saturday evening with much interest and enjoyment. The Sunday-school of about forty children grows under the superintendency of Mr. Huntley. Special room has been arranged for a kindergarten class of a dozen or more under the efficient care of Miss Polluck. Springfield, Mass.-This is the Christ mas season. Sunday, December 15, our Sunday-school spent their entire session in rehearsing carols for the Christmas service a week hence. After the rehearsal the boys and girls were called upon to bring to the parsonage during the next week discarded toys for distribution among poor children. During the week previous the scholars brought books, and the nucleus of a Sunday-school library was sent as a Christmas present to a new church in Willimantic. Christmas Day will be of unusual interest this year at the Church of the Unity. There will be a morning service, at which five other denominations in this city will unite with us to hear the angels' song, "Peace on earth, good will toward men." Christmas night the usual Christmas party of the Sunday-school will take place in Masonic Hall. The Saint Theresa Branch of the King's Daughters have earned the money for their Christmas charities. November 23 these young ladies, together with the Post-office Mission, held a sale at the parsonage, at which tea was served. The profits were $62, which the two societies divided evenly between them. The King's Daughters made $20 by means of an entertainment Monday afternoon, December 2. It was a recital given by Miss Anna Vernon Dorsey, at which the true negro of the South was vividly portrayed. Miss Dorsey is a native of Maryland, and was introduced by Rev. Bradley Gilman as a reconstructed rebel. Her recital is quaint and pleasing, consisting of negro songs and stories. She accompanied herself upon the guitar. From their full treasury the King's Daughters will now draw funds to provide certain poor families with turkey dinners. They will also remember with presents the inmates of the Old Ladies' Home and of the Day Nursery. Tacoma, Wash.-At a meeting of the Free Church the following resolutions were passed: "Whereas we have heard with deepest regret of the death of Octavius B. Frothingham of Boston, one of the foremost thinkers of his time, an honest, earnest, and fearless advocate of the cause of universal religion, a warm friend and honorary trustee of this society, a frequent contributor to the pages of its organ, the Free Church Record, therefore, — Be it resolved, by the members of the First Free Church of Tacoma, That it is the feeling of this organization that we have lost a true and tried friend, and the cause for which we stand a valued supporter and exponent, whose services, so valuable in the past, will continue to bear fruit in the years to come. Woodland, Cal. Rev. Mrs. E. T. Wilkes has been continuing her missionary work here and at Palo Alto, under the joint auspices of the American Unitarian Association and the Pacific Women's Unitarian Conference. She has also visited Santa Cruz and Sacramento in the interests of our cause. Worcester, Mass.-The December meeting of the League of Unitarian Women was held on Wednesday, December 18, at the Second Parish Church, Worcester, Mrs. Calvin Stebbins, president, in the chair. After the opening exercises a paper on "Recent Religious News," written by Miss Martha Adams of Boston, was read by Mrs. Sarah Theo. Brown. The subject of the day, "How shall Religion be made manifest?" was divided into three heads, and treated as follows: "In the Home, by Mrs. Royal Cheney; "In Social Relations," by Mrs. Alma G. Boyden; "In Politics, by Mrs. C. L. French of ClinIt was voted to send the contribution of the day, amounting to $6, to the church at Leicester. Representatives from six country towns and five Worcester churches were present. ton. |