From the Archives …

Arthur Woodford McDavitt was ministering at the Clinton (Illinois) Universalist Church when this correspondence took place. He later went on to have a long career as pastor at the Universalist Church in Muncie, Indiana. But before that, he created some turmoil for our Urbana Universalist church. 

Louis Smith, the Clerk of the Urbana Universalist Church, wrote to Rev. Arthur W. McDavitt on September 1, 1915, offering him the pulpit. He told McDavitt that “…with an unusually good representation of the membership present, the vote on this action was unanimous.”

On September 6, 1915, Rev. McDavitt wrote back to Louis Smith, saying, “My Dear Sir, your correspondence stating that I have been selected as pastor of your parish has been received. While I cannot accept formally the offer at present as my resignation has not yet been acted upon, nevertheless I will be with you, and if all goes well, by October 1. Tell the people and have all in readiness. You will hear from me again Saturday. 

Sincerely, Arthur W. McDavitt”

But on September 11, 1915, he wrote to Mr. Smith again. 

“My Dear Sir, I am writing to tell you I can’t get out of this town and the authorities are not hindering me either. I resigned in good faith to accept the Urbana offer, but the people simply put their feet on my entire plans. I stay here at the request of this community, feeling I can do a better work where I have become established and hold the confidence of the people. These things I had not fully realized until Friday night when the parish met for action. 

I sincerely do hope you will let me off on the partial promise I made for it was certainly made in good faith, but circumstances change conditions at times.

Convey my kindest regards to the Urbana people and give them my heart-felt thanks for the honor they bestowed on me in calling me to the pastorate of their worthy parish.

Sincerely, Arthur W. McDavitt”

Time went on, and on February 14, 1916 Rev. McDavitt wrote to Mr. Smith again. 

“Dear Sir, Will you kindly send me a copy of the church record which contains the call extended to me to become pastor of your church, the terms, salary, etc.? 

Please do this by return mail if possible.

Thanking you in advance for the favor. 

I am sincerely, A.W. McDavitt”