EOF04B The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 4 Part B, The Second Schism

The scorching summer of 1854 became a crucible of division for Ohio Yearly Meeting as Thomas Gould's controversial presence catalyzed a long-brewing theological conflict between Wilburite and Gurneyite Quakers. What began as tension over recognizing a visiting minister culminated in the dramatic establishment of competing clerks and separate meetings that would divide Quaker communities for more than a century.• Thomas Gould represented the "smaller body" of New England Yearly Meeting, seen by Gurneyites as insubordinate and by Wilburites as upholding traditional Quaker principles• The yearly meeting of 1854 took place during extreme heat, drought, and cholera epidemics• Benjamin Hoyle, the clerk, found himself caught between factions while trying to prevent separation• The breaking point came Tuesday when Jabiz Coulson nominated Jonathan Benz as a competing clerk• After Hoyle read a minute of adjournment, the Gurneyites remained behind while Wilburites had to wait outside• The separation caused deep personal grief, as recorded in diaries of Friends like Aaron Frame• The division reflected fundamental differences over Quaker identity, with Wilburites emphasizing plainness and tradition while Gurneyites viewed these as "small matters"• Local meetings throughout Ohio were eventually forced to choose sides, creating painful divisions in communities and familiesA complete list of our podcasts,  organized into topics, is available on our website.We will be publishing video interviews with Conservative Friends on YouTube.  See our YouTube channel.  The first interview is with Susan Smith. To learn more about Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), please visit  ohioyearlymeeting.org. Those interested in exploring the distinctives of Conservative Friends waiting worship should consider checking out our many Zoom Online Worship opportunities during the week here. All are welcome! We also have several Zoom study groups.  Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.   Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes.   Contact us through our website.