Friday, Jan. 20th, 1956
Today with several women of our church I attended a meeting at the Hollywood Methodist church, a gathering of about 400 women of So. Calif and So. Nevada. There were talks on work for women all over the world. Rev. Amos Thornburn has just returned from a preaching mission in Air Force bases all over the Pacific Islands and in Japan. He visited Johnston Island where a base is located . It has 800 men all crowded on a small volcanic island where they had to bring in soil to build the air strip. Everywhere he preached he found boys anxious to get a message from “Home” as they originally came from Texas and the middle west. Many of the boys are marrying or intend to marry Japanese wives and are wondering how they will be received at home. Some do not want to return for fear of disapproval and opposition from home folks and neighbors. Dr. Thornburn says we must be prepared to receive such in Christian spirit.
Sunday, Jan 22, 1956
At 11:00 service I baptized the Sandberg baby. Dr. Hugo Gabriel preached or lectured on Luther and Hitler. He left Germany in 1939 to live in America. He was supposed to talk about Religious Freedom but spent most of the time telling of the mistakes of Luther and Hitler. Not very constructive for either liberals or conservatives. Emerald is still sick he has been absent for four Sundays. I offered to give the benediction which Dr. Gabriel gladly accepted. So I offered two prayers at the baptism and benediction.
All are wondering what the annual meeting will bring forth, Wednesday this week.
I am awaiting the letter from the Bd. Of Deacons of the B’ham church about possibility of serving as interim pastor which Dick has written about.
This will be a momentous decision.
Jan. 26, 1956
Ten years ago today my beloved entered the realm of Glory. All five children were present at the Beloit hospital when she left us. Dave and Harriett came just before she died. The nurse said she smiled as she breathed her last. I did not happen to see it, as I wanted the children to be near her at the very last.
She lived a full and noble life of loving service and her passing was magnificent. We do not know if she suffered as she would never admit pain, just said she was uncomfortable at times. On Jan 1st I told her of a dream I had the previous night in which she and I and the five children were seated at the table for Sunday dinner I carved the chicken and she sat opposite me pouring the coffee. I told her that was a sign that we would be soon planning out next summer vacation at our beloved old cabin at Black Oak lake up north.
“O, Claude”, she exclaimed, “I’m so glad you told me,” She cried for joy, I wanted her to know I was planning on her recovery.
But it was not to be, Cancer had fastened the grip upon her and it was too late for medical science to save her. I told the children that we must always love God, trust and serve him no matter what happens. Perhaps she has done more for us since she went away than she could if she had remained to be an invalid.
Now the children are all happily married and we have 12 grand children and one more on the way.
When I came to California just two years ago today I had a feeling she was here awaiting my arrival. She always wanted to come here. I have felt her blessed presence in this room at Betty’s with her two pictures on the wall also the scene at Uhlein Park Lake Geneva where we were engaged, the shrine picture at Land O Lakes and the double picture of the Old Stone Church and beloved parsonage at Rockton where we spent so many happy years.
Now what of the future? I received two letters, one from Dick telling of the offer of the Birmingham church offering me the position of interim pastor at a salary of $37.50 per Sunday or $150.00 a month, with no pastoral calling. All they want is a sermon every Sunday and the friendly counsel I might give at meetings of Sunday School, deacons and building committee should they desire my advice. The church has recently hired an architect and hope to begin soon to plan a church edifice on a site at the edge of the city consisting of 7 1/2 acres of pine. I call the spot God’s Seven Acres. I have great hopes that some day a beautiful charming edifice in keeping with the pastoral surroundings and woodland scenery will be erected. Perhaps a little shrine like the one at Land O’ Lakes could be set up, a place for prayer and meditation. Yes, I believe the hand of the Lord is leading me to this challenging task. If so this day of anniversary is doubly sacred.
The other letter was from Fred Cameron the director of athletics at Indian Spring School, He and his good wife Marian are very anxious for me to come to B’ham as they are both members of the church. I have visited in their home and they liked my two talks last July. I have also been in formed that the students at the school are looking forward to my coming. They remember my talks on Lincoln and Lee and other kindred subjects an hope to renew some happy relationships
With such substantial folks as the Camerons and other fine people whom I met last summer I feel we have a loyal group with which to build a church of the Pilgrims in Dixie land.
It has been a good day, a time of memories and associations and a time to plan for a better future for old and young students and faculty, church people and those who never go to church. Take a look at life, see the dark side and get an eye full then look on the bright side and remember the Quaker saying, “It is better to travel hopefully than to arrive.” What if we never reach the goal, we travel with a purpose if it is not realized in our day, our children may see the goal accomplished even as we have seen some dreams of our forefathers realized in our day.
