USA > Illinois > Cook County > Chicago > The New church and Chicago; a history > Part 15
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In a meeting of the committee of twelve, held January 23rd, the following sub-committees were appointed: Ways and means, Messrs. Cutler, Richards, Barry, and Curtis; on minister, Messrs. Putnam, Bonney, and Cut- ler; on place for worship, Messrs. Kingon, Brown, Sears, Woodyatt, and Putnam.
These committees reported to a general meeting held January 25th, which resulted in Hershey hall on Madison street, facing south, between State and Dearborn streets, being engaged for a place of worship at fifteen dollars per Sunday, meaning one day service.
To obtain money it was decided to try to sell five hun- dred sittings at ten dollars each, and others at five dollars each, the impression prevailing that a good many persons would buy several sittings-in many cases more than they would need for their own and the use of their families.
A resolution was adopted against employing a minister until three hundred sittings at ten dollars each had been sold.
The committee on minister was instructed to correspond with the Rev. Lewis P. Mercer, of Detroit, and invite him to preach on trial, and to pursue inquiry with refer- ence to other ministers.
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A temporary basis of union was adopted, in which the first declaration was: "We accept the system of theology contained in Swedenborg's work entitled, 'True Christian Religion,'" and another was: "We desire to cultivate the most fraternal relations with all Christian people." The name then adopted was "The Central New Church Society of Chicago."
A vote of thanks to Alvin Hurlbut, Esq., proprietor of the Sherman house, was adopted in acknowledgment of his courtesy in furnishing a place for meetings.
At the next meeting, held January 31st, Messrs. Sar- gent and Cutler were appointed a committee to visit Detroit and confer with Mr. Mercer at the expense of the Society. There is not any report of the action of this committee and it is concluded that the gentlemen did not go to Detroit.
February the 14th the provisional committee met in the Sherman house, there being present Messrs. Kingon, Curtis, Putnam, Sears, Barry, Bonney, Woodyatt, Cut- ler, Brown, Sargent, Burnham, and Richards, the full committee.
The evening was spent in consultation with the Rev. Lewis P. Mercer, the result being a unanimously adopted resolution to invite him to become the pastor of the Soci- ety, at a salary of not less than three thousand dollars per year, subject to approval of the Society.
Mr. William L. Brown was elected treasurer, and instructed to tender Mr. Mercer fifty dollars for his expenses and service on this occasion.
Friday evening, February 16th, Mr. Mercer delivered a lecture in Hershey hall, which was noticed by the Chicago Times of the 18th, with an article of considerable length, commencing as follows:
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THE LETTER AND THE SPIRIT.
The Rev. Lewis P. Mercer of Detroit, who has been called to the pastorate of the Central New Church, the New Swedenborgian organization in this city, lectured before a large audience in Hershey hall on Friday evening, on the Bible.
The lecture set forth the speaker's ideas regarding the true character of the Scriptures and in what their real meaning inhered. The lecturer began by characterizing man's thoughts as changeable, but God's words as enduring. We begin with fallacies, and all our advance- ment consists in rising out of fallacies into the pure atmos- phere of truth.
And so the newspaper article goes on.
February 19th the Society, by unanimous vote, con- firmed the call to Mr. Mercer. His letter of acceptance is as follows:
Detroit, March 12, 1877.
Messrs. James Kingon, President, and John F. Curtis, Secretary.
Dear Brethren :- Your official communication of the call to the pastorate of the Central Society of the New Church was duly received, and the call is hereby accepted on the conditions named in your communication.
May the Good Shepherd of the Church guide and bless us in our new relations and fill us with wisdom and strength to perform such good and useful works as He would have us do.
I will be with you the first week in April next and ready to open services on Sunday the 8th.
Fraternally and faithfully yours, L. P. MERCER.
[Signed]
March 21st a meeting of the Society was held, as usual, in the Sherman house. The chairman, Mr. Kingon, being absent in Europe, where he had been hurriedly called by business, Mr. Bonney was called to the chair. The busi- ness was to make a permanent organization.
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By rising and unanimous vote the name "Union Swe- denborgian Church" was adopted.
