Church of Our Father – Meeting Minutes, Apr 20, 1896 (Call Rev. Vail as Pastor)

Apr 26, 1896

A special meeting of the Board was called Chairman Crafts presided. There present were Mrs. Swift and Mrs. Owen and Messrs. Peck, Harding, Lederle and Menken. Mr. Brigham was also present by request.

The special matter under consideration for which the Board was called together, namely, the question of determining the result after Vail’s efforts on own behalf and his fitness for the permanent occupying of our pulpit was immediately presented.

After thorough discussion and after hearing expressions from almost all who became acquainted with Mr. Vail, the following resolution was unanimously adopted.

Whereas, in response to an invitation, Rev. W.S. Vail, had occupied our pulpit as a candidate for the pastorate of our Church, resulting in four successful meetings and a renewal of interest among both members and friends.

And whereas, it is our opinion that Mr. Vail’s ability and his adaption to our circumstances, our opportunities and our people are such as to lead us to believe that he is the proper person to organize and stimulate a successful work here be it

Resolved, that the Board of Trustees call a meeting of the congregation for Wednesday evening at 7:45 o’clock for the purpose of accepting or rejecting the recommendations of said Board, to wit,

That Mr. Vail be called to the pastorate of the Church of Our Father at a minimum salary of fifteen hundred dollars per year.  This arrangement to date from May first 1896.

That a special committee consisting of Chairman Crafts, Treasurer Lederle and Secretary Menken be appointed to confer with Mr. Vail and arrange all details of the matter.

The finances of the church were presented in the shape of a report from the Treasurer and after much discuss thereupon the meeting adjourned.

<signed>

Walter Menken, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26 Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 132 – 133
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA