United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> Episcopalians]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> Episcopalians]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopal Church]]>
Notes on the separation of Christ Church and St. Peter's appear in several places. Water damage renders some entries difficult to read.]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopal Church]]>
This document lists pew holders at Christ Church from page 1 to 46, St. Peter's from page 47 to 98, and St. James' from page 99 to 150. Large spans of blank pages were not scanned, which accounts for gaps in page numbers. Dates begin as early as 1778, but the bulk of dates fall between 1809 and 1825. Entries are listed by pew number and include number of seats rented, rate, to whom let, when let, and when "given up, relinquished or forfeited."

Pew maps for each of the three churches appear at the end of the book, followed by an alphabetical index.]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Stokes, George]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Yellow fever]]> Burial records]]> Cemeteries]]> Indians of North America]]> Episcopalians]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Burial grounds]]> Cemeteries]]> Public health]]> Yellow fever]]> Epidemics]]> Manuscripts]]> Petitions]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Blackwell, Robert, 1748-1831]]> Burial]]> Cemeteries]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> 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]]> ]]> Abercrombie, James, 1758-1841]]> Dobbins, Joseph]]> Harison, Richard, 1747-1829]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church finance]]> Clergy]]> Annuities]]> Debt]]> Poor]]>
In a letter dated April 26, 1802, the Reverend James Abercrombie appeals to the Rector and Vestry for financial assistance, explaining that despite two years of diligent effort conducting an Academy alongside his parochial duties, the enterprise had produced little beyond its own expenses. Having exhausted his own property and the support previously provided by his mother, and facing the unavoidable expenses of a family of sixteen that far exceeded his salary, he reluctantly entreats their generosity [p. 1r-1v].

A draft letter dated July 26, 1802, addressed to the Reverend Stanford, records the Vestry's instructions to inquire into the status of a claim on the estate of the late Gunning Bedford, money intended for the poor of the churches. The Vestry note their obligation to recover the money or, if impeded, to enter a narrative of their conduct on their minutes. The Reverend Mr. Hobart is named as bearer of the letter [p. 2r-2v].

Joseph Dobbins writes on May 24, 1802, from the country on the Catawba River near the mouth of the Wateree, informing Bishop William White and the wardens and vestry that no one had been appointed to pay his annuity since the death of Bishop Robert Smith, whose last payment was July 28. He requests payment through someone in Charleston and asks that correspondence be left with Colonel Cantey at the Camden post office, noting he will be twenty years of age the following January [p. 3].

Richard Harison replies from New York on August 4, 1802, to Bishop White and Thomas Cumpston regarding a bond owed by the widow of Cornelius Bradford. He returns the bond, describes his repeated but unsuccessful attempts to obtain a settlement, and notes the widow's distress and her belief that the demand ought to have been addressed to her brother-in-law's family. He advises that no suit could be maintained in New York courts unless Dr. Kearsley's will was proved or administration taken out there, and that any suit must be in the names of his executors or administrators. He emphasizes that he sought no advantage in the business [p. 4r-4v].]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Dobbins, Joseph, -1804]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Wills]]> Decedents' estates]]> Slavery]]> Freed persons]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Probate records]]> Charitable uses, trusts, and foundations]]> Widows]]> Hospitals]]> Enslaved persons]]> Enslaved persons--Emancipation]]> Charities]]> Estates (Law)]]> Liberty]]> Inheritance and succession]]>
A codicil dated April 11, 1804 gave a silver quart tankard marked “MF” to Rev. John Foster, and bequeathed three lots of land on Taylor Street in Columbia, numbered 20, 21, and 22 and purchased from Thomas H. Wade, along with the remainder of Dobbins's silver plate to Rev. David E. Dunlap and his wife Susanna P. Dunlap. The codicil also appointed the Dunlaps as guardians of Matilda and of the freed girl Amey until the girls reached eighteen years of age or married [p. 1v]. The codicil was witnessed by Benjamin Waring, Robert Hendrick, and Daniel Wade, proven before the Ordinary, and certified as a true copy on August 13, 1804 [p. 1v].

