DOCSLIB.ORG

Boston, Mass. Park Street Church Records, 1804-1976, 2009 RG1284

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Boston, Mass. Park Street Church Records, 1804-1976, 2009 RG1284 Boston, Mass. Park Street Church records, 1804-1976, 2009 RG1284 This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on November 28, 2018. English DACS2 - 2013 Congregational Library & Archives 14 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02108 [email protected] URL: http://www.CongregationalLibrary.org Boston, Mass. Park Street Church records, 1804-1976, 2009 RG1284 Table of Contents Summary Information .................................................................................................................................... 3 Biographical / Historical ................................................................................................................................ 3 Scope and Contents ........................................................................................................................................ 5 Arrangement ................................................................................................................................................... 5 Administrative Information ............................................................................................................................ 5 Related Materials ........................................................................................................................................... 6 Controlled Access Headings .......................................................................................................................... 7 Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements .................................................................................. 8 Collection Inventory ....................................................................................................................................... 8 Vital Statistics .............................................................................................................................................. 8 Church Records ......................................................................................................................................... 13 Park Street Society and Financial Records ............................................................................................... 16 Voluntary Organizations ........................................................................................................................... 20 Historical Materials ................................................................................................................................... 22 Shawmut Church ....................................................................................................................................... 27 - Page 2 - Boston, Mass. Park Street Church records, 1804-1976, 2009 RG1284 Summary Information Repository: Congregational Library & Archives Creator: Park Street Church (Boston, Mass.) Title: Boston, Mass. Park Street Church records, 1804-1976, 2009 ID: RG1284 Date [inclusive]: 1804-1976, 2009 Physical Description: 33.86 Cubic Feet (68 cases) Language of the English Material: Abstract: The beginnings of Park Street Church date to 1804 when a "Religious Improvement Society" began holding weekly lectures and prayer meetings in Boston. Collection includes vital statistics, church records, Park Street Society and financial records, voluntary organizations, historical materials, Shawmut Church records. Preferred Citation [Identification of item], in the Boston, Massachusetts. Park Street Church records, 1804-1976, 2009, RG1284. The Congregational Library & Archives, Boston, MA. ^ Return to Table of Contents Biographical / Historical The beginnings of Park Street Church date to 1804 when a "Religious Improvement Society" began holding weekly lectures and prayer meetings in Boston. After meeting for 6 years, the society formed the Park Street Church in February 1809 with 26 charter members. Less than a year later, in January 1810, the church dedicated its newly constructed meetinghouse on the corner of Park and Tremont Streets. A plaque on the building's façade states that the church has been Trinitarian, Evangelical, and Congregational since its inception. Park Street Church quickly became the site of significant historical events including the founding of the Handel and Haydn Society in 1815, the American Temperance Society in 1826, the Animal Rescue League in 1889, and the NAACP in 1910. It also served to host William Lloyd Garrison's first anti- - Page 3- Boston, Mass. Park Street Church records, 1804-1976, 2009 RG1284 slavery speech in 1829, the first public performance of the hymn "America" in 1831, and Charles Sumner's famous address, "The War System of Nations", in 1849. In the late 1800s, Park Street's membership declined sharply, and the resultant monetary loss led to a reconstruction of the church building: the meetinghouse was raised to the second floor so that the basement and front of the church could be rented to commercial stores. Financial distress continued and the Park Street property was nearly sold to the Boston Herald in the early 1900s. Membership began to recover during the following decades, and in the mid-1940s, the stores were dismantled and the basement was returned to religious uses. In 1954 the Church purchased the adjoining property at No. 1 Park Street. The church continued to expand in 1993 when it acquired No. 2 and No. 3 Park Street. Ministers Edward D. Griffin 1811-1815 Sereno E. Dwight 1817-1826 Edward Beecher 1826-1830 Joel H. Linsley 1832-1835 Silas Aiken 1837-1848 Andrew Leete Stone 1849-1866 William H.H. Murray 1868-1874 