The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-12-10
O. C. M'CULLOCH'S LIFE
REV. III. O. SOMMERs DIsCOURsES ON
LATE PASTOR OF PLYMOUTH.
Observation-Disclosures of the Hyde
Park Methodist Church.

Rev. II. o. Sommers. of the Universalist
Church, last night, In his sermon. consid-
cred the life OF the late Oscar c. McCul-
loch. Said he, in part:
There is no thought more baneful in eff
feet or misleading in tendency than that
which finds expression in these words:
1T is immateriaI what a man believes as
long as his heart Is right
at is noticeable that they who adopt this
as a maxim are mostly people of shallow
nature, whose thinking is poor and COM
monplace. Without grand hopes, based
upon grand beliefs, there can be no lofty
nobleness of character. The great ma
jority of mankind are like driftwood. car
ried onward by the tide of popular opinion.
But those who map out a course Of their
w and stem the tide never fail to arrest
the attention. of others. for 1T is the stamp
of genius which characterized the heroes
of the world. Such a man was Rev. Oscar
c. McCulloch. He held broad views OF life,
and had a deeper insight and apprehension
OF the philosophy of life and religion than
is enjoyed by the religious world at large;
and has broad and sympathetic nature made
him the friend of humanity and gave him
thoughts of the world, m / believe he held
a larger place in the hearts and minds of
the people than was ever enjoyed by any
other man in The history Of this city. l
never had the pleasure of knowing him
personally, although somewhat acquainted
with his work in this city for several years
through the medium of the press, but my
|iciearest insight into the nature and char
acter of the man has been gained by read
ing a collection Of his sermons, The Open
and lofty ideals expressed in word pictures,
a verification of the truth / have tried to
make clear: that nobility of character is
the outgrowth OF noble IDEAS"
Here the speaker made lengthy quota
tons from Mr.. McCulloch's sermons. show
ing his attitude on all the vital questions
which he dealt with. Continuing, the speak
er said:
~ do not think that there were many
who heard him who apprehended the
breadth of his liberality and sympathy.
This is the keynote to the mans character,
and the incentive which prompted him to
labor for every reform that could relieve
the sorrow or suffering OF humanity. His
faith and love could not be bounded nor
circumscribed; he was broader than all
creeds and too manly to be hampered by
them. His attitude toward the old theo-
logical questions and dogmas was Of the
most pronounced rationalistic type. He de-
MED In the most positive manner the dogma
OF a perfected revelation He held that
to any nation or age. He was a believer
In the orderly, purposeful manifestation of
love and wisdom on the part of the infinite
beyond the limit Of theological specula-
lions. His mind was attuned to nature and
me me so1k large u ana de Gompre me views OF
removed from the world of his creation or
the life of humanity. He saw in the SEEM
Ing ulScOruS OF human lie ana ACTIVITY the
refining process through which the world
is carried forward in it's grand march of
progress. He did not see in humanity the
evidence of a fallen race cursed by ADAM
without hope Of salvation only by the ex-
pedient which theology has devised. He
had a large and sublime faith in Gods
~unchanging love, which included all man.
kind. He believed and taught that every
discovery of science, every invention and
Improvement that lightens toll and adds
to the joy of life is a revelation from God
1t was not the aim nor purpose of his life
to make humanity contented with their mis-
cries here, with the promise of joy here
after. He understood the nature of man
and recognized the necessity of favorable
opportunities in the embodiment of the high
est expressions of character. 1t was said
of Jesus, the common people heard him
gladly and it can be as truthfully said
of this, his loyal disciple. The secret of
his power and in1uence was in the fact
that he had ideal convictions, and was not
swayed by any consideration less noble
than loving service to humanity"
The quotations made from Mr.. McCul-
loch's sermons confirmed the speakers idea
of the man. In closing he said: with
grateful hearts we pay our tribute OF ad-
miration to every earnest soul who gives
to the world it's best houghts and noblest
endeavor. knowing that 1T has not labored
In vain"