The correspondence includes a September 3, 1804 letter from church warden Thomas Cumpston acknowledging receipt of the authenticated copy of the will and noting that a vestry would shortly be called to determine action [p. 2r]. A lengthy letter from Rev. Dunlap recounts that Dobbins lived with Dunlap's family during his last illness, suffered from gravel and other infirmities, and died on May 29, 1804 in his seventy-second year. Dunlap describes securing Dobbins's keys and trunks after his death, discovering the will with neighbors present, and corresponding with named executor Thomas Jones [p. 2r].

Copied letters follow. Thomas Jones's letter of June 18, 1804 declines the executorship because legal advice indicated that the vestry and wardens could not serve as executors and that responsibility would fall on Jones alone, creating inconvenience and requiring possible Court of Equity involvement [p. 2v]. Henry Baily's legal opinion of the same date advises that the will appeared duly executed, that the codicil formed part of the will, that the Dunlaps could take possession of the land subject to debts, and that dividends from the Bank of South Carolina stock should be remitted to the authorized agent of those administering the trust for poor and distressed widows [p. 2v]. Baily further cautions that the attempted emancipation of Matilda did not conform to a recent South Carolina act and should not proceed without an order from the Court of Equity [p. 2v]. Dunlap concludes by urging prompt action from Philadelphia to relieve him of responsibility for Dobbins's papers and property, noting that Dobbins's debts were few but that he held notes amounting to approximately $2,500 to $3,000, including an $800 or $900 note already in suit [p. 2v].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Wills]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Burd, Edward, 1751-1833]]> Blackwell, Robert, 1748-1831]]> University of Pennsylvania]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Real property]]> Employment references]]> Real property--Valuation]]> Church property]]> Episcopalians]]> Land use]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]>
The second letter, dated April 5, 1807, is a recommendation written by Robert Blackwell on behalf of Hugh Hill, whom Blackwell had known for many years and who had frequently worked for him. Blackwell describes Hill as honest, industrious, sober, religious, and worthy, noting that he was a pew holder and communicant of St. Peter's Church [p. 1v].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> 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.)]]> Cumpston, Thomas]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Fund raising]]> Church fund raising]]> Organ (Musical instrument)]]> Church music]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church finance]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Wages]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Organists]]> Episcopal Church]]> Organ (Musical instrument)]]> Organ builders]]> Church music]]>
Additional records document a dispute with New York organ builders John Geib & Son over travel expenses, and a draft contract with local builder John Lowe for $4,000, which the Vestry ultimately rejected due to lack of funds. The folder also includes a petition from organist Rayner Taylor requesting a salary increase due to the high cost of living, his subsequent resignation to take a better position at St. Paul's Church, and a petition signed by parishioners protesting a 25% increase in pew rents during 'times of Calamity.']]>
John Geib & Son of New York submitted a detailed plan and estimate for an organ modeled on the Grace Church organ case, listing stops for the great organ, choir, and swell, along with pedals and coupling mechanisms [p. 6]. Their estimate totaled $4,865, including $4,500 for the organ, packing, transportation, cartage, travel expenses, and board for two people to install it [p. 7-8]. They compared the number of pipes in the Grace Church and proposed St. Peter's organs, and proposed completion within a year, with payment by installments [p. 7-8]. They also advised selling the old organ to the highest bidder, stating that only the metal would be of use to them and that even that might not justify the expense of removal and transportation [p. 7-8].

Subsequent letters from John Geib & Son show that negotiations with Meredith did not lead to a contract. The firm billed Meredith $100 for William Geib's trip to Philadelphia, including stage hire, travel expenses, and time spent on the road and in Philadelphia [p. 10r-p. 10v]. In later correspondence, the firm objected to Meredith's refusal to pay the full amount, argued that its time and plans should be compensated, and acknowledged receipt of $50 as the only sum it was willing to accept [p. 11r-p. 11v]. A September letter again asserted that Meredith's promise to defray expenses should include compensation for loss of time, not merely travel costs [p. 16r-p. 16v].

