also able in business, he typified sound judgment and common sense, was conservative by nature, but fresh and vigorous of mind.  He was active in the Sunday-school.  We also were associated in club life and as fellow directors of the Lick School.  Our friendship was uninterrupted for more than fifty years.  I had great regard for Mrs. Davis and many happy hours were passed in their home.  Her interpretation of Beethoven was in my experience unequaled.

It is impossible even to mention the many men of character and conscience who were a helpful influence to me in my happy church life.  Captain Levi Stevens was very good to me; C. Adolphe Low was one of the best men I ever knew; I had unbounded respect for Horatio Frost; Dr. Henry Gibbons was very dear to me; and Charles R. Bishop I could not but love.  These few represent a host of noble associates.  I would I could mention more of them.

[Illustration:  HORATIO STEBBINS.  SAN FRANCISCO, 1864-1900]

We all greatly enjoyed the meetings of a Shakespeare Club that was sustained for more than twelve consecutive years among congenial friends in the church.  We read half a play every other week, devoting the latter part of the evening to impromptu charades, in which we were utterly regardless of dignity and became quite expert.

At our annual picnics we joined in the enjoyment of the children.  I recall my surprise and chagrin at having challenged Mr. Davis to a footrace at Belmont one year, giving him distance as an age handicap, and finding that I had overestimated the advantage of ten years difference.

In 1890 we established the Unitarian Club of California.  Mr. Davis was the first president.  For seventeen years it was vigorous and prosperous.  We enjoyed a good waiting-list and twice raised the limit of membership numbers.  It was then the only forum in the city for the discussion of subjects of public interest.  Many distinguished visitors were entertained.  Booker T. Washington was greeted by a large audience and so were Susan B. Anthony and Anna H. Shaw.  As time passed, other organizations afforded opportunity for discussion, and numerous less formal church clubs accomplished its purpose in a simpler manner.

A feature of strength in our church has been the William and Alice Hinckley Fund, established in 1879 by the will of Captain William C. Hinckley, under the counsel and advice of Dr. Stebbins.  His wife had died, he had no children, and he wanted his property to be helpful to others.  He appointed the then church trustees his executors and the trustees of an endowment to promote human beneficence and charity, especially commending the aged and lonely and the interests of education and religion.  Shortly after coming to San Francisco, in 1850, he had bought a lot in Bush Street for sixty dollars.  At the time of his death it was under lease to the California Theater Company at a ground rent of a thousand dollars a month.  After long litigation, the will was sustained as to