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Show Ik Hector of Cathedral Salt i'akf aribnnr i. i i Aki: By Melinda Sowerby Tribune Church Editor Father Thomas Meersman finds joy in working with people, whether they aie at the Utah State Prison, the Veterans Administration Hospital, or a young couple planning their marriage in the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Father Meersman was recently appointed rector of the Cathedral, 331 E. South Temple, after almost 30 years as a priest in the Salt Lake diocese. He is known as a genial priest with a quick smile who can always find the time to share a story or a joke. He belongs to several area organizations and serves as chaplain to several more. Recently the "tailgaters" who attend University of Utah games asked him to serve as their chaplain, he said. 5 Million Bahais Celebrate Major Holiday Baha'u'lah appointed his eldest son, known as Abdul Baha (servant Baha) as his lawful successor. The son had shared his fathers impris- onment since early childhood and was released in 1908. Shortly thereafter, he embarked on a three-yea- r journey to Egypt, Europe and North America. During his stop in North America, he visited Salt Lake City, where he attended the Utah State Fair and was invited to attend and subsequently address the National Irrigation Congress. House of Justice Following the passing of Abdul Baha, his grandson, Shoghi Effendi, was appointed guardian of the faith. He, in conjunction with the Universal Hmisp of Justice, directed and coordinated the affairs of the Bahai community. After Shoghi Effendi died, the Universal House of Justice continued to guide the Bahai community. The Universal House of Justice, made up of nine elected adults from the Bahai world community, represents the highest order administratively within the faith. Father Meersman replaced Father Gerald Merrill as rector of the Cathedral. Father Merrill was granted a leave of absence from the diocese and Father Meersman said he feels at home in his new position. Gesturing toward the cathedral, he jokingly said, "This is mine. Father Meersman was ordained July 18, 1954 in Rome. Before deciding to join the priesthood, he was a captain in the United States Air Force during World War II. He became a German prisoner of war after his plane was shot down on his 33rd mission. "While I was in the service I had no thought of becoming a priest, he said. I thought of only one thing getting out and getting something to eat." He said people often asked if he decided to become a priest because of his POW experience, but that decision came purely by faiths government begins on the local level with the election of nine adults to the local spiritual The "happenstance, he said. Father Meersman explained that after the war, he returned to college and while there he read The Life of St. Theresa The Little Saint Lusux, who wrote of "total freedom and happiness in complete service to God through vows. Felt Total Freedom Father Meersman said he never felt the total freedom expressed by St. Theresa. It was her writings which made him decide that the priesthood was where he belonged. After I was ordained I went to St. Theresas shrine, just two and a half miles outside Paris to offer a Mass of thanksgiving at the tomb, he said. "It is sincerely Gods vocation for me to win a place in heaven. I tell young couples coming in to be counseled on marriage that as they pledge to each other, their marriage is their vocation, in other words. , Father Meersman said he is happy that he became a priest because it gives him the opportuni"the most ty to deal with people marvelous creatures on Gods earth and to serve them for the highest motive of loving his neighbor. He elated with the added, hes bishops decision to appoint him to the Cathedral. The electoral process and factions, nominations and campaigns for assembly. excludes parties office. The local spiritual assembly has jurisdiction over all local affairs of the Bahai community. The Bahais believe the clergy is not necessary, because each Bahai can understand and interpret the scriptures for themselves, Mr. Talebreza said. Instead, the Spiritual Assembly offer guidance in personal matters, enforce Baha'i laws, rule on matters of justice and solemnizing Bahai marriages as well as guide the business and financial matters of the Bahai community, Mr. Talebreza said. National Spiritual Assemblies are empowered with similar duties, offering guidance and rulings to local assemblies and the national , Bahai community. National Elections All national spiritual assemblies hold an international convention every five years for the election of members to the Universal House of Justice. As the supreme administrative, legislative and judicial body of the faith, it applies the laws promulgated by Bahaulah and legislates on