Feb. 13,1956
Rev. Claude W. Warren who recently resigned as asst. pastor of Manhattan Beach Community Church, has accepted the call to become interim pastor of the First Congregational Church, Birmingham. Alabama. His son Richard a teacher of history at Indian Springs School a private academy for boys, is also superintendent of the Sunday School in the church where the father will preach. He plans to return to North Redondo
when a full time minister is fulfilled. At age 74 when many men quit or slow down, Mr. Warren keeps going. He says it’s nice to be wanted. His philosophy is that life is rich, sweet and good, full of hope and promise. He has great faith in modern youth. Our job as adults is to understand them and try to call forth their hidden possibilities. There is an “unknown best” in every boy and girl.
A magazine article written by him on questions and answers for third and fourth grade children of the Sunday School of Community church has been accepted by the Boston editor of CHILDREN’S RELIGION. Teaching a class of this age children says Mr. Warren is one of the thrilling experiences of life. We can learn so much from them.
Again, he wishes to assure all of his South Bay friends that he will return after this temporary task is complete.
Sunday Sept. 2, 1956
Began teaching junior ages 10,11. Expect to enjoy these boys and girls, the Camerons, Sandy & Connie, Geo Plosser, Donna Fletcher, Harry Turner, Charles (Chip) Feazel, Jimmy Seadler.
Sermon – “Jonah’s Second Chance” The author of this little book of four chapters prepares the way for the message of Christ, Religion in his day was local provincial and nationaliste. He gave a world view of service.
He answers six questions –
1.– What is the nature of God?
2.–What is the nature of religion.
3.–How shall we treat our enemies?
4.–If we do wrong do we have a chance to correct it?
5.–Can God help a man who does not want to be helped?
6.– Is God a book keeper?
The book taken as a story makes a challenging call to world wide service for Christian people.
Thursday, Oct. 26,1956
Prof. Webb of Peabody’s a retired teacher of science has been here all this week, lecturing and talking with students and faculty members. As he is a graduate of the Univ. of Chicago, a few years before I received my master’s degree, we had some interesting things to talk about. I was impressed with his reference to God at the close of his talk on chemistry at Prof. Cobun’s class. One boy came up afterwards and asked him about his idea of God, the Book of Genesis and the teachings of science. His influence here is constructive, entertaining and scientific.
Sunday, Dec. 30,1056
Meeting of N. Alabama Assn. At Mt. Grove Church Steppville. Delegates – Dave Wood, Bob Hunter, Dick Caveleri, Locke White, Presely Ingram, Allen and Bob Saunders, and myself.
The occasion on being the farewell address of Sup. Boston Butterfield who leaves soon to become executive secretary of Congl. Union of Cleveland, Ohio.
Mrs. A.D. Harry gave a fine address on Social Action and other missionary movements among Congl. Women of Alabama. Very challenging.
This was followed by a talk, “The Great Sin of Mis-Using our Congl. Freedom” by Dr. Guy L. Colbery. He began by condemning Henry Ward Beecher in his Beecher Bible campaign to help Bleeding Kansas. He said Harriet Beecher Stowe was false to her auto-slavery views when she visited a certain rich woman in Scotland. He also referred to Benjamin Franklin as a Quaker. He also said he had ideas on Integration but didn’t tell us what they were. He inferred that some of us are going too far and that we should repent and call on God to forgive us before it is too late.
After he sat down the moderator, Rev. Robert Shelton, a very good friend of mine asked me to talk for ten minutes on this or any other subject.
This was quite a surprise as I had not expected to be called on. I began by referring to myself not as a Yankee but as a mid-western, a man from the Mississippi valley from Minnesota to Mobile. I questioned the statement that Franklin was a Quaker. He was not a member of any church, at least not to my knowledge. As for Beecher I said he is still my ideal Congl. Minister and I shall continue to hold him in high estimation. I praised Presaly Ingraham for introducing me to the Christian Sun in whose column a reference was recently made to meetings of white and negro pastors in N. Carolina in behalf of better race relations. I proposed to call soon on the pastor of the First Congl Church of B’ham to bring about better and more brotherly cooperation, to offer to speak in his church some Sunday evening if invited to do so. I believe in the future of our church that it will some day become a prominent outpost of Conglism in the Southland. This is my purpose, my hope. Later the moderator thanked and called on me to give the benediction. Supt. Butterfield thanked me for my talk and all I am trying to do.
On the way home Dick said my ten minute talk was the high point of the meeting and that he hoped I might take a position such as pastor at large when Pilgrim church secures a full time pastor.
