The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-04-25
OREGON.
The Portland Church.
PASTORS Corresnondencel

(PaStors Correspondence
We assume, as a matter of course, that
the denomination is interested in all the
efforts to spread Universalism into new
territory. That it watches with inter-
est, even solicitude. for the report of
those who have undertaken the work Of
evangelizing the regions where Univer-
salism has had only scanty recognition,
and where the people are ready, yes anx-
ious, to receive a broader view, a
brighter hope. and are striving to rear
an edifice for Christian culture, where
the universal brotherhood shall be the
burden of their teaching.
1t has been my good fortune to be
engaged in this work on the Pacific
slope, and have found my lot cast among
people who have held the fort for four
years amid discouragements which
would have caused less brave workers,
to faint under the load they were carry
ing. They have labored amid Difficult.
ties. They have been isolated from
ministers. They have only occasionally
been favored by the efforts of our clergy.
Bro. Shinn, Bro. Bradley and Bro. Felt
have all been here and have preached
occasionally. They have succeeded in
effecting an organization of some fifteen
members. They have labored against
tremendous odds and there is by no
means easy sailing at present.
The fact of the existence Of Unitar-
ian church under the direction of 80
good man as DR.. Elliot, who has 80
completely woven himself into the life of
the community, renders it difficult
matter to secure the recognition OF the
unchurched liberal element.
The institution of a new movement
requires courage; to ally ones self to it;
to identify ones self with all it's inter
ests; to help bear its responsibilities, is
indeed heroic. But there are such in
Portland who mean to see us through.
The liberality of the other churches
the fact that they have in very large
measure thrown off the thralldom of
false theology and are preaching the
Universal Fatherhood of God and
brotherhood of man. keeps many who by
right belongs to us, into the popular
churches where they hear nothing which
does violence to their conceptions of the
relation of man to the infinite.
There are very many avoved Univer-
salists in the Orthodox churches and in
deed presiding elder of the M. E.
Church said to mel can subscribe
most heartily to your profession of faith"
Thus we must work on conscious that
we are not having the support of those
who are ours, but conscious that they
are leaving some impression upon the
minds and thoughts of those with whom
they are associated.
We are not despairing. We are all
hopeful. We are putting on our shields
and bucklers and are preparing for a
long and difficult struggle. We have
some new recruits. We have some new
processes of work, and are confident that
if we do not accomplish all we at present
hope for we will have done some work
which will result to the honor of these
faithful ones who have carried the brunt
of the struggle SO faithfully for 80 long.
We hope to have Bro. Felt to assist US
occasionally by hopeful and an encour-
aging word. We are looking forward to
the visits of Bro. Bradley. our Mission
airy and to the Rev. DIR. Shinn, and are
anxious for their words Of encourage
ment and the more positive work they
will be able to do for us. We are anxious
for the corporation of our friends in the
East. We would have them devise
ways and means by which they in the
distance, can aid our movement to take
a more definite form. We are weak, and
you are strong. We are struggling and
you are in opulence. We are few but
you are many.
Friends draw your own conclusions.
Make your own deductions. and above
all do not fail to send the names of Uni
versalists who are at present residing in
our city. Not enough care is taken by
our clergy in keeping track of our men,
bers. They move from our parish and
there our interest ends. Brothers, this
ought not SO to be. apprehend that
there are many members OF the Univer-
salist Church inPortland, but the former
pastors. without single exception have
not come to my rescue. Let me insist
that greater care be given to this mat
ter, and that you sit down for few mo-
ments in the imagined presence of your
erstwhile parishioners and see il you
can't recall some who are at present in
the city Of Portland. and who.were they
known to US, might be made into good
and useful workers for our little band
We want your efforts. your sympathy
and your prayers il they lead to more
positive interest in US.
FRANK BLACKBOARD.
April IA, 1895.