The Beacon June 2015 First Unitarian Church News a Vigil for the City Healthy Congregations BY: D

First Unitarian Church NewThes Beacon June 2015 The JuneBeacon 2015 1 First Unitarian Church of Baltimore HOPE, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LIBERAL RELIGIOUS VALUES Corner Charles & Franklin Streets

Join the Book Group for June 2015 Sunday Services Theme: Courage Hard Choices BY: MIKE FRANCH June 7—11:00 AM in the sanctuary The Book Group meets Thursday, Karen Lee Scrivo, M.Div. Our interim director of religious education reflects on June 25, 7:30–9:30 PM to discuss Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Hard Choices, her her experience with us and offers her perspective as a recent graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry, a Unitarian account of her four years as Secretary of State. Whether you’re Ready for Hillary Universalist seminary, on the courage required to find new Mike Franch or Anybody but Clinton, she’s a major ways of being as a congregation of learners and teachers and practitioners of liberal religion. political figure. There will be plenty of material here for both admirers and detractors, so we’ll have a great June 14—Annual Meeting—11:00 AM in the sanctuary discussion! That's what counts! This is a very big book, Rev. David Carl Olson but unlike a novel, you don’t necessarily need to read “Buddha’s Gift: The Courage to Feel” every page or every word to get something out of it. When circumstances are challenging, it is only natural The Book Group meets in a home for anyone to act from a perspective of self-preservation and in Mt. Washington. Contact Mike in isolation. Our faith affirms the interconnectedness of all Franch at [email protected] existence and suggests that none of us can really act alone. for information. You don’t need to Taking some suggestions from Buddhism’s notion that fully be a regular Book Group member to perceiving the nature of the self is a way to enlightenment, attend and participate in the lively our minister shares some thoughts about our congregation discussions. and its courageous self in a time that requires courage.

June 21—“Traditional” LGBTIQ Pride Service commemo- Treasurer’s Report rating the Stonewall Riots—11:00 AM in the sanctuary BY: D. DOREION COLTER Rev. David Carl Olson “Leslie Feinberg, radical visionary—¡Presente!” As of May 1, 2015, our expenses are $10,406 less Beacon Press published Leslie Feinberg’s volume that our budgeted amount because of some of the Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to spending changes we have made during this current RuPaul 20 years ago, a publication that spoke to the social fiscal year and due to some of the cost saving changes construction of gender throughout the human story. It also that have been made. called for a new consciousness that might break down divi- Currently our expenses over income is $1,991 and sions among the human family that the great majority of we are looking to finish the year without a deficit, cur- people might unite for the establishment of economic jus- rent projections are that we will end the fiscal year in tice. Is there a message more important today? We remem- the black. See the April 2015 Income and Expense ber Leslie who died last November, but whose presence vi- Statement on page 5. brates in the Baltimore Uprising. (Note: while Baltimore Pride has been moved to July this year, we have chosen to INSIDE Page celebrate during June as well.) A Vigil for the City 2 Healthy Congregations 2 June 28—Poetry Service—10:00 AM in Pratt Parish Hall Job Openings at Rockville UU 2 Helen Szymkowiak, Laurel Mendes, and Vernon Rey and Change-for-Change Update 3 Volunteer Opportunities 3 other members in the congregation. Dayspring event on May 2 4 Poetry Sunday is a tradition we celebrate annually as a April Income and Expense Statement 5 congregation during the weekend of General Assembly. This History: Judge Thomas Morris 6-12 year’s theme is: The Work of Our Hands. We will examine Pledge Information 12 Coffee Cabinet 13 in poetry and song what our hands do or do not. 2 The Beacon June 2015 First Unitarian Church News A Vigil for the City Healthy Congregations BY: D. DOREION COLTER BY: GINA FORINGER On Sunday April 26, 2015, following the week of unrest in our city I Greetings from the Committee on Ministry, specifi- was asked to deliver the prayer at the cally Molly Ruhlman, CJ Austin, Judy Mayer, Judi vigil our congregation held on the Tenhunen, Gina Foringer, and Josh Koenig. We are here corners of Charles and Franklin to serve you in our work on the minister evaluation, min- Streets. This was an emotional and isterial affiliations, ordinations, and intern ministry coor- moving event for all of us as we were dination. We are also charged with monitoring the D. Doreion Colter all filled with deep concerns for our “pulse” of the congregation. As part of this, three of us city and those who were hurting and experiencing (and twelve others from your congregation) are part of loss. Here is the prayer I prayed that day. May we, as a the Healthy Congregations program. We’ve spent three of congregation, live into and fulfill that prayer as we work four promised Saturdays learning about how to ensure to rebuild and to reclaim our city for all people. good health in processes, programs, and even people through systems thinking. More information to come on A Prayer for Peace, Justice, and Solidarity that, for sure, so stay tuned! In the meantime, please let us know if there’s some-

thing on your mind. If you feel conflicted about your Thou who are known by many names but which none can church life or even if you’re quite comfortable but want fully capture the essence of, we each come to this us aware of something, we’re here to serve. Get in touch hour in our own way and manner with one universal with any or all of us via your handy directory. Be well, concern. and be in touch. Our hearts are heavy as a result of the events of the past