Ash Wednesday, March 6, 1957
Pot luck supper at church with 56 attendance, last month it was 28. Good meeting, I gave a talk on “Meaning of Lent” stressing need of Faith. The mountains of life are Doubt and Fear. Doubt concerning your ability to do your part and Fear lest life gets you down. What we need is Faith and Courage to tackle the job ahead.
Previous to the meeting I gave to the finance committee my check for one hundred dollars toward the debt campaign soon to start. I want my grand children to benefit by this personal gift. Years ago my great-grand father John Warren came from New York state to Poplar Grove. He found that his son and his family were using the Warrentown school house for worship. You need a church” said he and left two hundred dollars as a nest egg with which to start a church building fund. Thus was begun the building of the first church at Poplar Grove, where I was later baptized.
So after these many years I am giving something to open the way for a new church at Mountain brook, a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama where my two grand children will attend.
Our church will soon entertain the Pilgrim Fellowship of N. Ala. Assn., the Women of this group and in June the quarterly meeting of same. We are reaching out to help and encourage the many small churches of this part of the state. I say that Congregational churches are needed now more than ever. A fine spirit prevails.
Sunday, Oct. 20,1957 – Now in Wisconsin
Today was a day of happy memories. Preached at Peace E and R Church in Schofield. Jean sang “The Lord’s Prayer”
I was reminded of dear days of long ago her dear mother led choirs at Land O’Lakes, Baraboo and helped in the choir at Rockton.
As she sang my heart was flooded with memories of all the churches we served together at Half Day, Sturgeon Bay, Ashland, Land O’ Lakes, Baraboo and Rockton. With all of our five children helping in choir and Sunday school.
Have met and like Rev. Dolde at Peace church. Have spoken at various groups in which some of his members are quite active. At a home prayer service where I told the B’ham story at a Study Club here. Talked on Mary Lincoln and Mary Lee at a meeting of United Church Women of Wausau. At Peace Church where I told the story of Congregationalism in the South.
Later I am to talk at a forum group at Universalist Church in Wausau. Subject “Hopeful Aspects of the Race Conflict.” Rev. Carleton Fisher the pastor has given me a very cordial welcome to his church. I hope this little start will open up other invitations to speak.
With a few others I attended a Layman’s Retreat at Green Lake, Wisconsin in October. Over 200 were present. Stanley Jones the main speaker, a challenging message. I bought his latest book, “Christian Maturity.”
Here I met Andy and Ruth Dwyer, formerly of Rockton now of Roscoe. I married them twelve years ago. A very happy reunion. Told me all about the Old Stone Church and the present difficulties over the question of the proposed addition to the church in the rear. The majority vote was opposed. Pastor terribly disappointed.
When I preached there Aug. 11 there were over two hundred at the morning service, largest attendance since Easter and about 150 at the reception for me in the afternoon. Bill called at six o’clock and drove me back to Aurora. I was delighted to see so many old friends and visit with them at the reception.
Have made some trips with Bob and enjoyed seeing a little more of this part of Wisconsin, lakes pines and trout streams. Met Chuck McCormick who runs a TV shop in Wausau, has four salesmen and repair men working for him. His home is Rockton where his parents still live. Friends of Clint and Anna Bee Hopkins who are good friends of Chuck’s parents. It was good to visit with a Rockton boy who has made good in business in Wausau. Heard from Bess Liddle who is anxious for me to visit in Rockton on my way South
Comments from my recent sermon at Peace church, One man said it was the best he ever heard, one lady said it was too short, should have kept on for another hour. Another said she liked my attitude in the pulpit so relaxed and easy of approach. Another lady a visitor from another church said if I would locate in Schofield she would leave the church and come to hear me. Another lady who talked with me over the phone told Jean afterwards that her father had a gorgeous voice and should be in radio or T.V. So it goes. I am not “washed up” after all. One man said my sermon was “good medicine” for him. Just what a discouraged man needs to give him renewed faith and courage.
Have prepared an article, “Hopeful Aspects of the Racial Conflict” which I hope to get published in some religious journal, preferably Advance.
Dec. 25, 1957
Christmas at Schofield, WI. A happy family gathering. The night before Jean and I attended at Christmas Eve service at Presbyterian church. What a joy to see Jean in the choir and hear the lovely carols especially “Silent Night”. It brought back happy memories of Christmases of dear days gone by at Half Day, Sturgeon Bay, Ashland, Land O Lakes, Baraboo, Rockton also Walworth, Harvard, Fontana, Roscoe, Caledonia and others.
