Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Cemeteries]]> Endowments]]> Historic preservation]]> Church maintenance and repair]]> Sepulchral monuments]]> Conservation and restoration]]> Manuscripts]]> Records (Documents)]]> Correspondence]]> Petitions]]> ]]> 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)]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church Hospital (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopal Church]]> Chapels]]> Church property]]> Church controversies]]> Trusts and trustees]]> Estates (Law)]]> Wills]]> Clergy]]> Hodge, George Woolsey, 1845-1929]]>
The file also includes records from Christ Church Hospital regarding the estate of Maria H. Campbell, who died September 2, 1880, leaving her estate to the hospital after a cemetery payment. Notes describe a caveat entered by her sister, Mrs. Rhodes, and a proposed compromise involving life income from the estate and eventual conveyance to Christ Church for Christ Church Hospital.]]>
A lengthy March 30, 1880 statement from contributors to the Chapel building fund recounts the full history of the enterprise: the 1874 printed address seeking to preserve Christ Church by establishing a Chapel in the western part of the city [p.3]; the 1875 and 1876 appeals and the February 9, 1876 resolution creating the Christ Church Chapel Board of Management [p.4]; the 1876 purchase and conveyance of the Pine Street property in trust, and the November 17, 1876 consent of the Bishop and Standing Committee given solely on the ground that the Chapel be an integral part of Christ Church parish [p.5]; the opening of the Chapel by the Bishop on June 9, 1877, and subsequent reports and appeals [p.6]; and the demanded resignation of the Assistant Minister, accepted February 4, 1880 [p.6]. The statement describes the congregation meetings, the vote of 53 against to 16 for separation, and the forcible seizure of the Chapel building on March 9, 1880, held for the proposed Church of the Holy Communion [p.7-8]. It recounts the rejection of the proposed charter by the Court on March 20, 1880 after objections, the presentation of a new charter, and a March 29 meeting adopting articles of association asserting the congregation "has never had any organic connection with Christ Church" [p.8-10]. The contributors request the Vestry to take action to protect their rights and the corporation's title to the Chapel property [p.10].

The second matter is an October 6, 1880 letter from George Hoffman, Secretary of the Board of Managers of Christ Church Hospital, requesting the corporation authorize its accounting Warden to affix the corporate seal to a deed in the matter of the estate of Maria H. Campbell, deceased [p.11r-11v]. An accompanying memorandum details that Miss Campbell died September 2, 1880, leaving her estate to the Hospital (after $150 to Lafayette Cemetery) under a will dated June 7, 1880; describes the property of three small houses at 3rd & South subject to ground rent and mortgage; notes her impaired mind before death and a caveat entered by her sister, Mrs. Rhodes; and sets out the terms of a compromise conveyance in trust [p.12r-12v].]]> 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]]> ]]> Foggo, Edward A.]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Building failures]]> Magic lantern shows]]> Sunday schools]]> Church buildings]]> Floors]]> Structural failures]]>
Foggo writes that he urged the Rev. Mr. Hodge to close the event immediately and reflects that a serious disaster was narrowly averted. He compares the potential accident to recent disasters in England and Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and thanks God that the room was emptied before calamity occurred.]]>
Foggo hastened to the Rev. Mr. Hodge, urging him to close the event immediately, and the room was emptied within minutes. Upon examination, he found that the joists were too long and lacked proper support, causing the floor to yield in that corner and the ceiling in the room below to crack for some distance [p. 1v]. He reflected that a little more strain could have produced a disaster paralleling recent tragedies in England and in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Foggo expressed his relief and gratitude that the calamity was averted through providence, noting his fear of being held responsible by the parents had an accident occurred [p. 1v]. The statement was directed to William White Wiltbank.]]> Manuscripts]]> Records (Documents)]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Hoffman, George E.]]> Christ Church Hospital (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Philadelphia Saving Fund Society]]> Indemnity]]> Decedents' estates]]> Hospitals]]> Savings banks]]> Charities]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Hodge, G. Woolsey (George Woolsey), 1838-1905]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Clergy]]> Wages]]> Church management]]> Episcopal Church]]> Ordination]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Dorr, Benjamin, 1796-1869]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Clergy]]> Wages]]> Health]]> Church work]]> Episcopal Church]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Dorr, Benjamin, 1796-1869]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Clergy]]> Wages]]> Church finance]]> Episcopal Church]]>
In a second letter to Joseph K. Wheeler, Accounting Warden of Christ Church, Dorr explains that he has been paying the assistant, the Reverend W. Foggo, at a rate of $400 from his own rector's salary and wishes Wheeler to begin paying Foggo directly, $100 from each quarter's salary beginning with the quarter due January 10 [p. 2r]. Dorr also instructs Wheeler to pay the additional clergyman selected by the Rector's Warden for six months of service, in an amount not exceeding $500, taking receipts as vouchers for the accounts [p. 2r-p. 2v].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Thomas' Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church finance]]> African American churches]]> Episcopal Church]]> Hospitals]]> Clergy--Salaries, etc.]]> Resignation from office]]> Saint Thomas' African Episcopal Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Wages]]> African Americans]]>
Additional records include a letter from Benjamin Dorr thanking the vestry for a $400 salary increase, and a letter from C. Campbell Cooper presenting plans and estimates for a proposed new building for Christ Church Hospital at the Farm in Belmont.]]>
Moses Kempton, in a letter dated January 31, 1855, regrets his inability to give proper time to his duties as one of the Managers of Christ Church Hospital and submits his resignation, asking that another Vestry member be elected in his place [p.2].

