Church of Humanity facts for kids
The Church of Humanity was a special kind of church in England. It was inspired by the ideas of a French thinker named Auguste Comte. He created something called the "Religion of Humanity." This church also had groups in places like New York City and Brazil.
Richard Congreve started the first English Church of Humanity in 1859. This was just two years after Comte passed away. Even though it was a small church, some famous people were part of it. For example, Ann Margaret Lindholm grew up in this church before she became a Catholic.
The Church in America
The Church of Humanity also had a version in New York City. It was started by an English person named Henry Edger. In 1854, he decided to follow the "positive faith." This was similar to what his mentor, Richard Congreve, did in Britain.
In 1869, an American group was formed. David Goodman Croly was a main leader of this group. Croly strongly believed in the religious side of Comte's ideas. By the 1870s, this group became the American "Church of Humanity." It was very much like the English church.
What They Believed
Like the English church, the American version was not against religion. It had sermons and special ceremonies. Sometimes, they even read from old religious books like the Book of Isaiah.
The American church was not as big as the one in England. But it did include many educated people. One well-known person who grew up in the New York "Church of Humanity" was David Croly's son, Herbert Croly. The Church of Humanity probably had its biggest impact in Britain.
Places of Worship
Followers of the Church of Humanity met in several places. These were sometimes called "Temples of Humanity" or "Chapels of Humanity."
- Chapel Street Hall — This was in Lamb's Conduit Street, London.
- Chapelle de l’Humanité — This beautiful chapel is at 5 rue Payenne in Le Marais, Paris.
- Templo da Humanidade — Located at Rua Benjamin Constant 74, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Capela Positivista — You can find this one at Avenida João Pessoa 1058, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Capela Positivista — Another one is at Rua Riachuelo 90, Curitiba, Brazil.
- Newton Hall – This was in Fleur-de-lis Court, off Fetter Lane, Fleet Street, London.
- Church of Humanity – There was also a church on Upper Parliament Street, Liverpool.
- Church of Humanity – Another one was in Newcastle upon Tyne.
