History of the First Universalist Church in Somerville, Mass. Illustrated; a souvenir of the fiftieth anniversary celebrated February 15-21, 1904

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Preface

Since about the middle of the last century, Universalism has been preached in Somerville. It was early in the fifties that the first seeds of our faith were sown in this city, the Rev. George H. Emerson, for many years the editor of the Christian Leader, being the preacher. There can be no doubt but that from the first the seed fell upon good ground, for in February, 1854, a legal parish was organized and the work and worship firmly established. To the charter members of the parish those may have seemed days of small things, but from humble beginnings the faithful have pressed on until there are now three Universalist churches in Somerville, ministering to nearly a thousand families.

In view of this honorable history, it seemed that this semi-centennial year should not be allowed to pass without recognition. Accordingly, during the week of February 15, 1904, appropriate anniversary exercises were held in our church and Social Hall.

At the annual parish meeting the following March, it was voted to publish the proceedings of the observance in book form, and the committee having the matter in charge offers this volume as a permanent record of the things that were said and done at that time.