By rising and unanimous vote the following twelve trus- tees were elected: James Kingon, Charles H. Cutler, John F. Curtis, Joseph Sears, Charles C. Bonney, Ezekiel H. Sargent, Dr. William H. Woodyatt, William L. Brown, Henry H. Babcock, Joseph R. Putnam, William H. Bur- nett, and Oswald Lockett.
Rev. Lewis P. Mercer was elected pastor, James Kingon president, Charles H. Cutler, vice-president, John F. Cur- tis, secretary, Joseph Sears, treasurer, and Frederick W. Root, organist and musical director.
The vice-president took the chair, and in appropriate remarks acknowledged the compliment of the Society and later announced committees as follows:
On minister and public worship; Sunday-schools and missions; publications; library, reading-room, and hall for worship; social meetings and entertainments; finance; and ushers.
The following constitution and basis of union was adopted:
THE CONSTITUTION AND BASIS OF UNION OF THE UNION SWEDENBORGIAN CHURCH.
First: We believe in the Holy Church of the New Jerusalem as set forth in the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg.
Second: We agree that the government of this Society shall be congregational in its character.
Third: We desire to cultivate friendly relations with all Christian people.
Fourth: We agree that all religion has relation to life, and that the life of religion is to do good.
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AFFIDAVIT FOR INCORPORATION.
STATE OF ILLINOIS, SS.
COUNTY OF COOK.
I, John F. Curtis, do solemnly swear that at a meeting of the members of the Union Swedenborgian Church held at the Sherman house in the city of Chicago, in the county of Cook and state of Illinois, on the 21st day of March, 1877, for that purpose, namely: James Kingon, William H. Woodyatt, Charles H. Cutler, William L. Brown, John F. Curtis, Henry H. Babcock, Joseph Sears, Joseph R. Putnam, Charles C. Bonney, William H. Burnett, Ezekiel H. Sargent, and Oswald Lockett, were elected trus- tees according to the rules and usages of such Society, and that said Society adopted as its corporate name "The Union Swedenborgian Church," and that at said meet- ing the affiant acted as secretary.
[Signed]
JOHN F. CURTIS.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 23d day of March, 1877.
[Signed] THOMAS S. FURGURSON, Notary Public.
As time progressed a ladies' society was organized, and a Sunday-school established with Mr. Joseph R. Putnam as superintendent, succeeded later by Mr. John F. Curtis. A library and book room for the sale of the literature of the Church, in rooms over the hall of worship supplied by Mr. James Kingon, was opened, with Mr. George Barry as librarian.
In those rooms, for which a vote of thanks was given Mr. Kingon, the board of trustees generally held its meetings.
September 7th, Mr. Kingon, having tendered his resig- nation, which was made necessary by frequent absence from the city, and which was very reluctantly accepted, the vice-president, Mr. Charles H. Cutler, was made president, and Mr. Henry H. Babcock, vice-president.
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December 1st, acknowledgment of the receipt of six hundred dollars for use in the library was made. The amount having previously been given to the Second Swedenborgian Society for building purposes was, at this time, by authority of the donor, Mrs. Abigail W. Turner, placed in the hands of trustees for use as above.
A Christmas festival was held in the place of worship Christmas, 1877, in which the Sunday-schools of the New Church hall and Union Park temple were invited to join. There is not anything to show that they participated.
[From the Chicago Inter-Ocean.]
UNION SWEDENBORGIAN CHURCH.
At a special congregational meeting of this Church, held at the close of the morning service in Hershey hall, Sun- day morning, Oct. 14, 1877, the pastor made the following address:
I have looked forward to this season as marking the termination of six months' honest work.
Beginning with an entirely new organization many things were in supposition. The whole scheme was in some sense new-the establishment of worship in a central place, with the avowed missionary intent of simple popu- lar presentation of the doctrines of the New Church, as announced by Swedenborg. According to the declara- tions then made, it is our belief that these doctrines are true and are provided in the infinite mercy of the Lord, to meet the needs and direct the life of this new age; that if more widely and familiarly presented, they would meet with glad acceptance on the part of many who are now in ignorance of them; and that it is our duty, we believing them to be true, to provide for instruction in these doc- trines, and for worship according to them, under such circumstances as will carry their comfort and help to the largest number.