matters not covered in the sacred texts. Bahais believe that from the time "of no beginning, God has existed, Mr. Talebreza said, adding that the souls of humans have always been with God. At the time of conception, theres a connection made between the human soul and God. Thats why we dont believe in abortion, Mr. Talebreza said. He said God has no beginning or end, animals are born and then they die, and for humans there is a beginning but no end. Bahais believe that as humans progress, they become closer to God. Membership in the Bahai community is now worldwide and the Bahai works have been translated into 500 different languages. . Father Meersman spent all of his years in the priesthood working with the Salt Lake Diocese. He finds that amusing for a boy who was Salt Lake Alliance Church 266 3600 4400 South 7th East 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 1 4)0 a.m. Worship Service "Who Will Bo m The 144, 000 Pastor fi.F. Vendegrrtt Wad 7 p.m. Prayer 6pw Evening Worship r l A one. So on a Saturday night in between performances, Father Meersman said Mass for the circus performers. The lector for the Mass was a clown in full costume and the altar was a wardrobe trunk. Following the service, one of the performers requested material for the catecolades, to help train the circus families in the church and was given material from the diocese resource center. "One of the roustabouts was Polish and could hardly speak English, but he got a big kick out of the pope medal we were giving out, Father Meersman said. Another interesting experience for Father Meersman was that he played himself in the movie "The Executioners Song. He said he was the priest who witnessed the execution of Gary Gilmore. After requesting permission, he was allowed to play himself in the movie. But being behind the camera is nothing new to Father Meersman who stars in "From the Cathedral," a television show which has been on the air locally for 23 years. The only longer produced show locally is The Spoken Word (the Mormon Tabernacle Choir) and I bow to their longevity, the father said. 'Im looking forward to it with all Father Meersmy enthusiasm, man said, of having a parish of his own, adding he feels honored to be rector of "this famous and beautiful landmark. Tongan Singers Slate Concert The Friendly Island Gospel Singers will perform Friday at 8 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, First Avenue and E Street. The from Tonga music. group, originally will present a concert of sacred and gospel The public is invited. JW Mooting a St. James Episcopal Dr. Phono Home tc. Agtt LEW HANCOCK. For information 10:30 SERVICES SUNDRY 700 East 7000 South 9 30 a m. 5.00 p m. WED PRAYER or at the ist and choirmaster Plymouth Congregational Church in Seattle, a church known for its tradition of fine music. He has traveled extensively through the United States and. Euiope performing in recitals. Mr. Suitor and Dan Gawthrop will serve as lectors for the service. Mr. Gawthrop is the dean of the Salt Lake chapter of the American Guild of Organists and Mr. Suitor is sub-dea- Providing music during the service will be the University of Utah a Cappella Choir, under the direction of Dr. Ed Thompson; the Brigham 1100am MEET Pastor Ron Parker, S. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 261 900 East is holding its Fall Harvest Bazaar Saturday from 10 3 p.m. The annual event will feature handmade items including aprons, quilts, baked goods, and "treasure and trifles." There will also be a china closet, a boutique and games will be available for children. An ala carte luncheon will be served from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and an auction is scheduled at 1 p.m. a m. until 1 6:00 p.m. 700 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship 7:00 p.m. Evening Praise Tues. Singles Fellowship 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Wed. Family Night p.m. 571-539- Assemblies of God 942-624- 268-217- VttITOM Rev Rev Rev Rev 8 4300 South 700 East CHRISTIAN CHURCH TEACHING OF THE INNER CHRIST Q independent Chnsteentered body of Christians 1881 Vino St. (8100 S.) Blbta School 9:45 a.m. a.m. WoreMp Worship 1 00 a.m. Evening Sortie 6:30 p.m. vitvenf Meditation and Metaphysics 275 South Itth last SUNDAY SERVICE 11AM, Thinking About What You're Thinking" Rev. Lucille Childs East South Temple and "C Church School Fratfaytarlon Church ot h Hirichi CantoO (? years old through Adults) St. ANCHOR BAPTIST CHURCH 1880 East 5600 So. 9:45 a.m. Pastor AN Bible School Worship Service Evening Service Prayer Meet Wed. 967 5548 Worship 7 pm. the article on the United Pentecostal Church, which ran Oct. 16, it was incorrectly stated that Pentecostals do not believe in the Trinity. The article should have stated that members of the United Pentecostal denomination do believe in