John L. Withrow 1876-1887; 1898-1907 David Gregg 1887-1890 Isaac J. Lansing 1893-1897 Arcturus Z. Conrad 1905-1937 Harold J. Ockenga 1936-1969 Paul E. Toms 1969-1989 David C. Fisher 1989-1995 Gordon P. Hugenberger 1997-2014 (current) - Page 4- Boston, Mass. Park Street Church records, 1804-1976, 2009 RG1284 ^ Return to Table of Contents Scope and Contents This collection documents the history of the Park Street Church, originally known as the Religious Improvement Society. It includes vital statistics, church and society records, financials, voluntary organization activities, ministers, missionaries, celebratory events, facilities and maintenance, and Shawmut Church records from 1809 to 1978. Included in the records are correspondence, ledgers, reports, minutes, directories, photographs, audio recordings. Gaps of information exist in this collection, as well as missing records. The church retains their most recent records, from the 1970s to the present. ^ Return to Table of Contents Arrangement The series is arranged into six series based upon topic. Series 1: Vital Statistics, 1809-1976 Series 2: Church Records, 1804-1974 Series 3: Park Street Society and Financial Records, 1808-1969 Series 4: Voluntary Organizations, 1816-1968 Series 5: Historical Materials, 1810-1974 Series 6: Shawmut Church, 1875-1954 ^ Return to Table of Contents Administrative Information Publication Statement Congregational Library & Archives 14 Beacon Street - Page 5- Boston, Mass. Park Street Church records, 1804-1976, 2009 RG1284 Boston, MA 02108 [email protected] URL: http://www.CongregationalLibrary.org Restrictions on Access Access to some of the physical items is restricted. When microfilm surrogates exist, they are to be used instead of originals. Exceptions may be granted in cases of extenuating circumstance, at the discretion of the Archivist. Restrictions on Use Items in this collection are subject to U.S. Copyright Law. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine the copyright status of collection items and to secure any permissions necessary for their reproduction and publication. Requests for permission to publish material must be discussed with the archivist or librarian. Immediate Source of Acquisition Collection was first given to the Congregational Library and Archives in 1964 by deposit from Ms. Elizabeth Vetterlein, Archivist at Park Street Church. Since then, small additional deposits have happened intermittently. Accruals Since 1964, the church has deposited material to the archives, further accruals are not planned but could take place. Processing Information Processed by Jessica Steytler in 2014, using DACS Second Edition. Collection was updated for ArchivesSpace by William McCarthy in 2017. ^ Return to Table of Contents Related Materials Related Materials Boston's historic Park Street Church : the story of an Evangelical landmark by Garth M. Rosell. 17.11.1 B65.5 PARSC BR 2009 - Page 6- Boston, Mass. Park Street Church records, 1804-1976, 2009 RG1284 1809 and 1984 : the responses of American churches to world mission by James M. Phillips, 21.2. A history of Park Street Church : with special emphasis on the missionary program by Chrales L. Smith 17.11.1 B65.5 PARSC S H Park Street Pulpit. Range 132 The Park Street Spire. Range 132 Local Church History information, 17.11.1 B65.5 PARSC, 2 boxes The library holds a number of sermons delivered by ministers of Park Street Church. Please review the online catalog for more details. The Image Collection has several images of Park Street Church and people associated with the congregation. ^ Return to Table of Contents Controlled Access Headings • Congregationalism -- Clergy -- Pictorial works. • Congregational churches -- Massachusetts -- Boston. • Baptism -- Congregational churches. • Charities. • Church membership. • Church records and registers -- Massachusetts -- Boston. • Church societies. • Congregational churches -- Massachusetts -- Government. • Covenant (Church polity) -- Congregational
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Exploring Boston's Religious History
    Exploring Boston’s Religious History It is impossible to understand Boston without knowing something about its religious past. The city was founded in 1630 by settlers from England, Other Historical Destinations in popularly known as Puritans, Downtown Boston who wished to build a model Christian community. Their “city on a hill,” as Governor Old South Church Granary Burying Ground John Winthrop so memorably 645 Boylston Street Tremont Street, next to Park Street put it, was to be an example to On the corner of Dartmouth and Church, all the world. Central to this Boylston Streets Park Street T Stop goal was the establishment of Copley T Stop Burial Site of Samuel Adams and others independent local churches, in which all members had a voice New North Church (Now Saint Copp’s Hill Burying Ground and worship was simple and Stephen’s) Hull Street participatory. These Puritan 140 Hanover Street Haymarket and North Station T Stops religious ideals, which were Boston’s North End Burial Site of the Mathers later embodied in the Congregational churches, Site of Old North Church King’s Chapel Burying Ground shaped Boston’s early patterns (Second Church) Tremont Street, next to King’s Chapel of settlement and government, 2 North Square Government Center T Stop as well as its conflicts and Burial Site of John Cotton, John Winthrop controversies. Not many John Winthrop's Home Site and others original buildings remain, of Near 60 State Street course, but this tour of Boston’s “old downtown” will take you to sites important to the story of American Congregationalists, to their religious neighbors, and to one (617) 523-0470 of the nation’s oldest and most www.CongregationalLibrary.org intriguing cities.
    [Show full text]
  • Freedom Trail N W E S
    Welcome to Boston’s Freedom Trail N W E S Each number on the map is associated with a stop along the Freedom Trail. Read the summary with each number for a brief history of the landmark. 15 Bunker Hill Charlestown Cambridge 16 Musuem of Science Leonard P Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge Boston Harbor Charlestown Bridge Hatch Shell 14 TD Banknorth Garden/North Station 13 North End 12 Government Center Beacon Hill City Hall Cheers 2 4 5 11 3 6 Frog Pond 7 10 Rowes Wharf 9 1 Fanueil Hall 8 New England Downtown Crossing Aquarium 1. BOSTON COMMON - bound by Tremont, Beacon, Charles and Boylston Streets Initially used for grazing cattle, today the Common is a public park used for recreation, relaxing and public events. 2. STATE HOUSE - Corner of Beacon and Park Streets Adjacent to Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House is the seat of state government. Built between 1795 and 1798, the dome was originally constructed of wood shingles, and later replaced with a copper coating. Today, the dome gleams in the sun, thanks to a covering of 23-karat gold leaf. 3. PARK STREET CHURCH - One Park Street, Boston MA 02108 church has been active in many social issues of the day, including anti-slavery and, more recently, gay marriage. 4. GRANARY BURIAL GROUND - Park Street, next to Park Street Church Paul Revere, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and the victims of the Boston Massacre. 5. KINGS CHAPEL - 58 Tremont St., Boston MA, corner of Tremont and School Streets ground is the oldest in Boston, and includes the tomb of John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
    [Show full text]
  • Download a Pdf File of This Issue for Free
    Issue 92: America’s 20th Century Evangelical Awakening A New Evangelical Awakening: Did You Know? Interesting and Little Known Facts about America's Mid Century Evangelical Resurgence "Mr. Evangelical" One of the most important 20th-century shapers of modern evangelicalism was a man whose name is unknown to most evangelicals today: Harold John Ockenga (AH-ken-gay). During his lifetime Ockenga served as founder and first president of the National Association of Evangelicals; president of the American Board of the World Evangelical Fellowship; president, co—founder, and later Chairman of the Board of Fuller Theological Seminary; Chairman of the Board of CHRISTIANITY TODAY magazine; a member of the board of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; pastor of historic Park Street Church in Boston for more than three decades; and the founding president of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. His remarkable oratorical skills and visionary speeches made him evangelicalism's most trusted voice for decades. Billy Graham, whose fame has now eclipsed his mentor, claimed that he never made a major decision in his life without first consulting Ockenga. [See America's Hour Has Struck for more about Ockenga.] —contributed by Garth Rosell Election redirection The New Evangelicals were determined to infuse the public square—including the political arena‐ with the truths of Christianity. In the midst of the 1952 presidential campaign, a group of Christians led by former Youth for Christ president Torrey Johnson held their own "campaign" on the heels of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in an attempt to spark discussion of spiritual issues. "We feel the time has come when the entire nation should pray for guidance in the coming elections," Johnson said.
    [Show full text]
  • Of Prayerdays
    50of PrayerDays SUMMER 2019 PRAYER GUIDE “Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for.” I John 5:14–15 Leadership “The Holy Spirit comes when He is cried for, sighed for and prayed for.” Karl Barth & Facilities DAY 1 BOARD OF ELDERS o That they prioritize prayer as a Board, seeking the Holy Spirit at all times in their decision making. o That the Spirit of unity will continue to draw our leaders and congregation together. o For wisdom to shepherd our congregation effectively in this season. DAY 2 MINISTERS & STAFF o That they will keep their eyes on God and be wise in leading God’s people. o That they will keep a vibrant, intimate love for Christ, seeking the daily filling of the Spirit from which to serve. o That they will beware of the temptation to rely on their own strength, and keep healthy boundaries for their personal and family life. DAY 3 SENIOR MINISTER SEARCH COMMITTEE o For the committee to sense the Lord’s leading and the strength of the Holy Spirit in their lives. o That every member would pray fervently for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and support as they begin their deliberations. o That we as a congregation will commit to praying regularly for spiritual protection for the committee and their families. DAY 4 OPERATING COMMITTEES o Thank God for all who are willing to serve on these committees (Fi- nance & Administration, Personnel, Nominating, etc.) and pray that more will serve.
