The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-02-27


held on the Joyous occasion, we print
the following condensed history of
the Universalist movement in Au
gusta, which was read on Sunday
morning. We print this history with
sincere pleasure because it not only
gives the facts in regard to the par
ish in good form, but also because it
presents an example Of what may be
accomplished where a few devoted
souls are inspired by the love OF their
religion, and successfully carry out
great enterprise to successful com
pletion.
History of the Augusta Movement. By
Mrs. j. G. Zimmerman. Read
by Miss Day.
The history of this church is closely
connected with the death and burial of
Universalist sister. who although not a
member of this church, had been men,
Der OF an Eastern church in former
years. Knowing her faith and feeling
that it would have been her wish, could
she have made her wishes known, to
have minister of her own faith perform
the last rites, her family sent for DR..
M. D Shutter. of Minneapolis. He, being
unable to come, recommended Rev. LID.
Boynton. The remarks made on that
occasion stirred to life the sleeping fire
of the few who were adherents of the
same faith.
At the request of these, Rev. Mr.. Boyn-
ton came again and again, each time
giving new life and encouragement to
those who followed his thoughts.
Desiring to do more and to be at work
for the faith which was dear to US, a
meeting was called at the Park House
with Mrs. H. A. Welsh. About thirty
parsons, both ladies and gentlemen, were
present at this meeting. April 20, 1892.
an organization was completed and
twenty ladies enrolled as members under
the name OF Friends in Council"
The work for the upbuilding of the Uni
versalist Faith was continued through
the summer. In August the Universalst
parish was organized with forty men,
bers. Services we're held in the Opera
House during the summer as often as it
was possible to get any one to come and
preach for US. Rev. Messrs. S. w. Sam
pie, W. s. Ralph. f. W. Millar and others
visiting us and speaking to the few who
gathered to hear what they believed and
felt to be the true teachings of Christ.
Under the direction of Rev. w. s.
Ralph. pastor of the church at Colum-
bus, Wiz. also Secretary of the State
Convention, series of meetings was
held in the Opera House, commencing
Tuesday. November IS. and continued
over the following Sunday. Rev. Stan
ford Mitchell, of Boston, was present
through the whole series and assisted
with his singing and preaching. The
success of the meetings was largely due
to his efforts.
Rev. Lloyd Skinner, Of Eau Claire, pas
tor OF the Unitarian church of that city,
and Rev. w. S. Williams. of Wausau.
were also present part of the time and
assisted materially. Large and attentive
audiences were present at each service.
Other results are best signified by the
fact that on Sunday morning a church or
ganization was effected, eighteen persons
receiving the right hand of fellowship.
From this time services we're held
whenever possible. Rev. Mr.. Ralph send
ing different ministers to US whenever
their services could be secured.
During the winter it was deemed ad-
visable to change our place of worship
to the G. A. r. hall. In February. 1894,
Rev. Agnes Ralph, of Columbus. was
given call to preach for one year, visit
ing US every fourth Sunday. The call
was accepted and services were held W
til April 1895.
During the summer we were without
a pastor. In October, Rev. R. B. Evatt
came to us and has been located here
from that time. holding services each
Sunday morning and evening. alec
preaching at the chapel at Hale's Corners
once in two weeks. During the pastor
ate OF Mr.. Evatt, our church has been
erected. The corner stone was laid Aug.
20. the first services held Dec. 81. Our
own members. and citizens of Augusta
as we'll, donated literally toward the
building of our church. We take this
opportunity to thank them for the as
sistance they have given US in various
ways. We also received aid from other
sources for which we are duly grateful.
This in brief is the history of our church,
the First U nivsrsalist Church Of Angus.
ia, Wis.
The meetings held in connection
with the dedication occasion began
on the Saturday evening previous.
Among the invited guests were Rev.
and Mrs. w. S. Ralph, of Column bus,
Rev. L. D. Boynton, of Rochester,
Mimi, Rev. c. G. Conner, of La
Crosse, and Rev. A. G. Grier, of Ra-
cine, all of whom, with the exception
of Mr.. Grier, were present on Sun
day.
The services on Saturday evening
attracted large congregation, who