Berry Street Essay

Ministerial Conference at Berry Street: History

The Rev. William Ellery Channing, Minister of the Federal Street Church of Boston, invited all Massachusetts ministers known to be liberal to meet in the vestry of his church (whose entrance was on Berry Street) on May 30, 1820. At the meeting Channing delivered a prepared address. He urged upon his colleagues a “bond of union” among liberal Christian ministers, within which they might meet to exchange practical ideas for strengthening their ministries.

Meeting again on the evening of May 31, 1820, the ministers adopted a few simple rules for ensuring free and broad discussion at an annual conference, and also the means of each year asking one or two of their number to come with prepared remarks – or an essay. Thus was initiated the Berry Street Conference which has convened every year save one (during WWII) since 1820, and thus is the Berry Street Essay the oldest lecture series on the North American continent. As from its beginning, its purpose is to contribute to the practical strength of liberal ministries. The convening of the Berry Street Conference, for the delivery and hearing of the Berry Street Essay, has for many years now been the last event of the annual meeting and conference of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association.

Unfortunately, the records of the Conference were lost in transit from one scribe to the next in 1920, so an entire century of the history was lost along with copies of many of the essays. Prof. Charles Lyttle of Meadville Lombard was asked to reconstruct that history to the best of his ability, and he submitted his results to the Conference in 1927. That document is preserved in the Berry Street Conference Archives at the Andover-Harvard Library: (http://www.hds.harvard.edu/library/bms/bms00136.html) Lyttle then summarized his conclusions and observations from his research in an article entitled “An Outline of the History of the Berry Street Ministerial Conference” in the the Meadville Theological School Quarterly Bulletin in 1930. His work was then updated to include all essays delivered through 1993 by Rudy Nemser when he served as scribe in his book, The Berry Street Conference. The current project of presenting these essays on the web is deeply dependent on the work these two have done.

The essayist is chosen by a committee of three and a scribe, now elected by the members of the UUMA. The scribe serves as convener of the committee and the Conference, and also as the Conference historian.

Berry Street Essay Charter (as approved May 2023)
Berry Street Essay Scribe: Job Description and Selection Process

Ministerial Conference at Berry Street: Committee History

2023-2024 Committee Members:

Berry Street Essay Charter (as approved May 2023)
Berry Street Essay Scribe: Job Description and Selection Process

Constance Simon

Scribe (incoming)
524 Douglas StreetApt 102West SacramentoCA95605
2158206959 - Mobile

Aisha Ansano

Member
143 Tremont StMaldenMA02148

Mark Morrison-Reed

Member
11 Christie Street #506TorontoONM6G 4C3
(416) 660-8745

Elizabeth Stevens

Member
1603 East 6th StMoscowID83843

Kate Walker

Scribe (outgoing)
322 West Penn PlacePittsburghPA15224
4126218008 | (571) 243-6114 - Mobile https://www.revkatewalker.com/

The Rev. Dr. Kate R. Walker, (she/her/hers) began serving the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh in August of 2021.  Previously she served the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church in Alexandria, Virginia, and the Meadville Unitarian Universalist Church, in Pennsylvania.  She was raised Unitarian Universalist and is a double UU preacher’s kid.  She received her BA in Communications from the University of Denver, an MA in Social Ecology from Goddard College in Plainfield Vermont, an M.Div. from Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, California.  She received her Doctor of Ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. She lives in Pittsburgh with her husband Mark and two deeply loved Springer Spaniels. 

Her experience with the Unitarian Universalist Minister’s Association and UUA includes: Holding the Arrangements Portfolio for the UUMA Executive Committee; coordinating Arrangements and Program for CONVO ‘09 in Ottawa; serving as Treasurer for Ohio-Meadville UUMA; Good Officer for Chesapeake UUMA and Ohio Meadville Chapter; serving on the CUUMA Annual Retreat Committee; serving on the UUMA Connect Coordinating Team; and is currently serving as the Scribe for the Ministerial Conference at Berry Street. She is editor of “The Through Line: 200 Years of the Berry Street Essays,” and co-author of “Facing Death with Life,” adult curriculum.

For the UUA, she previously served on the Central East Regional Advisory Council; as a UUA Regional Transitions Coach; is a Healthy Boundaries Trainer; and serves as an Advocate on behalf of complainants to the UUA’s Safe Congregations Office, in addition, she is the former President of UU History and Heritage Society, and former President of UU Women’s Heritage Society.

Leslie Takahashi

Board Liaison
55 Eckley LaneWalnut CreekCA94595
(925) 914-7373 | (925) 914-7373 - Mobile

Janette Lallier

Staff Liaison
24 Farnsworth Street3rd FloorBostonMA02210-1409
617-848-0498 | 401-578-9093 - Mobile
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History of Committee Membership

