Duncan E. Littlefair sermons and biographical collection
Scope and Contents
The sermons and pamphlets detail the developing modern humanist theology of Duncan E. Littlefair and Fountain Street Church. Topics included the nature of God, Jesus, humanity, other world religions and biblical inspiration. As such the sermons demonstrate a shift toward the central place of humanity, akin to Unitarianism. The sermons apparently were presented extemporaneously and either recorded stenographically or on audio tapes, transcribed and printed. In most cases the sermons were presented during the spring on seven of eight successive Sundays and each season sermons were bound into a single volume.
Dates
- 1945-1979
Creator
- Littlefair, Duncan E (Person)
Biographical / Historical
Duncan E. Littlefair (b. 4 October 1912 in Toronto Canada – d. 2004) attended McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario and took his doctorate at the University of Chicago's Divinity School. Upon completion of his graduate work he took the pastorate of Union Church in Kenilworth, Illinois. In 1944 he was recruited by Fountain Street Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, theologically a relatively liberal church. The liberalism is traced to 1897 when the congregation hired J. Herman Randall, its first pastor trained at the University of Chicago Divinity School. After Randall resigned, the church hired Alfred W. Wishart, who remained from 1906 until 1933. Wishart brought the "social responsibility" gospel to Grand Rapids. During Littlefair's (schooled in the 1930s modern humanism) pastorate, the church became more liberal and separated from its Baptist affiliation in the late 1950s. Littlefair also increased church membership, attendance and member involvement to make Fountain Street Church a prominent local institution. Littlefair retired in 1978, but continued to serve on a part-time basis until 1980. He died in Grand Rapids Jan. 17, 2004.
Extent
1.42 Linear Feet (Three boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Duncan E. Littlefair (1912-2004) was the pastor of Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan from circa 1945 to 1979. This collection primarily includes sermons and pamphlets detailing his theology. Littlefair's tenure at Fountain Street Church continued a doctrine of liberalism. Littlefair, schooled in a theology based on 1930s modern humanism, created a popular liberal environment that increased membership and involvement, making the church one of the most prominent local institutions in the area. The changing elements of this humanism at Fountain Street Church, however, led to its separation from its roots and affiliation with the Baptist Church during the late 1950s. Also included are biographical documents pertaining to Littlefair.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Unknown donors. Includes accession numbers 2006.004; 2006.005.
- Title
- Finding Aid for the Duncan E. Littlefair sermons and biographical collection
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Richard H. Harms
- Date
- August 1989
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503 USA
616-988-5497
localhis@grpl.org