A printed statement and appeal from the Wardens of St. Thomas' African Episcopal Church, dated May 4, 1855, and pursuant to resolutions passed April 18, 1855, requests aid from Philadelphia Episcopal churches and individuals. The church's indebtedness was about one thousand dollars, incurred through repairs to the church edifice and parsonage; its income was about seven hundred dollars against expenses over eight hundred, with a pastor's salary reduced to $350 per year. The wardens James Needham and Scipeo Sewell solicit four hundred dollars annually for a few years. The appeal is commended by Bishop Alonzo Potter and endorsed by William Douglass [p.3].

Finally, C. Campbell Cooper, writing December 6, 1855, on behalf of the Committee of the Managers of Christ Church Hospital, submits for the Vestry's consideration the plans and estimates for a proposed new hospital building at the Farm in Belmont [p.4].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Dorr, Benjamin, 1796-1869]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Charities]]> Church work with the poor]]> Pensions]]> Poor--Services for]]> Fuelwood]]> Almshouses]]>
Dorr describes his practice of supplying the pensioners with wood during the winter through orders on Galbraith & Binders at Vine Street Wharf, typically half a cord at a time, with bills submitted twice yearly for wood, carting, and sawing. He also notes providing wood to several poor women who were not pensioners, including Mrs. Allen of No. 4 Comptroller Street (whose elderly mother Mrs. Brown was old and feeble), Mrs. Rogers of Harmony Court in Coates's Alley, and Mrs. Peale [p.1r].

The verso of the document is endorsed as Dr. Dorr's list of pecuniary matters and remarks made previous to his going abroad in April 1853, and includes financial calculations and notations [p.1v].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Registers (Lists)]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Dorr, Benjamin, 1796-1869]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church schools]]> Gifts]]> School buildings]]> Bequests]]> Endowments]]> Charity]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Dorr, Benjamin, 1796-1869]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Money]]> Finance, Personal]]> Dorr, Benjamin, 1796-1869]]> Debt]]> Clergy]]> Debtor and creditor]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Dorr, Benjamin, 1796-1869]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church finance]]> Clergy]]> Charities]]> Christmas]]> Episcopal Church]]>
The letter is dated December 24, 1848, and the verso includes a docket dated December 26, 1848, recording the instructions.]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Dorr, Benjamin, 1796-1869]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church officers]]> Meredith, William M. (William Morris), 1799-1873]]> Dorr, Benjamin, 1796-1869]]> Episcopal Church]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Dorr, Benjamin, 1796-1869]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church records and registers]]> Charity]]> Pensions]]> Church finance]]> Church work with the poor]]> Charities]]> Episcopal Church]]> Church officers]]> Widows]]>
A letter from William Fisher, Secretary of the Vestry of the Church of the Evangelists (Southwark), dated March 17, 1845, asks the Rector, Wardens, and Vestrymen of Christ Church to elect a delegate to serve as Vestryman of the Church of the Evangelists for the ensuing year, noting that the present delegate from Christ Church was Dr. Francis West [p.2r-2v].

Also included is the letter of resignation of Jonathan Patterson, dated March 8, 1845, tendering his resignation as Vestryman of Christ Church [p.3r-3v].