weeks and our minds are troubled as we share in the pain and grief that the Gray family is experiencing in Job Openings in Rockville these their hours of sorrow. BY: NANCY GREGORY We gather here in this hour in solidarity with them as they call for justice and peaceful protest that would The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rock- highlight the injustices that our city, our community, ville, Maryland, is seeking candidates for three staff posi- and our country is experiencing on every frontier. tions serving its vibrant, growing congregation. Give us what we need to be the beacon of hope we strive 1. The Youth Coordinator (15 hours per week) has to be in this dark hour in this our community, our overall responsibility for managing creative and sup- city, our country, and the world. portive programs for youth in grades 7–12, including As we come to this hour we come—some with our silence, accompanying them on weekend conferences and some with our word, some with our meditations, and retreats. others with our sense of loss and a deep-seated desire 2. The Religious Education Assistant (15 hours per to make wrong, right. week) provides administrative and operational sup- It matters not how we come; what matters is that we come port for the congregation’s many religious education and that we come unified in our concern, unified in programs for children, youth, and adults, requiring our efforts, and unified in our work for justice, peace, strong capabilities with MS Office Suite, Google, and and equality for all peoples. various social media applications. Thou the great principal of the universe, LOVE that can 3. The Child Care Coordinator (6 hours per week) be made manifest through our works and our efforts serves in the nursery on Sunday mornings and coordi- be the guiding force for all that we say and do. nates volunteer child care providers on Sundays and Be at the forefront of all our efforts as we work for jus- for some special evening and weekend events. You tice, peace, and full equality here in Baltimore and in can find more information, including position de- the world. Amen, Aisha, So Mote It Be, Shalom. scriptions and application instructions, on the web- site: http:// uucr.org/employment-opportunities. First Unitarian’s Annual Meeting will be held June 14 immediately following services. Please plan to attend. First Unitarian Church News June 2015 The Beacon 3 From the Social Action Clearinghouse: Make the World Update on a Change-for- a Better Place: Change Recipient Volunteer! BY: ROBERTA VAN METER BY: LINNEA ANDERSON Linnea Anderson The Change-for-Change recipient for January and February, 2015, was The First Unitarian Church of Baltimore’s reputation Art With a Heart. On March 10, 2015, as a beacon of social action is growing in our community. Social-Action-Clearinghouse (SAC) co We need volunteers to maintain that momentum and help -chairs Dale Lantz and Roberta Van with the need for community service. Meter visited the nonprofit on Keswick Road in Hampden and met with Chris- Roberta Van Meter In addition to volunteer gardeners at tina Ralls, director of Workforce De- Dayspring, the Poverty and velopment and Social Enterprise. We were given a tour Homelessness Ministry is and saw beautiful art made by students and adults who are seeking a volunteer(s) to served by Art With a Heart. Many of the artists are stu- coordinate children’s activities initiated dents in Baltimore City schools, as well as mentally and by our congregation with the kids at Day- physically disabled adults and low-income senior citizens. spring—such as a Mother’s Day gift- The art is for sale and we highly recommend stopping by making event. Contact Linnea Anderson. to shop for a one-of-a-kind gift for a special occasion or to buy something for yourself. Dale Lantz needs helpers to assist him in the yoga, meditation, and focusing sessions he’s beginning with Dayspring clients. Contact Dale.

Experienced knitters are needed to teach needle work to Dayspring mothers.

We’ve met delightful young students at East Baltimore’s William Paca School through the Social Action Clearinghouse’s partnership. More volunteers are needed to read with, tutor, and mentor children. Contact Dale Lantz, SAC co-chair, presents a Change-for- Roberta VanMeter. Change check to Christina Ralls of Art With a Heart

During our visit we also met staff and learned how A few good men: donated items, such as buttons, costume jewelry, and oth- Many of the young- er art supplies, are re-purposed for art projects. Classes sters we work with at had just begun at Dayspring, another First Unitarian part- Dayspring and Paca ner. Finally, we talked with a college student who was School could use completing an internship and working on a large mosaic. strong male role Art with a Heart welcomes volunteers (adults and stu- models. Here’s a call dents). Ms. Ralls stated that she was very pleased to re- for First Unitarian ceive the check for $899.05 from First Unitarian and men to volunteer thanked our church members for helping Art With a Heart with our social action make a difference in our city. programs. Contact Karen Bovie. 4 The Beacon June 2015 First Unitarian Church News Church Nourishes New Community Partnerships BY: KATHLEEN FLAHIVE

On May 2, 2015, more than 40 volunteers from First Unitarian Church of Baltimore (FUCB), including 6 families with children, joined the families and staff of Dayspring for an amazing, inspiring day of work, play, food, song, and, most importantly, community. The small circular garden pictured is our First Children’s Garden. It was planned and constructed by the children of FUCB and Dayspring. Perry picked the site, and the children hauled and placed heavy ballast

stones in a circle. The decorative garden stones crafted by the FUCB children were gifted to the garden and placed on the circle. Together the children then filled it with dirt and planted flowers. The pinwheels were made by the families of Day- spring. On the pinwheel is an affirmation, now planted in the garden. The once desolate area be- hind Dayspring continues to be transformed into an oasis where trees, vegetable plants, and flowering plants replace rub- ble, trash, and weeds. It is the hard work and commitment of volunteers from FUCB, Day- spring, and Park School, along with the support and assistance of our community partners Civic Works and the Parks and Peo- ple Foundation, that have made this progress possible. To all who have worked in and contributed to the gardens— THANK YOU! Bless you! Merci! Gracias! THANK YOU!

BUT, we are not done yet! The transformation continues as there is still work to be undertaken! We hope to schedule our next workday on May 30. Please check Hap- penings and the church bulletin for details of future Day- spring events. If you want more information regarding the gardens or are interested in helping the families of Day- spring maintain (water and weed) the gardens, contact Kathleen Flahive. First Unitarian Church News June 2015 The Beacon 5 6 The Beacon June 2015 First Unitarian Church News

First Unitarian Historical Perspectives #64

Notable First Unitarians: Judge Thomas J. Morris

A Just and Wise Judge—A Faithful Citizen A Lifelong Friend of this Church The Path of the Just is as the Shining Light that Shineth More and More Unto the Perfect Day1

