ASC Celebrates 275 Years
GATHERED IN LOVE AND SERVICE FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE FOUNDED IN 1729 Since its founding by a small group of poor, Scottish immigrants in November, 1729, Arlington Street Church has been a place of community and advocacy for the marginalized, oppressed and unconventional, in the midst of a very conventional city. As one of the rst non-puritan churches in Boston, this congregation has always been on the cutting edge of change and often in the vanguard of progressive reform. With the arrival of its most famous minister, William Ellery Channing, in 1803, the congregation became a leader in the development of liberal religion in America, and rmly established the link between progressive theology and a liberal social vision. This tradition has continued throughout the generations, as ASC has become Boston s symbolic center for most of the struggles for social justice and civic progress in American history: the abolition of slavery, the ght for women s suffrage, protest against the Vietnam War, and the civil and gay rights movements of the 1960s and 70s that continue today. This is a legacy we can all be proud of, and our 275 th Anniversary presents a unique opportunity to celebrate and renew our commitment to this noble heritage. ASC s 275 Anniversary Committee has been hard at work, developing a series of activities to celebrate the energy and commitment that has fueled 275 years of love and service for justice and peace at ASC. While committee members have made great strides toward creating a year lled with dynamic and engaging events, we are eager to involve the entire congregation in this creative process. We hope that every ASC member and friend will nd a personal way to play a meaningful role in celebrating the colorful past and the promising future of ASC!
CELEBRATING OUR GROWTH Join ASC November 20 th and 21 st, 2004, for A Weekend of Celebration and Rededication, including: A Gala Benet and Birthday Party, on Saturday night at the stylish Dorothy Quincy Suite in Back Bay, featuring a light buffet, live entertainment, silent auction, and a 275 th birthday cake. Our Anniversary Worship Service on Sunday, including state, city and religious ofcials as invited guests and featuring specially commissioned music and a celebratory liturgy, incorporating elements of historic worship and new readings. After the service, a congregational procession to the Channing Memorial to rededicate the monument and unveil a new commemorative sign being presented by the City of Boston, paying tribute to the important roles of Dr. Channing and Arlington Street Church in the city s history.
REFLECTING ON OUR ROOTS A host of 275 th educational programs offer opportunities to deepen our commitment to, and understanding of, our shared tradition as UUs, and our role in the broader life of our community. The following is a partial list of anticipated activities. Details and dates will continue to be announced throught the coming year. Adult Education Courses at the ASCenter and Children s Religious Education Programs over the coming year will explore the history and values of ASC. ASC History Walking Tours in the fall and spring will highlight ASC s role in Boston s history and culture. A major exhibition at the Boston Public Library, in March, 2005, will draw on church archives to share the ASC legacy with our broader community. Music@ASC highlights the 275 th and celebrates the UU tradition of worship in song with an Interfaith Choral Festival on Sunday, February 27 th, 2005. The 275 th Sermon Series and Heritage Reection, during Sunday worship, helps us focus each week on ASC history and the spiritual and ethical commitments that are at the core of our congregation. A number of major guest speakers have been invited to address important issues relating to the future of liberalism in america, and the spiritual challenges facing our community and nation in the 21 st century. A number of guest artists will be performing at ASC in the spring, as part of our celebration. To learn more about planning or participating in any of these events, please contact ASC s ofce at 617-536-7050 or send an e-mail to 275@ASCBoston.org.
Love is the spirit of this congregation, And service is our gift. This is our great covenant: To dwell together in peace, To speak our truths in love, And to help one another. El amor es el espíritu de nuestra congregación Y el servicio es nuestro regalo. Esto es a lo que nos comprometemos: Convivir en paz, Hablar nuestras verdades con amor, Y ayudarnos los unos a los otros.
THE 275 TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE Dan and Mary Ann Hardenbergh, Chairs Steven Anable Sherene Aram Tori Bell Eugene Falco Joan Goodwin Carolyn Harrigan Holly Hendricks Michael Keane Jeffrey Mulliken Sheila Murphy Rev. Eugene Navias Maria Papesh Steven Procopio Don Rickter Phyllis Rickter Emily Stewart Jim Tice Kevin Tyrrell Gaby Whitehouse George Whitehouse Carrie Zeisse Rabbi Howard A. Berman Arlington Street Church, Unitarian Universalist 351 Boylston Street Boston, Massachusetts 02116-3399 Ofce Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Phone: 617-536-7050 Fax: 617-536-7051 E-mail: ofce@ascboston.org Web: www.ascboston.org rev. October 2004