The first definite official action of the present discussion over the use of Memorial Church may arise from the Corporation meeting this morning, informed sources indicated yesterday, as the chances increased that the Fellows would probably appoint a committee specifically to study the matter. The naming of a Faculty committee has reportedly been urged upon President Pusey by a high member of the University.
Over the weekend the President indicated that some progress had been made in settling the controversy, adding that there were "simple problems" in the discussion which "we will be able to solve relatively easily." There are other difficulties involved, however, which "will be argued by human beings for a very, very long time from now."
Another statement on the matter in a distinctly different vein, was made yesterday morning by the Rev. Joseph Barth, minister of King's Chapel, a Unitarian church in Boston attended by many influential friends of the University. Barth, speaking on the Biblical sentence, "There shall be one fold and one shepherd," called upon Memorial Church "to welcome differences into itself... in the method of a covenant among the differing with all to use the chapel in freedom."
Church should Admit All
Barth claimed that the University's only alternative to this is to "welcome to its territory in Harvard Yard all such religious institutions representing the student body as are effectively excluded from the use of the memorial chapel."
These two suggestions are the only generally acceptable ways to attain "one fold," a goal accepted by most religous and political faiths. Of the two, however, he strongly preferred the first.
If Memorial Church "cannot welcome all religious points of view (and their services) into its sanctum," he maintained, "the Christian spirit in its purest statement has failed in application. 'Come unto me all ye...' is reduced to 'Come unto me those who agree in detail with me, and for the rest, we will help you go your way.'"
Barth's sermon was reportedly seconded by a number of present and past Overseers in the congregation. Members of the church disclosed that the plan to publish and distribute it within the month.
The sermon was interpreted by some to represent the "voice of Unitarian Boston," clarifying "fundamental principles."
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