Niagara Secular Humanists

 Minutes of Meeting: December 15, 2009

 Location:  North China Buffet Restaurant, St. Catharines

 Present: Phil Curtis, Lori Smith, Shawn Smith, Barbara Skelton, Peter Skelton, Doreen Peever, John Mayer, Brenda Gibson, Martin Gibson, David Schnarr, Ed Gilbert, Fred Bolton, David Boese, Keith Wigsell, President Horst Klaus, Treasurer Roy Blake, Secretary John Berry

    1.The meeting began at 7 pm. Horst gave a talk about the history of “Christmas” trees. They predated Christianity in northern Europe by many centuries and were first introduced by pagans when they celebrated Winter Solstice and celebrated around a large tree-shaped bond fire. Others commented on trees.

    2. Horst then asked if anyone wanted to run against the nominated candidates for executive office.  Nobody did, so Horst and Roy were returned as President and Treasurer.  John Berry was confirmed as vice-president and Sandro DiFilippo was confirmed as secretary.  Will Wilson will continue to serve as member at large.  Sandro and Will were unable to attend.

    3.Horst mentioned the idea of an advertising fund. He has donated a cheque towards this project and asked others to also make donations. He mentioned that AAI will have some financial assistance for NSH promotionial purposes early in 2010.

    4.Horst asked people attending for the first time to introduce themselves and talk about their reasons for attending. David Schnarr and Lori Smith both spoke briefly.  John Mayer spoke at some length explaining that unlike most attending he was neither an atheist nor an agnostic, but a Gnostic, one who “knows” God.  But he pointed out that “the Judaeo-Christian god you don’t believe in, I don’t believe in either.”

    Horst compared his position to that of Carl Sagan for whom “the Cosmos is God.” John Mayer mentioned that some Jewish Gnostics came to worship serpents because of the apparent cruelty of the creating god. Fred commented on Free Inquirer. John Mayer mentioned that he knew Tim Madigan, the former editor of FI and Phil said he’d donate his family’s copies of the publication, probably to the Unitarian Congregation of Niagara’s library. Back issues of FI, Skeptical Inquirer and Freethought Today were available at the meeting.

    5.Roy Blake read the Treasurer’s report. Our current balance is $220.19.     

    6.John Berry read an article, “Did the Romans invent Christmas?” from the current issue of History Today. The article described the Saturnalia, which was an important Roman solstice celebration celebrated at various times near Dec. 25. Some Christians deny that December 25 was chosen as the day to celebrate Christ’s birthday because it was a major pagan holiday, but their evidence is based on the Old Testament. There is no reference to the date in the New Testament.

    7.A summary of the minutes of the NSH board meeting of Nov.1 was read.  Grant Lafleche agreed to act as an advisor on media matters and advertising.

    8.Phil and John Berry performed two solstice related skits with the help of Roy and Fred Bolton.

    9.The speakers for January and February were mentioned. The idea of Saturday meetings was brought up for future discussion. The possibility of attending the Darwin movie was put forward.

    10.The meeting adjourned at 2100 hours.