From the Archives …

The Universalist Church in Urbana was organized in June 1859. Forty-four members joined the Church through a Profession of Faith and the pastor, Mr. Eaton, and his wife, joined by letter. By October of that first year, twelve additional members had joined.

By the time our church was founded, abolition vs. slavery had been major issues nationally and locally for 30 years. Abraham Lincoln was a friend of some members and attended the church as a visitor. When he was criticized for his participation in the services of the Universalist Church by evangelist Peter Cartwright, Lincoln replied, “Parson, I used to think that it took the smartest kind of man to uphold and defend Universalism, but now I think differently, for I believe it is the easiest doctrine to defend I have yet heard.”