We left Schofield Dec. 26 and arrived at Beloit at 1:00. Left Bob & boys at Rudy Larsons while Jean & I drove to Rockford to see Jane and her new baby boy, Stephen Edward . Jane got home about two hours before we arrived feeling fine. Baby wonderful. Charly doing a good job caring for children while Jane was in hospital.
Jean back to Beloit while I took the bus for Chicago. Phoned Bill and Ralph.
At Ralphs and Jessy that night. Warren still in Mexico City on a trip. He plans to enter University of Ill in February to work for his degree in Science.
Good visit with Ralph and Jessie. He has just printed 1000 copies of his book. We talked about Mary and Nell. Mary and little Betty visited Ralph and Nell in Chicago when they lived near the University. We talked about hope of immortality. Best visit of all my trips to Chicago. Am so glad I went this time.
Earlier I was at Rockford in and out from Nov. 10 to Dec. 15, visiting and preaching at Harvard, Walworth, Rockton, Beloit (Emerson Club), Roscoe, Riverside Loves Park, Chicago and Aurora.
On Dec. 27, Ralph and Jessie drove me to Union Station to catch my 325 train for Aurora. I was glad to baby sit while Pat and Bill went to Chicago Civic Opera for wonderful Ballet Show.
Feb. 15, 1958
Annual Meeting Alabama Council Human Relations – Talledego College
Mrs. Arthur T. Tomisek called for me at 9:00 and drove me to the meeting. Main talk by James McBrideDobbs, plantation owner, former college Professor. Pres. So. Car. Council and now Pres. Southern Regional Council. He says – “Liberals don’t see their goal and Segregationist need a goal”. We must clarify the meaning of Liberalism. It is not dead. We must Inform Not Exhort. Segregationist are Fatalists. Negros have good manners. Whites do not. In Tuscaloosa Negro beaten by police. Council made Protest. Doubtful if it happens again. Police listen when Council speaks.
Story of the Prodigal Son is the South and the Elder Brother is the North –The North never did learn what its Sin is – South quit talking about it. South did many evil things but also do much good. There are 300,000 members in Citizens Council. Negros have Resilience and Reserve.
What is Grace of God – The goodness of the Past will reappear in another form.
We must speak out – The World – not Supreme Court. – We must have what it takes
Courage and Knowledge needed – To be brave must know what has to be done.
Social Action Inst. Avon Park, Fla. Feb. 11-13, 1958
m I attended with Rev. Baldwin, Allan Sounders and others. Miss Fern Babcock editor of Social Action talked on “The Church and Social Welfare” Dr. North on “Christian Faith and Social Action”. Rev. Casson on “Work with Migrants”, “Use of Leisure” by panel including Allan sounders. “Inernational Situation” by Rev. Herman very masterly presentation of the world situation with Seven Points –
- Complacency may be our undoing.
- Give up Massive Retaliation.
- Work for Peace.
- Understand Asia and rest of the World.
- Eliminate Racial Segregation.
- Free flow of International trade.
- Work for World economic Development. We have not One World but three. Russia, Nato and Rest of Nations.Criticism of Institute—–No one to tie up in one package the summery of the various goals presented such as Economic, Leadership Training, International Problems, but no one to tell us what is the Over All Mission of the Church in a age of Space Travel
March 16, 1958
Gave talk on Lincoln and Lee at Forum discussion at home of a member of Unitarian Church upon invitation of Mrs. Arthur Tomisek who previously drove me to Talladega College.
About a dozen people present including Wesley W. Henley Jr. industrial engineer at T.C.I. Co. He is brother-in-law of Douglas Phillips. He is much interested in Lincoln. He says that in the Wire Dept of TCI the majority of workers are Negroes and they control the Labor Union, about 60 percent are Negroes. The company has forbidden all discussion of Little Rock on the premises, this means at coke breaks and elsewhere. Mr Henley is friendly to the Negroes and he is called “The Little Emancipator”..
Also met a Mrs. Gotham, a social worker who says that Police commissioner Eugene Connor is forbidding all mixing of races among social workers, she says that one man was discharged for disobeying the chief’s ruling, and the other social workers including white and black gave him a party to express their sympathy for him and his cause of good will and brotherhood. What would the Bull say if he knew of this party? Mrs. Gotham says that Connor is continually quarreling with those who disagree with him.
March 16 Forum discussion
The pastor Rev. Hobart was ill and could not come to the meeting. I talked for an hour on Lee’s work as healer of wound’s of was while president of Washington College, and on Lincoln. Was he a segregationist as some claim. I say we should read Douglas who claimed that Negroes and Indians and other inferior races should not vote the ballot is for white and their descendants forever, whites of European ancestry.