    [Show full text]
  • ANNUAL REPORT Annual Reportcontents
    2015ANNUAL REPORT annual reportCONTENTS GORDON HUGENBERGER Senior Minister 4 WALTER KIM Associate Minister 6 KRIS PERKINS Associate Minister of Families and Church Development 7 LIFE OF THE CHURCH Ministry Reports 8 JULIAN LINNELL Minister of Missions 12 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW Missions 13 PARTNER SCHOOLS 15 BOB ANDERSEN Church Administrator 16 DOUG MAY Moderator 16 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW Ministry & Operations 17 BOB RAWNSLEY Clerk 18 RICH ELLIOTT Facilities Manager 18 LIST OF CURRENT STAFF AND LEADERS 19 weeks on this controversial topic!), and slavery were answered to tackled some very important challenges currently facing the church. refute the claims of so-called “progressive” Christians who use these Although we are still one of the largest Protestant churches in New teachings to imply that we cannot trust the Bible’s ethical teachings, England, and although the age distribution of our congregation whether on these matters or on the controversial issue of same-sex should make us the envy of sister churches (25% are in their 20s, relationships. Finally, this fall we started a morning sermon series, 25% are in their 30s, 14% are in their 40s, 15% are between 50 and “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” on the theme of sanctification. We rejected 64, etc.), nevertheless, we have experienced a significant decline in the popular assumption that the Christian life is supposed to be easy our attendance since 2004. That decline has been almost entirely or comfortable. Instead, we reminded ourselves of the liberating but among our student population, and to a lesser degree, among those stern calling of the Savior for each of us to pursue holiness, repent who are 20 year-olds.
    [Show full text]
  • COLLECTION 0062: Harold John Ockenga: Presidential Papers, 1929-1977 Fuller Seminary Archives and Special Collections
    Fuller Theological Seminary Digital Commons @ Fuller List of Archival Collections Archives and Special Collections 2017 COLLECTION 0062: Harold John Ockenga: Presidential Papers, 1929-1977 Fuller Seminary Archives and Special Collections Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.fuller.edu/findingaids Part of the Higher Education Commons, and the Missions and World Christianity Commons Recommended Citation Fuller Seminary Archives and Special Collections, "COLLECTION 0062: Harold John Ockenga: Presidential Papers, 1929-1977" (2017). List of Archival Collections. 4. https://digitalcommons.fuller.edu/findingaids/4 This Finding Aid is brought to you for free and open access by the Archives and Special Collections at Digital Commons @ Fuller. It has been accepted for inclusion in List of Archival Collections by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Fuller. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Archives, Rare Books and Special Collections David Allan Hubbard Library Fuller Theological Seminary COLLECTION 62: Harold John Ockenga: Presidential Papers, 1929-1977 Administrative Information Title: Harold John Ockenga: Presidential Papers, 1929-1977 Collection Identifier: CFT00062 Creators: Ockenga, Harold John, 1905-1985 Size: 2 Boxes, 1 linear foot Repository: David Allan Hubbard Library Fuller Theological Seminary 135 N Oakland Ave Pasadena, CA 91182 [email protected] Provenance: Audio recordings from Fuller’s Media Services (ATC) Conditions Governing Access/Restrictions: Scholarly use with parameters of copyright law Language: English Processing: Nancy Sanders Gower Finding Aid Revisions: December 2017 by Alyson Thomas Biography Harold John Ockenga (June 6, 1905 – February 8, 1985) was a leading figure of 20th century American evangelicalism, a leader in the reform movement known as "Neo-Evangelicalism." A Congregational minister, Ockenga served for many years as pastor of Park Street Church in Boston, Massachusetts.
    [Show full text]
  • Great Is Thy Faithfulness PARK STREET CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT 2016 TABLE of CONTENTS
    Great is Thy Faithfulness PARK STREET CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS Gordon Hugenberger, Senior Minister · 4 Walter Kim, Lead Minister · 8 Kris Perkins, Associate Minister of Families and Church Development · 10 Life of the Church · 12 Julian Linnell, Minister of Missions · 22 Financial Overview: Missions · 24 Partner Schools · 26 Bob Andersen, Church Administrator · 28 Bob Rawnsley, Clerk · 28 Financial Overview: Ministry & Operations · 29 Rich Elliott, Facilities Manager · 30 Herman Smith, Moderator · 31 List of Current Officers and Committee Members · 32 List of Current Staff · 34 ONE PARK STREET, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02108 617.523.3383 www.parkstreet.org GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS Gordon P. Hugenberger SENIOR MINISTER In 1998, after my first seven months in point us more to God than to ourselves utes before the service, when he was this large amazing church, I reported: or to anything else. scheduled to preach. He was listening “increasingly I am trying to have only to Gospel music, and he explained that one priority: love—love for God, for he always listens to Gospel music right For example, most of our sermons—no His people, and for the lost.” I still want before he preaches. Another minister matter who is preaching-are designed this triad of love to be my priority, as it goes into the sanctuary before anyone to relate whatever issue may be the also should be the highest priority of else and prays in each section of the immediate topic to its answer in God’s this or any church. Nevertheless, if it has pews for those who will soon be sitting love for us.
    [Show full text]
  • Park Street Church Bylaws
    Park Street Church Bylaws Sectioned Pierre bets, his biometrician disentitling bodies soapily. Co-ordinal and logopedic Werner reiterates broadwise and outdrives his ficos diatonically and inattentively. Is Keene flaunty or tricarpellary after tremolitic Rory surveillant so hydrostatically? If we want to boston congregational churches have demonstrated success launching and cons for park street church canon andrew mullins She encouraged to genealogists, and churches in this bylaw section shall keep all? Subject is its laws which were referred to the Committee on the enactment of. He settled on park at wall and bylaws genuinely vest in fenced area of streets, parks and to advance notice of nominees. Calvary Bible Church The grin that believes the Bible and. Missions committee may choose to the senior minister and new churches applying the community congregation and a vibrant cultural upheaval in the committee members of the vital events. Pay attention along the rules of the road to avoid parking issues with your tow truck Congratulations on mountain food truck was're ready to wow your customers with your. Parks & Recreation Livingston TX. Opinion opposing it's own let alone assume it's contain opinion whatsoever the bylaws for. Registers including central church showing all vehicles can you met the credentials committee is at all major denomination. To be appropriate to contribute to appoint an informal zoom. Liability for street through activities and. Eric nellis and function under the city missionary connection therewith; it shall state of the city legal age shall be held by the third anglican church? Christ is held quarterly tickets, left on may be.
    [Show full text]
  • Class Five the CHURCH
    Class Five THE CHURCH THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH As we observed in our study of the Holy Spirit, God creates his Church by pouring out his Spirit to inhabit his people, both individually and corporately (Acts 2) . By the working of the Spirit, the Church is the body of Christ, made up of individu- We cheerfully submit ourselves als who serve one another through diverse gifts and ministries with a view to being built up in unity & love (1 to the instruction and govern- Corinthians 12:12–27; Ephesians 4:11–16) . Therefore, to ment of this church, and we be a Christian is to be in an interdependent relationship with other Christians, reflecting the interdependent promise to promote its purity, relationship of the members of the Trinity . We might say that there are two things that one cannot be alone: peace, and welfare by all means married, or a Christian . God has designed it so that we within our power, so long as we need one another in order to hold unswervingly to our faith, to be encouraged in bearing the fruit and gifts of shall continue to be members. the Spirit and to have our needs provided for . Because Christians need other Christians to be the Church that God intends, the writer of Hebrews exhorts his readers not to give up their habit of regularly meeting together (Hebrews 10:23–25) . THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH The New Testament teaches that the Church is made up of all who profess faith in Christ, no matter what nationality, gender, or station in life, for the only boundary-marker of the people of God in the New Covenant is the presence of the Spirit (Ephesians 2:11–22; Galatians 3:26–29) .