A later letter from B. Dorr to Moses Kempton, dated September 27, 1847, requests a personal loan of fifty dollars, to be brought to Kempton's house at dinner and collected by one of Dorr's children [p.4].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> 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.)]]> Dorr, Benjamin, 1796-1869]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Seminarians]]> Charities]]> Episcopal Church]]> Theological seminaries]]> Legacies]]> Poor]]> Church charities]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church management]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Dorr, Benjamin, 1796-1869]]> Binney, Horace, 1780-1875]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church finance]]> Missions]]> Charitable uses, trusts, and foundations]]> Prayer books]]> Theological seminaries]]> Episcopal Church]]> Missionaries]]> Charities]]> Church societies]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Clergy]]> Church officers]]> Church records and registers]]> Baptismal records]]> Organ builders]]> Dorr, Benjamin, 1796-1869]]> Erben, Henry, 1800-1884]]> Organ (Musical instrument)]]> Episcopal Church]]>
In a letter dated March 23, 1837, the Rev. Benjamin Dorr writes from New York to accept his election to the Rectorship of Christ Church, having received notice of his election while in Richmond, Virginia. He reflects on succeeding the venerable Bishop White and his late friend James, and proposes to enter his new charge by the first Sunday in May, after resigning his existing office at the annual meeting of the Board of Missions in June [p.1r-1v]. In a subsequent note dated March 31, 1837, Dorr, as Rector, exercises his charter authority to appoint Philip H. Nicklin as Church Warden [p.2].

A letter from Joseph Bayland, dated October 11, 1837, requests correction of a "gross mistake" in the church's Register Book, which recorded his eldest son John Charles Bayland's birth as December 9, 1820, rather than 1821, the year following his marriage. The request is supported by certificates from S. A. Dubarry and three witnesses attesting to the marriage of John Beyland and Elizabeth Dubarry on March 13, 1821, and the birth of their first child on December 9, 1821 [p.3r-3v].

The contract with organ builder Henry Erben of New York, dated October 17, 1835, sets out detailed specifications for a first-rate instrument of 1,812 pipes, comprising Great, Choir, Swell, and Pedal divisions, with a pine case to be painted and ornamented as the Committee directed. Erben agreed to remove the existing organ and erect the new one, to be finished by the end of August 1836, for $4,500—$1,000 credited for the old organ and $3,500 in cash [p.4r-4v]. A receipt and quitclaim dated March 13, 1837, confirms Erben's full payment of $4,500 (received through Horace Binney Jr.) and the complete performance of the contract [p.4v]. A report of the same date from organists J. C. B. Standbridge (of Christ Church) and Thomas Loud (of St. Andrew's Church) attests to their entire satisfaction with the superior tone, workmanship, materials, and mechanism of the finished instrument [p.5r-5v].]]> Manuscripts]]> Contracts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> White, William, 1748-1836]]> Peters, Richard, 1743-1828]]> Episcopal Church]]> Clergy]]> Bishops]]> Death]]> Condolence notes]]> Church buildings]]> Church bells]]> Sunday schools]]> Bells]]> Organ (Musical instrument)]]>
The collection also contains a memorial to the Senate and House of Representatives requesting a law permitting duty-free importation of two church bells; about eighty years earlier a harmonically tuned set of bells—the only chime in the city—had been placed in the steeple of Christ Church, and during the Revolutionary War citizens removed them inland to prevent their capture. The arm of the largest bell gave way in the severe cold of the last winter, cracking the bell, so it and the treble bell were sent to England to be recast [p.1r-1v].

A note from Richard Peters, executor of his father, addresses the covering over of the tombstone of the Reverend Richard Peters, D.D., in the middle aisle, requesting a memorial tablet and a record of grave locations in the church books [p.2r-2v, p.4]. John W. James, upon his 1831 election as Rector, inquired about provisions for his support [p.3], and a later note from him praises the church alterations [p.15]. William H. White (Thomas H. White) enclosed his resignation from the Vestry [p.16].