YearExecutive1Executive2Executive3Scribe
2024Mark Morrison-ReedAisha AnsanoElizabeth StevensConnie Simon
 2023 Lynn GardnerJose Ballester Aisha AnsanoKate Walker
 2022Sofia Betancourt Lynn Gardner Jose BallesterKate Walker
2021William SinkfordSofia BetancourtLynn GardnerKate Walker
2020Lindi Ramsden William SinkfordSofia Betancourt Kate Walker
2019Mitra Rahnema Lindi RamsdenWilliam Sinkford Kate Walker
2018Mark Morrison-Reed Mitra RahnemaLindi Ramsden Kate Walker
2017Barbara CoeymanMark Morrison-ReedMitra Rahnema Kate Walker
2016Manish Mishra-MarzettiBarbara CoeymanMark Morrison-ReedKate Walker
2015Deborah Pope LanceManish Mishra-MarzettiBarbara CoeymanKate Walker
2014Rosemary Bray McNattDeborah Pope LanceManish Mishra-MarzettiPaul Sprecher
2013Peter LutonRosemary Bray McNattDeborah Pope LancePaul Sprecher
2012Linda Olson PeeblesPeter LutonRosemary Bray McNattPaul Sprecher
2011Kathryn RohdeLinda Olson PeeblesPeter LutonPaul Sprecher
2010Paul JohnsonKathryn RohdeLinda Olson PeeblesPaul Sprecher
2009Makanah MorrissPaul JohnsonKathryn RohdePaul Sprecher
2008Richard S. GilbertMakanah MorrissPaul JohnsonPaul Sprecher
2007Judith Walker-RiggsMarjorie Bowens-WheatleyMakanah MorrissAlice Blair Wesley
2006Barry AndrewsJudith Walker-RiggsMarjorie Bowens-WheatleyAlice Blair Wesley
2005Tom GoldsmithBarry AndrewsJudith Walker-RiggsAlice Blair Wesley
2004Daniel BuddTom GoldsmithBarry AndrewsAlice Blair Wesley
2003David JohnsonDaniel BuddTom GoldsmithKen Sawyer
2002Kendyl GibbonsDavid JohnsonDaniel BuddKen Sawyer
2001Gretchen WoodsKendyl GibbonsDavid JohnsonRudy Nemser
2000Mark BelletiniGretchen WoodsKendyl GibbonsRudy Nemser
1999Marta FlanaganMark BelletiniGretchen WoodsRudy Nemser
1998Carol HepokowskiMarta FlanaganMark BelletiniRudy Nemser
1997Jim NelsonCarol HepokowskiMarta FlanaganRudy Nemser
1996Mark HarrisJim NelsonCarol HepokowskiRudy Nemser
1995Lucy HitchcockMark HarrisJim NelsonRudy Nemser
1994Laurel HallmanLucy HitchcockMark HarrisRudy Nemser
1993Thomas WintleLaurel HallmanLucy HitchcockRudy Nemser
1992Raymond MankerThomas WintleLaurel HallmanRudy Nemser
1991Joyce H. SmithRaymond MankerThomas WintleRudy Nemser
1990Terry BurkeJoyce H. SmithRaymond MankerRudy Nemser
1989Todd TaylorTerry BurkeJoyce H. SmithRudy Nemser
1988Gertrude Lindener-StawskiTodd TaylorTerry BurkeRudy Nemser
1987Helen L. CohenGertrude Lindener-StawskiTodd TaylorRudy Nemser
1986Carl R. ScovelHelen L. CohenGertrude Lindener-StawskiGreta W. Crosby
1985David R. WeissbardCarl R. ScovelHelen L. CohenGreta W. Crosby
1984Joy A. AtkinsonDavid R. WeissbardCarl R. ScovelGreta W. Crosby
1983Carl R. ScovelJoy A. AtkinsonDavid R. WeissbardGreta W. Crosby
1982David R. WeissbardCarl R. ScovelJoy A. AtkinsonGreta W. Crosby
1981Marjorie SamsDavid R. WeissbardCarl R. ScovelGreta W. Crosby
1980Kenneth WarrenMarjorie SamsDavid R. WeissbardGreta W. Crosby
1979Charles A. ReinhardtKenneth WarrenMarjorie SamsGreta W. Crosby
1978Dorothy SpoerlCharles A. ReinhardtKenneth WarrenGreta W. Crosby
1977W. Bradford GreeleyDorothy SpoerlCharles A. ReinhardtGreta W. Crosby
1976Donald W. RowleyW. Bradford GreeleyDorothy SpoerlGreta W. Crosby
1975Albert HobartDonald W. RowleyW. Bradford GreeleyRobert Maurice Bowman
1974James M. HutchinsonAlbert HobartDonald W. RowleyRobert Maurice Bowman
1973Donald W. RowleyJames M. Hutchinson, John GodbeyAlbert HobartRobert Maurice Bowman
1972Jack ZoerheideFelix Danforth LionJames M. Hutchinson, John GodbeyRobert Maurice Bowman
1971Webster L. KitchellJack ZoerheideFelix Danforth LionJack Zoerheide
1970Felix Danforth LionWebster L. KitchellJack ZoerheideJack Zoerheide
1969Ralph N. HelversonFelix Danforth LionWebster L. KitchellDonald W. Rowley
1968Thaddeus ClarkRalph N. HelversonFelix Danforth LionDonald W. Rowley
1967James HutchinsonThaddeus ClarkRalph N. HelversonCharles Allan Reinhardt
1966Charles A. ReinhardtJames HutchinsonThaddeus ClarkCharles Allan Reinhardt
1965Harry B. ScholefieldCharles A. ReinhardtJames HutchinsonFred Alvah Rutledge
1964Tracy PullmanHarry B. ScholefieldEdwin M. Lane[no scribe, no elections]
1963Ralph N. HelversonTracy PullmanHarry B. ScholefieldFred Alvah Rutledge
1962John G. MacKinnonRalph N. HelversonTracy PullmanFred Alvah Rutledge
1961Max GaeblerJohn G. MacKinnonRalph N. HelversonFred Alvah Rutledge
1960Frank O. HolmesMax GaeblerJohn G. MacKinnonJames M. Hutchinson
1959Alfred W. HobartFrank O. HolmesMax GaeblerJames M. Hutchinson