the Trinity. Most Pentecostal denominations do believe in the Trinity and baptize members in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Also most Pentecostal denominations do not believe speaking in tongues to bo essential to salvation. Or Marshall All BIBLE 1 1 a m. CHURCH An EVAUOEUCAL CHUaCH E. 1 independent, friendly J FIRST - Uniting the 0 30 a m tOiMe.m. 7i30 p.m. 1 306 THIRD CHURCH t Iprif U. 10 e.m. hmdey lervltM 10 a m. wndey Itkoel 4. Ma( 328 8726 203 SO 200 E 1 1:00 a.m Worship Service Church School 9.30 a.m. Nurtary Rrovdad A William Mmiittr: Itv McCraory WORO CHURCH $ Faith Fcllouship Interdenemmotienel K 130 A world... One heart at a time wmlef lervltei Iwndey Itkeel Wed. Meetlnf UNITED METHODIST the Bahai Baptist Church Flans Revival 4 272-940- 272-845- 3 Faith : 272-543- 4 Preaching the Word 3900 South 277-831- - 255-622- Anchor Christian Acodomy SERVICES 8 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11a.m. 9:30 1 1 1 a.m. Family Bible Houra Intermountain Christian School K thru 9 Carden Curriculum I 6.00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Church ran 1910 :00 a m. 1 1 Pastor Thomas E Corkish Pastor Mark Short Church Phone Warneke In 1160KC a m. Father Thomas J. Meersman ona42.IMJ , 2700 South Main Sunday School 10 a.m. Sunday Evening 11:00 PM 1 Child Car ovo'tobl through S yion - Forking ecrott of 09 Hubert W Hodgens. Th D A Walton Roth. 0 D Mrs Ruth McCormick. D C E BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH KSL 1 Andrews Cross 277-941- 2 2780 E. 3900 So. Sunday Sdwel f 43 am. WareM, 11 :00 a m. WenMa 700 pm. Of Pentecostals and 7 p.m. The Rev. Ron Burnell of Holton, Kan , a vocalist and musician will be the guest speaker. The public is welcome Street 10 a nt. Worship Service 24 1 9 45 o.m. p.m. 7 00 p.m. IIOI I AD Y BAPTIST ( HtHm S.B.C. COMMUNITY OF GRACE SUNDAY MutC 1 Youth Counseling & Vlsitabon Mm of Education ttee Clarifies Beliefs The Bible Baptist Church, 2700 S. Mam, is holding a revival Sunday, with services scheduled for 11 a m. Pswar Arm Jacobson Garry Pierce Ron Grams Jim Wentworth fiRst puesByteRiAn 277 7051 9801 So. 1 300 E., Sandy Christian Education Hour 9 30 a m. 10 45 O.m. Morning Worship JomuH teppm, poilw 255 7553 9:30 a.m. Christian Education 943-- SUNDAY SCHOOL WORSHIP Church Sets Fall Bazaar 10:30 A.M. Southeast Baptist Church Minister phone ical service sponsored by the Salt Lake Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, will be held 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 E. South Temple. The service, featuring Dr. Jerold D. Ottley, conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as guest speaker, was organized to bring unity to the Christian community of Salt Lake, according to Lee Suitor, music director at the cathedral. It will also feature Dr. Edward A Hansen, president of the American Guild of Organists, as prayer leader. Dr. Hansen serves as organ- University Faculty Brass Quintet and Clay Christiansen, chaplain to the Salt Lake Chapter of the AGO and organists at St. Marks Cathedral. Mr. Suitor, who is serving as organizer for the service, points out the music chosen will be familar to most Christians regardless of their denomination. Mr. Suitor said he believes anyone who loves music and religious pageantry will be moved by the service and the public is invited. Young a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:40 a.m. EVENING PRAISE WtlCOMd and Music 800 WED. FAMILY SERV. Two Cheers lor The U.N." Bldg in 561-59- 1 E Ayers, Pastor Robert Cashatt, Youth Pastor FIRST IMTARI W CIIIRCH 569 S. 3th East Staff SUNDAY MORNING Alt Bible Clan Worship Strvico in An Exciting, Growing Fellowship!! SOUTHSIK CHU3CH OF CHaiST Murray Far 5103 Soul "A Celebration Prayer for All People, an ecumen- ASSEMBLY SUNDAY SCHOOL James 6876 Highland Organ Music, Pageantry T o Unfurl at Service EXPERIENCElWORSHIPJNiYHElVALLEYlAT MORNING WORSHIP Transformational Journey ,oyct E Sol)lK M, Father Thomas Meersman, recently appointed rector of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, contemplates his new position. MTN. VIEW CHRISTIAN 300 E. 8000 So., Sandy f ni-rsa- service 4 p.m. y EARLY WORSHIP Second Unitarian Society Sunday 30 home of Church of A m 7 miles from Nauvoo, 111., the Jesus Christ of Latter-daSaints founder Joseph Smith. Father Meersman has served the Cathedral, Saint Francis Xavier Church in Kearns and various chaplain posts in the parish. He left St. Francis Church in 1975 and had no formal congregation of his own until now. He said he was pleased to be back at the Cathedral, because, "Saying Mass is the greatest thing, for what it brings to people." But he has said Mass regularly as chaplain at the Utah State Prison and the VA Hospital. Those positions bring a different satisfaction than regular parish work. Recently, Father Meersman