The Sermons and Musings of Carl J. Westman, D.D.: Introduction To Musings VIII

Monday, May 3, 2010

Introduction To Musings VIII

December 1997

Another year, another Musing. An eventful year it has been, too.

In January, I had the good fortune to move from my “efficiency” to a one-bedroom apartment. The additional space, living and storage, has been both convenient and comforting. To those who have not corrected my address, it is apartment 804; street and number for Jefferson Center remain the same, of course.

This year I have had to discontinue shopping and shipping holiday presents for my long list. I am no longer up to the task. I trust everyone will understand.

Health took an unwelcome turn this year. In August, surgery for a colon re-section to remove a malignancy. Then chemotherapy. Then, in late October, hospitalization again – a recurrence of the heart problem. Soon, chemotherapy again. However, do not be unnecessarily alarmed. As Mark Twain said of Wagner’s music, “it is better than it sounds.” I’ll be around.

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About Carl J. Westman

From his obituary

Carl J. Westman
1911 - 2004

The Reverend Carl J. Westman, D.D., retired Unitarian-Universalist (UU) minister, of Sarasota, Florida passed away early Thursday, October 14 at his home in Beneva Park Club. Cause of death was congestive heart failure. He was 93. Dr. Westman was known for activism in protecting the rights of others sometimes at his own personal risk. He joined Dr. Martin Luther King on the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, at the height of the civil rights struggle and in Washington, D.C. when King delivered the "I Have a Dream" speech. Dr. Westman spoke out forcefully in protection of first amendment freedoms during the McCarthy era when the right to free speech was under siege and when defending free speech was often considered a treasonable offense.

Dr. Westman was born in Boston, Massachusetts, October 4, 1911 and graduated from Everett, Massachusetts, High School in 1929. During World War II Carl Westman served as welding foreman in the United States Navy shipyard at Quonset Point, Rhode Island. Following the war he attended St. Lawrence University, Canton New York, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in Divinity, graduating with honors and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. Westman was ordained in 1950 and served as pastor of Unitarian Universalist churches in Gloucester, Massachusetts; Bridgeport, Connecticut; Akron, Ohio; Rochester, New York; Plainfield, New Jersey and Lakeland and Port Charlotte, Florida. He was Minister Emeritus of the Lakeland Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

Prior to moving to Florida in 1976, Dr. Westman served as Interdistrict Executive for the New York City area of the Unitarian Univeralist Association of America (UUA) and on the commission whose work led to merger of the Unitarian and Universalist churches. He was active in various other governing bodies of the UUA and of St. Lawrence University Theological School. In 1965, St. Lawrence University awarded Dr. Westman an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. He retired from active ministry in 1986 but continued to conduct services and to preach from time to time, principally in southwest Florida. He continued to enjoy the arts and pursue his love of scholarship in various fields including rereading the complete works of William Shakespeare every year.

About This Blog

The purpose of this blog is to disseminate the ideas and ideals of Carl J. Westman.

The extant typed sermons and musings have, in some places, archaic grammar, notation, and spelling (e.g., the use of "story-teller" instead of "storyteller"). Initially these items were modernized as noticed, but over time, the present editor decided that too much of the original flavor was lost. Consequently, future efforts will only include changes that correct obvious mistakes.

Obviously, certain assertions and understandings have become outdated due to progress in science and the later discoveries that shed light on what at the time was uncertain. Language has continued to evolve, and some terms commonly used a half-century ago may have either lost their power and connotation, or gained such (leaving a better or worse impression than it would have when originally delivered).

Like all of us, he was an imperfect vessel. What is remarkable, however, is how much he got right, and how much of what he preached still has relevance today. One need not agree with him on all matters to judge his thoughts and observations as worthy of consideration.

The Sermons and Musings of Carl J. Westman, D.D.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Introduction To Musings VIII

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About Carl J. Westman

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