1958Karl M.C. ChworowskyAlfred W. HobartFrank O. HolmesJames M. Hutchinson
1957Josiah BartlettKarl M.C. ChworowskyAlfred W. HobartJames Hutchinson
1956Payson MillerJosiah BartlettKarl M.C. ChworowskyRichard Henry
1955Edwin T. BuehrerPayson MillerJosiah BartlettRichard Henry
1954John CyrusEdwin T. BuehrerPayson MillerRichard Henry
1953Robert Hugo Schacht, Jr.John CyrusEdwin T. BuehrerJohn Cyrus
1952David Rhys WilliamsRobert Hugo Schacht, Jr.John CyrusRichard Seebode
1951Greald WearyDavid Rhys WilliamsRobert Hugo Schacht, Jr.Richard Seebode
1950Wallace RobbinsGreald WearyDavid Rhys WilliamsRichard Seebode
1949Peter SamsonWallace RobbinsGreald WearyRichard Seebode
1948Robert RaiblePeter SamsonWallace RobbinsRichard Seebode
1947Leslie T. PenningtonRobert RaiblePeter SamsonRichard Seebode
1946Irving R. MurrayRobert Terry WestonLeslie T. PenningtonChadbourne Arnold Spring
1945   Not Held
1944Harold G. ArnoldIrving R. MurrayRobert Terry WestonEarl Clement Davis
1943E. Burdette BackusHarold G. ArnoldIrving R. MurrayEarl Clement Davis
1942Alson H. RobinsonE. Burdette BackusHarold G. ArnoldEdwin Burdette Backus
1941Duncan HowlettAlson H. RobinsonE. Burdette BackusAlson Haven Robinson
1940Earl G. DavisDuncan HowlettAlson H. RobinsonDu Bois LeFevre
1939Frederick Lewis WeisEarl G. DavisDuncan HowlettDu Bois LeFevre
1938Leslie T. PenningtonFrederick Lewis WeisEarl G. DavisDu Bois LeFevre
1937J. Harry HooperLeslie T. PenningtonFrederick Lewis WeisPalfrey Perkins
1936Du Blois LeFevreJ. Harry HooperLeslie T. PenningtonPalfrey Perkins
1935Frank O. HolmesDu Blois LeFevreJ. Harry HooperPalfrey Perkins
1934Edward H. CottonFrank O. HolmesDu Blois LeFevreAlfred Rodman Hussey
1933Harold G. ArnoldEdward H. CottonFrank O. HolmesAlfred Rodman Hussey
1932Ralph E. BaileyHarold G. ArnoldEdward H. CottonAlfred Rodman Hussey
1931R. Stanton HodginRalph E. BaileyHarold G. ArnoldAlfred Rodman Hussey
1930Charles A. WingR. Stanton HodginRalph E. BaileyAlfred Rodman Hussey
1929Miles HansonCharles A. WingR. Stanton HodginAlfred Rodman Hussey
1928Minot SimonsMiles HansonCharles A. WingAlfred Rodman Hussey
1927Edwin Mitchell SlocombeMinot SimonsMiles HansonAlfred Rodman Hussey
1926Earl M. WilburEdwin Mitchell SlocombeMinot SimonsAlfred Rodman Hussey
1925John M. WilsonEarl M. WilburEdwin Mitchell SlocombeAlfred Rodman Hussey
1924John C. PerkinsJohn M. WilsonEarl M. WilburAlfred Rodman Hussey
1923Charles E. ParkJohn C. PerkinsJohn M. WilsonEugene R. Shippen
1922Joel H. MetcalfCharles E. ParkJohn C. PerkinsEugene R. Shippen
1921Henry Wilder FooteJoel H. MetcalfJohn C. PerkinsEugene R. Shippen
1920Joel H. MetcalfHenry Wilder FooteJoel H. MetcalfEugene R. Shippen
1919John C. PerkinsJoel H. MetcalfHenry Wilder FooteEugene R. Shippen
1918George R. DodsonHenry Wilder FooteJoel H. MetcalfEdward Dunbar Johnson
1917Frederick GillGeorge R. DodsonHenry Wilder FooteEdward Dunbar Johnson
1916Augustus P. ReccordFrederick GillGeorge R. DodsonEdward Dunbar Johnson
1915Minot SimonsAugustus P. ReccordFrederick GillPalfrey Perkins
1914Frederick GillMinot SimonsAugustus P. ReccordPalfrey Perkins
1913Roderick StebbinsLeon H. HarveyAlfred LazenbyPalfrey Perkins
1912Adeibert L. HudsonRobert F. LeavensJoel H. MetcalfPalfrey Perkins
1911William H. LyonsHenry H. SaundersonRoger S. ForbesPalfrey Perkins
1910George BatchelorAugustus M. LordCharles T. BillingsJulian Clifford Jaynes
1909George BatchelorAugustus M. LordCharles T. BillingsJulian Clifford Jaynes
1908Henry Wilder FooteAustin S. GarverChristopher R. EliotBradley Gilman
1907Alfred C. NickersonAustin S. GarverEugene R. ShippenGeorge D. Latimer
1906Alfred C. NickersonAustin S. GarverEugene R. ShippenGeorge D. Latimer
1905Alfred C. NickersonAustin S. GarverEugene R. ShippenGeorge D. Latimer
1904Ulysses G. B. PierceJames EllsGeorge H. BadgerGeorge D. Latimer
1903Edward D.-TowleAustin. S. GarverEarl M. WilburF. W. Pratt
1902Christopher R. EliotAugustus M. LordFrederick GillF. W. Pratt
1901C. A. StaplesJames EllsHenry T. SecristF. W. Pratt
1900Samuel M. CrothersWilliam H. LyonsGeorge H. BadgerAlfred Manchester
1899Henry C. DeLongEdward HaleHenry T. SecristJohn C. Forbes
1898William H. LyonsAustin E. GarverPaul R. FrothinghamJohn C. Forbes
1897Stephen H. CampWilliam H. SavageGeorge C. CresseyJohn C. Forbes
1896Samuel M. CrothersHoward Nicholson BrownCharles B. ElderJohn C. Forbes
1895Edward D. TowlePitt DillinghamD. Munro WilsonJohn C. Forbes