It was felt, and it is still believed by us, that the extent of our apostolic commission is to preach these truths, as we have received them, to the world, directing our appeal
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in the name of the Lord to the "living things" in the souls of men. It was, therefore, clearly understood that, while we believe in the Holy Church of "The New Jeru- salem," as set forth in the writings of Emanuel Sweden- borg, it is no part of the object of this Society to define, personally, who are members of it, but to hold up its principles and the loveliness of the life into which they will lead all who yield obedience to them. We are organ- ized accordingly, on no elaborate doctrinal definitions, but on the broad basis of the acknowledgment of the Lord, and a life of obedience to the commandments of His Word. These are two witnesses which testify before His throne day and night forever. It seemed, therefore, good to us to make these two universals of faith the sole platform of our fellowship, while we should provide for their development in accordance with the doctrines of the New Church, leaving all minds to confess what they may, in a state of freedom, be able to see and understand.
Such is the platform on which you organized six months ago, and upon which I accepted this pastorate. We have had an auspicious trial so far, and it becomes daily more evident that the movement was conceived in wisdom, and if we are faithful, has a future of earnest, joyous, fruitful work. The number of people who have here found a duty and a delight; the unanimity of feeling among us; the numbers we have been able to reach through our public services, and the very general expres- sion of interest in the teachings of our faith,-all these things ought to inspire us with humble confidence and persistent zeal. Thankful for these evidences of success, and accepting our duty, we desire to reaffirm our position and renew our appeal.
There are some questions often asked, which should be answered. Why, it is asked, do you call yourselves Sweden- borgians? Not from preference, but simply in accommoda- tion to the popular refusal to know us by any other name. The name serves to call attention to the writings which contain the doctrines of the New Church, and unfold the Holy Scriptures in their spiritual sense, wherein resides their inspiration. But Swedenborg never suggested a new sect; introduced no new form of church polity; never
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called upon men to follow him and be Swedenborgians, because followers of him. Nor did he ever, nor do we, ask any to believe the doctrines which he taught, on his or on any other authority than the Word of God, attest- ing itself to the teachable understanding. And we should be sorry to have it inferred from the name, that we are a candidate simply for a position among the sects of Christendom, as followers of a man, however good and wise. But since, as we believe, it has pleased God to call and prepare Swedenborg for the holy mission of opening the hidden depths of sacred Scripture, and teaching, in order, its rational truths, we do not hesitate to keep his name before men in the hope that all may be led to seek in his writings what therein is from the Lord.
What do you mean, it is again asked, by the New Church? We mean a new state of faith and charity- through a new divine dispensation of truth and spiritual freedom; and so far as these prevail, a new life in the visible, external organization of the Church among men. "It is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes;" but we believe that He is spiritually fulfilling the prophecies of His Word concerning His second and glorious appearing to the hearts and minds of men, and that He will plant His New Jerusalem upon the earth. We do not dare to call ourselves the New Church in any other sense than that we believe in it, confess its doc- trines, pray for it to be built up within us, and for the divine grace to cooperate in its dispensation among men. Societarian organizations may serve the Church, but they cannot limit it. All in our churches who look to the Lord and seek to be led by Him are under the dispensa- tion of prophecy, of which it is said, "Behold! I make all things new." It is precisely in illustration of this belief that we point to the changes in the churches by which a new, lovelier, and truer spirit is taking the place of the old sectarianism, and more rational and becoming views of truth, the place of the old formulated doctrines. Nor do we conceive it impossible that the Lord should renew His Church with those who will suffer themselves to be recep- tive of His influences, consistently with wide diversity of individual opinion concerning the particulars of faith,
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modes of worship, or methods of propagandism. On the contrary, we believe this to be the order of the Divine government-"harmony in variety." And while we would faithfully present the truth, as we have been able to receive it, and direct men to the fountain whose streams have refreshed us, we do not forget the warning: 6 Think not wine the sweeter because drawn or served by thee."
