Prater, Rev Leonard C 1973-06-23

Rev. Prater discusses the beginnings and growth of the Universalist Church in Texas and his ministry in the church.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Reverend Leonard C. Prater

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: June 23, 1973

Location: Brownwood, Texas

Interviewer: Fred Carpenter

Length: 2 hours 35 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Introduction of participants in the discussion, Rev. Prater gives biographical information, Became a Universalist in 1911, Attended St. Lawrence University to become a minister, Summarizes his career as a minister, Additional biographical information given, Basic beliefs of Universalism explained, Recalls hostility of other churches to Universalism in the early 1900s, Judge John D. Barker, early minister, mentioned, Traveled with Rev. R. L. Brooks as a song leader, Sites of some early meetings listed.

Tape 1, Side 2: Reverend Stanley Manning remembered, Attended theological school of St. Lawrence University (1923-1929), Became acquainted with more liberal philosophies there, Fellow students discussed, Describes Lombard College in Illinois, J. Frank Norris characterized, Many early Universalists came from other churches, Comments on the fact that there are very few rites in the Universalist Church, Types of members in the early church noted.

Tape 2, Side 1: Outlines relationship between Unitarian and Universalist churches, Finally merged in 1961, Cites reason for deterioration of Univeresalism in Texas, Early Universalist leaders still in Texas named, Locations of early Universalist churches listed, Rev. J. K. Street mentioned, Issue of prayer in public schools discussed.

Tape 2, Side 2: Comments on communication among early churches, Church at Newcastle described, Reviews annual Universalist conventions, W. H. Rawlins recalled, Mentions early Universalist leaders in Texas, Dr. Quillen Shinn characterized, W. R. Chambers remembered, States different attitudes toward religion represented among Universalists, Rev. R. L. Brooks organized a Negro church.

Tape 3, Side 1: Continues discussion of early leaders in the Universalist Church, Prominent women mentioned, Dress of early church members described, Decision to become a minister recalled, Salary as Superintendent of the Texas churches, Transferred to Georgia, Became an Army chaplain in the 1930s, Attacks theory of hell preached by other churches, Cites early relations with the Unitarian Church.

Tape 3, Side 2: Question of drinking discussed.

Range Dates: 1900-1973

Bulk Dates: 1911-1961

Access Information

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