1894Samuel B. StewartPitt DillinghamD. Munro WilsonJohn C. Forbes
1893Samuel B. StewartWilliam H. SavageD. Munro WilsonWilliam H. Fish, Jr.
1892Samuel B. StewartWilliam H. SavageGeorge BatchelorWilliam H. Fish, Jr.
1891Henry C. DeLongWilliam H. SavageGeorge BatchelorWilliam H. Fish, Jr.
1890Henry C. DeLongBenjamin R. BulkleyGeorge BatchelorCharles F. Dole
1889Henry C. DeLongBenjamin R. BulkleyWilliam I. NicholsCharles F. Dole
1888Christopher R. EliotBenjamin R. BulkleyWilliam I. NicholsCharles F. Dole
1887Francis Greenwood PeabodyCharles F. DoleWilliam I. NicholsHoward Nicholson Brown
1886Francis Greenwood PeabodyCharles F. DoleEdwin H. HallHoward Nicholson Brown
1885Francis Greenwood PeabodyCharles F. DoleEdwin H. HallHoward Nicholson Brown
1884Francis Greenwood PeabodyCharles F. DoleEdwin H. HallHoward Nicholson Brown
1883Francis Greenwood PeabodyCharles F. Dole Howard Nicholson Brown
1882Henry H. BarberHoward Nicholson BrownJohn G. BrooksGeorge A. Thayer
1881J. F. W. WareHoward Nicholson BrownJohn G. BrooksGeorge A. Thayer
1880John Fothergill Waterhouse WareRush R. ShippenH. H. BarberGeorge A. Thayer
1879John Fothergill Waterhouse WareRush R. ShippenGeorge A. ThayerHenry Hervey Barber
1878John Fothergill Waterhouse WareRush R. ShippenGeorge A. ThayerHenry Hervey Barber
1877John Fothergill Waterhouse WareRush R. ShippenGeorge A. ThayerHenry Hervey Barber
1876John Fothergill Waterhouse WareRush R. ShippenGeorge A. ThayerHenry Hervey Barber
1875John Fothergill Waterhouse WareRush R. ShippenGeorge A. ThayerHenry Hervey Barber
1874Samuel H. WinkleyCharles LoweGeorge L. ChaneyFrancis T. Washburn
1873Samuel H. WinkleyCharles LoweGeorge L. ChaneyHenry Wilder Foote
1872Samuel H. WinkleyCharles LoweGeorge L. ChaneyHenry Wilder Foote
1871Samuel H. WinkleyCharles LoweGeorge L. ChaneyHenry Wilder Foote
1870Henry Wilder FooteCharles LoweGeorge L. ChaneyEdward J. Young
1869Henry Wilder FooteCharles LoweGeorge L. ChaneyEdward J. Young
1868Henry Wilder FooteCharles LoweGeorge L. ChaneyEdward J. Young
1867Henry Wilder FooteCharles LoweGeorge L. ChaneyEdward J. Young
1866   Edward J. Young
1865William P. TildenHenry Wilder FooteCharles LoweEdward J. Young
1864William NewellWilliam P. TildenHenry Wilder FooteEdward J. Young
1863James W. ThompsonSamuel G. BulfinchWilliam NewellEdward J. Young
1862    
1861    
1860    
1859    
1858William R. AlgerDexter ClappJoseph H. AllenRufus Ellis
1857William R. AlgerDexter ClappJoseph H. AllenRufus Ellis
1856    
1855George H. EllisJames W. ThompsonEdward B. Hall of ProvidenceFrederick Dan Huntington
1854George H. EllisJames W. ThompsonEdward B. Hall of ProvidenceFrederick Dan Huntington
1853George H. EllisJames W. ThompsonEdward B. Hall of ProvidenceFrederick Dan Huntington
1852George H. EllisJames W. ThompsonEdward B. Hall of ProvidenceFrederick Dan Huntington
1851George H. EllisJames Freeman ClarkeSamuel OsgoodFrederick Dan Huntington
1850George H. EllisJames Freeman ClarkeSamuel OsgoodFrederick Dan Huntington
1849George H. EllisJames Freeman ClarkeSamuel OsgoodFrederick Dan Huntington
1848George H. EllisJames Freeman ClarkeSamuel OsgoodFrederick Dan Huntington
1847Alexander YoungGeorge PutnamGeorge H. EllisFrederick Dan Huntington
1846Alexander YoungGeorge H. EllisJames Freeman ClarkeFrederick Dan Huntington
1845Alexander YoungGeorge PutnamGeorge H. EllisFrederick Dan Huntington
1844Alexander YoungChandler RobbinsGeorge H. EllisFrederick Dan Huntington
1843Alexander Young  Samuel Dowse Robbins
1842Alexander YoungGeorge PutnamSamuel K. LothropChandler Robbins
1841Alexander YoungGeorge PutnamSamuel K. LothropChandler Robbins
1840Alexander YoungGeorge PutnamSamuel K. LothropChandler Robbins
1839Alexander YoungGeorge PutnamSamuel K. LothropChandler Robbins
1838Alexander YoungGeorge PutnamSamuel K. LothropChandler Robbins
1837Alexander YoungGeorge PutnamSamuel K. LothropChandler Robbins
1836   Chandler Robbins
1835    
1834    
1833   Mellish Irving Motte
1832   Samuel Barrett
1831   Samuel Barrett
1830   Samuel Barrett
1829   Samuel Barrett
1828   Samuel Barrett
1827    
1826   Henry Ware, Jr.
1825Thaddeus Mason HarrisWilliam James PorterCharles LowellHenry Ware, Jr.
1824Thaddeus Mason HarrisWilliam James PorterCharles LowellHenry Ware, Jr.
1823   Henry Ware, Jr.
1822Joseph TuckermanJames WalkerJohn Pierce of BrooklineHenry Ware, Jr.
1821 James Walker?[1822] Henry Ware, Jr.
1820    

