The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-04-06

The weather was genuine Unlvereailet
weather-cheerful hopeful, warm. The
nights were bathed in as beautiful
moonlight as ever cast a shadow. The
first evening perhaps 80 people were
out. The second night a much larger
audience and still larger the last night.
To many Of the congregations Universal
ism was new thought. And many Of
the questions asked at the closing meet
ing revealed how eager the people are to
believe our beautiful teaching, when
they are freed from the old prejudices
regarding Universalists. The church is
located upon the east side of the river
and seems to command large un-
churched territory. From the character
OF the congregations and the way in
which they increased during three
nights passionate / should say that a
more suspicious opening for our cause
could not be found East or West. Port
land itself is fine city, with its grace
full heights, affording magnificent views
Of three of the noble Cascade peaks.
just the place for church which de-
clares that all these beauties of nature
are but types of the beauty of human
life which God is developing with as
much care, and kindliness, and wisdom
as he employed when he created noun
tain. valley and stream, and furnished
the earth with his richaa
was not able to make many calls up
on the people, but the few homes into
which it was my pleasure to enter re-
veaIed an intelligent, refined people who
are getting great deal out of life and
putting great deal into life.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Ladies
Aid Society met at the church for in
dustrial work and served a bountiful
supper to the "men folks" who came
around at meal time. One of the
pleasant features of my visit was the
meeting with DR.. Elliot and his family,
the pioneers of liberal faith in this North
west country. We found him all, and
more, than the kindly spoken words of
him and his work which have reached
eastward to the Atlantic coast had pre-
pared us for. To know him, and meet
with his delightful family about the din
ner table, is pleasure to be cherished.
At the close of the service on the last
night an opportunity was offered all pre-
sent to ask questions and many awaited
themselves of the privilege.
The Portland friends are full of zeal
and hope. With building free from
debt, or with funds sufficient to cancel
the Indebtedness, they are confidently
working toward the time when pastor
shall be sent them to lead the movement
forward to the large victory which
awaits it. A contamination we hope is
not far distant. Meanwhile God be
with you till we meet again" is the
thought of my heart as l write OF the
kind friends of the Portland Universal
list Church.
CALIFORNIA. = Church Extension.
Another Church Extension meeting
under the auspices of the Universalist
Woman's Association of California was
held at Los Angeles, in Caledonian Hall,
where the Universalist society worships
under the lead of Rev. A. A. Rice, on
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March
29-31. The participating clergymen
we're Kew. Messrs. Deere, Hanson, Conger.
Andrews, and Mrs. Ada G. Bowles.
These meetings are arranged by Mrs. H.
B. Manford, who is the President of the
Woman's Association of the State.