The Biographical Dictionary of America/Bartol, Cyrus Augustus

​BARTOL, Cyrus Augustus, clergyman, was born in Freeport, Me., April 30, 1813. He received a liberal education, graduating at Bowdoin college in 1832, and at Cambridge divinity school in 1835. He early showed a fine spiritual perception which, despite a reserve that was almost shyness, united with a very genial, sympathetic nature, made him peculiarly fitted for pastoral work. He was made colleague with Dr. Charles Lowell, pastor of the West church (Unitarian) in Boston. This church was distinguished for its liberality in religious views, and for its devotion to freedom. Mr. Bartol became sole pastor in 1861, on the death of Dr. Lowell. His earlier views were largely in accord with the teachings of Channing, but afterwards they harmonized more nearly with what is known as Free religion. The contrast between the first book published by him, "Discourses on the Christian Spirit and Life" (1850) and "Radical Problems" (1872), not as to topics, but as to freedom of thought, is quite marked. Sensitive to the welfare of others, Dr. Bartol gave much time, thought and labor to the anti-slavery cause, and to general philanthropy and reform. He spoke his mind fearlessly on all suitable occasions, and because of the exquisite spirituality of his thought and his tenderness and purity of life, he had much influence, ​even with those who differed from him in opinion. His published works are: "History of the West Church and its Ministers" (1858); "Church and Congregation" (1858); "Word of the Spirit to the Church" (1860); "The Unspotted Life" (1864); "Discourses on the Christian Spirit and Life"; "Discourses on the Christian Body and Form"; "Pictures of Europe"; "Radical Problems" (1882); "The Rising Faith" (1874); "Principles and Portraits" (1889); "Spiritual Specifics" (1884); occasional essays and poems and innumerable sermons and discourses. In 1898 he resigned his pastorate. He died in Boston, Mass., Dec. 16, 1900.