I invite you to take a moment to look around this space. Take in the colors, shapes and forms that surround you. Consider the rich color of the woodwork; the Victorian designs on the organ pipes like the spines of books; the intricate detail of the plaster ceiling; the pew on which you are seated and the rows that are in front and behind you; the play of light through the stained glass windows and the scenes which each one depicts.

As you look around this sanctuary, take a moment to appreciate the many hands that created this house of worship from raw materials: the artists and laborers, the fundraisers and orators, people of all ages that contributed to making this church building a reality.

More than a hollow hall of wood and stone, this church is dedicated to the ideals of liberal religion. A sanctuary, a holy space set apart for direct encounter with the sacred. Since 1880, people have come here in search of life's deepest meaning. Breathe deeply in recognition that this space is hallowed by so many people who have come before us. Gathering here for Sunday morning worship, for lectures, concerts, plays, fellowship and rites of passage. Going back over 120 years, people have sat right where you are this very moment. This church has witnessed countless couples vowing their love and commitment to one another. From this pulpit have come words of insight, prophecy, and inspiration touching people in ways that influenced both character and actions. The building has held people through times of suffering and loss, a place where broken and grieving hearts might heal.

Today I will share with you some of our history especially as it relates to this space where we gather for worship each Sunday morning. As I have been reading in preparation for this service, I have been overcome with a feeling of gratitude to be a part of this unique history. I have also been struck by how even without a rational knowledge of the past there is an institutional memory- something in the wallboards that causes history to repeat itself; certain values, ideals and events that inform who we are as a congregation and link us to those who came before.

This building stands as a memorial to William Ellery Channing, the first person to articulate Unitarian theology in America. The cornerstone bearing the words "Faith, Hope, Charity" was laid in 1880, the centennial of Channing's birth. The dates carved into the front of the church 1780-1880, pay tribute to this anniversary; 1780 being the date of Channing's birth in Newport. It is significant that this memorial bearing his name is not a cold edifice but houses a thriving Unitarian Universalist congregation.

Charles T. Brooks was called as the first pastor of the Unitarian Congregational Church. He was right out of divinity school and served for 37 years. He is described as a scholar, poet, gentle presence and gracious pastor; well respected by the local community despite his controversial liberal theological perspective. William Ellery Channing offered the charge at Brooks' ordination as he occasionally would preach in his hometown of Newport.

Beginning in 1878, the Rev. M. K. Schermerhorn served as the minister of this congregation for four years. During that short period of time, he inspired the congregation and the entire Unitarian Association to build a monument to honor Channing in his birthplace. This church was built by international subscription. Unitarians from across the country and in England sent contributions in support of the vision of a monument dedicated to the memory and vision of William Ellery Channing.

The Meditation this morning referred to the window behind me. The full title is "A Sower went forth to Sow". The window was given by Channing's descendants and was fashioned after the painting by Millet. The artist was Donald McDonald. We often speak of this image because it is the one our eyes rest upon most when seated. The image beautifully captures our belief in the wonder of Creation and our intimate relationship with the natural world.

Unless you are a lay leader, you may be less familiar with the Bates Window, which is by the lectern. The inscription reads: _______________________________________________________________

In 1881, this was the first window to be completed in time for the building dedication. The artist was the preeminent John La Farge who was also working on the interior of the Congregational Church down the street from us at the same time. The window was a memorial gift from Mrs. James Simonent, the daughter of the Rev. Barnabas Bates who I gather had something to do with postage. I would love to learn more about that! The Rev. Bates was also a personal friend of Channing. The Bates window features two figures, the Virgin praying and Bates' patron saint Barnabas.

One of the greatest works of art in our sanctuary is the Baker Memorial Window. The artist was once again John La Farge. He was admired for his technique of layering colored glass to create a rich color and flow giving the garments a sculptural quality. The faces and hands are painted. At the time of its dedication, the Baker window was pronounced one to the most beautiful and costly windows in this country. The artistry, history and theological meaning of this window are compelling. The donor was Mrs. Richard Baker of Boston who worshipped here when she resided in Newport. It is a memorial to her deceased husband and daughter. Titled "In the Valley of the Shadow", the image depicts the 23rd Psalm: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me, which is spelled out by the six maidens below the triptych. The male figure on the right is a personification of Richard Baker and the young female is the daughter. In the center, an angelic figure leads a cautious woman out of the darkness into the light. So, Mrs. Baker in her bereavement, the loss of both husband and daughter commissioned a work that proclaiming the promise of Redemption with her deceased loved ones bearing witness. This is an expression of our Universalist faith in a loving God who embraces all humankind in love.

This window in the West transept is titled "The Life of Charity". The donor was Mrs. Rufus B. Kinsley in honor of her husband. The artist was S. P. Belcher. The images depict a verse of the Christian Scriptures, Matthew 25:35, for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Notice that all the windows are very human and lifelike. This was a new style of art, which demonstrates the value our Unitarian ancestors placed on charity and good works. To be a religious person is not a matter of predetermination but accessible to all people-salvation by character.