The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-07-14


f. Southland, M. ID.
(c) Acceptance on behalf of the Parish
by Mr.. Ives Scoville, Moderator.
5. Hymn 799.
6. Historical Sketch and Address by
the pastor, Rev. s. Goodenough.
7. Hymn 1874.
8. Dedicatory Sermon by Rev. E. L..
Conger, OF Pasadena.
9. Selection by Choir.
10. Dedicatory Prayer and Sentence
OF Dedication by Rev. s. Goodenough.
IL. Dedicatory Hymn, 789.
12. Address to the Parish by Rev. @.
F. Penney, d. D., pastor of the Free Bap-
tist Church.
49, Congratulatory Address by Rev.
O. W. Wendte, of the Unitarian Church.
IA. Selection by Choir.
Is. Benediction by Rev. e. l.. Conger.
Historical Sketch.
The first service in the movement to
establish Universalist church in Oak
land was held in Odd Fellows Hall, May
81, 1888, and conducted by Rev. s. Good
enough. On the following Sunday an
other service was held, and about forty
persons were present on each occasion,
| At the latter it was determined to make
systematic and persistent effort, begin
ming July Is, to effect permanent or
ganization. At the latter date services
were resumed in Pythian Hall, and con-
tinued until Sept. g. when the Indepen-
dent church, corner of 18th and Jefferson
streets, was obtained. At the same time
it was voted to form both church and
parish, and competent committee was
raised to provide Constitution and By
Laws. A modification and combination
of the forms of church and parish organi-
cation, as recommended by the General
Convention, was submitted and adopted
Sept. g. Both organizations were effect
ed Oct. 81, and the proper officers elected.
Sixteen members were received into the
church. No communion season has
failed to add to the membership OF the
! church, which now numbers fifty. eight.
| The parish membership is about ninety.
The Sunday. school has been co-exist-
emit with the church, and now has about
one hundred names on its roll, and is in
a hourishing condition.
The parish was incorporated in Au-
| gust, 1884. The necessity of providing
religious home for itself was early recog-
nized, and held steadily in view. July
| %, 1886, lot was purchased on West
street, between 18th and 18th, conven-
lent and central location. Payment for
the lot was completed in March, 1887,
when it was decided to the Universalist
General Convention.
An active canvass to obtain funds for
the purpose of erecting a church or
chapel ensued, and in January, 1888, the
work was SO far advanced that plans for
building were adopted and the contract
awarded to Fl. E. Hatch, to be completed
by May LIST of the current year. The con-
tract was satisfactorily fulfilled within
the time specified, but delay occurring
in obtaining seats the dedication had to
be postponed. The seats adopted are
| the automatic back opera chair and give
great satisfaction.
The property as finally dedicated and
ready for use is worth $4,000, and abso-
lutely free from debt. Aid was received
in paying for the lot and building the
chapel from the General Convention
800, and from the Women's Universalist
Missionary Society, of Massachusetts,
$500. The first donation to the Building
Fund came from Mrs. Caroline E. Bush
bee, of Honolulu, formerly of DR.. Cha
pins church in New York, by the hand of
Br. A. M. Bradley, the present efficient
superintendent of the Sunday school,
and it is noteworthy that the last SUBJ
scriptions providing for the full payment
for the property was made by Br. Brad
ley.
The First Universalist church and
parish of Oakland is, as it has been from
the outset, thoroughly united and enthu-
siastically resolved on a vigorous for
ward movement. 1t rejoices in its new
home and will endeavor to give good
account Of itself in active denomina-
tional work. The fraternal regard OF its
members and their loyalty to the cause
have thoroughly tested. 1t will win
commanding position in the city of Oak
land and on the Pacific slope. 1t is
strong and rich in consecrated courage,
| and in the confidence of Divine favor
and help. Far removed fromthe great
centers OF our denominational strength, it
is in close accord with its spirits, and re-
solved that the banner of Universalism
shall never be lowered a single inch at
this remote outpost.
The chapel is tasteful and attractive
building. Its internal arrangement is
very inviting. 1t is designed to accommo-
date congregation of $50 persons. Ad-
| Joining the auditorium on the left, and
connected with it by folding doors, is
large parlor for general parish uses, and
in case OF need capable Of adding about
fifty to the seating capacity OF the chapel.
A commodious Sunday school library
room and kitchen is connected both
with the parlor and auditorium in the
rear. Altogether the Universalists of
| Oakland are to be congratulated on their