The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-11-09
From Gloucester to Meriden.

100000.
In 1870 parish expenses andcontri-
buttons were estimated at S6OO,OOO;
in 1895 actual records, reported, show
expenditure of more than ST. 100000.
In 1870 property of Universalist
schools and colleges stated at 81 $780,
600; in 1895 nearly S4,000,0O0
In 1870 funds held by General and
State Conventions did not exceed
100000, of which the General Con-
vention held about $3S, 900 subject to
an indebtedness of $1,000; in 1895
similar funds amount to $690,00O of
which the General Convention has
1854 900.
Looking backward to our earliest
recorded financial effort, we find that
the Convention of 1901, then includ'
ing 40 societies, started an effort to
raise mission funds. At the end OF
two years it was found that IA of
these societies had responded to the
call, contributing an aggregate sum
of $32.O3al.
In 1870 we scarcely dreamed of
entering upon the work of Foreign
Missions. If it had been proposed
at that time, the proposition would
have seemed almost chimerical, but
in behalf of the Japan Mission we
found out our own strength and
exalted our own self respect as by no
other single incident in our history.
In 1870 we had no UNCONVENTIONAL
publishing plant; in 1895 the property
of the Universalist Publishing House,
very conservatively estimated, is of
the value of fully 100000.
1t has acquired the property of
most of the other Universalist pub
fishing interests in the country by
actual purchase, and l believe, has in
every case paid full commercial value
therefor. All this, and much more,
has been attained during our quarter
century journey, under the brave, de-
termined and persistent leadership of
comparatively few men and women,
who refused to be discouraged, either
by the difficultie s of their task, or the
doubts and discouragements of any
of their fellow travellers.
But it is only fair to admit that the
doubters and critics have not been
neglectful of their duty as they I'M
derstood it. Some of the incidents
of this department of our history
would amuse and perhaps surprise
you, but their recital might be mis-
understood and | therefore refrain.
Even our exceedingly brilliant jap
an Fund raising campaign surpris-
ing ourselves in its results, admits of
revelations as to it's early stages that
would probably astonish you.
But such experiences are incident
to every worthy effort. Indeed, l
sometimes think that this class of
hindrances magnifies substantially
in proportion to the importance and
value of the undertaking.
| refer to this only to emphasize
my appreciation of the unselfish toll
and sacrifice whereby the results
have been attained.
1t may interest you to know what
has been done by our General Con-
vention, in the dc main of finance, in
addition to the accumulation of funds
since the Gloucester Convention.
Approximately, it has expended
(since 1870:
In aid of students ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1871 600
In aid of parish, current expenses. SO 600
Contribut ons to church buildings ....... Ga 500
Home Missions ........................47 600
Foreign " OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. SO 400
The above, not including any sala-
ries and expenses of secretaries,
agents or home missionaries since
1876.
As | presume you are aware, |, al
though President of the Convention,
know nothing of the details of the
work of the Trustees other than what
any Universalist may know by in
quiry. But it has seemed to me
duty to advise myself to some extent
as to the details of this work, and |
have satisfied myself (as you may
satisfy YOURSELF that the disburse-
ments | refer to have been made only
after diligent and critical examination
of each call, involving an enormous
amount of correspondence, in large
measure by unpaid officials. You
will learn by examination Gas l have
learned) to appreciate the Importance
of timeliness of aid in the mission
field and to struggling parishes, and
will be gratifed Gas l have been) by
consideration of the evidence of the
helpfulness of even moderate contri-
I L r