This project was funded in part by the Fund for Unitarian Universalism.

Entries on this list contain varying amounts of information.  That is because in 1920 Scribal records of the Berry Street Conference’ first hundred years were lost in transit from one Scribe to another.  The Conference asked Charles Lyttle, Professor of Church History at Meadville, to try to reconstitute the history.  He did so, but with many lacunae.  Lyttle summarized his conclusions and observations from his research in an article entitled “An Outline of the History of the Berry Street Ministerial Conference” in the the Meadville Theological School Quarterly Bulletin in 1930.  The Rev. Rudy Nemser left the Scribal records here posted for his successors.  At time of posting were corrected by Berry Street Project researchers Beth Ellen Cooper-Davis and Paul Sprecher. At the conclusion of this project maintenance of the essays was assumed by the UUMA Staff.

YearEssayistCity, StateChurch/Org.Title and other notes:
1821Abiel AbbotBeverly, MAFirst ParishSummary Posted: “The Prevalent Defects of Liberal Ministers”
1827Aaron BancroftWorcester, MAFirst Parish“On the nature, manner of producing and the effects of the excitements known by the name of revivals of religion”
1828John BartlettMarblehead, MA“On the causes, which impair the practical influence of Unitarian christianity”
1829Samuel WillardDeerfield, MA“Means to be Used by Ministers in the Moral and Religious Education of the Young” reported in Christian Register, May 30, 1829
1833Joseph AllenNorthborough, MA“What Can a Christian do to lessen the evils arising out of ecclesiastical division in towns and parishes?” reported in Christian Register, 1833 p. 170
1834Bailey LoringAndover, MA“On the manner, in which a minister may best exert his influence for the good of his people”
1836James WalkerCharlestown, MASummary Posted; “Real and Alleged Defects of the Preaching of Unitarian Ministers” reported in Christian Register, 1836, p. 86
1837Francis Parkman, Sr.Boston, MANew North Church“The Dangers and Duties of Ministers at the Present Time” reported in Christian Register, 1837 p. 87
1838Convers FrancesWatertown, MAFirst Parish“The Nature and Import of Spirituality in the Administration of Religion”
1839Ichabod NicholsPortland, ME“The Duty of Clergymen to their Profession”
1841Andrew BigelowTaunton, MASummary Posted: “The Position we occupy as a Body of Liberal Clergy in our Difficulties, Duties and Prospects”
1843Edmund Q. SewellScituate, MAFirst ParishSummary Posted: “The Religious Aspects of the Community, and the Duty of Unitarian clergymen in regard to them.”
1848Samuel Kirkland LothropBoston, MASummary Posted: “The Difficulties and Discouragements, Responsibilities and Duties, incident to the Position of Liberal Ministers at this time”
1850William Henry ChanningRochester, NYSummary Posted: “Fraternal Cooperation” reported in Christian Examiner, 1851 p. 162
1851John PeirpontMedford (West), MASummary Posted: “On Social Reform” summarized in Christian Examiner, 1851 p. 156
1852John Hopkins MorisonMilton, MA“Theology, a Science resting on facts, which facts are to be learned through our individual observation and experience, and from the observation and experience of others”
1852Andrew Preston PeabodyPortsmouth, NH“Reform” reported in Christian Register, p. 88 Christian Examiner, 1852 p. 156
1853Rufus Phineas StebbinsMeadville, PAMeadville Theological School (President)“Definition of Various Terms in Theology, and the Prevailing Errors Concerning Them”
1853Thomas Treadwell StoneSalem, MA“On Social and Moral Reforms”
1854Barzillai FrostConcord, MA“The Relation of the Church to the Reforms of the Age”
1855Ephraim PeabodyRetired, King’s Chapel“The Relations of Christianity and of the Christian Ministry to the Intellectual and Business Activity of the Times”
1857Edmund Burke WillsonWest Roxbury, MA“The Relation of the Individual Christian to the State” reported in Christian Register, 1857 p. 87
1861Andrew Preston PeabodyCambridge, MAHarvard Divinity SchoolSummary Posted: “The Transient and the Permanent in Christianity” digest published in Christian Inquirer, June 8, 1861
1863Thomas Hill, PresidentCambridge, MAHarvard UniversitySummary Posted: “The Preacher’s Duty” reported in Christian Register, 1863 p. 90
1865Henry Whitney BellowsNew York, NYFirst UnitarianSummary Posted: “The Necessity and Value of Associations”
1870William Henry ChanningLiverpool, EnglandSummary Posted: What is True Channing Unitarianism?” digest published in Liberal Christian, May 28, 1870
1872(no information).
1877Henry Adolphus MilesHingham, MA“Some Thoughts on the Science of Religion”
1878Edward Henry HallWorcester, MASecond Congregational (Unitarian)(no title given)
1881Edgar BuckinghamDeerfield, MA“The Modern Position of the Church”
1882Edmund Burke WillsonSalem, MA(no title given)
1885Francis TiffanyRetired, Springfield & West Newton“The Sensible and Tangible Foundations of Religion”
1891John Calvin LearnedSt. Louis, MO“Three Distinctions in Worship”
1893Robert CollyerNew York, NYChurch of the Messiah“In Autobiography”
1894Crawford Howell ToyCambridge, MAHarvard Divinity School“Religious Unity”
1898Samuel McChord CrothersCambridge, MA“The Value of Historical Study to the Liberal Minister”
1900Charles HargroveLeeds, EnglandMill Hill Unitarian ChapelSummary Posted: (“My Creed” – no title given)
1904Thomas Roberts SlicerNew York, NYAll Souls Church(no title given)
1906Merle St. Croix WrightNew York, NYLenox Avenue Church“The Religion of the Heart”
1907William Wallace FennCambridge, MAHarvard Divinity School(no title given)
1909Charles Gordon AmesBoston, MAChurch of the Disciples“The King’s Highway”
1910Howard Nicholson BrownBoston, MAKings Chapel“Jesus and his Modern Critics”
1912Theodore Chickering WilliamsRetired“Education and Religion”
1913Charles Edwards ParkBoston, MAFirst Church(no title given)
1914William Laurence SullivanNew York, NYAll Souls Church“Catholicism”
1915Merle St. Croix WrightNew York, NYLenox Avenue Church(no title given)
1917George Rowland DodsonSt. Louis, MO(no title given)
1922James Alexander FairleyJamaica Plain, MASummary Posted: “Religion and the Downmost Man”
1924John Howland LathropBrooklyn, NYFirst Unitarian“What Value has the Idea of the Church in Modern Life?”
1925Horace James BridgesChicago, IL“Personality: Human and Divine”
1926Sidney Swaim RobinsAnn Arbor, MI andSt. Lawrence University“Theology by Synthesis”
1928Robert Sprague LoringMilwaukee, WI“Giving New Content to the Word, God”
1930Lawrence ClareMontreal, QuebecChurch of the MessiahSummary Posted: “The Mystical Element in Religion”
1931Arthur L. AgnewBelfast, Ireland“A Working Ministry”
1932Johannes Abraham Christoffel Fagginger AuerCambridge, MAHarvard Divinity School and Crane Theological School“The Function of the Liberal Church in the United States”
1935Raymond Bennett BraggMinneapolis, MN“Religion and Social Techniques”
1936Charles Edwards ParkBoston, MAFirst Church“The Ethical and Spiritual Emphasis of Modern Preaching”
1938Frank Edwin SmithPittsburgh, PAFirst Unitarian Church“The Place of Psychiatry in the Profession of the Ministry”
1939W. Waldemar W. ArgowSyracuse, NYMay Memorial“A Theology for Civilization”
1940John BrogdenUrbana, ILMeadville Theological School and the University of Chicago“The Nature and Function of Ideals”
1943Alfred Rodman HusseyRetired“The Reading Ministry”
1945.[The Berry Street Conference did not convene.]
1946Myles Hanson, JrWeston, MA“The Search for a Creative, Dynamic Democratic Theology”
1947John Howland LathropBrooklyn, NYChurch of the Savior“Human Nature in Theory and Experience”
1948Edwin Burdette BackusIndianapolis, INAll Souls“My Religion”
1951Karl Moses C. ChworowskyBrooklyn, NYFourth Church“Jew and Christian in a New Era”
1952Gerald F. WearyPlandome, NY“You and I and the World”
1953William Rupert HollowayDunkirk, NYAdams Memorial Church“Emerson and the Doctrine of the Indwelling God” (originally titled, “What’s in the Egg?”)
1956Ralph HelversonIthaca, NY“A Functional Approach to Unitarian Preaching”
1969Arthur Robert Graham“The Changing Liberal Ministry, Hopes and Expectations”

