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Historic affirmations of faith
Here are some historic affirmations of faith used by Unitarians and Universalists in New Bedford. These give some idea of the differences and commonalities over time, and among the three congregations.
1892: First Universalist
According to Hiram Van Campen in "Universalist Church," History of New Bedford and Its Vicinity 1602-1892 (1892, ed. L. B. Ellis), in 1982 the First Universalist Church used the "Winchester Profession." Since the Winchester Profession was originally formulated by the Universalist General Conference in 1803, it is possible and even likely that this affirmation of faith was used from the founding of the congregation.
We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments containn a revelation of the character of God, and of the duty, interrest and final destiny of mankind.
We believe there is one God, whose nature is love, revealed in the one Lord Jesus Christ by the one Holy Spirit of Grace, who will finally restore the whole family of mankind to holiness and happiness.
We believe that holiness and true happiness are insperably connected; and that believers ought to maintain order, and practice good works, for these things are good and profitable unto men.
1940's: North Unitarian Church
Audrey Steele distinctly remembers this classic Unitarian profession of faith -- perhaps the most widespread Unitarian affirmation of the mid-20th C. -- being used at North Unitarian Church:
We believe in the fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man, the leadership of Jesus, salvation by character, and progress onwards and upwards forever.
2000: First Unitarian Church
This affirmation is still occasionally used as a reading by the congregation.
May faith in the spirit of life
And hope in the community of earth
And love of the sacred in ourselves and others
Be ours this day and in all the days to come.