Many who read this newsletter think fondly about several past and present social activities: Friday Night Pub, square dancing, talent shows, potlucks, concerts, potlucks, Garnet Hill ski weekend, etc. Such socializing opportunities are very important and help make attending MMUUS so wonderful. But, socializing has been very important since this church was formed.
In 1838 through the latter part of the 19th Century, Syracuse was dominated by Calvinists. Presbyterian principles ruled and most of the leading people were Presbyterian. In many ways it was stifling for our ancestors and the Calvinists simply refused to associate with us because we would not accept Trinitarian beliefs. The archives contain reports of how being with each other became crucial. Thus was born lovely and lively Unitarian social evenings of food, entertainment, games, and conversations, church hallmarks that have continued for nearly 12 decades.
Here is the origin of “chore boy” mentioned during the Sam May Day service. It is from the Memoir of Samuel Joseph May, Thomas Mumford (Ed.), Boston: Roberts Brothers, 1873 (available online, p. 232, and attributed to Transcendentalist Amos Bronson Alcott, Sam’s brother-in-law: “Mr. A. B. Alcott was once at Syracuse when Mr. May was engaged from morning until night in errands of mercy, — visiting the sick, burying the dead, helping fugitive slaves and canal boys, and prisoners who wish to reform. When he reached home at evening, and was drawing off the boots from his weary feet, Mr. Alcott said: ‘I have found a new name for you. You are the Lord’s chore boy. You do the Lord’s chores.’ ”
Rog Hiemstra, Archivist
Written on April 17, 2006