The folder includes a July 29, 1813 letter from Cumpston stating that the vestry would not be a party to a proposed agreement between Meredith, Binney, and organ builder John Lowe because church funds would not permit it [p. 12]. A draft agreement with Lowe proposed that he build and install a mahogany-cased organ in St. Peter's Church for $4,000 plus the old organ, with installment payments and satisfactory security [p. 13-p. 14]. The attached schedule specifies the compass of the keys, stops for the great organ, choir, and swell, pedal pipes, coupling movement, ivory keys with ebony sharps, and two bellows [p. 14-15].

Additional records concern church music and finances. Rayner Taylor, organist of St. Peter's, petitioned the rector, church wardens, and vestry on September 14, 1813, for a salary increase from $93.32 per year, citing inadequate compensation, high prices for necessities and rent, and the demands of performing through summer heat and winter cold [p. 17]. In October 1813, members of the United Episcopal Churches petitioned for reconsideration of a vestry resolution adding 25 percent to pew rents, citing the "distresses and privations" of the period and requesting that the increase be repealed or suspended until congregants were better able to bear it [p. 19r-p. 19v]. A later letter from Taylor, dated November 15, 1818, states that he had accepted the position of organist at St. Paul's, with an adequate salary and an excellent instrument, and would discontinue playing at St. James's after the following Sunday [p. 20].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Contracts]]> Records (Documents)]]> Account books]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church finance]]> Church music]]> Church buildings]]> Organ (Musical instrument)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Episcopal Church]]> Church fund raising]]>
The document details resolutions to collect subscriptions, appoint a treasurer to invest funds, and assess a semiannual fee on pew holders if a balance remains. It also authorizes a committee to contract for and superintend the building of the new organ. General Francis Gurney chaired the meeting.]]>
Thomas W. Francis made a written report on behalf of the committee, which was read, considered, and unanimously adopted. The meeting resolved that the committee proceed in collecting subscribed amounts and pay them over to a treasurer; that two members of the church, along with the treasurer, invest the money to the best advantage subject to the order of the building committee; and that the pew holders obligate themselves to contribute toward any balance beyond the subscription by paying a semiannual assessment not exceeding 12 1/2 cents per seat for a period not exceeding four years. T. W. Francis was appointed Treasurer, and Messrs. Donaldson and Meredith were appointed to assist in investing the money. Messrs. Francis, Binney, and Meredith were authorized to contract for and superintend the building of the organ [p. 1r].

The report of the committee on St. Peter's Church organ was read April 18, 1814 [p. 1v].]]> Manuscripts]]> Records (Documents)]]> Minutes (Records)]]> Reports]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Philadelphia (Pa.). Office of City Commissioners]]> Binney, Horace, 1780-1875]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church music]]> Pavements]]> Sidewalks]]> Episcopal Church]]>
Also contains a letter from Horace Binney to Charles N. Bancker regarding patronage for an initiative to improve church music.]]>
The second letter, from the City Commissioners' Office in Philadelphia dated November 30, 1815 and signed by City Commissioner Thomas Hirst, requires the Rector, Wardens and Vestry of the Protestant Episcopal Churches of Christ and St. Peter's to have the footway opposite their lot at Pine and Fourth streets well paved within twenty days, in accordance with the ordinances of the Select and Common Councils passed May 22, 1797, and October 1, 1811 [p.2].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sextons]]> Church officers]]> Episcopal Church]]> 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.)]]> Church lands]]> Rent]]> Power of attorney]]> Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts]]> Penn, Thomas, 1702-1775]]> Peters, Richard, 1704-1776]]> Charities]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church property]]> Land titles]]> Real property]]>
The letter notes a generous donation by Reverend Richard Peters, former secretary to the Proprietor and Governor, of £100 sterling, with a proposal to raise an additional £100 by voluntary contributions, to enlarge the lot. Two-fifths of the larger lot was to be dedicated to the use of the parson of the newly erected St. Peter's Church.

