February 26, 2012
Universalist Heritage- John Murray
This month we have examined Unitarian Universalists who have made a difference to their time and place. We have focussed on contemporary figures – in some cases, people who are not ‘famous’ but whose contributions to society provide inspiration to all of us. This Sunday, for our last service on inspirational Unitarian Universalists, we will reach back in time to look at an early figure in our Universalist heritage.
The focus of my sermon will be John Murray born in England on December 10, 1741. In 1770 he emigrated the our country to “lose himself in America.” He preached, as a Universalist minister, his first sermon in Good Luck, (now Lacey Township) , New Jersey.
In 1774 he settled at Gloucester, Massachusetts, and established a congregation there. There he met his second wife, the author Judith Sargent Murray. He was suspected of being a British spy, but in 1775 was appointed chaplain of the Rhode Island Brigade by General George Washington despite petitions for his dismissal by other chaplains over his rejection of belief in hell. On October 23, 1793, he became pastor of the Universalist society of Boston, and faithfully served it until October 19, 1809. He was a man of great courage and eloquence, and in the defense of his views endured much detestation and abuse. He is one of those remarkable persons who contributed to the diverse community of people we today call Unitarian Universalists.
I look forward to see you on Sunday.
We will delve into our Universalist heritage by learning about Rev. John Murray and Judith Sargent Murray.
John Murray and the Winds of Change
You never know what the wind will blow in or which way the wind blows. The wind can change directions and maybe change your life. It happened to John Murray. As a young man, John Murray had excellent fortune blow his way. He had a fine education, a steady job, a loving wife, and a young son. Life was good. Then, suddenly, everything changed. John Murray’s wife and their son became sick and died. John lost his job, lost all his money, and was put in jail because he could not pay his bills.
John was a very religious man, a Universalist, who had even preached about a loving God. Now, he was not so sure what he believed. He felt his life was over. Friends urged him to go someplace where he could start again. Read more
