Word: haling
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Dates: during 1950-1959
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...February, "and at the same time overlook social irresponsibility and stark prejudice right under our very noses . . . What does your experience of God say? Shall we continue to segregate ourselves into white churches in Boston? If we do, can we still call ourselves Christians and followers of Jesus ?" Pastor Hale announced his intention to hire a Negro minister to replace the minister to students, who was leaving to take a parish...
Objections began rolling in. About 30% of the congregation was vociferously opposed: many threatened to withdraw or to cancel their church pledges. "The so-called Old Guard Bostonians," said Hale, "are not objecting. Most of the protests are from successful businessmen from 40 to 55 years old. It's strange. None of them objected to my requests for financial support of the boycott in Montgomery, Ala. We had almost 100% response in contributions. They're against segregation until it comes right down to themselves...
...Advance Resignation. Pastor Hale retired to his summer place in Freedom, Me. and thought it over. Then he composed a letter, which was published in his church's Sunday bulletin...
...Hale announced that he would not go through with the appointment of a Negro minister. "I could never conscientiously subject him to the heart-breaking experience which has been mine," he explained. "As your minister I have failed to help you generate the kind of spiritual energy which is a prerequisite for significant community leadership." He added that he was submitting his resignation as minister, effective July 1957. "This advance date will give us opportunity for another year of thinking and working together and, if either minister or people have unjustifiably wronged each other, then there will be time...
...Negro minister could probably have been hired in a Unitarian church in another part of the country," said Pastor Hale sorrowfully. "It appears that Boston just isn't ready...