Unitarian Church of Atlanta – Meeting Minutes, Apr 30, 1907 (Rev. Shippen Leaving)

Atlanta, Ga., April 30, 1907

A special called meeting of the Board of Trustees held this evening at the residence of Mr. J.C. Peck.

Present: Chairman Peck, Messrs. Moore, Behre, Harding. Dr. Shippen and Mrs. Cora P. Williams representing J.G. St. Amand by proxy.

Upon motion of Mr. Behre the minutes of the previous meeting were not read.

Mr. Moore announced that the meeting was called to advise the board of the decision of Dr. Shippen not to return to Atlanta Pastor of the church next fall.

Everyone present expressed their deep regret on the decision of Dr. Shippen, as it had been hoped that the southern climate would encourage D r. Shippen and his excellent wife to remain with us.

Dr. Shippen stated on account of his wife’s age, and feeble health, she wished to be near her children. Dr. Shippen also suggested that what was needed for the Atlanta church was a younger man, one who could do more social work, than he could at his age.

Informal talks were had as to the propriety of securing someone to fill the pastorate. The sense of the meeting was voiced and a motion made by Mr. John L. Moore that the Board of Trustees recommend to the church that a special meeting be held Friday night May 3rd, that no temporary engagement be made for filling the pulpit, but that all energy be devoted to secure a minister who would be likely to be permanent.

Dr. Shippen reported that Mrs. Gardner a good Unitarian lady a former parishioner of his who is now stopping in Atlanta had given him $100.00 for our church to be used at the disposal of Dr. Shippen.

Dr. Shippen spoke of the church being unable to continue the two lady paid singers owing to the condition of the finances as previously reported by the Treasurer. So Dr. Shippen asked the privilege of using a part of the 100.00 in paying what might now be due the ladies, and to continue their services through the month of May, thereby giving the singers through the Music committee proper notice.

Mr. Behre moved that the thanks of the Board be extended to Mrs. Gardner for the donation to the church, and that Dr. Shippen be allowed to dispense the fund as suggested by him. Carried.

There being no further business meeting adjourned.

<signed>

J.E. Harding, Clerk

Physical Archive: UUCA Box: 26   Folder: 02 Book: 02 Pages: 238 – 239
Citation: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Records, RG 026, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, Atlanta GA