All Souls NYC:
our history told in timelines
The 2021 Annual Bellows Lecture
Sunday, November 14th, 2:00pm, on Zoom
Professor Christopher Cameron of the University of North Carolina spoke on
Dr. Cameron's fascinating talk discussed the ideological origins of American abolitionism, locating the movement’s ideas and strategies in Unitarian theology, especially biblical interpretation techniques and notions of self-culture and the benevolent and loving nature of God. He also examined how denominational politics informed participation in the abolitionist movement, with leading figures of the denomination often more lukewarm about radical abolitionism than more marginal members like Samuel Joseph May. We learned about Black Transcendentalism and the Adelphic Union, and Dr. Cameron concluded by discussing Rev. Bellows himself, including his early opposition to abolitionism and embrace instead of colonization, and how Bellows' views changed during the Civil War.
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Our members are the heart of the ASHS community and an integral part of the All Souls story.
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to help make possible the Society’s mission to promote the study of All Souls’ history.
We need history more than ever during these stressful and uncertain times.
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Would you like to work with us to preserve
All Souls history?
We are seeking volunteers to work with us on collecting and recording church records and materials from congregation members and groups, posting themed materials on our website, checking sources, writing summaries, and researching background materials. Please contact us at archives@allsoulsnyc.org if you are interested in finding a new volunteer opportunity at church, and would like to work with us and learn more about All Souls' history!
Preserving the Present
as a Legacy for the Future
Imagine being able to write the first draft of history!
Please send us your stories for the archive we're creating to document the current life of All Souls.
Selected contributions (with contributors' permission) will be posted in the Community Stories section of this website. Our aim is to capture the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the uprising against racial injustice on our community. For more details, see Preserving the Present as a Legacy for the Future.
Please send your contributions to us at archives@allsoulsnyc.org. Thank you!
Honor the Past
Celebrate the Present
Shape the Future
The Unitarian Church of All Souls NYC was founded on November 15th, 1819. From its humble beginnings in a downtown parlor to its rise as a flagship of Unitarian Universalism, it has been a beacon for liberal religious thinking for more than two centuries.
This website was created as a place to find out about, and share memories of, the history of our church.
We also publicize our events on All Souls Connext, our new social network.