At the annual meeting in 1847, the Standing Committee were directed to
invite Father Ballou to sit for his portrait, and that the same, when
finished, be placed in Murray Hall. This work was successfully executed,
and Father Ballou expressed himself highly complimented by the action of
the Society in regard to it.
Early in 1848, the Society were called together to act upon the
following letter from Brother Chapin.
Boston, Feb. 5, 1848.
_Brethren_:--
After, as I trust, deliberate and proper consideration, I have
concluded to take up my connection with your Society, and accept of
the invitation from New York. I might extend this letter to great
length and yet not express the feelings with which I do this act. I
can only say that I do so with the utmost kindness and with deep
gratitude, and shall always cherish, with unalloyed satisfaction,
the harmonious season we have passed together. I invoke God's
blessing upon the Society you represent, and to you personally
tender the warmest sentiments of personal regard.
Fraternally yours,
E.H. Chapin.
To the Standing Committee.
At the same meeting, February 20, 1848, Rev. A.A. Miner was invited to
become the junior pastor of the Society, at the same salary which had
been paid Brother Chapin, and on the 15th of March, the committee
received the following letter, accepting the invitation.
Lowell, March 15, 1848.
_Brethren_:--
The invitation which I received at your hands, to become associate
pastor of the Second Society of Universalists in Boston, has been
duly considered, and is hereby accepted. Although this decision
seemed compatible with my duty, it has not been arrived at without a
severe trial, both on account of the existing ties it will sever,
and of my conscious unfitness for so responsible a station.
Trusting, however, in Him who is always able to help us,