1810-1860

“Slavery is in flagrant violation of the institutions of America – direct government – over all the people, by all the people, for all the people.”

Railing against slavery

A Unitarian minister, Rev. Parker preached against slavery – and especially against the Fugitive Slave Law – to his wealthy Boston congregation. He encouraged people to help runaways however they could. He himself sheltered runaways and helped arrange their forward passage to Canada. Rev. Parker gave money and support to John Brown, who raided the federal arsenal in Harper’s Ferry.

In 1851, he justified his actions: “The fugitive slave Law contradicts the acknowledged precepts of the Christian religion. It violates the noblest instincts of humanity; it asks us to trample on the law of God. It commands what nature, religion and God alike forbid; it forbids what nature, religion, and God alike command.”