This original essay project was funded in part by the Fund for Unitarian Universalism.

YearTitleAuthor
 2022More Faith, Power, and People: Breaking the Cycles That Separate Us From Unitarian UniversalismRev. Mykal Slack
 2021  From Bended Knee: A Theology of Shared Ministry


Revs. Janne & Rob Eller-Isaacs
 2020 On the Brink: Why Celebrate
On the Brink: Sowing Restoration
On the Brink: Challenge

Rev. Danielle DiBona
Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons
Rev. Kimberly Quinn Johnson
 2019 Truth, Trauma, and Transformation: Embracing the Cracks and the GoldRev. Leslie Takahashi
 2018  Creating Leaders for Beloved Community: The Challenges of MentorshipRev. Meg A. Riley
 2017 Ten Commandments for Relevant, Reparative Ministry, Beyond “both/and”, Call of Something MoreRev. Dr. Kristen Harper
Rev. Mel Hoover
Rev. Ashley Horan
Rev. Dr. Adam Robersmith
Rev. Marta Valentin
 2016 Rev. Seavey has withdrawn permission to post her redacted essay “If Our Secrets Define Us.”Gail Seavey 
2015 Mission Impossible: Why Failure is Not an OptionSean Parker Dennison
2014 A Changing Climate for Ministry Lindi Ramsden
2013 Our Ministry Begins When We Leave This Place (We CAN do More)Don Robinson
2012From iChurch to Beloved Community:  Ecclesiology and Justice

Fredric J. Muir

2011


Rev. Pope Lance has withdrawn her permission to publish the essay “Whence We Come and How, and Whither”

