The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1894-09-29

OF Erie. The present pastor, Rev.
Howard MacQueary, is we'll known
throughout the country on account of
his trial for heresy in the Episcopal
communion. and his resignation as a
clergyman of that church in default of
recantation Of his opinions. Since his
accession to the Erie pastorate the con-
gregation has largely increased. the
parish has been strengthened in various
| directions, and his ministry bids fair to
prove a solid and substantial success
The outcome of the anniversary celebra-
ton will undoubtedly prove great help
to the future of the church as it at
tracted wide attention in the city and
served to bring Univerealism very prom
inently into public notice.
The opening service of the anniversa-
ry was held on Tuesday morning. Sep
TENDER II, when the pastor delivered an
address of welcome and reviewed the
history of Universalism in Erie during
the fifty years. After some remarks on
the object of the series of meetings, or the
Congress, Mr.. MacQueary said:
Universalism in Erie.
"When l first thought of preparing a
history of the Universalist church in
Erie, | was afraid that the venture might
prove bore to the congregation and my
self as we'll. But find on searching the
records that there are great many mat
tiers of interest which would bear repeat
ing, as they show the difficulties under
which Universalism obtained foothold
in Erie. | find that one of the first
preachers of Universalism, in Erie was
Rev. Geo. Rogers, who. about 1841 or
1912, began holding occasional services
in the court house. He was followed by
Rev. Henry Clifford, under whom the
church was organized.
"In the records is this entry: In pur-
suance of notice meeting of the Uni
versalists, of Erie, Pa, convened on the
4th day of November, 1874, for the
purpose OF organizing themselves into
society and for other purposes; Messrs.
Henry Caldwell. Robert Huston and Por.
ter Warren we're elected trustees. Sam
uel Kelsey was chosen collector, VIM.
Beatty, Jr., Treasurer, and James Arm
strong, Secretary A few days later, the
county records show the Trustees pur-
chased the lot on which the present
church was quilt and dedicated in No.
vember, 1940."
The speaker referred to the light in
which the Universalists were regarded
at that time and referred to several
amusing anecdotes which aptly Illus
trated this feeling which was prevalent
at that time. He said the Presbyterians
regarded the Universalsts in the light
of heretics, infdels, the very agents of
the Satan himself He read an anony-
nous letter signed by "An Old Fashioned
Believer" written to lady who had left
the Presbyterian fold and identified her.
self with the Universalist cause. The
letter created considerable amusement.
One passage in the letter predicted
the end of the world not later than 1850
and noted that the falling off of true
believers to false faiths and pernicious
doctrines (meaning Universalism) was
one of the most reliable signs on which
this prediction of the dissolution of all
earthly things was based.
AT the time that the church was dedi-
Gated old Father Stacey" venerable
Universalist minister, made the dedica-
tory prayer and there are some now liv-
ing who can remember standing on their
feet for not second less than one hour
and Is minutes. "If the writer of the
anonymous letter above referred to-"
said Mr.. MacQueary, could have had
that experience she would undoubtedly
have been fully convinced that the Uni
versalist creed had some religion in it
after ALL"
The speaker referred to the resignation
of the pastor, Mr.. Clifford. on account of
failing in vocal power, and said that
members of other denominations looked
upon this as an answer to prayer that
the Universalists be wiped from the face
of the earth.
REV. A. G. Laurie succeeded Rev.
Mr.. Clifford and remained three years.
Rev. J. H. Campbell succeeded Mr..
Laurie in 1849 and held the pastorate
one year. He was followed by Rev. G..
V. Markham, who remained till 1854 and
then Rev. j. E. Forester was called and
continued until 1864.
During all these years the church
grew in numbers, wealth and popularity.
The next minister was Rev. A G. Laurie,
who came back in 1865 and did not re-
sign till 1874. Rev. A. A. Thayer sue.
ceeded him and held the pastorate till
$780, In 1882 Rev. II. A. Westall was
called and accepted, remaining four years.
In 1886 Rev. D. L. Fisher was elected
pastor and during his two years pastor
ate the church building was elevated
and the commodious Sunday school
room and parlor were placed underneath.
I'm 1889 Rev. G. A. Knickerbacker
came to the parish and continued in
charge till 1891, when the Rev. Margaret
A. Bremen succeeded him.
NEARLY all of these ministers were