Several documents concern church organs: J. C. B. Stanbridge wrote regarding hiring a small organ of two stops from Mr. Hove for a modest sum [p.22]. Moses Kempton and Horace Binney wrote a strongly worded letter to organ builder Henry Erben of New York, complaining that he had failed to complete and erect the contracted large organ by the last day of August 1836, causing serious inconvenience and personal mortification since they had declined offers from local builders in his favor [p.23r-23v]. Thomas Hall of New York replied that the organ was progressing rapidly [p.24]. Finally, Bishop Benjamin T. Onderdonk of New York recommended the Reverend Isaac Peck, a Presbyter of his diocese for about five years, to the Wardens and Vestrymen of Christ Church [p.25].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> Contracts]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Hutchins, Henry J.]]> James, Thomas C.]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church officers]]> Church finance]]> Resignation from office]]> Wages]]> Episcopal Church]]>
The second document is a letter from Thomas C. James, dated December 17, 1835, addressed to Moses Kempton, in which James—recovering from a violent cold—requests his quarter's salary sooner than expected, asking that a young man cash the check (the whole or part, say $200) and bring it to his house. He notes his intention to stay indoors through the week and expresses regret at having been too unwell to receive Kempton on an earlier visit [p.2r]. The remaining pages contain miscellaneous financial calculations [p.2r, p.2v].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> James, John W., 1944-]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Clergy--Relocation]]> Sunday schools]]> Church buildings]]> Clergy]]> Moving, Household]]> Church finance]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Church libraries]]> Church work with children]]> Public worship]]> Clergy--Salaries, etc.]]>
In the second letter, James proposes several improvements for the benefit of the church. First, he recommends reconfiguring the galleries with single pews or slips, regularly divided, to improve comfort, convenience, appearance, and the number and value of sittings, believing more seats would be rented if arranged as in other churches [p.2]. Second, he addresses the inadequate accommodations of the Sunday Schools, describing the fatiguing access and insufficient dimensions of the female school room, an interesting infant class of 40 little girls taught in the church under disadvantageous circumstances, and the crowded conditions of the boys' school; he calls for at least three new spacious departments, citing that St. Peter's Church purchased a neighboring house, St. James Church built rooms, and Trinity Church was then arranging a building solely for its Sunday Schools. He notes about thirty teachers serving sixty or seventy children with no inducement but a sense of duty [p.2-4]. Third, he draws attention to the valuable Christ Church Library, which had suffered loss and damage from neglect and was kept in a room too small for use; he suggests a larger room with locked cases opened regularly for those with right of access, and offers to undertake its care and the recovery of lost volumes himself [p.3-4]. Fourth, among smaller matters, he notes that the fixtures for kneeling around the altar were so bad as to cause communicants a strained and uncomfortable position during a holy rite [p.4-5]. He submits these matters respectfully to the Vestry's judgment [p.5]. A docket note records that a committee was appointed to attend to these objects and report later [p.5].]]> 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.)]]> Kemper, Jackson, 1789-1870]]> Church property]]> Leases]]> Episcopal Church]]> Kemper, Jackson, 1789-1870]]> Clergy--Resignation]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]>
A second letter contains the resignation of Jackson Kemper, the church's assistant minister of twenty years, following his election as Rector of St. Paul's Church in Norwalk, Connecticut.]]>
The second letter, dated May 27, 1831, is from Jackson Kemper tendering his resignation as Assistant Minister of the United Churches, a position he had held for twenty years. Kemper cites his recent election as Rector of St. Paul's Church in Norwalk, Connecticut, as the reason for his departure, and offers earnest prayers for the prosperity of the parish [p. 2]. Notes indicate the letter was read in the Vestry on June 1, 1831 [p. 2].]]> 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.)]]> Abercrombie, James, 1758-1841]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Clergy--Salaries, etc.]]> Debt]]> Abercrombie, James, 1758-1841]]> Read, John, 1769-1854]]> Church finance]]> Rent]]> Pennsylvania--Philadelphia]]> Clergy--Economic conditions]]>
The second letter, dated 16 February 1827, again appeals to Read for aid, invoking the phrase "res angusta domi" and requesting whatever sum he can spare [p.2r]. A receipt dated 17 February 1827 acknowledges $60 received from Samuel Read, accounting church warden, as further part of Abercrombie's salary due 10 April next. A tally records the payments of $80 (25 January) and $60 (17 February), totaling $140, signed by Charles F. Clarkson for Dr. Abercrombie [p.2v].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> Receipts (Acknowledgments)]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sextons]]> Church officers]]> Episcopal Church]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> St. John's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> St. James's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church finance]]> Concerts]]> Sacred music]]> Church buildings]]> Debt]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Poverty]]> Charities]]> Clergy--Salaries, etc.]]> Poor]]> Church charities]]> Clergy]]> Debt]]> Episcopal Church]]> Public welfare]]> Church finance]]>
Additionally, the file contains correspondence regarding a financial arrangement and salary deductions for Reverend James Abercrombie to pay off a debt to Chandler Price, a nomination for Reverend John Rodney to assist Bishop White, and an 1826 letter from Abercrombie to William Meredith concerning personal matters and an accusation by a Mr. Parkman.]]>
The United Churches' reply, dated August 8, 1821, reports an average annual disbursement of $2,846 for church members plus $1,458 for the poor of Christ Church Hospital (totaling $4,305) over eight years, with clothing distributed only in a limited way to needy children of the Sunday School. About 153 individuals were relieved annually, generally females, roughly half of them infirm [p.5r-5v].