Deborah J. Pope-Lance


2010“The Poetics of Ministry”

Gary Kowalski


2009:Ironic ProvincialismPaul Rasor 
2008:Imagineering SoulChristine Robinson
2007:“It’s the Minister: The Mystery and Magic of the Role”Ken Sawyer
2006:What Torture’s Taught MeWilliam F. Schulz

2005:The Way HomeBurton D. Carley
2004:Taking RefugeBarbara Merritt
2003:Images for our LivesLaurel Hallman
2002:Spiritual TeachingRoberta M. Nelson
2001:The Art of Ministry: Being and Doing RevisitedC. Leon Hopper
2000:After Running Through the Thistles: the Hard Part BeginsMark D. Morrison-Reed
1999:Lessons From Our Bishop / Lessons From the HeartCarolyn & Thomas Owen-Towle
1998:The Fundamental Things Apply as Time Goes By:
The Transient And Permanent In Life And Ministry
Khoren Arisian
1997:On Issues Affecting Parish MinistryJudith A. Walker-Riggs
1996:

Confessions of a Militant Mystic:
Spirituality and Social Action – A Seamless Garment
Richard S. Gilbert

1995:Koheleth HeadacheThomas Payne
1994:Beyond SpiritualityCarl Scovel
1993:Ministry: For Such a Time as ThisGordon B. McKeeman
1992:Ministry as CompanioningElizabeth H. Baker
1991:The Challenge of DisabilityVictor Carpenter
1990:Ministry as Art FormSidney A. Peterman
1989:Euthanasia As Public Policy: Rights And RisksDonald W. McKinney
1988:Minding Our P’s, Q’s, and X’sJoyce Harkleroad Smith
1987:25 Beacon Street RevisitedO. Eugene Pickett
1986:Religion, The Church, and Our Mission in the WorldJohn Wolf
1985:Active Religion’s Passive VoiceRoy D. Phillips
1984:Theology and the Democracy of the SciencesJohn F. Hayward
1983:

Parish Ministry and Pedagogy: 1823-1983
A Past and Future Look at Religious Education
Eugene B. Navias

1982:Impersonating the Divine: An Essay in Theological AnthropologyDwight Brown
1981:A Silent Witness to EvilDavid O. Rankin
1980:Seasons of MinistryAlan G. Deale
1979:The New PietismJ. Frank Schulman
1978:Images of Protestant Clergy in American Novels (Warning: In the 7th paragraph from the bottom, an explicitly racist word is used. It is policy of the Berry Street Executive Committee to not erase racist history.)Peter S. Raible
1977:Hymnbook Reminiscences and ReflectionsVincent B. Silliman
1976:On the Boundary—A Christian PerspectiveJudith L. Hoehler
1975:Hybris and HumilityLeonard Mason
1974:Liberal Religion in the Post Christian EraEdward A. Cahill
1973:Where Has Time Brought Us?Charles Stephen
1972:Liberal Religion’s Unfinished BusinessEdwin H. Wilson
1971:Polarization or ReconciliationJohn G. MacKinnon
1970:On Being a Technician of the SacredFrank D. Gentile
1969:The Ministry—Experience and ExpectationArthur Graham
1968:

The Genius Of The Age And Some Suggestions Toward An Imaginative Liberal FaithFrank O. Holmes

1967:The Odd Man: A description of the liberal ministerJohn Willoughby Cyrus
1966:Why Not More Progress in Religion?Dale DeWitt
1965:Plenitude of BeingKenneth L. Patton
1964:The Church: Salient or Subordinate?Dorothy T. Spoerl
1963:Politics and the PulpitStephen H. Fritchman
1962:Psychoanalysis and the Parish MinistryHarry B. Scholefield
1961:America’s Fourth FaithRobert Zoerheide
1960:Liberalism in the Encounter Between Living World ReligionsLeslie T. Pennington
1959:The Soul’s Fierce StruggleJ Raymond Cope
1958:Unitarianism ReincarnateThaddeus B. Clark
1957:Motivation and the Ministry (abridged)Malcolm R. Sutherland, Jr.
 1956: Untitled Ralph Helverson
1955:Psychological Approach to the Concept of the DeityDavid Rhys Williams
1954:In Search of GodHenry Wilder Foote
1951: Untitled Karl Chworowsky
1950:Sebastian Castellio: Neglected Saint of the Liberal ChurchDuncan Howlett
1949:

“The Greatest Soul in Christendom”
and His Stand on Free Religion
Robert H. Schacht Jr.

