The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-06-22
THE WORK ON THE PACIFIC
COAST.
Ordination of Rev. Asa M. Bradley a
Oakland. Cal. June 2, 1895.

The Committee of Fellowship of the
California Universalist Convention, hav.
ing received an application for ordina-
ton from Mr.. Asa M. Bradley, of Oak
land, a Licentiate Of the Convention for
more than year. called an Ordaining
Council to meet in Oakland. CAL, on
june LIST, at 2 P. M, to determine the
qualifications Of the candidate for the
sacred rite requested.
The council met according to call and
organized by the choice of T. w. Arm
strong. Of San Francisco. Moderator. and
Miss L. N. Shaw, of Oakland. Clerk.
Prayer was offered by Rev. Ada O..
Bowles. of Pomona. Mr.. Bradley then
passed an exceedingly creditable exam
ination, whereupon it was unanimously
voted to authorize his ordination.
Sunday. June 2. at II A. M. at the First
Universalist church, the candidate was
consecrated to the work Of the Univer-
salist ministry. The service was partic-
ipated in as follows:
Reading of the Scripture and Invocation. Rev.
Geo. B. Allen. of Oakland.
Ordination Sermon. Rev. &. Goodenough, of
Oakland
Ordaining Prayer, Rev. Ada G. Bowles, of Po-
mona.
Charge and Delivery of the Scriptures, Rev. j.
N. Parker, Fargo, Dakota.
Fellowship of the Convention. Rev. s. Good
enough.
Benediction, Rev. Asa M Bradley.
The singing was congregational but
appropriate and inspiring.
The Communion of the Lords Supper
followed, Revs. Ada G. Bowles and s.
Goodenough presiding at the table. A
large congregation was in attendance
who were deeply impressed by the
solemn yet uplifting service.
So far as known to your correspondent
Bro. Bradley is the first Universalist
minister ordained in California, though
not the first TO be credited to this State.
Bro. W. F. Small, of North Arson, Me-,
and recent graduate of St. Lawrence
Divinity School. halls from our Oakland
church. Another, Miss Lucy A. Milton
is now pursuing the Tufts Divinity
course. While fourth, Miss Lizzie N.
Shaw is now the acting pastor of the Oak
land church. Sister Shaw would have
been ordained at the same time as Bro.
Bradley but for ill health. 1t is hoped that
her health will soon be firmly established,
when she will ask for ordination. There
is fifth who has strong inclination to
the ministry and is looking toward Tufts,
but it would be premature to announce
his name.
THE PROPOSED DIVINITY SCHOOL.
But is it not evident that Divinity
School is needed on the Pacific coast
when one church, within a dozen years
from its inception. turns out four and
perhaps five ministers? Clearly there is
a call to carry out the intent of Father
Throop in his conditional bequest of
s20,000-to establish such school. 1t
is greatly needed and would powerfully
promote our cause in this vast Western
domain. Let it engage the generous at
tention of our wealthy members every
where, in response to the eloquent appeal
Of DIR. Hanson. This is wide and most
promising field, which will we'll repay
the benefactions of the generous.
Bro. and Sister Bradley returned from
a several years residence at Honolulu,
soon after the establishment of the Oak
land church. and Immediately engaged
with enthusi SUI in the various depart
ments of its work. Bro. Bradley was
for several years the energetic Superin-
tendent Of the Sunday school. and his
wife a teacher. Both have taken the
liveliest interest in our Christian En-
deavor Society, and contributed greatly
to its success.
Both united with the Oakland church
on June 3. 1888. Just seven years, lacking
one day, before the ordination. During
the last year Bro. Br ldley has preached
nearly every Sunday at San Francisco,