BY CATHERINE EVANS

Judge Thomas J. ﬁnd an echo in the lives of those who knew him. Morris died on June 6, At the request of the family no eulogy was pro- 1912, at his home in nounced. Baltimore. His funeral Ministers from other denominations, lawyers services were held on who had come into close contact with the judge June 8 at the First Uni- for 30 years, Johns Hopkins professors who ad- tarian Church, where mired his legal attainments and intellectual he had been a life-long equipment, women who cherished his friendship Catherine Evans member. An article because of the graciousness and considerateness about the service appeared the next day in the Baltimore of his manner, young men who held him as their Sun. Entitled “Judge Morris Buried: Throng Attends Ju- guiding light, girls who were charmed by his rist’s Funeral at Unitarian Church,”2 the article reads as lovableness in advancing years, and servants follows: who appreciated his kindness, all listened to the last words said over his body and sang the hymn Deeply affected by his sudden death, hun- which he had liked best to hear in life. dreds of persons gathered yesterday afternoon in When the services were concluded, the body First Unitarian Church, Charles and Franklin was carried to Green Mount Cemetery, where it Streets, to attend the funeral of Judge Thomas J. was placed in the family vault. It was notable Morris of the United States District Court, who that despite the special request of the family that died Thursday morning. no flowers be sent, a special wagon had to be The church was ﬁlled long before the arrival used to bear the floral tributes to the church. of the funeral cortege, many persons prominent The active pallbearers were Judge John C. in public life in other cities coming to Baltimore. Rose,7 United States District Attorney John Phil- Judge Morris’ friends were legion, and the in- ip Hill,8 United States Commissioners George convenience of travel did not count when the Morris Bond and Louis J. Burger, Marshal question of showing their regard was being con- George W. Padgett and Messrs. Arthur L. sidered. Spamer, Charles W. Zimmerman, and Jacob P. Judge Nathan Goff3 of the Circuit Court of Amendt. West Virginia was one of those who came from The honorary pallbearers were: Governor a distance to act as honorary pallbearer. He stood Goldsborough, Judge Goff, Postmaster W. Hall beside Governor Goldsborough4 in front. Judge Harris, Judges Henry Stockbridge and N. Hammond Urner5 of Frederick was another who Charles Burke, representing the Court of Ap- came to show his appreciation of Judge Morris. peals of Maryland; Judges Henry D. Harlan and As the casket was borne into the church, John J. Dobler, representing the Supreme Bench many persons in the assembled congregation of Baltimore City; Dr. Ira Remsen and Messrs. gave audible expression to their grief. F. Brent Keyser and Blanchard Randall, repre- Rev. Alfred R. Hussey,6 the pastor of the senting the trustees of the Johns Hopkins Uni- church, conducted the services. His sense of loss versity; Messrs. James A. Gary, Henry P. Janes was personal, as Judge Morris had been one of and Charles J. Bonaparte9, representing the trus- the trustees of the church for many years. In one tees of the Enoch Pratt Library; Messrs. Joseph of the prayers he referred to the great good that C. France and Louis F. Young10, representing the jurist had done and which he hoped would (Continued on page 7) First Unitarian Church News June 2015 The Beacon 7

(Continued from page 6) entirely free trustees of First Unitarian Church, and Messrs. from political George R. Gaither, Dr. William S. Thayer, Rob- entanglement ert H. Smith, Edgar H. Gans, William L. Mar- and esteemed bury, John Hinkley, Frederick J. Singley, Thomas of all men, Foley Hisky, Willis E. Myers, Henry T. Meloney, whether Dem- Arthur George Brown, Michael Jenkins, J. Olney ocrats or Re- Norris, W. Burns Trundle and Edward B. publicans, was McDowell.”2 acceptable to all, though, The Harvard Graduates’ Magazine summed up the probably the response to his death in its memorial notice as follows, youngest man “Seldom has the termination of a long judicial career who up to that been followed by such absolute and unqualified eulogy time had ever on the part of both lawyers and laymen. ‘The one thing in been made which the bar of Baltimore was unanimous is its opinion judge of a sim- of Judge Morris.’”11 Who was this man who was held in ilar court.15 such high regard and whose passing occasioned such an event? In his 33 years Thomas John Morris was born in Baltimore on Sep- on the court, Judge tember 24, 1837. His parents were John Morris of Ireland Morris judged and Sarah Chancellor of Havre, France, who after marry- “many important cases and…solved a great number of ing in Havre, resettled in Baltimore. John Morris was one knotty points of law…. Cases of maritime law and admi- of the founders of the firm Egerton & Morris, which was ralty, of intricate patent laws, of those affecting business involved in the importation of French millstones. After relations and of criminal procedure….”16 One of Judge being educated locally, Thomas J. Morris graduated from Morris’ most important decisions came in 1910 on a mat- Harvard College in 1856. He studied law at the Harvard ter of the fairness of Annapolis elections. An article in Law School and read law in the offices of Hinkley Morris The Crisis: A Record of Darker Places, published by the of Baltimore. The firm comprised Edward Otis Hinkley NAACP and edited by W.E.B. Du Bois, describes the and John T. Morris, who was his ﬁrst cousin. He was ad- decision: mitted to the bar in 1860 and joined the firm. From 1862– 1866 he was a colonel in the Union army, serving on the In the United States Circuit Court of the Dis- staff of Governor Augustus W. Bradford.12 trict of Maryland, Judge Morris made a decision After the Civil War, Thomas Morris returned to the October 28th, declaring the attempt of the Annap- private practice of law at his law firm. He was a commis- olis registrars to disfranchise Negroes was illegal sioner for the Baltimore City government from 1856– and that they are liable to damages. The decision 1878. In 1867, he married Sarah (Sally) Pinkerton Cush- says among other things that “the common sense ing.13 They had one daughter, Josephine Cushing Morris.14 of the situation would seem to be that the law In 1879, Thomas J. Morris was appointed the United forbidding the deprivation or abridgement of the States District Judge for the State of Maryland by Presi- right to vote on account of race or color being the dent Rutherford B. Hayes. As the article “Thomas J. Mor- supreme law, any State law commanding such ris, Just and Merciful Judge” points out, deprivation or abridgement is nugatory and not to be obeyed by any one; and any one who does The appointment did not come to him as a enforce it does so at his known peril, and is made politician. Though an outspoken Union man at liable to an action for damages by the simple act the outset of the Civil War, he rested content up- of enforcing a void law to the injury of the plain- on a statement as to how he stood, and that state- tiff in the suit, and no allegations of malice need 17 ment was made in those troublesome times as be alleged or proved.” calmly and as positively as he would make it today. Still he was never a partisan in the common Judge Morris had, in fact, a history of deciding cases acceptance of the term, and the pursuit of his pro- in favor of African-American plaintiffs. In 1889, for ex- fession engrossed all of his time, so he sought no ample, he decided in favor of and awarded damages to public office. When that came about, he being African-Americans Martha Stewart, Winney Stewart, (Continued on page 8) 8 The Beacon June 2015 First Unitarian Church News