1944:The American ReligionAlbert C. Dieffenbach
1942:Democracy as a Modern ReligionJacob Trapp
1941:The Changing Reputation of Human NatureJames Luther Adams
1937:The Church and the AcademyVon Ogden Vogt
1934:The Breaking of Nations (published as “After Thirty Years”)John Haynes Holmes
1933:The Bacchae of EuripidesThomas H. Billings
1930:Summary: Religious MysticismLawrence Clare
1929:Are We Outgrowing the Need for a Church?Anna Garlin Spencer
1927:The Underlying Significance of the Fundamental Changes in the Religion of Our TimesHorace Westwood
1923:Is There Need Of A Revolution In The Theological Curriculum?Franklin C. Southworth
1922:Religion and the Downmost Man (abstract)James A. Fairley
1921:Jesus and the End of the WorldClayton R. Bowen
1920:The Meaning and Lessons of Unitarian HistoryEarl Morse Wilbur
1919:Unitarianism and Social ChangeRichard Wilson Boynton
1918:The Nature and Validity of Conscience and Moral PrincipleRobert James Hutcheon
1916:How the Scientific and Religious Interpretations of the World DifferJoel Hastings Metcalf
1911:SocialismNicholas Paine Gilman
1908:Theology from the Far End and the NearFrederic Gill
1905:Channing and the History of Christian PietyFrancis A. Christie
1903:The Poetic Element in the Rising FaithWilliam Channing Gannett
1902:The Character of Jesus ChristFrancis Greenwood Peabody
1901:Experimental Theology and Experimental ReligionSamuel R. Calthrop
1900:[My Creed-(no title given)-Abstract]Charles Hargrove
1899:The Theology of CivilizationCharles Fletcher Dole
1897:Reason in ReligionCharles Carroll Everett
1896:The Infection of PessimismGeorge Batchelor
1895:Christianity and UnitarianismCharles Gordon Ames
1892:The History and Present Duty of the Unitarian Church in AmericaEdward Everett Hale
1890:Christianity in the Process of EvolutionGeorge Augustus Thayer
1889:What O’Clock Is It In Religion?Minot J. Savage
1888:The Reign of Divine LoveHoward Nicholson Brown
1887:Religion from the Near EndJenkin Lloyd Jones
1886a:The Twofold Symbol of GodheadJoseph May
1886:GodSamuel Robert Calthrop
1884:A Daring FaithJohn W. Chadwick
1883:Christian AffirmationsHenry Wilder Foote
1880:The Inspiration and Work of the Christian MinistryWilliam Greenleaf Eliot
1879:The New ReligionGrindell Reynolds
1876:Then and NowJoseph Henry Allen
1875:Jesus, the OnlyWilliam Henry Furness
1874:The Christian Progress of a GenerationRufus Ellis
1873:Religion and EvolutionS.R. Calthrop
1871:Unitarian Principles And DoctrinesCharles H. Brigham
1870:Summary: What is True Channing Unitarianism?William Henry Channing
1869:Religious tendencies in the United StatesAmory Dwight Mayo
1868:The Faith of Science and the Science of FaithCharles Carroll Everett
1867:Basis and SuperstructureOrville Dewey
1866:The Destinies of Ecclesiastical Religion: A Concio Ad Clerum.Frederic Henry Hedge
1865:Summary: The Necessity and Value of AssociationsHenry Whitney Bellows
1864:The Scope and Powers of the New CriticismGeorge Edward Ellis
1863:Summary: The Preacher’s DutyThomas Hill
1862:Universality of the Christian Religion as contrasted with other forms of faith, ethnic or unlimited to race or nationJames Freeman Clarke
1860:The Broad ChurchFrederic Henry Hedge
 1861:The Transient and the Permanent in Christianity Andsearew Preston Peabody
1859:The Key of the KingdomCyrus Bartol
1858:Deficiencies of Unitarian TheologyOctavius Brooks Frothingham
1857:

The Practical Study of the Soul by our Ministers: Or, Pastoral PsychologySamuel Osgood

1856:The Written Word and the Christian ConsciousnessOliver Stearns
1855a:Summary: The Relation of Christianity and the Christian Ministry to the Secular Activity of the TimesEphraim Peabody

1855b:Reform as Affecting the Rights of PropertySamuel J. May
1854:Polemics and IrenicsJames Freeman Clarke
1851a:Ecclesiastic ChristendomFrederic Henry Hedge
1851:Summary: Social ReformJohn Pierpont
1850a:

The Importance of Systematic Theology, and the Duty of the Unitarian Clergy in Relation to ItGeorge Washington Burnap

1850b:Fraternal CooperationWilliam Henry Channing
1849:The Nature and Importance of our TheologyEzra S. Gannett
1848:

Summary: The Difficulties and Discouragements, Responsibilities and Duties, incident to the Position of Liberal Ministers at this timeSamuel Kirkland Lothrop

1847:Relation of Liberal Christianity to Our Age and CountrySamuel Barrett
1846:Relation of the Christian Ministry to ReformEdward B. Hall
1845:Rights, Claims, and Duties of OpinionOrville Dewey
1844:Alleged Defects of Unitarian PreachingCharles Robinson
1843:

Summary: The Religious Aspects of the Community, and the Duty of Unitarian clergymen in regard to themEdmund Q. Sewell

1842:Ecclesiastical HistoryAlvan Lamson
1841:Summary: Our Peculiar Position as Liberal Christian—Our Duties and ProspectsAndrew Bigelow

1840:Miracles as an Evidence of ChristianityDavid Damon
1836:Summary: Real and Alleged Defects of the Preaching of Unitarian MinistersJames Walker

1835:The Best Means of Bringing our Lay Brethren to be More Useful in the Maintenance of Religious InstitutionsHenry Ware, Jr.
1832:The Duty of ministers to interest themselves in providing a further supply of candidates for the ministryJohn Gorham Palfrey
1831:The Modes of Exerting Religious Influence at the Present DayNathaniel Thayer
1830:Changes in Religions Opinions and the Character of Preaching in New England during the Last Fifty YearsEzra Ripley
1826:Duty of Unitarians with Respect to Christianity in IndiaHenry Ware, Sr.
1825:The Effect of Character on Ministerial UsefulnessWinthrop Bailey
1824:On the Duties of the Church as Distinct from the Congregation…Nathan Parker
1823:The Means to be used by Ministers for Giving the Young Adequate Views of the Nature and Importance of True ChristianityJames Flint
1822:The Difficulties of the Christian Ministry at the Present PeriodJoseph Tuckerman
1821:Summary: On the Prevalent Defects of Liberal MinistersAbiel Abbot
1820:How Far is Reason to be Used in Explaining Revelation?William Ellery Channing