Yesterday I told a couple stories of Universalist history– of our connection to Spiritualism and about the beginnings of Universalism in Lakeland. If you missed it, you can watch here:

Oddly enough, when I started seminary, I dreaded the thought of having to take the UU History and Polity course. I think history classes in high school left a bad taste in my mouth. But as it turns out, digging into UU history has been exhilarating! I shouldn’t be too surprised. I did my undergraduate and (first time in) graduate school work in anthropology, more specifically in archaeology (ok, and even more more specifically in Bahamian archaeology. I spent two summers on San Salvador Island, that island that Columbus supposedly first landed on, excavating a site known as Pigeon Creek which was occupied before his landing by the Lucayan Taino people. But I digress…). So, digging through archives has a similar feel (minus the dirt, but not the dust!). I’m uncovering clues to the story of our past.

I’ve heard parts of Lakeland’s UU history from Keyno, so I know it’s been told in the “oral tradition” for quite some time. And, there is a report by a past member, Hal Hubener, in the archives and it tells part of our story. But I am interested in getting it written down with as much detail, and with as much thoughtful analysis, as possible. As I do, my fondness for local history is growing.

We know the big stories of history, the major events, and the names of the few that were significant to those events. But local history is an opportunity to excavate deeper into the social realities of the people whose lives were affected. What were they like? How were their relationships with one another? What did they do? How did they respond? I enjoy the particulars and the ability to reveal some of the personalities of the people whose written material is in the archives.

But, I also have to ask myself, why does it matter? I feel that it is important for me to know the history of those who came before me, how they worked to establish liberal religion in Lakeland, and to understand the time, energy, and vision put into our UUCL community. I want to honor their hard work with awareness and care and to understand my place in the history of things. Without establishing reverence for the past, there is a certain amount of meaning missing from what we are doing righ now.

How does knowing about our UUCL past influence you and the work you do in our community? Do you like to hear the stories I tell (I sure hope so, because there’s plenty more coming!)? Why? As always, I want to know your thoughts!