(Continued from page 7) en’s and Aged Men’s Home, a trustee of the Maryland Mary M. Johnson, and Lucy Jones against the steamboat School for the Blind, and president of the Harvard Club Sue for depriving them of first-class accommodations of Baltimore City. Mrs. Morris was also involved in civic even though they had paid for first-class tickets.18 and cultural organizations. Thomas J. Morris was involved in a number of civic All the members of the Morris family—the Judge and organizations, both locally and nationally. He was a vice Mrs. Morris and their daughter, Josephine—were mem- president of the American Peace Society,19 a pacifist soci- bers of the First Unitarian Church, called at that time the ety opposed to wars between nation states. In an address First Independent Church of Baltimore,21 attending ser- he gave to the organization published in The Advocate of vices regularly, participating in its activities and serving Peace 1894-1920, Judge Morris observed: in leadership capacities. Judge Morris was a long-time member of its Board of Trustees (1893–1912), serving as None know better than those who have to do registrar (secretary) at the time of his death. Both the with administering the law through the courts judge and Mrs. Morris also served in the national leader- how inadequate are the results which are arrived ship of Unitarian organizations. He was vice president of at with so much labor, time, and expense, but the both the American Unitarian Association and the Interna- strivings and experience of the wise and able men tional Congress of Religious Liberals. She was president who have preceded us have been able to perfect of the National Alliance of Unitarian and Other Liberal nothing better, and it is amazing after all how Church Women. deeply planted in the affections of the English In A Heritage to Hold in Fee, Rebecca Funk de- speaking people their courts are, and how year by scribes their intimate involvement in matters of the year more of the private grievances which were church as follows: formerly settled in other and often violent ways are brought to them for decision, and how men’s Their home at 708 Park Avenue was a center minds are more and more accustomed to the idea of hospitality for visiting Unitarian ministers, as that if they cannot settle their disputes by their well as for personal friends. Mr. Herbert Mott, own good Sense, the only other thing to do is to who had filled the pulpit and was entertained at fight them out before a tribunal established to the Morris home, in writing…to Mrs. Morris investigate and decide them. said, “I shall always remember gratefully the What has been accomplished in this direction many thoughtful attentions of your dear husband, in respect to private disputes gives promise of attentions offered with a grace and courtesy of what will be accomplished in respect to interna- which we hatchet-faced and stiff-necked New tional disputes. It shows that we are building up- Englanders are quite incapable.” on a structure which experience has demonstrated A major part of the correspondence of Judge to be suitable and fitted to the genius of our peo- Morris as church registrar dealt with candidates ple. We feel that we are not tearing down the old for the vacant Baltimore pulpit, and with preach- order to build up afresh, but are expanding and ers in the inter-regnum,22 so that the church adapting to a wider use an honored institution, would carry on its interest and program. To one which has centuries of increasing approval be- candidate (Mr. Williams) he wrote in 1899 about hind it, and in which the people of our race have the church, “It is now a church of rather plainish confidence and to which they yield obedience.20 people.” When Reverend Mr. Hussey had been select- The vision of an international court has, of course, ed by action of the congregation on April 22, been realized. However, as the history of the 20th century 1902, after a long and thorough search for a min- all too amply demonstrates, this was not the remedy that ister, Judge Morris wrote to Dr. James De Nor- would end wars between nations. mandie, who had been most helpful in suggesting In addition to his position as vice president of the candidates and in making arrangements to fill the American Peace Society, Thomas Morris was the vice Baltimore pulpit: president for Maryland of the American Bar Association and vice president of the Maryland Branch of the Ameri- I think some of our friends of the American can National Red Cross in its inaugural year. (The organi- Unitarian Association and the (Harvard) Divinity zation was chartered in 1905 by President William How- School will grieve that the church did not fall for ard Taft.) Locally, he was a trustee of the Johns Hopkins Professor Edward Hale,23 so please say any com- University, vice president of the board of the Enoch Pratt forting things you can, if you meet them. Some- Free Library, president of the directors of the Aged Wom- (Continued on page 9) First Unitarian Church News June 2015 The Beacon 9

(Continued from page 8) tion, with its national problems and its diverse how Professor Hale did not impress our people states, the people of our land seem to realize that as a very…virile personality, and his preaching the hope for a successful solution of the problems did not excite quite as much interest as I wish it of the future is based more than ever before on had. We all thought he showed a most lovely and the calm judicial determination of these questions spirited nature, kindly and just… by our federal judiciary. Never did the public require greater service; never did the public wel- The Board of Trustees of the First Unitarian fare demand deeper respect for the courts and Church of Baltimore recorded in its Minutes the their decisions. At such a critical period it is, in- following resolution on his life: deed, a pleasure to voice the universal respect and admiration of the bench and bar of Maryland The Honorable Thomas J. Morris for many for the record and character of Judge Morris. It is years Trustee and Registrar of this Church, died in slight but ﬁtting recognition of this universal on the sixth day of June 1912. He was a wise, just sentiment that the bar association of Baltimore and human judge, a public-spirited and useful has prepared and now offers this portrait to the citizen and a lovable man whose private life had court over which Judge Morris has presided for no spot or blemish. Devoted to his church, he so many fruitful years.27 answered its every call upon him; and in memory of his high qualities we here record the loss of our guide and councilor; and our thank- fulness for the life so well lived.