Had a good discussion following my talk. I am invited to attend their church some Sunday. I would like to talk on New Salem Neighbors some Sunday.
Frank Eellers drove me over and brought me back at midnight. A good friend but a friendly critic, says he enjoys my talks, has heard this talk twice on the historical background but disagreed with me editorially says I am too impatient to get things done. Says that Birmingham will slowly work out her destiny but it will take time and patience. I ask why can’t have a bi-racial group of ministers . He says it is not necessary to do so for the city stands for W.P.A.. This means White, Protestant and Anglo Saxon and will not change and we must not expect it do so for many years. Give it time he says. Of course I am impatient but he says he likes me just the same we are good friends, he says he wishes his son who is a student for the ministry Southern Presbyterian and very conservative might talk to me. He thinks I have something to offer young people. Three things we agree on – Love God – Love of Nature and Love of Indian Springs School.
Even if I am too impatient is it not a good idea to have a few impatient people to stir up the people to think about the great issues of life in America today. What’s wrong with being impatient when so many of us are apathetic. Did not Lincoln say “We shall nobly save or meanly lose the last best hope of earth.” What’s that hope today? Is it not as Lincoln said to the Evangelical Lutherans that we are fighting for “civil and religious liberty for all mankind of all ages and races.” Is not that our goal today.
Was Lincoln ever discouraged? Yes, it seems at one time he thought the Almighty was against him and he couldn’t pray. The heavens were a brass bowl overhead through which his prayers could not penetrate. The election of 1862 went against him, nearly all northern states voted against his handling of the war. Even Illinois voted by a majority of 17,000 to elect men for Congress opposed to him, only the border states supported him. With Congress, his cabinet and the country against him and the army losing so many terrible battles he felt that God must be against him. But that was only for the night. The next morning he said to Senator Browning of Illinois – “I am master of my household”. Meanwhile he had been reading Psalm 42, – “Why are thou cast down my soul, why art thou disquieted within me, Hope thou in God for I shall yet praise him my God.”
Also he read the story of Gethsemane and he felt he was passing through his own Gethsemane. Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.
My best tribute to Lincoln comes from Russia – Tolstoy said “that Lincoln was a miniature Christ.”
The North needs to know Lee and the South needs to know Lincoln better. From my mother and my grandmother I learned to know and love both Lincoln and Lee.
The discussion that followed was stimulating and constructive.
Friday, March 28, 1958
Dick and I at A.E.A. Convention where he is president of Social Studies ending his second year. At dinner at Bankhead Hotel met Mr. Ruford Boone, publisher of Tuscaloosa News and Dr. L.A. Brooks of Univ. of Alabama Education Dept.
At 2:00 p.m. Mr. Boone talked at Powell School on “How to interpret news to students:. He told of his travels in India and Middle East, and how important is foreign aid. Questions followed for a half hour. He told of his experiences as editor and his desire to give Negroes a break. Introduced custom pf s[e;;omg Megrp wotj ca[ota;/ N. and a young Negro woman as Miss in his columns. As president of Rotary he invited a young Negro to speak at Rotary. One or two objected at first but at the close of the talk all members lined up to shake the speaker’s hand and thank him for his fine talk. Of course he could not eat with them but came in at 1a;30 for his talk. Well received.
Boone received the Pulitzer prize in 1957 for his editorial on the race mob at the Lucy incident in Tuscaloosa.
Here is a forward looking editor who dares to report the racial question with fairness. Says it is a national question not for South alone or North alone. We must all confess our sins and seek a remedy that will solve the problem for all the nation. North and South need each other. It will take time patience and wisdom to find a final solution.
April 19, 1958
Dick and I to Bennett, Ala. for meting of S.E. Convention. Heard Ray Bibboms on “Our world Christian Mission” also showed slides of his trip behind the Iron Curtain. Also heard Mrs. Walter Williams Pres. Of National Fellowship of CC churches, her story of “Church Women” was beautiful and reminded me of my beloved wife. Also heard Thomas Scott Avary of West Point, Ga. Director of Mfg Co. He says that church membership should mean more than being on a popular side of social life. It should mean dedication to Christ’s program for good will and brotherhood. Too many join as if it was a country club. It should mean a life of dedication and service.
Received letters from Jimmy Lightburne wishing me god speed on my journey to California and appreciation for my services at Pilgrim Church. Before leave for the west I hope some of these hopes and dreams will come to fruition. Things begin to come to a head.
