union avenue christian church |
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B.A. Abbott 1910– 1918 I stated in my book, The Disciples: An Interpretation, that our movement is inclusive and not exclusive and that we desire to be Christians only. My friend George A. Campbell, described me as “a stalwart, brotherly leader…a lover of the simplicities in life [and of] worship.” I came to Union Avenue from a successful pastorate of 16 years with the Harlem Avenue Church in Baltimore, but I was born in Virginia. I found Union Avenue to be a most wonderful church, high-minded, and aggressive. George Campbell came to know me well because I remained a member during his ministry and my 18-year editorship of The Christian-Evangelist, the Disciples’ national weekly paper. He even knew the first and middle names I didn’t use (and kept closely guarded): Birdine Akers. As Dr. Campbell well knew, I did not like controversy, although I held firm convictions and laid a foundation at Union Avenue for Campbell. My pastorate included the difficult years of World War I. For a while, evangelism fell into disfavor among Disciples — and then came a disquieting falling off of additions. About the time the World War broke out, the churches were suffering a loss annually. In 1918 the net loss was 57,000 and in 1919 it was 5,608. This was in part caused by the World War which diverted attention from evangelism and called many of the pastors and evangelists [into the war]. I left Union Avenue with many fond memories in 1918 to accept the position of editor of The Christian-Evangelist. more Sunday morning worship @ 10:45 a.m. • Christian Education for all ages @ 9:30 a.m. |
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