A. Powell Davies facts for kids

Arthur Powell Davies (born June 5, 1902 – died September 26, 1957) was an important minister. He led the All Souls Church, Unitarian in Washington, D.C. from 1944 until he passed away in 1957. He wrote many books and speeches. He became well-known in the U.S. because he fought for civil rights for African-Americans and women. He also spoke out against the spread of nuclear weapons after World War II. He was brave enough to challenge the government's methods during a time called McCarthyism.

Who Was A. Powell Davies?

Arthur Powell Davies was born in Birkenhead, England, near Liverpool. His parents were from Wales. He grew up in the Methodist church. After a short time working as a clerk, he moved to London. There, he became a secretary for a strike leader who became a Member of Parliament.

Starting His Path

In London, Davies met a famous writer named George Bernard Shaw. Shaw thought Davies should go into politics. But Davies chose a different path. He decided to study at Richmond Theological College, a Methodist school. He wanted to become a Methodist minister. While studying, he met Muriel Hannah, whose father was also a Methodist minister. They got married in 1927.

Moving to America

Davies worked as a minister in London from 1925 to 1928. Then, he moved to America. He led three churches in Maine. He also took classes at Boston University. From 1929, he was the minister at Pine Street Methodist Church in Portland.

While in Portland, he once worked as a used car salesman for a week. He wanted to see if a person could be a good businessman and still be honest. After this experience, he wrote about how he thought business practices could be better.

Davies was minister at the Unitarian Church in Summit from 1933 through 1944.

Becoming a Unitarian Minister

In Portland, Davies learned about Unitarianism from another minister. In 1933, Davies became a Unitarian. He joined the American Unitarian Association. He became the minister of a church in Summit, New Jersey. He changed the church's name to the Unitarian Church in Summit. He also encouraged the Unitarian faith to be more open to new ideas.

A Voice for Change

Davies believed in peaceful solutions. But as World War II approached, his views changed. He first thought Germany should be left alone in 1938. By 1939, he believed countries should get involved. He then pushed for Unitarians to be active in world issues. He became a leader in a reform movement called Unitarian Advance.

His first book, American Destiny (1942), shared his belief. He thought that America's "faith in freedom" could unite the world. He was inspired by an older minister, William Ellery Channing, who called Unitarianism a "universal church." Davies became more involved in church matters. He joined the New York City Council of Churches. There, he met and became friends with other important Unitarian leaders.

Leading All Souls Church

In 1944, Davies became the minister of All Souls Church, Unitarian, in Washington, D.C. He made this church famous across the country. He took strong stands on important issues. He supported the Atomic Energy Act of 1946. This law was about how atomic energy should be used.

He was against Communism, but he strongly disagreed with the methods of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). This committee held hearings that often accused people unfairly. Davies spoke out against these unfair methods. He also fought for racial integration in Washington and other places. This meant he wanted people of all races to be treated equally. He helped create new Unitarian churches in the Washington area.

Davies used his position to support liberal causes. He was a friend to many powerful people in Washington. Justice Hugo Black of the Supreme Court was a close friend. Davies' ideas had a big impact on political leaders who believed in liberal ideas.

Honors and Legacy

Davies received special honorary degrees for his work. In 1947, he got a Doctor of Divinity degree. In 1955, he received a Doctor of Humanities degree from Howard University.

Davies was very dedicated to his work. In 1953, he had surgery for a blood clot in his leg. His doctors told him to rest, but he kept working. He continued his busy schedule even when he was in pain. On September 26, 1957, a blood clot traveled to his lung. This caused serious bleeding, and he passed away.

A memorial service was held for him two days later. Three Supreme Court Justices attended to honor him. After his death, some of his writings went to Harvard Divinity School. Most of his papers are kept at Meadville Lombard Theological School.

Important Thoughts

A. Powell Davies shared many powerful ideas. Here is one of his famous quotes:

• ”Let me tell you why I come to church. I come to church—and would whether I was a preacher or not—because I fall below my own standards and need to be constantly brought back to them. I am afraid of becoming selfish and indulgent, and my church—my church of the free spirit—brings me back to what I want to be. I could easily despair: doubt and dismay could overwhelm me. My church renews my courage and my hope. It is not enough that I should think about the world and its problems at the level of a newspaper report or magazine discussion. It could too soon become too low a level. I must have my conscience sharpened—sharpened until it goads me to the most thorough and responsible thinking of which I am capable. I must feel again the love I owe to others. I must not only hear about it but feel it. In church, I do. I am brought toward my best, in every way toward my best.”