In a word, the New Church consists of those who con- fess and acknowledge from the heart that the Lord is the God of heaven and earth, and that His humanity is divine, and who are conjoined with Him by a life accord- ing to the precepts of the Decalogue; and we do not suppose that these are confined to any denominations, large or small, old or new. But to raise distinctly this standard before the eyes of all denominations, so far as our influence may reach, and to claim brotherhood with all. who confess it, is the object of this Society; and so long as we are able to teach and confirm, to illustrate and justify this faith, we have a reason for existence.
Another question may here be anticipated and answered: If these universal truths are the platform of the New Church, and the broad basis of your fellowship, why do you teach and insist upon the particular doctrines of Swedenborg, concerning the internal sense of Scripture, the glorification of the Lord, and the regeneration of man? Because we believe they are not the doctrines of Swedenborg or the elaborations of his own mind, but the genuine truths of the Holy Word; that while they are all contained and included in the universal faith above recited, the distinct knowledge and perception of them will illustrate and confirm it; and that they so cohere and confirm each other as to be able to dissipate the honest doubts of those who fail to find an answer elsewhere to the assaults of skepticism. For this end we believe they were given, and are adequate to bring those who are asking for light to the fountain of light and the source of life. Men lived and performed their work before there was any science of nature, but no one will say, therefore, that science has not greatly enlarged our life and improved our work. So, while men may serve God and love one
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another without any very particular or minutely accurate spiritual doctrine, it can hardly be doubted that a clear and rational faith, grounded in a genuine truth, seen and understood, would greatly enlarge the mind and heart.
While for those whose hearts fail and whose faith totters before the questions of modern speculation, a science of Divine revelation, reconciling the apparent contradictions of Scripture, and demonstrating the incar- nation of the Lord, and the glorification of His humanity, and the meaning of His miracles, to the rational mind, is a necessity.
1878.
By the annual meeting of the Society, held March 18, 1878, Mr. Henry H. Babcock was elected president, Joseph Sears, vice-president, Joseph R. Putnam, secre- tary, and John F. Curtis, treasurer.
In September, Mr. Mercer accepted the invitation of the officers of the Chicago Society to conduct service in New Church hall on Wednesday evenings, and in Union Park temple on Thursday evenings. He delivered an extended course of lectures.
October 1st the pastor presented a list of names of members of the Society, numbering ninety-nine. In the same meeting it was decided that the Society should join the Illinois Association, and this was confirmed by the Society in a meeting held after service October 6th, arrangement being made for the appointment of delegates.
1879.
In the meeting of the board of trustees Jan. 13, 1879, announcement was made that Mrs. Turner had placed in the hands of Messrs. Sargent and Sears four hundred dollars to be used for such purposes of the Church as they might deem best. It was decided to use it to defray the expense of Sunday evening lectures.
HON. CHARLES CARROLL BONNEY.
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The annual meeting of the Church, 1879, was held March 17th, in the evening, in the library room, there being fifty present. The principal subjects acted on were the reemployment of Mr. Mercer and making him the settled pastor of the Church, and the election of trustees and officers for the year.
In the meeting of the board of trustees held October 26th, it was announced that the membership of the Society was one hundred and forty-four, and that the Society was entitled to one third of that number of delegates to the Illinois Association; consequently arrangements were made for the appointment of that number of delegates and alternates, the latter being women. This action was con- firmed by a meeting of the Society held at the home of the pastor, 444 West Randolph street, October 29th.
Quarterly meetings of the Society had been commenced in, and continued during the year.
It being reported to the trustees at their meeting, No- vember 4th, that a deficit of four hundred dollars existed in the expense money, it was guaranteed by two of the board members.
1880.
Feb. 3, 1880, a vote of thanks was extended to Mr. Frederick W. Root, organist and musical director, "for his very faithful, efficient, and generous service to the Society for nearly three years."
The same meeting placed the following on record:
Dr. William H. Woodyatt departed this life at his late residence, 423 Fulton street, Chicago, Saturday, Jan. 31, 1880. He was one of the founders of the Union Sweden- borgian Church and had been a member of the board of trustees from the organization of the Church. By his fidelity, zeal, and wisdom in that relation he had endeared himself to the whole congregation and especially to his
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associates in the management of its affairs. By his skill and ability in his profession he had achieved a reputation as an oculist and aurist that seemed to assure him a speedy and abundant reward of fortune, fame, and gratitude. By his courtesy, kindness, and eminent conversational powers he had won the enduring esteem of a very large number of acquaintances and friends. By his wide and thorough scholarship in all the departments of intellectual culture, he had attained an enviable position among the members of literary, philosophical, and other societies with which he was connected. By his purity and nobleness of per- sonal character he had gained the warm regard of those who knew him well.