said Mass for members of the Ringling Brothers Circus. He said since their chaplain retired, the circus people call a Catholic priest to say Mass. Called Cathedral here (the Cathedral) called "They and asked if there was a priest available to say Mass for them and I told them, Youre speaking to born Bichard Homy. Mimstor Mntt (' 2.1, 19H2 Priest Enjoys Working With People in: lurches One of nine major holidays for members of the Bahai faith was celebrated Wednesday by local Baha'is as well as five million Baha'is across the world. The birth of the Bab (meaning Gate) who announced the coming of one greater than himself, took place Oct. 20, 1819. Often compared to John the Baptist, the Bab heralded the coming of Bahaulah, whose mission it was to inaugurate an era of righteousness and peace an era that would consummate all previous dispensations and initiate a new religious cycle. Jim Talebreza, treasurer for the Salt Lake Spiritual Assembly, explained the Bab is looked upon as a messenger from God along with Bahaulah and many others, among them, Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus and Mohammad. The Bahais, who believe in unity of religions, believe that God sends messengers to mankind, each with the same basic spiritual essence, but each also with specific features that correspond to the needs of a given time and place, both spiritual and physical, and to the level of civilization in which the messenger appears. In fact, the foundation of the Baha'i faith is that oneness of God and the unity of mankind. Mr. Talebreza explained the Bahais believe that all great religions of the world are divine in origin and that their basic principles are in complete harmony. One Truth He elaborated by saying Bahais believe the teachings of the worlds religions are facets of one truth, their functions complimentary," and that they differ only in nonessential aspects of their doctrine. Bahais also believe the missions of the worlds religions represent successive stages in the spiritual evolution of human society. And Bahais maintain that other messengers will appear in the future. Bahaulah has said the next messenger will appear after a full thousand year dispensation. In addition to the oneness of religion, Bahais believe in upholding the unity of this world and its people. Bahais believe in the inevitable and the necessary unification of mankind, and they believe it is gradually approaching. The Baha'i faith asks its members to make a search for the truth a primary duty and the faith condemns all manner of prejudice and superstition, declaring the purpose of religion to be the promotion of amity and concord. Baha'is also proclaim an essential harmony with science and they recognize it as the foremost agency for peace and progress of society. Other Beliefs In addition, Baha'is believe in the equality of men and women; universal compulsory education; a spiritual solution to the econo'mic problem; a universal auxiliary education and a universal peace upheld by a world government. The faith is a relatively new religion. The Bab proclaimed the coming of Bahaulah in May 1844 in what was then Persia. For his proclamation, the Bab and 20,000 followers were tortured and killed by the rulers of Persia. When Bahaulah declared he was the one foretold, the same fanatics imprisoned him in Tehran, moving him then to Baghdad and then to Constantinople and Adrianople and finally to Akka, where he passed away in 1892. Throughout his imprisonment Bahau'lah revealed the laws and ordinances of his dispensation, expounded in over 100 volumes. He addressed his message to the kings and rulers of the day and to the clergy of the world's religions. The Salt Lake Tribune, Saturday, October "For evrything there ip o sign, Th . f rgn of love it fortitude undet My c rot and potieme under My trials." Baha'i Sacred Writings Discussion held regularly For further information SLC 484.4242 or 272-312Bntfl. 298-450- 7 Murray 261-378- I 9h te Potto of 76 TEACHING 10 Attoc I Pwayne Compton 6307 m WORSHIP m Ral Kolowtk Rotter ((pm CHRIST 2375 E. 3300 S0- .- 486-5479.30 8. 1 1 a m. Worship Service Church School 9:30 a.m. Nuftary PoflMiat Avollobla aUiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiimiip I WASATCH eas7?0 PRESBYTERIAN 2 SOUTH WORSHIP SERVICES fHiinZ c 8:45 E mm & CHURCH mh i is P4,llr, T! 11:00 a.m. 487-757- 6 Akl SCHOOL roi tH-- .IMf l MIPMIN plrivr 9:30 uiinniN C.KWWANA AUSTIN all l.u drtjil. 'IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMMIIIII Minittarv Robtfl A. ly and William M Simmoni TRINITY 5415 SO.- -8 6891 a.m. 8.30 & Worship Church School 9:45 a.m. 4290 W 1 (Borriar-Praa- Mini ttr Iranian M 1 Nwrtary Nrotflded Oroonwaad HILLTOP 9425 Union Sq um Worslnp Service Church School Worship Service Minitar Itv. Dale Mi Arthur mii 571 5777 8.30 a.m. 9 45 am. 1 1 :00 a m. r |