The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1894-12-29

1, 1894, from which port they sailed the
following Tuesday on the steamer Oce-
anic for japan. Mrs. H. B. JEwETT.
DEC.12, 1894.
Now that the brother above mention
ed has Joined our missionary band in ia
pan, word about his work in Califor-
MIA may be of more than ordinary inter.
est. He came to this State in seriously
impaired health, but with zeal and cour-
age at highwater mark. With only so
much delay as was necessary to deter
mine where, under all the conditions, it
was most desirable to locate, he fixed up
on Santa Cruz. No work had been done
there previously, except by the writer,
who visited the town on two occasions
and held services, at which degree Of
interest was manifested sufficient to
warrant further effort.
Sick and single handed, Bro. Leavitt
resolved to make the attempt, and for
about five years has persevered in the
face of difficulties and at the cost of sac
rifices that would have daunted most
men. Santa Cruz is a seaside resort
with a resident population of seven or
eight thousand. Its importance as a
business centre is not commensurate
with its numbers, and it is consequently
more exposed to seasons of depression,
yet the character of the place makes it
desirable that we should have an active
church there. With comparatively
trifing aid from the State Convention
and the General Convention, Bro. Lea
witt successfully prosecuted his work,
with such support as the faithful in the
city could render. At no time did he
receive more than one-half of what
would generally be considered an ade-
quate salary, yet somehow he managed
to make it suffice. 1t reminds one Of
the self-abnegation and devotion of the
pioneers of our Church.
Gradually congregation was gather
ed. parish organized; then a church
and Sunday School followed; last of all
vigorous Young Peoples Society of
| Christian Endeavor. All these organi-
cations we're diligently fostered and have
grown steadily. The Sunday School in
particular has made most gratifying
progress. In the meanwhile he founded
and published the Evangel, a creditable
and useful little paper issued monthly,
which was of great service to our cause
on the Pacific Coast. His removal COM
PEELED him to merge it in The UNIVERSAL
IsT, and it is to be hoped that it will
serve materially to increase the patron
age of the latter journal in California
| While Santa Cruz was the central point
of labor, this indefatigable worker found
opportunity to visit Boulder Creek, Wat
sonville and Salinas, hold services, and
| prepare the way for further work in the
| future. Salinas is particularly prom
Using point. His last, and very crafty
ing work, was the securing of central
and valuable lot for the coming Univer-
salist church edifice in Santa Cruz. at
cost of about $1,000, the funds for which
were mostly raised by the personal en-
deavor of the pastor. This lot will be
decided to the General Convention, if it
has not already been done.
This inspires confidence. and adds to
the permapence of the work already
accomplished helping this untir'ng home
missionary to feel that the results of his
long struggle would be the less leopard
lied on leaving them for the foreign
missionary field.
Brother Leavitt was we'll known and
highly esteemed outside the field of his
special work. The Conversation Club
which he founded brought him into
pleasant contact with wide circle of the
most cultivated people of the city. His
removal is greatly regretted by this or
gauization, and was made the occasion
of a complimentary reception, partici-
pated by the Congregationalist and
Baptist pastors, and large circle Of
friends. The Episcopal minister, unable
to attend, sent most cordial letter.
These clerical friends also furnished him
with valuable letters of introduction.
J He was made the recipient of a formal
| address, in true English style, and
fine steamer-rug as m ark of the friend
ship and esteem in which he was held
by the club.
The annual parish supper and sale,
followed by reception, took place in Odd
Fellows hall, just previously to his de-
parture. 1t was an occasion of much
interest, and resulted in S65, net, which
was presented to the retiring pastor.
1t is such persistent, consecrated work
that will build up our cause anywhere.
1t is the kind of work needed in Califor-
MIA. We have a solid and permanent
foundation at Santa Cruz; and although
it is still missionary ground, there is good
encouragement for the future.
The facts above outlined, in connec-
ton with the further fact that Bro.
Leavitt is a thorough and industrious
student, and close observer of men and
conditions, make it evident that the
General Convention has made no mis-
take in choosing him for the japan Mic
sion. He will give good account Of him
q Il i