…A marble tablet in memory of Judge Mor- ris was executed by Hans Schuler24 and is on the west wall of the church. The inscription reads: “A just and wise judge—a faithful citizen—a lifelong friend of this church. The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day”25

Memorial Plaque for Thomas J. Morris on the west wall of the First Two ceremonial occasions took place toward the Unitarian sanctuary end of Judge Morris’ life that celebrated the man and his work. The first of these events took place on January 18, 1911, when a portrait of him that the bar association The second occasion was a year later, on January 4, had commissioned out of affection and esteem was pub- 1912, just six months before his death. He was the guest licly presented to the court by a committee of the Bar. of honor at the annual dinner of the Bar Association of The portrait was painted by fellow first Unitarian Thomas Baltimore City. The speaker that evening was Edgar H. C. Corner.26 George R. Gaither, Esq., president of the Bar Gans,28 who in discussion the federal judiciary made the Association of Baltimore City made the presentation ad- following remarks about Judge Morris, dress saying Judge Morris has shown in the 33 years of Judge Morris has completed a service of 30 his work as a federal judge so much amiability, years on the federal bench of this state. It is sel- so much of the milk of human kindness, both to- dom the privilege of any judge to serve the public ward client and attorney; so much common sense so long; it must, indeed, be a source of the deep- in getting at the real merits of a controversy, that est gratiﬁcation to him to feel at the end of that we look up to him as the most ideal judge we period that he has the grateful respect of the en- have ever had in the state of Maryland. It is the tire community which he has so ably served. The crowning glory of his life that the community past three decades have been eventful years in the should not only respect him, but look up to him extension of the sphere of usefulness of all the with reverence and devotion.29 courts of this nation, but especially has the juris- diction of our federal courts been tremendously A week after Judge Morris’ death, “On Friday, June enlarged in its scope and inﬂuence. 14, 1912, the Bench and Bar of Maryland assembled in In the complex civilization of our modern na- (Continued on page 10) 10 The Beacon June 2015 First Unitarian Church News

(Continued from page 9) bles him, dismissing from his mind unessential the United States Court Room in Baltimore. Judge Rose and prejudicial things, to come at the heart of the presided, supported by Chief Judge Boyd of the Court of matter and do fairness. Appeals of Maryland and Chief Judge Harlan of the Su- In the case of Anderson vs. Myers, Judge preme Bench of Baltimore City. There were also in at- Morris, after reviewing the complex constitution- tendance Judges Pearce, Thomas, Stockbridge, Burke and al questions of the Annapolis municipal election Pattison of the Court of Appeals of Maryland, and all the law, in the course of his opinion spoke words members of the Supreme Bench of Baltimore City.”30 which are for us the key to his doings as a man Members of an august committee of jurists, members of and as a judge. He said: “The common sense of the bench and bar, assembled for the purpose, paid tribute the situation would seem to be———” and then to the judge, including Arthur George Brown, Chairman; proceeded to apply that marvelous common sense and Charles J. Bonaparte, Joseph C. France George R. of his to the law in question. And so he applied Gaither, Edgar H. Gans, Thomas G. Hayes, William L. with sympathy and patience that broad, true and Marbury, Edgar Allan Poe, Morris A. Soper, and John loving common sense to all his dealings with Philip Hill. At this gathering, letters of tribute which had men. been received were read, a particularly notable one being …Judge Morris has gone to his reward, his from President William Howard Taft, a fellow Unitarian, inﬂuence is not gone and cannot go from us. He with whom Morris had been involved in national Unitari- did equal right to the poor and the rich as he an organizations and affairs. President Taft wrote, “I was swore to do, and we, brethren of the bar, who very much shocked to hear of the death of Judge Morris. have upon us the duty of our oaths, may say of He was a very warm friend of mine and I knew him well. Judge Morris, as Lincoln did of the men who died He was one of the men who maintained the highest stand- that the Union should live, that from our honored ard of the federal bench and whom it is a pleasure to think dead we may take increased devotion to that of as representing the judiciary of the country. His was a cause for which he gave the last full measure of clear head, a sweet nature, a judicial mind, and a most devotion.32 attractive personality. He deserved all his country could give him and he goes to his final reward without a stain End Notes and with the deep regard of all who knew him.”31 As moving and glowing words were bestowed upon 1The words cited here are on the marble memorial Judge Morris on this occasion; those by committee mem- plaque for Judge Thomas J. Morris on the west wall of the bers Hays, Marbury, Poe, Soper, and Hill and Judge Rose sanctuary below the middle window. The last line is a cita- who succeeded Judge Morris on the bench were cited in tion from the Bible, Proverbs 4:18, “But the path of the just In Memoriam, Thomas J. Morris: 1837–1912. We will is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” (KJV) conclude our profile of Judge Thomas J. Morris, venera- 2 ble judge and loyal member of First Unitarian, with some “Judge Morris Buried: Throng Attends Jurist’s Funeral at Unitarian Church,” The Baltimore Sun June 8, 1912, p. 8. of the words of U. S. District Attorney John Philip Hill: 3 Nathan Goff, Jr. (1843–1920) was a member of the United States Congress from West Virginia. He also served There is a quality of mind and heart that ena- briefly as United States Secretary of the Navy during the bles its possessor to enter the souls of men and Rutherford B. Hayes administration and as a United States hold in common with them their thoughts and federal judge. hopes and fears. The greatest of Americans— 4Phillips Lee Goldsborough (1865–1946), born in President Lincoln—possessed in a rare degree Princess Anne, Maryland, was the comptroller of the Mary- this power to stand aloof and serene amid passion land Treasury from 1898–1900, the 47th governor of Mary- and change, and in him men called it by a simple land from 1912–1916, and a U.S. senator from 1929–1935. term—“common sense.” Its possession is not so 5Hammond Urner (1868–1943) was born in Frederick, general as its name implies, and only by strong, Maryland, and served in the U.S. House of Representatives broad men is it acquired. The ablest advocate at and as chief judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Maryland. the bar may not possess it and may even owe his 6 Alfred Rodman Hussey (1868–1943) was minister at power before jury and court to its absence, for First Unitarian from 1902–1916. Other churches he served power before jury and court may often come to include West Roxbury (1895–1898), Taunton (1899–1902), that type of mind that sees only one side and so Lowell (1916–1920), and Plymouth (1921–1939)—all in sweeps with all its force to the gaining of a parti- Massachusetts. 7 san goal. But this uncommon “common sense” is John Carter Rose (1861–1927) was born in Baltimore necessary to a judge, for it is the quality that ena- (Continued on page 11) First Unitarian Church News June 2015 The Beacon 11