For these reasons his pastor and fellow trustees unite in declaring their deep sense of the loss they have sus- tained in his removal from their midst, and of the value . of the character he had established by a life in accordance with the Divine Commandments. And they direct their secretary to enter their memorial in the records of the Church and to transmit to Mrs. Woodyatt a copy thereof, with assurances of their sincere sympathy and regard.
A resolution was adopted thanking, in very affectionate terms, the Union Park Congregational Church for the use of the church on the occasion of the funeral of Doc- tor Woodyatt, and referring to the many kindnesses which the New Jerusalem Church in Chicago had received at the hands of that church society. A desire was expressed to pay all the expense incurred on the occasion named. To this the following reply was received:
Chicago, Feb. 16, 1880.
To the Board of Trustees of the Union Swedenborgian Church.
Gentlemen :- Your very kind letter and resolution were laid before the board of trustees of the Union Park Con- gregational Church Saturday evening. The board desires to express sympathy with you in the loss of the late Doc- tor Woodyatt, one who had endeared himself to many in our church as well as in the whole city, and whose loss
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you must deeply feel. The board also wishes to say that it was a pleasure to be able to render a little service in the last sad rites, and that there will not be any expense to you.
[Signed] JOHN WARDEN, President.
C. H. CROSSETTE, Secretary.
Nov. 2, 1880, the board of trustees made record as follows:
The board of trustees of this Society has received with mingled joy and sorrow the intelligence that Mr. James Kingon, one of the founders of the Society, has recently been called to his eternal home in the spiritual world; with joy that his earthly labors, trials, and sufferings are for- ever ended and that he has entered upon the reward of a well-spent life; and with sorrow that his family and friends are deprived of the counsel, comfort, and assistance he was so ready and glad to give them all.
He was foremost in the organization of the Union Swe- denborgian Church, and will ever be held in grateful and appreciative remembrance by all its officers and members.
1881.
Feb. 25, 1881, Mr. Mercer read a letter from the Rev. Chauncey Giles, president of the General Convention, asking for an expression on the subject of the Convention holding its annual meeting for the year in Chicago. The board of trustees advised Mr. Mercer to answer the letter to the effect that, in its judgment, the meeting in Chicago had better be postponed a year.
Central New Church library and reading-rooms hav- ing been established by the Chicago Society, in the Marine Bank building, Lake and La Salle streets, Mr. Mercer advised that the library be sent there and loaned to the committee in charge. This was approved by the board and it was done.
The last annual meeting of the Union Swedenborgian
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Church was held in the New Church library and reading- rooms, Marine Bank building, April 4, 1881. The busi- ness of importance transacted was the election of trustees and hearing the report of the treasurer. The total receipts for the year were $3,877.30; the expenses amounted to $3,784.40, leaving a balance of $92.90.
To the meeting of the board of trustees held Septem- ber 7th, Mr. Mercer reported that pursuant to resolution of the last meeting, he had seen sixty-eight members of the Society, all of whom consented to the proposed union with the Chicago Society.
A resolution was then adopted to the effect that Mr. Mercer was to present the names of the communicants of the Union Swedenborgian Church for membership in The Chicago Society of the New Jerusalem, and confer with the representatives thereof in arranging for the reception of such communicants to membership in that Society. Mr. Babcock was constituted a committee to do whatever might be necessary to consummate the union of the two Societies.
To the following meeting, held November 1st, Mr. Mer- cer reported that he had submitted the names of seventy- eight members of the Society, as above, all of which had been accepted for membership, and Sunday, the 6th instant, had been appointed for their reception into the Chicago Society. He also reported that the Chicago Society had invited the board of the Union Swedenborgian Church to assume charge of the service for the united Societies. The invitation was accepted and the service was so man- aged until the following annual meeting of the Chicago Society and the assumption of the duty by the executive committee then elected.
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