AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED by the English nonconformist divine CHARLES ALBERT BERRY congratulating Major James B. Pond on his marriage apologizing that he will not be up to lecturing and profound observations on the state of religion & politics in Great Britain.
1888101161<p>Wolverhampton May 17 1888. 1888. Fine. - Over 360 words penned on three-and-a-quarter sides of folded 7-7/8 inch high by 5 inch wide "Queen Street Congregational Chapel Wolverhampton" stationery. The English nonconformist divine Charles Albert Berry congratulates the American Impressario Major James B. Pond on his marriage "Do I know the happy bride I have a sort of dim notion that I both saw & spoke to her. Am I dreaming or have I had the pleasure" He goes on to say that he's "made a place for her in my invisible circle of memoried friends." Explaining that though he and his wife will be visiting America soon he has no intention of lecturing "I am being pretty much worked to death & my holiday when I take it must be a time of real rest." He mentions hearing the Dr. Abbott may be permanently staying in Plymouth and goes on to write his impressions of the state of affairs in Britain: "Over here things are getting hopelessly mixed theologically politically and socially. Spurgeon is urging the Churches to get back to pre-scientific beliefs: Chamberlain is struggling to hold the country to pre-humanitarian views upon Ireland: and a little band of men in London are shouting pre-Civilized crudities about socialism & the like." Signed "Charles. A. Berry". Folded for mailing else near fine.</p><p>The English nonconformist divine Charles Albert Berry 1852-1899 was influenced by the New York Dutch Reformed Church minister Dr. J. M. Macaulay when the latter resided in England for a few years. After attending Airedale College in Bradford to study for the ministry he became pastor of the St. George's Road Congregational church in Bolton. He became pastor of the Curch at Queen Street in Woverhampton where his broad views and eloquence made an impact. Having promised Henry Ward Beecher that he would visit America he did so but refused the invitation to succeed Beecher. Following an 1892 conference at Grindelwald he Hugh Price Hughes and Alexander Mackennal introduced the ideas and principles of a Free Church federation throughout England. He served as the first president of the Free Church congress and also served as president of the Congregational Union of England and Wales. He effectively campaigned for peace between England and America over the Venezualan boundery dispute.</p> Wolverhampton, May 17, 1888.