(Continued from page 10) of schools and school sommissioners, and the establishment and educated at the University of Maryland, School of Law. of a system of education, and was instrumental in reorganiz- He was the United States attorney for the District of Mary- ing the militia and in assisting in the movement to acquire a land from 1898–1910. From 1910–1922 he served as judge portion of the Gettysburg battlefield for a cemetery for the for the District of Maryland, assisting Judge Morris and re- Union dead. The constitution of 1864 which abolished slav- placing him upon his death. In 1922, he was elevated to a ery in the state and disenfranchised those who fought for or new seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the aided the Confederacy was only ratified by the vote of the Fourth Circuit, a position he held until his death. soldiers in spite of Bradford’s efforts to secure its adoption. 8John Philip Hill [John Boynton Philip Clayton Hill] Wikipedia (1879–1941) was a U.S. congressman from the Third Con- 13Sarah Pinkerton Cushing Morris (1834–1924) was gressional District of Maryland, serving three terms from the daughter of Joseph Cushing, Jr., who worked in the 1921–1927. company founded by his father, Joseph Cushing, then called 9Henry Pratt Janes was Enoch Pratt’s nephew and a Cushing & Bailey. Joseph Cushing (senior) (1781–1852) partner in his hardware business. When his father, Henry was a printer from Boston who moved to Baltimore about Janes, died in 1895, Henry P. took over many of his respon- 1808, where he established himself as a bookseller. He sibilities, including service on the boards of First Unitarian founded a book publishing and stationery business which and the Enoch Pratt Library. Charles Joseph Bonaparte would last from 1810–1902 (last known as Cushing & Co). was the son of Jerome Napoleon and Susan May (Williams) He served in the legislature and city government, and aided Bonaparte. His father was the only offspring of the ill-fated in the establishment of the first public school in that city. He marriage between Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother, Jerome, was one of the founding members, initial directors and long- and Betsy Patterson Bonaparte. His mother’s family, the time president of the Savings Bank of Baltimore (1827– Williams, were founding members of First Unitarian, in- 1852). (Genealogy page online.) cluding Amos Adams, Cumberland, Nathaniel, Susan and 14Josephine Cushing Morris (1877–1956) was an art others. A lawyer and former U.S. attorney general, he was a connoisseur who maintained a salon in her 708 Park Avenue long-time member of First Unitarian. home. She attended virtually all concerts, art shows, and 10Joseph Chalmers France was an attorney who lectures at the Maryland Historical Society. Many Peabody formed the partnership Willis, Horner France & Smith and students were brought to her for her assessment of their tal- was general counsel for the United Railways and Electric ents. She was educated in Madame LeFavre’s Academy and Company. He served as president of both the Baltimore City later in France where she lived almost one-third of her life. Bar Association and the Maryland State Bar Association. She was decorated by France for her work in restoration of Louis F. Young was the proprietor of Vaile & Young, a France after World War I. She traveled extensively, knew company that manufactured custom metal fittings for build- several languages, and was considered very intelligent and ings. Both France and Young served on the Board of Trus- an excellent conversationalist. She was a member of the tees of First Unitarian. Mount Vernon Club, the Gibson Island Club, the Baltimore 11The Harvard Graduates’ Magazine, William Roscoe Country Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Thayer, William Richards Castle, Mark Antony De Wolfe the Maryland Historical Society, the English-speaking Un- Howe, Arthur Stanwood Pier, Bernard Augustine DeVoto, ion, and the Society for the Preservation of Maryland Antiq- Theodore Morrison, eds. (Harvard Graduates’ Magazine uities. Josephine Morris’ lifelong friend, Alice M. Murphy, Association, 1913). lived with her for 30 years until the latter’s death in 1945. 12Augustus Williamson Bradford (1806–1881) was “Miss J. C. Morris, Art Patron, Dies” The Sun, June 18, the 32nd governor of Maryland from 1862–1866, serving 1956, p. 30. Josephine Morris left a bequest of $5,000 to during the Civil War. From 1845–1851, Bradford was the First Unitarian in memory of her father. clerk of the Baltimore County Court. In February 1861, 15“Thomas J. Morris, Just and Merciful Judge,” The Governor Thomas H. Hicks appointed Bradford one of Mar- Baltimore Sun, March 26, 1911, p. L2. yland’s delegates to the Washington Peace Conference, 16Ibid. where he made a speech supporting the Union. Following 17 “Judicial Decisions,” The Crisis: A Record of the the conference, the Union Party named Bradford as its can- Darker Places (New York: National Association for the didate for governor; he was elected and took office on Janu- Advancement of Colored People, December, 1910), Volume ary 8, 1862. During his term, he violently opposed the feder- One, Number Two, p. 6. al government’s interference in Maryland’s elections, up- 18 “Colored Passengers: Judge Morris Decides They held the dignity of the state government and defied the harsh Cannot be Denied First-Class Accommodations,” The Sun, and arbitrary military occupation, and went to great lengths February 3, 1885, p. 6. to keep the state in the Union. During the Civil War, the 19The American Peace Society was a pacifist group Confederates invaded Maryland three times. He encouraged founded by William Ladd, in New York City in 1828, immigration into Maryland especially after the abolition of formed by the merging of many state and local societies. slavery, supported the appointment of a state superintendent (Continued on page 12) 12 The Beacon June 2015 First Unitarian Church News