April 24, 1958
After a long period of waiting the BBC is at last being reorganized. Next meeting will be at 1st Cong. Church and it is hoped that other meetings may be at the Veterans Court House but this is not possible without separate seating arrangements for both races, besides the reporters will be present to give it publicity.
Devotions at this meeting were led by a Negro pastor, Rev. H.C. Terrell and a white pastor. Fine fellowship prevailed.
I hope to be at the next meeting May 21 before I leave for California. In spite of the raid by the KKK last November of the Council meeting at the Negro Y.M.C.A. There is renewed interest and determination to continue with these bi-racial meetings.
California, Thursday Aug. 28, 1958
Met with Dorcas Society at home of Mrs. Pearl Hardesty. Talked on Race Problem in the South and what our Congregational churches are doing.
Was happy to meet so many good friends and renew happy associations.
Sept. 2, 1958
Talked on “The Church of the Pilgrims in the Deep South at Women’s Fellowship. Altho I had given the talk for Dorcas and Seafairers, I gave some new material this time. Of my fifty years in the Lord’s work these two years in Deep South are my most productive. Leaned so much about the South. Lots of good people down there. North and South need to get together. Heal Wounds of Civil War. Talk about destiny of America, not Alabama or Deep South but our nation as a whole . New attention needed not “Bombs bursting in air” but may “God shed his grace on thee to crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.”
Lee said – “Work for a new America, wiser better and stronger than the old”
Lincoln said – “Nobly to save or meanly lose last best hope of earth”
In next few years many Negroes may be moving into our area. Will they be given welcome in our church and Sunday School.
Comments – One woman said she hoped I would give this talk to many groups of people, Much needed she said
Sept. 5, 1958
11 wedding anniversary for Betty and George, this is also the 41st wedding for Mary and me and Mary’s 66 birthday.
Another reason for happiness was the invitation received this morning to preach at a bi-racial church, The Church of Christian Fellowship. Rev. James Hargett the pastor is a friend of Rev. Harold Long of First Cong. Church of Birmingham.
Sept. 21
Had a grand time preaching at The Church of Christian Fellowship. The church is in the center of the Negro area about two miles each way. They received my message in a most friendly spirit, many asked me to come again. Some had lived in the area so knew what I was talking about. My text was from Isaiah 55: 6 & 7 “Seek ye the Lord”. One lady said my talk was informative and inspirational. This I hope will by my mission in California, to help people to seek the Lord while he may be found. The race problem must be solved in the Deep south before it can be solved in Africa, India, China,, Detroit, Chicago or Los Angeles. The South is our most strategic mission field.
The South is the New Land of Promise. Blessings on any one who can play role of Mediator for Northern whites Southern white and our colored brethren.
Oct. 11, 1958
Christian Science Monitor printed my letter “Good for Angie” in praise of this 15 year old Junior at Van Buren high school for defending Negro students. Bob Brigham liked it so well he had it republished in our Church Preview .
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 1958
I was honored to be asked to install the seven new officers at meeting of Woman’s Fellowship. I talked about three women of the New Test whose names were in the Book of Life as per Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Lydia, Priscilla and Dorcas. At last Paul came to their defense altho at first he did not appreciate the value of their service to the early church. But he did change his mind and admitted his error.
Jan. 26. 1959
Life’s Journey
The journey is rough when you travel alone and joyful moments are few.
Each day seems like the same old thing although each one is new.
There’s seldom a smile when you’re by yourself. Real tenderness is hard to find.
You search but never seem to gain a lasting peace of mind.
But those who travel hand in hand with someone near and dear will journey forth in happiness with very little fear
Remember this and find some one to share the years with you.
The roughest road is paved with bliss with love to see you through.
Bu Ben Burroughs.
Jan 29,1959
Talked on “Lincoln’s Teachers” at fifth grade classed at Lincoln school. I told about this two teachers, Andrew Graham and his friendship with Mentor Graham in New Salem. Here Abe was twenty-one years old and often visited at Graham’s home to study grammar, serving and law. Graham called Abe a “capacity student” which is made up of desire and determination. I urged the children to become capacity students. I talked for about a half hour and then the questions began coming in for another half hour until time for recreation. Next day Mary brought me 20 letters by the children expressing their appreciation. Quite a tribute.
April 19, 1959
Today I had a wonderful experience, speaking at The Friends Meeting in Los Angeles. About a dozen present native born American, one Negro, one Japanese student, one Korean, an Austrian born Jew, an English lady and the widow of a missionary to China. I talked on my experiences in the South. A good discussion followed. The members invited me to come each month.
Mr. Winston Webber a Quaker who married a Japanese women took me to a meeting of the L.A. Cosmopolis group make up of many races studying housing and other racial problems. The Quakers in this area are vitally concerned over racial problems. But the conventional churches are somewhat lukewarm on the subject. At last I am in touch with real Christians who dare to speak out and take action on this important issue.
In June, 1959 he was in Schofield, WI. with Jean and family to attend a Warren family reunion in Prairie du Chien, WI. Those in attendance were
Mr. & Mrs. Warren Shepley and Judy, Sandy and Robert from Glencoe, Minn.
Dr. & Mrs. Floyd M McClellan, Timber Lake, So.Dakota
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Turner, 402 East 7th St. Washington, Iowa
Mr. & Mrs. Hubert Turner and Carla & Lloyd, 2016 Barrett St. Burlington, Iowa
Mr. & Mrs Robert Larson & Joe & Bill, 410 Lawrence Rothschild, Wi.
Mr. & Mrs. Clark Radebaugh, Janet and Jenifer Suhr (niece) Walworth, WI
Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Shepley – 518 – 19th Ave. So StPaul, Minn.
Mr. Claude Warren . 2408 Thomas Ave. Redondo Beach, CA.
Mr. & Mrs. Francis A. Miner, Ellicott Road, Batavia, New York
Mrs. Henry Friedrick (Florence) 126 Colebourne Rd. Rochester 9, N.Y.
Lura M. Ware, Elliott Road,Batavia, New York
Mr. & Mrs. Charles L. Whiting and Patricia, Charles A. and Elizabeth, Rt. #2 Waverly, Iowa.
Aug 27, 1959
In Aurora, Il. With Bill & family. Related stories of the Pilgrim and how we must carry on with Christian Education North and South, East and West and over seas. My remark that “there is a golden thread stretching from a certain tea room in Northampton, Mass (former home of Solomon Stoddard) to the New England Congregational Church of Aurora, Ill, which must never be permitted to fade away but kept shining bright”
I was glad to be with Jane to comfort her at the memorial service for little Sharon Marie at Calvary cemetery in Rockford. Was glad to meet so many of her Protestant friends and neighbors who expressed love and sympathy in this time of sorrow.
Am having a grand rest and visit with Jean and family. How mother would enjoy it here. In spite of the hot weather Wisconsin is green and beautiful, woods, fields, lakes and streams. A place of precious memories. Sturgeon Bay, Ashland, Land O’ Lakes and Baraboo. How mother loved it all.
Nov. 30, 1959
Mrs. Carol Brigham drove me to the meeting of the Bible Class of Neptunian Club. My talk was on the Parables of Luke and my experiences in the south. Interesting meeting but some Southerners and relatives of theirs fear of intermarriage problems. Some were born in Georgia and Louisiana but these were exceptions. All appreciated my message and some asked me to come again
Dec. 12, 1959 Housing Committee meeting –
Bob Brigham and I drove over for this all day conference. Western Knolls Cong Church, Rev. David Eaton, formerly of Boston (colored) Rev. Boyce also several university professors, business man lawyers and social workers.
Discussed legislation and the new laws being proposed. California is taking the lead in many fair housing laws. Good discussion on problems of inter marriage it seems there is a difference between the South and California as to what is proper and acceptable. Some seem to think that this is the leading problems others say it is economical or social and of that the “population explosion” idea is the determing factor that we should consider what kind of cities we wish to live in in the year 1970 or 2000.
The Western Knolls church has voted to stay in the community even if more and more Negroes move in. The members will not sell to avoid the change that is coming so rapidly. Besides where can they go. The problem will follow them every where. So why not stay and welcome the newcomers.
Jan. 5, 1960
Gave two talks at Bob Brigham’s history class at Aviation high school on Lee the Conciliator.
Sunday Jan 10
With the Brighams attended the Mt. Hollywood Cong.. Heard Dr. Allan A. Hunter, my idea of a preacher with Quaker background. Fine inter racial choir. Sermon “What it means to be a Yes Man”. Psalm 73: 17 “Until I went into the sanctuary then I perceived their end (the wicked). Also II Cor 1: 20 – “For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. Not that we lord it over your faith, we work with you for your joy” Verse 24 King James : “Not dominion over your faith but helpers of your joy.”
“ Faith without freedom stultifies the mind.
Freedom without faith produces knowledge with out meaning culture without purpose and a people so devoted to self that they miss the common good. They are interested only in survival.
Christian educators must show that Christian faith, scholarship, freedom and Christian devotion are not incompatible.
Religion and learning belong together,
Teachers in secular colleges and universities become a menace to learning and the Christian faith if they assume that learning and religion are necessarily incompatible.
We must recognize that scholarship freedom and Christian devotion go hand in hand.”
By Dr. Arthur G. Cons, president of Occidental College, California
Jan 24, 1960
Dr.Miller was sick with flu so Henry preached and asked me to lead the worship service. It was the day the Mariners were there in a body. I reminded them to read the 68th psalm describing the processionals into the new temple with singers in front minstrels in the rear and maidens playing timbrels. Also the 150th Psalm which names the musical instruments used in worship. I gave the Mariners credit for their four contributions, singing, playing, working and praying.
Spoke on Lee at Manhattan Beach Lions Club. Have three or four calls to speak at Lincoln school in February.
Feb. 25, 1960
Meeting of Civil War Round Table – Topic – John Wilkes Booth – Many myths of Booth – his crime was well planned
A picture and news report from “The Prevue” published by the Manhattan Community Church, Manhattan Beach, CA. June 26, 1960-
Rev. Claude Warren – Shown above with Dr. Martin Luther King when latter was in Los Angeles this Spring.
Sept. 21, 1960
Today I accepted Supt. Lightbunne’s offer to go to Huntsville, Alabama for a interim pasterate of three months or longer, until they secure a regular pastor. This seems like a real opportunity to go South for the second time in such a capacity.
The church is listed as United Church, with Congregational, Christian, Evangelical and Reformed backgrounds. Jimmy has been anxious for me to consider this new field and at last we have agreed on terms of service on a temporary basis. I hope to be worthy of this confidence in this community where the Redstone Arsenal is located. I understand that most of the members are civilians employed at the arsenal. The church meets each Sunday morning at the Albert Pick Motel.
Oct. 7, 1960
Have been thrilled by reading in Christian Century (Oct. 5) a book review by Margaret Franks (sp). I remember “I Looked for Cal’s Absence”
The modern church he says is a shadow of Christianity and that we are living in a wonderful age of time of return to the original values of life and religion. The workers are looking for the meaning of life and they do see how the Church with its practices can give it.
He sees hope for the future. He describes a dialogue more in which he says “I felt as if I were at a meeting of the first Christians as if I were spiritually baptized again”.
As I read this review I was thrilled. It reminded me of some experience as a young man speaking to men in a Rail Road Machine shop in Chicago in 1914 and I looked into the faces of men who had become estranged from organized religion, yet welcomed eagerly my message in behalf of good will and brotherhood.
In recent years I have experienced the same thrill at meetings of pastors in certain sections of the Deep South comprised of white and negro brothers in Christ. We met for prayer and hopeful discussion of one common problem. Several white pastors testified this was the first time they had met or shaken hands with their colored brethren.
It is my conviction that we may profit much by reading this book by a (Cakitive sp) writer thanks to the penetrating analysis by Margaret Franks.
Perhaps we are witnessing the coming of a new Reformation in which all adheridity (sp) to the Christian faith will be profoundly changed as life takes on new meaning. Perhaps we all need to be “spiritually baptized again” as we turn from negative to Hope in this age of rockets and missiles.
What impressed me most was his diary entries interspersed with sincere pondering. Here is the story of man who exchanged his cassouk for a workman’s garb, a companion of minors and factory hands in Holland France and Germany to learn the extent of their estrangement and the reasons for it.
There is hope for the future.
Oct. 8, 1960
In my room at Y.M.C.A. Aurora, Il. Waiting for train to Chicago and Rothschild, after two weeks of waiting hoping , visiting and praying.
Have visited at Rockford and at Ralph’s and enjoyed many meals with Bill and family talking over family problems and my future in Alabama or Lagrange. Have faith that all will work out for the best of the Lord has it in His book for me to spend the rest of my life among friends at Plymouth Place. He will make it known. Dr. Jacobs and others are doing all they can to bring it to pass. For this I am most grateful.
If I can’t go to Huntsville, Ala, that also will be revealed in due time. Meanwhile I shall wait on the Lord for guidance.
“He brought them out that he might bring them in” What are His plans for my life” to what purpose is He keeping me training? For what must I wait? “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength”
They shall mount it with wings on eagles – They shall run and not be wary – they shall work and not faint Isa. 40:31
He giveth power to the faint and to him that have no might he increaseth strength. Isa. 40:29
Be strong and of good courage. Have not I commanded thee Be not afraid, neither be thou discouraged for the Lord thy God is with thee whither more thou goeth. John 1:9
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil. He shall preserve thou soul The hand shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth and forever more Psalm 121”3-8
May the Blessing of God rest upon Betty, Bill, Dick, Jean and Jane and all who are dear to them.
BLESS YOU DAD AND THANK YOU