Unitarians

=The founding of the Unitarian Church in Davenport= =Original Author: Rachel Thomas, ENG400 FL10= =Revision Author:=

=Unitarian Universalism= Unitarianism is a religious community that has become associated with liberal Christian beliefs. Followers of the church believe that an individual’s spiritual growth is of more importance than a unified creed, therefore operating under no creed per the principle of freedom of thought. The fourth principle of Unitarian Universalism states their support for a "free and responsible search for truth and meaning”. The six principles of Unitarianism are: We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote
 * The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
 * Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
 * Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
 * A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
 * The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
 * The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;
 * Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part

Followers of the faith draw their principles from six sources these are:
 * Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
 * Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
 * Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
 * Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
 * Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
 * Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Unitarians believe that the approach to the Christian Bible and other sacred works should include imagination and a critical eye. They believe that these works are meant as legend or myth and acts as a guide to help them spiritually. They ultimately believe in discovering faith for themselves. Unitarian Universalism asserts a strong commitment to social justice and community exploration of spiritual development. Followers of the faith believe that Reason, rational thought, science, and philosophy coexist with faith in God. They believe that religion and science can coexist and help guide them in understanding nature and God. Ralph Waldo Emerson is a famous known Unitarian (Wikipedia).

=Founding of The First Unitarian Church in Davenport= The First Unitarian Church in Davenport was founded in June of 1868. The earliest record books containing the first developmental years of the church have been lost, however in 1899 Rev. Authur M. Judy held a celebration of the twenty-first anniversary of the church that highlighted the beginnings of the Unitarian community in Davenport (Downer).

In the paper by Major Morton L Marks presented at the celebration, it is documented that on June 281868, Rev. Laird Collier preached to a full church afternoon and evening. Following his sermon, Dr. Egbert S. Barrows offered a motion to organize a Liberal church in Davenport. Signatures were collected, and a committee was created to adopt the articles of association. Trustees were elected, and a pastor chosen in October of that year. In the beginning, services were held in the Burtis opera house and then in the city hall. In 1870 a church was built and dedicated on February 19, 1871. A new church was built in 1897 and remodeled in 1905 (Downer).

The First Unitarian Church in Davenport’s members were mainly of Yankee origin, and established their New-England roots in the Midwestern soil. These free thinkers began the church by “relying on the intellect, reason and intuitive faith of its adherents rather than the usual creed of orthodoxy”. Once free-thinker Germans became interested in the only church in the area that allowed dancing, the community quickly grew and needed a larger space to meet (Scott Country Heritage 115). Once money was raised the red brick Federal-style church and hall were erected in 1898.

The Unitarian Church has been opposed by the conservative community since it’s beginnings. The members of the church and their ministers have been known for their support of unpopular social movements or political causes through the years. These include pacifism during World War I, the theory of evolution in the 1920’s, and the civil rights and anti-war movements of the 60’s and 70’s (Srendsun 116). = = =Dr. E.S. Barrows= Dr. E. S. Barrows, the man who proposed the beginnings of the Unitarian Church in Davenport, was the first practicing physician located on the Iowa side of the river between Burlington and Dubuque (Downer 122). He located to Davenport in 1836 prior to his move he was a surgeon in the Seminole Indian War. Dr. Barrows was described as “rugged, dedicated and resolute, he was a typical pioneer physician, able and active” (Downer 508). He was a well-respected man who was involved in the political fight for the county seat in Iowa, and was also the president of the Iowa State Medical Society (Downer 122).

=The Outing Club= Between 1890 and 1891, Rev. A. M. Judy began making plans of establishing a center for out-door recreation for the youth of his church and their friends in Davenport. Outing clubs, similar to country clubs, gained popularity in the 1800 and 1900’s as an option for outdoor and social activities for middle class Americans to enjoy. The clubhouse in Davenport was established and the acres set aside for tennis courts and ball and field sports in the late 1800’s. The club continued to grow as more of the community wished to join the club. In June 1891, the Outing club was opened and subscriptions to the club were being taken. As the club grew, more features were added. These began to include, summer band concerts and dances, bowling ally and shooting gallery, and a larger club house that was able to hold larger dining rooms, smoking and billiards rooms, reading rooms, a grand ball room, and a stage for theatricals.

In April 1905 a fire nearly ruined the entire clubhouse, but was remodeled and the building is still in use today. Currently members of the Outing Club enjoy private dinners as well as events open to the public. Swimming and tennis lessons are available as well. Members are also able to rent out dining rooms and balconies for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

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