(Continued from page 11) nin Paris. Corner is most known for his portraits of promi- Ladd was an advocate of a “Congress and High Court of Na- nent businessmen, but he also painted others, including Sir tions.” The society organized peace conferences and regular- William Osler, Dr. William H. Welch, Henry Walters, Ed- ly published a periodical entitled Advocate of Peace. The ward Cooper, the Mayor of New York, and Reverend Ed- society was only opposed to wars between nation states; it ward G. Helfenstein, the Bishop of Maryland. His portrait of did not oppose the American Civil War, regarding the Un- Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes hangs in the New York ion’s war as a “police action” against the “criminals” of the State Capital.. His portrait of Judge Morris hangs in the Fed- Confederacy. Its most famous leader was Benjamin Franklin eral Courthouse. Corner’s works are also held by The Balti- Trueblood (1847–1916), a Quaker who in his book The Fed- more Museum of Art and the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Wik- eration of the World (1899) called for the establishment of an ipedia international state to bring about lasting peace in the world. 27In Memoriam, Thomas J. Morris: 1837–1912, pp. 10– The group is now based in Washington. Its official journal is 11. World Affairs. Wikipedia 28Edgar H. Gans (1856–1914) was a former deputy 20 “Address of Judge Thomas J. Morris,” The Advocate state’s attorney a highly regarded member of the Bar Associ- of Peace 1894–1920, volume 59, no. 8 (August and Septem- ation. ber, 1897), p. 194. 29In Memoriam, Thomas J. Morris: 1837–1912, pp. 13– 21“The First Independent Church of Baltimore” was the 14. original name of our church. In the late 19th to early 20th 30Ibid, p. 27. centuries, the word “Christ’s” was inserted after the word 31Ibid, p. 29. “Independent,” though this was never formally adopted. The 32Ibid, pp. 38–39. name was changed to “First Unitarian Church (Universalist and Unitarian),” the one we still use, in 1935 at the time of the merger with the Second Universalist Society. First Uni- Pledging: FY 2014 vs 2015 tarian Church of Baltimore is the oldest “purpose-built” Uni- tarian Church in North America. This means that it is the On June 23, 2014, $189,398 had been pledged. By oldest Unitarian church built by Unitarians for the purpose of September 27, 2014, that figure had grown to $190,667 being a Unitarian church. and the final figure for FY 2014-2015 was 22 Charles Richmond Weld was minister at the Church $194,216. This should provide some insight as to the from 1873–1898. He was a strong and admired leader during growth during the year after the pledge drive has been whose time much was accomplished. William B. Geoghe- concluded. The September 2014 figure resulted from 124 gan was the called minister for one year, 1900–1901. One pledges by 154 members/units. can only surmise from the brevity of his stay that it was not a As of May 24, 2015, we can project $142,110 from 85 good fit. Alfred R. Hussey was called as minister in 1902, pledges. Another 18 pledging units who contribute auto- staying until 1916. matically have not expressly indicated their intention to 23Edward Everett Hale (1822–1909) was an author, historian and Unitarian minister. He had retired as minister continue at the current rate. These 18 units are now con- from the South Congregational Church in 1899. At the turn tributing $25,500 per year. of the century, Hale was recognized as among the nation's If this potential $25,500 is added to the already most important men of letters. pledged $142,110, the total pledged for 2015-2016 to date 24Hans K. Schuler (1874–1951) was a German-born would be $167,610. American sculptor and monument maker based in Baltimore. There are 39 other units who pledged last year from He was the first American sculptor ever to win the Salon whom we do not have pledges for the new fiscal year. Gold Medal. His works are in several important museum collections, and he also created many public monuments, If you haven’t pledged yet for the 2015 FY (July 1- mostly for locations in Maryland and in the Washington, DC, June 30), you can do so securely online at area. For over a quarter of a century he served as president of www.firstunitarian.net. Simply go to the Giving tab the Maryland Institute College of Art. and click on Pledge Here. You have the option of 25Rebecca Funk, A Heritage to Hold in Fee 1817–1917: providing a one-time gift, or paying weekly, monthly, First Unitarian Church of Baltimore (Universalist and Uni- or quarterly. Payment options include auto-debit from tarian). (Baltimore: Garamond Press, 1962), pp. 77–78. a checking or savings account, auto-debit from a debit 26 Thomas Cromwell Corner (1865–1938) was a noted or credit card, or pay my mail or other method (eg, put portrait artist from Baltimore and founding member of the a check in the offering plate). Your support is needed. Baltimore Museum of Art. He was a member of First Unitar- ian, serving on the Board of Trustees and as its president. He studied at Maryland Institute College of Art and Art Students View church calendar: http://tinyurl.com/k3ttjlf League in New York before enrolling in the Acadêmie Jullia- First Unitarian Church News June 2015 The Beacon 13 I experience heart sadness when my relationship with Coffee Cabinet a friend is damaged; when a colleague in public ministry dies; when the city I have come to love bursts into BY REV. DAVID CARL OLSON flames. There is a stillness that comes to my heart. And in the stillness, I hear my heart still beating. I realize that Dear Congregation, Dear Community, I am still alive. I call on the convictions that emerge from

