Sermons, 1933-1953
Here is a selection of sermons that Earl Clement Davis delivered at the Petersham First Congregational Parish Church in Petersham, Massachusetts. He served there as minister from 1933 until his death in 1953. The undated sermons are listed first, followed by a reverse chronological order.
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From Copernicus to Galileo
Earl Clement Davis
Earl Davis discusses the history of the religious challenges brought on by progress in science. For Davis, this is fundamentally the question of rule of authority versus the rule of experience and science. He thinks this an ongoing problem, and sees authority remains a formidable demon.
Date refers to Date Given. While this text has no explicit date, the paper is identical to the paper from the clearly dated “Remarks at Tenth Anniversary,” and perhaps not coincidentally 1942 was the tercentenary of Galileo’s death.
The primary downloadable document contains the original document followed by the transcription. The bottom of each item page also features the primary document as an embedded pdf for browsing.
Transcription by Davis Baird. Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird.
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Not Revelation but Discovery, Not Forms but the Holy Spirit
Earl Clement Davis
This is a particularly rich sermon by Earl Davis. His main point is that no matter how challenging or difficult the present may seem, we are moving irresistibly to a better future. He says 'better' because, as he understands the term, the Holy Spirit ("the whole healthy life, life with values and standards, life with purpose, life healthy and vigorous with its eye on some better tomorrow, some better age, some better world") is ever moving in us and about us, unexhausted and dynamic." The lesson from Hebrews 3 is again about working through a discouraging time.
Date refers to Date Given and The primary downloadable document contains the original document followed by the transcription.
The bottom of each item page also features the primary document as an embedded pdf for browsing.
Transcription by Davis Baird. Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird.
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Why the Birth of Jesus is Celebrated?
Earl Clement Davis
In Earl Davis's later years, he used shorthand for his sermons.
Here, Davis states that we celebrate the birth of Jesus because of the faith he had -- "his consecration to a great and generous purpose" -- and the fact that he made good when tested, even unto death.
Date refers to Date Given and The primary downloadable document contains the original document followed by the transcription.
The bottom of each item page also features the primary document as an embedded pdf for browsing. Transcription by Davis Baird.
Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird.
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Service of Commemoration
Earl Clement Davis
Earl Davis was asked to deliver a memorial address at a service commemorating the twenty-one ministers deceased since May 25th, 1944. The service was at the Hale Chapel of the First Church in Boston on May 22nd, 1946.
The sermon speaks of the mysteries of life and death, the moment of choosing a life of ministry, and the momentous changes that occurred during the lives of these men from the Civil War to this new Atomic Age.
Date refers to Date Given.
There are five downloadable files for this work. The primary document contains the original document followed by the transcription (each of these are also available as separate downloads). Also available is the Service of Commemoration program for this event, and a letter to Earl Davis from the American Unitarian Association supplying the list of deceased ministers.
Transcription by Davis Baird. Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird.
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Remarks at Tenth Anniversary
Earl Clement Davis
Prompted by his ten year anniversary in Petersham, MA, Earl Davis looks forward. He is concerned about the major changes afoot in science and technology that are threatening religious life. He canvasses three possible responses, only one of which he supports:
The two inadvisable options are 1. to focus on ceremonies and to shield oneself from curiosity or 2. to revive the past. The response he supports and pushes for is to embrace the change and engage it with mind and heart. Davis states that this is the way of excitement, zest, and growth in all aspects of life. He states that the church should be a place "of keen intellectual influence...a place where, with malice towards none, and with charity for all, we may sift the golf [sic] of modern thought, as well as ancient thought from the dross, and carry the gold of truth...".
The primary downloadable document contains the original document followed by the transcription. The bottom of each item page also features the primary document as an embedded pdf for browsing.
Transcription by Davis Baird. Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird.