Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Meeting for Sufferings]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Meeting for Sufferings]]> Society of Friends--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Quakers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Philadelphia (Pa.)--Genealogy]]> Church management]]> Persecution]]> Religious literature]]> Corporate minutes]]> African Americans]]> Antislavery movements]]> Church committees]]> Church finance]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Meeting for Sufferings]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Meeting for Sufferings]]> Society of Friends--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Quakers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Philadelphia (Pa.)--Genealogy]]> Church management]]> Persecution]]> Religious literature]]> Corporate minutes]]> African Americans]]> Antislavery movements]]> Church committees]]> Church finance]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Meeting for Sufferings]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Meeting for Sufferings]]> Society of Friends--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Quakers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Philadelphia (Pa.)--Genealogy]]> Church management]]> Persecution]]> Religious literature]]> Corporate minutes]]> African Americans]]> Antislavery movements]]> Church committees]]> Church finance]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> Manuscripts]]> Minutes (Records)]]> ]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Meeting for Sufferings]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Meeting for Sufferings]]> Society of Friends--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Quakers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Philadelphia (Pa.)--Genealogy]]> Church management]]> Persecution]]> Religious literature]]> Corporate minutes]]> African Americans]]> Antislavery movements]]> Church committees]]> Church finance]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> Manuscripts]]> Minutes (Records)]]> ]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Meeting for Sufferings]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Meeting for Sufferings]]> Society of Friends--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Quakers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Philadelphia (Pa.)--Genealogy]]> Church management]]> Persecution]]> Religious literature]]> Corporate minutes]]> African Americans]]> Antislavery movements]]> Church committees]]> Church finance]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> Manuscripts]]> Minutes (Records)]]> ]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends]]> Society of Friends--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Quakers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Philadelphia (Pa.)--Genealogy]]> Corporate minutes]]> Correspondence]]> Church committees]]> Church discipline]]> Church finance]]> Church management]]> Church membership]]> Religious education]]> Temperance]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> African Americans]]> Antislavery movements]]> Religious literature]]> Persecution]]> Records (Documents)]]> Manuscripts]]> Minutes (Records)]]> ]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends]]> Society of Friends--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Quakers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Philadelphia (Pa.)--Genealogy]]> Corporate minutes]]> Correspondence]]> Church committees]]> Church discipline]]> Church finance]]> Church management]]> Church membership]]> Religious education]]> Temperance]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> African Americans]]> Antislavery movements]]> Religious literature]]> Persecution]]> Records (Documents)]]> Manuscripts]]> Minutes (Records)]]> ]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends]]> Society of Friends--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Quakers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Philadelphia (Pa.)--Genealogy]]> Corporate minutes]]> Correspondence]]> Church committees]]> Church discipline]]> Church finance]]> Church management]]> Church membership]]> Religious education]]> Temperance]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> African Americans]]> Antislavery movements]]> Religious literature]]> Persecution]]> Records (Documents)]]> Manuscripts]]> Minutes (Records)]]> ]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends]]> Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends]]> Society of Friends--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Quakers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Philadelphia (Pa.)--Genealogy]]> Corporate minutes]]> Correspondence]]> Church committees]]> Church discipline]]> Church finance]]> Church management]]> Church membership]]> Religious education]]> Temperance]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> African Americans]]> Antislavery movements]]> Religious literature]]> Persecution]]> Records (Documents)]]> Manuscripts]]> Minutes (Records)]]> ]]> Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia for the Western District]]> Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia for the Western District]]> Society of Friends--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Quakers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Philadelphia (Pa.)--Genealogy]]> Corporate minutes]]> Correspondence]]> Church committees]]> Church discipline]]> Church finance]]> Church management]]> Marriage records]]> Religious education]]> Temperance]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> African Americans]]> Antislavery movements]]> Indians of North America]]> Records (Documents)]]> Manuscripts]]> Minutes (Records)]]> ]]> Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia for the Northern District]]> Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia for the Northern District]]> Society of Friends--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Quakers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Philadelphia (Pa.)--Genealogy]]> Church buildings]]> Church committees]]> Church discipline]]> Church finance]]> Cemeteries]]> Religious education]]> Religious literature]]> Church management]]> Church membership]]> Marriage records]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> Temperance]]> Correspondence]]> African Americans]]> Antislavery movements]]> Indians of North America]]> Records (Documents)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia]]> Society of Friends--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Quakers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Philadelphia (Pa.)--Genealogy]]> Church management]]> Persecution]]> Corporate minutes]]> African Americans]]> Antislavery movements]]> Church committees]]> Church finance]]> Correspondence]]> Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia]]> Religious education]]> Temperance]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> Cemeteries]]> Church discipline]]> Records (Documents)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia]]> Society of Friends--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Quakers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Philadelphia (Pa.)--Genealogy]]> Church management]]> Persecution]]> Corporate minutes]]> African Americans]]> Antislavery movements]]> Church committees]]> Church finance]]> Correspondence]]> Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia]]> Religious education]]> Temperance]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> Cemeteries]]> Church discipline]]> Records (Documents)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia]]> Society of Friends--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Quakers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Philadelphia (Pa.)--Genealogy]]> Church management]]> Persecution]]> Corporate minutes]]> African Americans]]> Antislavery movements]]> Church committees]]> Church finance]]> Correspondence]]> Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia]]> Religious education]]> Temperance]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> Cemeteries]]> Church discipline]]> Records (Documents)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia]]> Society of Friends--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Quakers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Philadelphia (Pa.)--Genealogy]]> Church management]]> Persecution]]> Corporate minutes]]> African Americans]]> Antislavery movements]]> Church committees]]> Church finance]]> Correspondence]]> Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia]]> Religious education]]> Temperance]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> Cemeteries]]> Church discipline]]> Records (Documents)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> St. Paul's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Paul's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church records and registers]]> Church buildings]]> Church committees]]> Church finance]]> Church fund raising]]> Church management]]> Church schools]]> Episcopalians]]> Cemeteries]]> Charity]]> Churchwardens' accounts]]> Episcopal Church]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> St. Paul's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Paul's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church records and registers]]> Church committees]]> Church buildings]]> Church finance]]> Church management]]> Churchwardens' accounts]]> Episcopalians]]> Cemeteries]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Episcopal Church]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> St. Paul's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Paul's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Marriage records]]> Burial records]]> Baptismal records]]> McClenachan, William, 1714-]]> Episcopalians]]> Church buildings]]> Church committees]]> Church finance]]> Church fund raising]]> Church management]]> Church records and registers]]> Episcopal Church]]>
The first numbered pages include a defense of Reverend Mcclenachan, and plans to build a church separate from Christ Church. Entries then cover the election of trustees and a treasurer, committees to secure land and materials for a new church, lotteries to raise funds, decisions on architecture and furnishings, management of pews, and selection of wardens. Vestry minutes from 1762 start on page 21; these can also be found in the separate volume entitled "Vestry minutes, 1762-1774."

Records of marriages, baptisms and deaths start with image 46, whereupon page numbering starts anew. Marriage and baptism records include the date of the ceremony, officiant and the names of the people being married or baptized. Later baptism records also note names of parents. Death records include the name of decedent, age at time of death (or date of birth, from which it can be extrapolated), and date of death.]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> St. Paul's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Paul's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church records and registers]]> Clock and watch making]]> Church finance]]> Church management]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Elections]]> Church property]]> Legal opinions]]> Church management]]> Episcopal Church]]> Clergy]]> Church buildings]]> Endowments]]> Church controversies]]> Ecclesiastical law]]>
Other notable documents include extensive legal opinions provided by Judge M. Russell Thayer on issues such as the potential separation of Christ Church Chapel, vestry qualifications, quorum rules, and property holdings. Additionally, the folder contains a 1910 letter regarding a music committee contract, and a 1922 letter from John C. DaCosta, 3d to Clement R. Wainwright expressing his acceptance to the Vestry.]]>
The bulk of the folder concerns the 1904 Easter Monday election held April 4, and the movement to sever the rectorship of the Rev. C. Ellis Stevens. Proxy appointments and letters from members abroad or ill—including Charles E. Coxe, writing from Rome [p.24-25], B. M. Campbell [p.32], Harriet M. C. Jacobs [p.33], Elizabeth Hays Da Costa [p.29], M. Russell Thayer [p.34], Richard Peters [p.35], Charles D. Clark [p.36, p.39], and Robert Ralston [p.37-38]—endorse the present Vestry's action. Central to this dispute is confidential correspondence between Edward H. Coates and T. Chester Walbridge: Coates enumerates the Vestry's objections to Stevens, including unreliability in statement, church accounts, and conduct (with allegations of intoxication), as well as offensive manner, intrigue, and worldly ambition [p.26-27]. Walbridge replies that while indebted to Stevens for personal courtesies, he cannot support him, yet urges consideration of Christ Church as a national monument akin to Independence Hall deserving perpetual protection [p.30-31].

A 1910 letter concerns a contract for church music referred to the Music Committee [p.40]. The folder closes with a 1922 letter from John C. DaCosta, 3d, humbly accepting his election to the Vestry and asking that his appreciation be conveyed to the body [p.41].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> Contracts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church management]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Cemeteries]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Thomas' Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopal Church]]> Church buildings]]> Sepulchral monuments]]> Sunday schools]]> Church finance]]> Church controversies]]> Wills]]> Decedents' estates]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]>
Notable events documented include Harriet Keatting's remonstrance to protect her parents' gravestone, a formal petition from St. James' Church members to separate from the union due to financial difficulties, and Rev. W. H. Delancey declining a permanent pastoral connection due to his University duties. Additionally, the Male Sunday School's request for a church collection was formally denied, though members of the Vestry personally raised funds for them.]]>
An October 1828 petition, signed by members including John Markland, Thomas Hale, J. Read, and William Rawle Jr., requests that the vestry consider erecting St. James' Church into a separate corporation, attributing the churches' financial embarrassment to their union; it was read in vestry October 17, 1828, and referred to a committee [p.3].

Several items concern pew rights. An 1849 letter from William Watson to Joseph R. Ingersoll disputes the number of sittings in a pew held by his mother for 25 years [p.4r-4v]. An April 1831 letter from Mrs. Francis inquires about the terms for two seats formerly held by the late Mrs. Powel [p.5]. The most substantial correspondence, dated July 6, 1830 (with related dockets from February 1830), is from executor Edward Shippen Burd to the committee of vestry regarding two sittings in Pew No. 41 at St. Peter's Church held by the late Elizabeth Powel. Burd quotes at length the residuary clauses of Powel's will and includes a legal opinion by Horace Binney dated April 6, 1830, concluding that the pew interest should vest in John Hare Powel, whom Elizabeth Powel treated in loco parentis and who had adopted her name at her request [p.8-22].

A letter from Rev. William H. Delancey, dated April 16, 1832, declines the vestry committee's overture for a permanent connection with Christ Church, citing his obligations to the University [p.6]. Finally, an April 20, 1832 request from Clement English and Eliza C. Souder, a committee of the Male Sunday School of Christ Church, asks permission to take up a collection to address a debt of thirty-five dollars contracted in May 1831; the vestry declined to permit another collection but some individual members collected ten dollars, given to Mr. English on April 29, 1832 [p.7].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> Petitions]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Cemeteries]]> Fire departments]]> Church management]]> Church buildings]]> Sunday schools]]> Clergy]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]>
Other notable documents include a letter from a congregant strongly advising the Vestry against hiring an assistant minister on a one-year probationary basis, arguing it would be detrimental to both the minister and the congregation. Additionally, there is a significant 1824 memorial signed by members of Christ Church, St. Peter's, and St. James proposing the separation of the United Churches into independent entities to increase revenues and the usefulness of the clergy.]]>
Several documents relate to fire companies seeking to occupy Church land. A committee of the Resolution Hose Company petitioned the Vestry to confirm a grant of the site in Fifth Street formerly occupied by the Amicable Fire Company, and requested permission to extend and expand the building [p.1]. In their formal petition, the company noted it had been active since 1804 and had lost its previous home when the New Theatre burned in 1820 and was rebuilt [p.2]. The four surviving active members of the Amicable Fire Engine Company explained that their company was effectively dissolved, between 40 and 50 dollars in debt, with a broken engine estimated to cost 150 dollars to repair, and proposed bequeathing their engine and apparatus to the Resolution Hose Company; honorary members endorsed the transfer [p.3r].

Subsequent letters, addressed to committee members G. Bringhurst and Wm. Murdoch, negotiate the terms of building. The company initially objected to being required to build vaults beneath the proposed ornamental two-story house given its limited funds [p.5r-5v], but later agreed to undertake the vaults according to the Vestry's directions and to erect a building from a plan by Mr. Haviland, suggesting the Vestry contribute at least one hundred dollars toward the vaults [p.6r-6v]. In June 1823 the company reported having finished three vaults for the Church's use and again requested assistance in defraying costs [p.7]. The Hope Engine Company separately applied in 1823 for permission to erect an engine house on St. Peter's burial ground [p.8, p.9].

An 1825 letter from the Trustees of the M.E. Union Church requested that two windows opening onto the churchyard from their newly erected Sunday School building be permitted to remain for ventilation and light [p.10].

Two documents concern church governance rather than land. A copy of an 1822 letter from a self-described member and constituent urged the Vestry to abandon its plan of calling assistant ministers on a one-year probationary basis, arguing that turning a clergyman adrift after a year would be cruel and would injure the church's standing [p.4r-4v]. A memorial read in Vestry on 3 March 1824, signed by prominent members of all three congregations including Joseph Hopkinson, Charles Wheeler, William Rawle Jr., and members of the Ingersoll and Lewis families, requested the Vestry consider a plan of altering the charter to make each church independent for certain purposes [p.11r-11v].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> Petitions]]> ]]> St. Paul's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Paul's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> McClenachan, William, 1714-]]> Church of England]]> Church buildings]]> Church finance]]> Church history]]> Church management]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopal Church]]>
This document is a first draft of the constitution of St. Paul's, resolving to find land to rent in Philadelphia and funds to erect a new church building. The church was to follow the principles of the Church of England. Twelve persons were to be elected trustees, with the Reverend McClenachan serving as the first minister, and "sober Reputable and Religious Persons of the Congregation" appointed to collect pew rents and tend to the church building and grounds.]]> Manuscripts]]> Charters and articles of incorporation]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Oaths]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church of England]]> Religious leaders]]> Church management]]> British colonies]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church management]]> Church finance]]> Church of England]]>
Jenney wrote this letter "to the Subscribers for erecting a new Church in Philadelphia" in 1753. As the population of Philadelphia grew, Christ Church no longer had enough room, and as a result, some members wanted to build a new church. While Jenney approved of the goal to accommodate more congregants, he was concerned about the approach, and strongly believed that the new church should remain part of one congregation with Christ Church, led by the same vestry, with a minister licensed by the Bishop of London. As long as they followed the "established rules" of erecting new churches, he was willing to assist them however he could.

In 1758 the vestry of Christ Church authorized the construction of a new chapel at Third & Pine Streets to accommodate its members living in the southern section of the city. St. Peter's Church, located at the corner of Third & Pine Streets, and Christ Church shared the same vestry, ministers, and records and until they formally separated in 1832, and were known as the United Churches of Christ Church & St. Peter's.]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Dorr, Benjamin, 1796-1869]]> Hodge, G. Woolsey, 1845-1929]]> Parish elections]]> Church records and registers]]> Church finance]]> Church management]]> Church committees]]> Episcopalians]]> Church buildings]]> Cemeteries]]> Hospitals]]> Corporate minutes]]> Episcopal Church]]> Church schools]]> Pews and pew rights]]>
As in preceding minute books, topics include the election of church leaders and hiring and payment of staff; appointments to and reports from various church committees; the upkeep of buildings and grounds; the ongoing balancing of financial accounts including ground rents, loans, investments and bequests; the collection of pew rents; and management of the Sunday school and hospital.

Other topics specific to this book include the Rev. Dr. Dorr's declining health and eventual death; the conflict between Rev. Edward Foggo, Rector of Christ Church, and Rev. Woolsey Hodge, minister in charge of the the Christ Church Chapel; and the management of Calvary Church (also known as the Monument to Bishop White.)

The pages tucked into the front of the book are likely attendance records. An index of subjects begins on image 576.]]> Manuscripts]]> Minutes (Records)]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Parish elections]]> Church records and registers]]> Church finance]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Corporate minutes]]> Church buildings]]> Cemeteries]]> Charity]]> Poor]]> Church schools]]> Hospitals]]> Church committees]]> Church management]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865]]> Episcopal Church]]>
The meeting minutes from the Spring of 1865 refer to the death of President Abraham Lincoln. The vestry of Christ Church elected to drape the church in black for a period of three months and muffle the church bells to mourn the death of the president.

A copy of the charter separating Christ Church and St. Peter's Church in 1832 is also included in this volume. Note: Blank pages were not scanned.]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Parish elections]]> Church records and registers]]> Church finance]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Dorr, Benjamin, 1796-1869]]> Church management]]> Church bells]]> Church buildings]]> Church committees]]> Church fund raising]]> Episcopalians]]> Cemeteries]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Hospitals]]> Charity]]> Poor]]> Episcopal Church. Diocese of Pennsylvania]]> Episcopal Church]]>
Annotated copies of Christ Church's charter and by-laws are inserted in the beginning of the volume, entitled "Charter of Christ Church in the city of Philadelphia and St. Peter's Church, in the city of Philadelphia, As established by an Act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, passed January, 1832; together with the proceedings of the respective vestries thereupon." These documents reflect the separation of Christ Church and St. Peter's in 1832.]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Parish elections]]> Church records and registers]]> Church finance]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Corporate minutes]]> Episcopalians]]> Church buildings]]> Cemeteries]]> Church committees]]> Church management]]> Hospitals]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Episcopal Church]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Parish elections]]> Church records and registers]]> Church finance]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Corporate minutes]]> Church management]]> Church buildings]]> Cemeteries]]> Church committees]]> Episcopalians]]> Hospitals]]> Episcopal Church]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Parish elections]]> Church records and registers]]> Church finance]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Kearsley, John, 1684-1772]]> White, William, 1748-1836]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church management]]> Church fund raising]]> Church committees]]> Church buildings]]> Cemeteries]]> Church bells]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> Hospitals]]> Charters]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]>
Entries include the date and place of the meeting, members attending, and business discussed. Topics include church elections, improvements to buildings and grounds, fundraising efforts, burial requests, and the ongoing operation of Christ Church hospital.

Recorded at the rear of the book are legacies, gifts, and donations made to an assortment of church related funds by various congregation members. Of note is a transcribed copy of Dr. John Kearsley's will. This volume has inserted at page 47 two additional items: a printed excerpt from the minutes of October 30, 1752 and a printed version of Bishop White's sermon delivered on June 21, 1786. Note: Blank pages were not scanned.]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Parish elections]]> Church records and registers]]> Church finance]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> American Revolution (1775-1783)]]> Church buildings]]> Church committees]]> Church discipline]]> Church fund raising]]> Church management]]> Church of England]]> American Revolution (United States : 1775-1783)]]> Corporate minutes]]> Episcopalians]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Frontier and pioneer life]]> Indians of North America]]> Charters]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> African Americans]]> Kearsley, John, 1684-1772]]> Episcopal Church]]>
Other important events and topics include:

The opening of St. Peter's and the establishment of the United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's in 1761, with shared government and finances. Minutes include draft and final versions of the charter for the United Churches.

The response of the United Churches to the 1763 "Indian invasion" of the "back provinces" of Pennsylvania and subsequent correspondence with church officials from York and Cumberland Counties on behalf of "families on the frontier."

The 1763 review and approval of Reverend William Sturgeon's fulfillment of his duty as the "Catechist to the Negroe Children for the Society for Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts."

The 1772 bequest from Dr. John Kearsley that funded the development of the Christ Church Hospital for poor women and widows.

The American Revolution. Minutes from the Vestry meeting of July 4, 1776, when the Vestry resolved at the onset of the American Revolution: "Whereas the Honorable Continental Congress have resolved to declare the American Colonies to be free and independent States, In consequence of which it will be proper to omit those Petitions in the Liturgy wherein the King of Great Britain is prayed for, as inconsistent with the said Declaration. Therefore Resolved, that it appears to this Vestry to be necessary for the peace and well-being of the Churches to omit the said Petitions, and the Rector and Assistant Ministers of the United Churches are requested in the Name of the Vestry and their Constituents to omit such petitions as are above mentioned." (p. 338)

Subsequent minutes reveal effects of the war, including the loss of pew rents after many parishioners fled the city during the British occupation, the damage to church property caused by the British army, and the departure of Reverend Coombe, who could not tolerate the conflict of serving revolutionary subjects while ordained and governed by the Church of England.]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Parish elections]]> Church records and registers]]> Church finance]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church management]]> Church fund raising]]> Church schools]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church of England]]> Episcopalians]]> Corporate minutes]]> Episcopal Church]]>
Note: Page 92 was blank and was not scanned.]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Thayer, M. Russell (Martin Russell), 1819-1906]]> Lewis, Francis A. (Francis Albert), 1857-1927]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church property]]> Church management]]> Chapels]]>
The documents include a letter dated May 3, 1881, from a committee representing the Managers of Christ Church Chapel to the Vestry of Christ Church, requesting a more explicit definition of the powers and duties delegated to them. The file also contains drafted resolutions by the Vestry that delineate the Managers' authority over the Chapel's buildings, grounds, and adjacent properties on Wilcox Street, detailing their administrative and financial responsibilities while restricting their ability to encumber or sell the property.]]>
Accompanying draft resolutions (with editorial revisions) set forth the response of the Vestry. They resolved that the Managers exclusively hold the care, custody, and control of the Chapel building and grounds, the adjacent houses and lots on Wilcox Street, and all other property belonging to the Chapel, exercising control as fully as the Corporation could, except that they may not alienate, convey, or encumber the property, nor use the corporate seal [p.4]. The Managers were granted power to rent the Wilcox Street houses, collect rents, make repairs, apply revenues to Chapel debts and expenses, and elect officers and appoint agents, while remaining subject to the authority of Christ Church [p.4, p.5-6]. Further resolutions directed the Board of Managers to submit an annual report to the Vestry each Easter Monday on the condition of the Chapel's temporal affairs, and that a copy of the resolutions be transmitted by the Secretary of the Vestry to the Board of Managers [p.5-6].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Hodge, George Woolsey]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Chapels]]> Church finance]]> Clergy--Salaries, etc.]]> Parishes]]> Church management]]>
Hodge states that he believes such a chapel is necessary for the parish's stability and welfare, and offers to relinquish his salary so that another assistant minister may be appointed to serve Calvary Church while he takes charge of the new chapel and relies on its offertory for his stipend.]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Hodge, G. Woolsey (George Woolsey), 1838-1905]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Clergy]]> Wages]]> Church management]]> Episcopal Church]]> Ordination]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sextons]]> Church buildings]]> Church finance]]> Church management]]> St. Peter's Church (Phoenixville, Pa.)]]> Episcopal Church]]>
The second document is a letter dated 3 December 1844 from Horace Binney, written from South 4th Street, to Moses Kempton, Esq., reporting on his interview with Robert R. Bringhurst, the Sexton. Binney explains that the weather prevented his visit, so he set down in writing the results of his conversation, which took place the previous evening after he sent Bringhurst a note [p.2r]. Binney, appointed as a one-person committee at his own instance, presented four deficiencies in Bringhurst's performance: frequent absence during service, want of regular assistance to the Rector (including an instance where the Rector had to raise the chancel blinds for the Bishop), want of attention to cleanliness, and neglect of proper ventilation [p.2r].

Bringhurst answered each charge: he complained his salary of $200 per annum was too low, that burial fees had declined from 80 to 30 in a year, and that fees for baptisms and vestry notices were trifling, comparing his compensation unfavorably to Cotteril of St. Peter's; he stated he sent a boy when absent; he explained he personally paid $52 per annum for weekly sweeping and dusting and that the church had been scrubbed only once during his tenure; and he attributed foul air to furnaces drawing on interior rather than exterior air, noting he could not raise the heat above 60 degrees and had pointed out the furnace defects to vestrymen [p.2v]. The following morning, Bringhurst called and, feeling taken by surprise and believing the Vestry had determined to replace him, declined to continue as Sexton, with his quarter expiring 10 January. He blamed Dr. Dow for the movement, but Binney corrected him, stating that he himself had moved the resolution. The letter was read to the Vestry at the meeting held 15 December 1844 [p.2r].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church management]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Clergy]]> Clergy--Salaries, etc.]]> Episcopal Church]]> Church management]]> Resignation]]> Annuities]]> Installation (Clergy)]]>
A copy of the June 30, 1832 letter from the church wardens (Horace Binney and Henry J. Hutchins) informs James of his election at the meeting held the previous evening, noting that all such elections are subject to a negative by a majority of the Congregation within one month [p. 3]. In his acceptance letter of July 25, 1832, James reflects humbly on the honor and duties of the office, quoting scripture ("Who is sufficient for these things?" and "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me"), and explains that his wife's poor health and the assistant Bishop's visitation delay his arrival in Philadelphia until about the middle of September [p. 4, p. 5-6].