The writers request the Society's advice and permission to hold title locally in the name of the Philadelphia corporation rather than directly in the Society's name, in order to simplify management of the property, subdivision into smaller lots, collection of perpetual ground rents, renewal of powers of attorney, and possible legal actions against delinquent tenants. They also ask the Society to transfer £300 in New South Sea Annuities Stock to Thomas Penn as payment for the lot.]]>
The letter notes that Reverend Richard Peters, late Secretary to the Proprietor and Governor, most generously offered £100 sterling and proposed to obtain a like sum from others through voluntary contributions to enlarge the purchased lot, with two-fifths of the larger lot to be settled and vested for the use of the Parson of St. Peter's Church, newly erected in the city, a benevolence the attorneys heartily approve and gratefully acknowledge [p.1r]. The attorneys, in the name of and as attorneys to the Society, entered into articles of agreement with the Proprietor's agents for the purchase of this great lot in the name of the Society, but declined for the present to receive the title deed in full form (though offered to them) until they could obtain the Society's further advice and approbation [p.1r].

The attorneys anticipate practical difficulties in carrying out the charity: the great lot must be divided and let into smaller lots under perpetual ground rents, tenants may prove troublesome and refuse payment, the Society will often be put to trouble to renew their power, the Society's attorney may die, and lawsuits may be required to recover rents, with no attorney from the Society present locally to prosecute such suits [p.1r]. They therefore request the Society's advice and consent to receive the title in the name of any of the Corporation in the city, promising to transmit an exemplified copy of the deed, believing this mode of title will obviate every objection to the ready and speedy recovery of the rents [p.1v].

Finally, having ratified the agreement by sealing articles, the attorneys ask the Society to order a transfer of the £300 in New South Sea Annuities Stock to Thomas Penn, whose agent has agreed to accept it in payment for the lot [p.1v].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Peters, Richard, 1704-1776]]> Duché, Jacob, 1738-1798]]> Terrick, Richard, 1710-1777]]> Clergy]]> Selection and appointment]]> Resignation from office]]>
The documents record Peters's resignation due to bodily infirmities after many years of service, and the vestry's unanimous election and recommendation of Duché, described as a native of Philadelphia who had served as assistant minister for more than fifteen years.]]>
The second document [p. 2r] is the formal deed of resignation executed by Richard Peters on September 23, 1775. In it, Peters, citing his bodily infirmities and desiring to be relieved and exonerated from the burden, cure, and government of his rectory, deliberately and absolutely renounces and resigns the rectory and churches, together with all their rights, profits, members, and appurtenances, into the hands of the Church-Wardens and Vestry-Men, leaving the rectory vacant. The document is signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of witnesses Matthew Whitehead and Jacob Diegel [p. 2r].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Peters, Richard, 1704-1776]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Clergy]]> Resignation]]> Release]]> Bonds]]> Manuscripts]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Bryan, George, 1731-1791]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania]]> Political prisoners]]> Episcopal Church]]> Correspondence]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church finance]]> Duche, Jacob, 1737-1798]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> 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]]> ]]> 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]]> ]]> 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]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church finance]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Burial records]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Cemeteries]]> Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790]]> Episcopalians]]> Rush, Benjamin, 1746-1813]]> Hopkinson, Francis, 1737-1791]]> Hewes, Joseph, 1730-1779]]> Ross, George, 1730-1779]]> Episcopal Church]]> Manuscripts]]> Registers (Lists)]]> ]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Peters, Richard, 1704-1776]]> Duche, Jacob, 1737-1798]]> Poor]]> Charity]]> Church finance]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]>
The first letter, dated September 31, 1771, is from Rector Peters and Assistant Minister Jacob Duche to the Bishop of Cork, regarding a relation of the bishop who is a member of their congregation. She traveled to Philadelphia with her husband, who drowned two years previously, and fell on hard times. Peters and Duche request financial assistance on behalf of the widow, so she can set up a shop and support herself.

The second letter, dated June 28, 1771, is to the Reverend Doctor Peters from
Robert Smith, regarding the purchase of a lot of land from the church.]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> 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]]> ]]>