John H. Dietrich

John Hassler Dietrich (January 14, 1878 – 1957) was an American Unitarian minister, widely recognized as the "Father of Religious Humanism." Born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Dietrich received his education at Franklin and Marshall College and the Lancaster Theological Seminary. He was initially ordained into the ministry of the Reformed Church in 1905. However, his theological path diverged, leading to his defrocking in 1911 for his inability to affirm core Christian doctrines. Dietrich's spiritual and intellectual journey led him towards Humanism and Unitarianism. He served various congregations, including the First Unitarian Society of Spokane from 1911 to 1916, and subsequently the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis from 1916 to 1938. Upon his retirement, he moved to Berkeley, California, where he spent his final years. He is interred in the crypt of the First Unitarian Church of Chicago. Dietrich was also a prolific author, with notable works including "The Religion of a Sceptic" (1911) and "From Stardust to Soul" (1916).