The file also contains correspondence relating to the resignation of Reverend Dr. James Abercrombie. On November 7, 1832, Abercrombie writes to Henry J. Hutchins agreeing to place his resignation in the hands of the Rector, understanding that his salary will be paid to that day and an annuity will commence [p. 8]. His formal letter of resignation, addressed to the Right Reverend William White, tenders his resignation as Assistant Minister [p. 9r-9v]. A copy of the extract from the Vestry minutes of November 5, 1832 records the resolution granting Abercrombie six hundred dollars per annum for life in quarterly payments, provided he resign before the ninth of the month [p. 10].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Abercrombie, James, 1758-1841]]> Kemper, Jackson, 1789-1870]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sextons]]> Clergy]]> Church management]]> Charity]]> Church officers]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Clergy--Appointment, call, and election]]> Episcopal Church]]> Church management]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopal Church]]> Charters]]> Church management]]> Church polity]]> Legislation]]> Petitions]]> Corporations, Religious]]>
Documents include a printed copy of Senate Bill No. 51, a manuscript petition to the Pennsylvania General Assembly, a handwritten draft of the legislative act, and minutes from a January 12, 1810 meeting at Christ Church listing prominent attendees such as Rt. Rev. Dr. White and Tench Coxe.]]>
The printed Senate act (No. 51) sets out the whereas clauses and enacts five sections: the corporation is renamed to include St. James's Church, its rents and revenues are directed to the maintenance of the three united churches, the by-laws are made conformable to the laws of Pennsylvania and the United States rather than Great Britain, the vestry is enlarged from twenty to twenty-four persons, and the corporation's income cap is set at six thousand dollars, exclusive of pew rents and burial ground fees [p.1-6]. Members of St. James's Church who had paid for a pew or sitting were granted voting rights at vestry elections through Easter Monday 1813 despite not meeting the usual three-year payment requirement [p.4-5].

A manuscript minute records a meeting of the united congregations held in Christ Church on January 12, 1810, at which the petition to the legislature was proposed. It lists those present, including the Rt. Rev. Dr. White, Tench Coxe, and Paul Beck, and notes that a motion to commit the petition to committee was lost, after which the petition was adopted and sent to the legislature [p.7r]. The petition itself and a manuscript draft of the enacting legislation are also included [p.8r-10r]. The act passed the House of Representatives by a unanimous vote on March 16, 1810 [p.6].]]> Manuscripts]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church management]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Rent collection]]> Schools]]> Clergy]]> Correspondence]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> First Baptist Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> First Baptist Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church records and registers]]> Corporate minutes]]> Baptists]]> Church management]]> Church finance]]> Church buildings]]>
Note: The meeting minutes between March 1796 and February 1798 are missing from the original manuscript, which is why they do not appear in the digital version, and why the page numbering skips from page 8 to page 11. Also, page numbering on the original manuscript starts over at a new page 1 following page 89. To identify page numbers in citations, researchers can use the image number in combination with the page number.]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> First Baptist Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> First Baptist Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church records and registers]]> Baptists]]> Cemeteries]]> Church finance]]> Church management]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> First Baptist Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> First Baptist Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church records and registers]]> Corporate minutes]]> Baptists]]> Church management]]> Church fund raising]]> Church discipline]]> Church membership]]> Church committees]]> Church buildings]]> Church finance]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> First Baptist Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> First Baptist Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church records and registers]]> Corporate minutes]]> Baptists]]> Church membership]]> Church management]]> Church finance]]> Church discipline]]> Church committees]]> Church buildings]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church fund raising]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> First Baptist Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> First Baptist Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church records and registers]]> Corporate minutes]]> Baptists]]> Church membership]]> Church discipline]]> Church finance]]> Church management]]> Church fund raising]]> Church committees]]> Church buildings]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> First Baptist Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> First Baptist Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church records and registers]]> Corporate minutes]]> Baptists]]> Church buildings]]> Church finance]]> Church management]]> Church membership]]> Church discipline]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church fund raising]]> Church committees]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> First Baptist Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> First Baptist Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church records and registers]]> Corporate minutes]]> Baptists]]> Church finance]]> Church management]]> Church discipline]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church membership]]> Church fund raising]]> Church committees]]> Church buildings]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]>