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Posted by Howard Slayton
December 23, 2019 -
362 views
The Rev. Kirby Hensley said that he was a student of “Life”. I feel that I fall into line with that idea. I have been a student of Universal Life Church for many years starting about 1999. The more I learn about this church, the more fascinated I am by it. So that’s what I want to talk about here today.
Kirby Hensley and Lewis Ashmore were the founders of the church back in the late 1950’s. It was originally called Life Church and started out in Rev Hensley’s garage. Lewis Ashmore wrote a book about Rev Hensley called The Modesto Messiah - The Famous Mail Order Minister. Rev Hensley ran for President and governor of California under the Universal Party. Hensley spent a lot of time on college campuses ordaining college students and enjoyed being around young folks. There was a big party akin to Woodstock held at Farragut State Park in Idaho in the 1970’s. A lot of young folks (hippies) attended, people were ordained, rock n roll played for three days strait, 4th of July. The church sponsored a lot of education in religion, the church, counseling, and the law. Hensley started a church sponsored common law school to help educate members about their rights and how to defend those rights in court. There were 24 lessons contained in 19 booklets and was designed to be completed in about two years. Another thing, I hear people ask Why does the church issue a Press card? It all has to do with defending the First Amendment. The ULC defends religious liberty, stands between you and the government, as was the case recently. George Freeman went to bat for us against the state of Tennessee to defend our rights as ministers to solemize weddings. Well that’s all part of defending the First Amendment, free speech, the Press, assembly, and petition. So the church puts out a press card and publishes a news paper because they’re defenders of the first amendment. I really want to thank Mr George Freeman for all that he has done for this church, as well as his local ministry in Seattle. I’m so proud to be a part of the Universal Life Church and to be a minister. My goal as a ULC minister is to do that which is right, to do what I can to help my community and my fellow men and women, to promote this church and to stand side by side with all of you, my fellow ministers. We can all make a difference where we are at! Peace ✌️