my heart—and I can act. I love The Wizard of Oz. (The film, David Carl Olson As a Christian child, I was taught that “We love be- that is.) As a kid, I was fascinated by the visuals and the cause He first loved us,” and I think that it is true. We stark contrast between the old-timey Kansas country life, learn to love because love is given to us. Our caregivers which reminded me in ways of conversations with my showed us sustenance and nurture, safety and attention, gramma (and especially a photo of my proud, bearded and the love they gave us helped us to be people who great-grandfather standing beside his sway-backed horse) love. and the opulent cityscapes of Munchkinland and Emerald This city needs love today; and if we can display our City. I knew from the start that I was a “friend of Doro- courage, our heart-strength, to this city, we may be the thy,” and as a child, the fullness of that was that I identi- vehicles who make true our faith’s promise of a Love fied thoroughly with Dorothy and her companion spirit, that knows no boundaries. And not our city alone, but Toto. we, all of us, need to have our hearts touched by Love. I was struck, years later, that half of the four aspira- We need to care for one another in this time of challenge, tions sought by the travelers to meet the Wizard related that Love among us will transform us, and transform our to the heart. The Scarecrow sought a brain, of course, hurt and brokenness and fear into an attitude of solidarity and Dorothy so wanted to go home. But the Tin Man and affection, of identification and compassion. sought a heart to fill the emptiness of his hollow chest, They found Emerald City, you know; and they made and the Cowardly Lion sought courage. [derivation: Lat- their requests of the Wizard. And as they turned to each in cor (heart)Old French corageMiddle English other, the Wizard performed the magic of letting them courage]. know that what they sought had been there all the time. It may be that all religious seekers are looking for a Big Unitarian brains, and loving and courageous Univer- place to call home. Unitarians certainly are known for salist hearts, and even—with a click of one’s ruby slip- their (our!) very-full brains. But it is the Universalist tra- pered heels—home. dition that centers itself in the heart, in a Love so great Take heart, friends! Much love, that all are brought into harmony. And the heart, over- full with Love, leads us to act with courage. The trek to the Emerald City, by my estimation, makes at least half of its trek on a Universalist journey.

My mentor in theater, Maxine Klein, teaches acting David Carl Olson, Minister by asking us to locate our emotional memory and emo- The Kids Call Me “Rev” tional present in four body acting centers, among them the heart. She offers: Think of a time when you felt great pain at Mission First Unitarian Church of Baltimore is the spiritual home of a diverse someone’s leave-taking. and mutually supportive community of people who strive to build on S/he might have left you for another. our deep historical roots as a congregation to be a beacon of hope, S/he might have died. social justice, and liberal religious values in Baltimore and the world. Whatever the nature of the leave-taking, you felt pain in your heart. The pain may have been so great that you felt your heart would crack (Rev.) David Carl Olson: [email protected] Break Study: 410-68 5-2330 that it would stop altogether. Cell/Text: 410-350-9339 (preferred) (Time, Space and Designs for Actors, 1975) Open Hours in the Study: Monday 1:00 pm–4 :00 pm; Wednesday 4:00 pm–7:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am–1:00 pm Remembering—re-experiencing—pain in the heart gives me a sense of what is most real. Heart pain, heart My weekend begins 5:00 pm Thursday and ends 10:00 pm emptiness, heart brokenness stops me, takes me to a deep Saturday. E-mail won’t be responded to on my “weekend.” place where I must look at the world as it is, and must As pastoral duties sometimes call me out of the study, it is think about what really matters in my life. a good idea to call in advance. 14 The Beacon June 2015 First Unitarian Church News The Beacon The First Unitarian Church of Baltimore Nonprofit Org. 1 West Hamilton Street U.S. Postage Baltimore, Maryland, 21201 Paid Baltimore, MD Permit No. 5837 Change Service Requested

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Church Office Hours: 10 AM - 3 PM Tues. - Fri. Minister’s Office Hours: 1 PM - 4 PM, Mon.; 4 PM - 7 PM, Wed.; 10 AM - 1 PM, First Unitarian Church of Baltimore Sat.. Other times by appointment. (Please call 410-350-9339.) (Universalist and Unitarian) Interim DLRE Office Hours: 10 AM – 3 PM Tues. and by appointment. (Please call 410-685-4311. Ext. 107) Minister: Rev. David Carl Olson Phone: 410-685-2330 Ministers Emeriti Fax: 410-685-4133 Phyllis Hubbell, John Manwell E-mail: [email protected] Affiliate Ministers Web: www.firstunitarian.net Dr. Michael S. Franch, Rev. Harry Woosley, Jr., Rev. Susan Margarete Stine Donham The Beacon Endorsed Community Minister: Rev. Dale Lantz Editing / Layout: Janet Campbell, Gwyn Degner, Diana Karr, Laura Smith Proofreaders: Betty Townsend and Clare Milton Board of Trustees Publication Schedule Beth Morse, Acting President Deadlines: 1st or 2nd Thursday of each month (see church calendar) Julie Bell, Secretary June Editors: Janet Campbell, Gwyn Degner Doreion Colter, Treasurer July Issue Deadline: Thursday, June 4, 2015 Sharon Carter, Mike Cross-Barnett, July Editors: Gwyn Degner, Laura Smith Katie Davis, Alice Lium, Cassandra Orem, Karla Peterson To Submit Articles or Other Beacon Items: Oscar Sinclair  Whenever possible, please e-mail to [email protected].  Or put them on disk or paper and mail them to the church office. Church Staff  You may also fax them to the church or place written articles and disks Karen Lee Scrivo, Interim Dir. of Religious Ed. in the Beacon mailbox on Sundays. James Houston, Music Director  Please use as little formatting as possible in articles, and include the Aubrey Reigh, Office Administrator author’s name. We welcome photos to accompany articles. The editors reserve all editing rights.