    [Show full text]
  • Prophetic Voices 2003
    Evangelical Protestants in the Public Square: Drawbacks and Opportunities The 2nd Annual Prophetic Voices of the Church Lecture APRIL 10, 2003 GASSON HALL, ROOM 100, BOSTON COLLEGE CHESTNUT HILL, MASSACHUSETTS ALAN WOLFE: There’s a long historical relationship between Park Street and the Fuller Theological Seminary, which we may hear a word about, and then I’ll be back to the microphone to introduce our speaker. DANIEL HARRELL: Hi, my name is Daniel Harrell (sp?). Lucy Guernsey had contacted me about saying a little bit about the connection between Park Street Church and Fuller Seminary. I got a chance to meet a couple of former Park Street folks who knew Dr. Harold John Ockenga, of course, who was one of the founders of Fuller Seminary. I spent the week going around to some of our members who were around during that time, getting a sense from them what it was like to have their pastor in Boston be also president of a seminary out in Pasadena, and I think their general memory was that he traveled a lot. I think he went back and forth like 200 times over the course of the early years of Fuller’s founding which, of course, in the late ’40s and early ’50s was no small feat. And they remarked as well that given his workaholic habits that he was able somehow to keep both things in balance and somehow do both things well. As we were talking around the staff a little bit about the Ockenga legacy, we thought of three things that were important to us as we think of Park Street Church, but in some sense of Fuller Seminary too.
    [Show full text]
  • Information on Park Street Church
    Park Street Church The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM), based in Boston, was founded in 1810, the first organized missionary society in the US. “When the time came for establishing the mission (to Hawai‘i), three Hawaiian youths in the Foreign Mission School at Cornwall, named Thomas Hopu, William Tenui (Kanui), and John Honuri (Honoli‘i), were described, in a Report of the Board, as instructed in the doctrines and duties of Christianity, and made partakers, as was charitably hoped, of spiritual and everlasting blessings. These youths became connected with the mission as native helpers.” “Messrs. Hiram Bingham and Asa Thurston, from the Andover Theological Seminary, were ordained as missionaries at Goshen, Conn., on the 29th of September, 1819. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Heman Humphrey, afterwards President of Amherst College, from Joshua xiii. 1: ‘There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.’” “Besides these, the mission contained a physician. Dr. Holman; two schoolmasters, Messrs. Whitney and Ruggles; a printer, Mr. Loomis; and a farmer, Mr. Chamberlain. All these were married men, and the farmer took with him his five children.” “The members of the mission, at the time of receiving their public instructions from the Board in Park- Street Church, were organized into a mission church, including the three islanders. There existed then no doubt as to the expediency of such a step.” (Anderson, 1872) “Within two weeks after the ordination in Goshen, the missionary company assembled in Boston, to receive their instructions and embark.” “There, in the vestry of Park Street Church, under the counsels of the officers of the Board, Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Garth M. Rosell, the Surprising Work of God: Harold John Ockenga, Billy Graham, and the Rebirth of Evangelicalism
    Book Reviews / CHRC .– () – Garth M. Rosell, The Surprising Work of God: Harold John Ockenga, Billy Graham, and the Rebirth of Evangelicalism. Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, MI , pp. ISBN . US.. Harold John Ockenga was a famous name in Christian America between and . He served for years on the pulpit of Boston’s Park Street Church. Though technically congregational, this church was one of the most important (and wealthy) evangelical churches in the country. Its beautiful edifice matched the respectability of its pastor. From this place Ockenga helped build an evangelical empire, consisting of a ceaseless series of revivals, the founding of new seminaries, magazines, conferences, and network organizations. His most prominent post was as the first president of the National Association of Evangelicals in . By putting the spotlight on this authoritative leader of American evangeli- calism, Garth M. Rosell fulfils a promise to Ockenga’s widow to write this biog- raphy. As professor of church history at Gordon-Conwell Theological Semi- nary, which Ockenga served as its first president, Rosell knew his subject per- sonally. This contact began in his childhood. Rosell’s father was a close friend to Ockenga and a revival preacher. This sets the tone of admiration for this “Mr. Evangelical.” Rosell used the voluminous collection of letters and , sermons that Ockenga left to this seminary. Though Rosell quotes extensively from these sources, this book mainly shows the public side of Ockenga. In a swirl of lectures, conferences, meetings, and appearances, we see here the activism of America’s traditional Christians, who joined hands in reclaiming their place in the culture.
    [Show full text]