Abraham Lincoln Programs

The library will offer a series of programs in February exploring the character and inner life of Abraham Lincoln, presented by Haverhill Corner resident David Pruitt, a longtime student of Lincoln’s life and thought.

The programs will be offered on three Wednesdays: February 5, 12, and 19. They will be held at the Haverhill Congregational Church Parish Hall at 7:00 PM and will be free and open to the public.

The February 5 program will focus on “The Faith Journey of Abraham Lincoln.” Pruitt, himself a minister, will address such questions as:

• Is it true that Lincoln never joined a church? 
• Was he ever an atheist? 
• Was he a Christian? 
• What forces developed and deepened his faith? 
• Was there anything central to his faith that we would find “hard to swallow”? 
• Why was his second inaugural address one of the most astonishing sermons ever delivered? 
• What can we learn from his journey? 

In two subsequent programs, Pruitt will draw on a wide range of sources to explore further aspects of Lincoln’s inner life and character.

Last fall, Pruitt presented a well-received program commemorating the 150th anniversary of the delivery of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, discussing its original delivery and subsequent historical and cultural significance. That brief speech is today regarded as one of the premier examples of American oratory.