08/23/2026
This morning at worship we celebrate a remarkable event and ongoing relationship of great significance.
In 1893, Swami Vivekananda started his journey from India to attend the Parliament of Religions in Chicago and share his perspectives as a Hindu. When he arrived in Chicago, officials denied him entrance, saying he did not have the proper credentials.
Finding Chicago expensive, Vivekananda traveled by train to Boston. On the way, he met a remarkable, well-connected woman, the author, Kate Sanborn. She eagerly contacted friends and colleagues to help Swami Vivekananda attend the Parliament.
One was John Henry Wright, a Harvard professor, who was pleased to meet the articulate, erudite monk. Wright invited Swami Vivekananda to Cape Ann, where the professor spent time in summer. It was here on Sunday, August 27, 1893, at the Annisquam Village Church, that Swamiji made his first public address to speak on the customs and life in India.
Wright also helped Swamiji create a curriculum vitae and application to speak at the Parliament of Religions, which he did.
Today we are thrilled to welcome our good friends, Swami Yogatmananda, and members of his community, the Vedanta Society of Providence, along with Pravrajika Gitaprana from Vivekananda Retreat, Ridgely Manor, Stone Ridge, NY to celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s historic visit to this church and the connection between our two communities.
Our theme for today’s service is “Same Goal, Many Paths.”
Following the service all are welcome to enjoy an Indian lunch, provided by our friends from the Vedanta Society with desserts provided by our Hospitality Team.
All are welcome!