A separate document dated June 30, 1825 records the nomination by William Harris of the Rev. John Rodney as a suitable assistant to Bishop White [p.3r-3v]. An 1826 letter from Rev. Dr. James Abercrombie to William Meredith discusses a lost letter and pocket-books, a missing letter from a Mr. Parkman, and a "railing accusation" brought against Abercrombie, for which he offers to apologize [p.4r-4v].

The final documents concern a financial arrangement of November 1821: Chandler Price agrees to endorse Dr. Abercrombie's note for $500 (later extended to $600) in exchange for quarterly payments of $100 drawn from Abercrombie's salary as Assistant Minister, beginning April 1822 [p.6-7]. Church Warden John Read formally agrees, so long as he continues as accounting Warden, to pay $100 quarterly from Abercrombie's salary to Price until the sum is paid, later promising an additional $100 to make the total $600 [p.8-9].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> Contracts]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Muhlenberg, William Augustus, 1796-1877]]> Kemper, Jackson, 1789-1870]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Clergy]]> Land tenure]]> Rent]]> Resignation]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Landlord and tenant]]> Health]]> Muhlenberg, William Augustus, 1796-1877]]> Kemper, Jackson, 1789-1870]]>
Jane Cooper, a widow, writes on April 10, 1820, regarding ground rent on a lot on Pine Street belonging to the Church. Having previously fallen into arrears and being unable to pay on demand, she was obliged to consent to a charge of interest to prevent the Church's attorney, Mr. Mare, from executing a threat of distress. Having since discharged the arrears and subsequent ground rent, she respectfully requests that the Vestry consider relinquishing the demand for interest [p.1].

The Rev. William Augustus Muhlenberg submits his letter of resignation, dated November 30, 1820, and received at Vestry on December 5. Having accepted his appointment as Assistant Minister the previous October on the condition that he could resign at pleasure, he now resigns the office to accept the Rectorship of St. James's Church in Lancaster. He expresses deep regret at separating from the Rector, to whom he feels indebted for his goodness, instruction, and fatherly affection, and affirms that his decision was made from motives of duty [p.2].

The Rev. Jackson Kemper writes to Church Warden John Read on December 6, 1820, and asks him to convey his gratitude to the Vestry for their resolution of May 8, which enabled him to follow his physicians' advice to travel during the summer. He reports that, after a long journey, his health is perfectly restored, and expresses his wish to prove his appreciation through the faithful discharge of his ministerial duties [p.3].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Delaware Fire Company]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Fire departments]]> Fire engines]]> Fund raising]]> Fire stations]]>
The letter is signed by William Chrystler and Horatio G. Rowley on behalf of the company's committee. It provides details about the company's new engine house in Hartung's Court, their first-class engine with 150 feet of hose, six ladders, several fire hooks, and a membership of sixty active members.]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Park, Samuel]]> Sansom, William, 1763-1840]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Cemeteries]]> Real property]]> Windows]]> Servitudes]]> Manuscripts]]> Contracts]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sextons]]> Wages]]> Trusts and trustees]]> Clergy]]> Episcopal Church]]> Church buildings]]> Church finance]]> Resignation from office]]>
Also includes a memorial from the sextons of the United Churches requesting increased wages because the cost of provisions and other necessities had risen, and a resignation letter from the Rev. James Milnor as assistant minister after receiving a call to another congregation.]]>
The second document is a memorial from the sextons of Christ Church, St. Peter's Church, and St. James's Church, read in vestry on June 5, 1816 and ordered to lie on the table. The sextons state that their salaries had not increased despite the rising cost of provisions and other necessities, and compare their compensation unfavorably to that of the sexton of St. Paul's Church, whose salary they say is nearly double and who is provided an assistant [p.2r]. They request an increase in wages appropriate to “the present State of things” and the respectability of the churches; the memorial is signed by Elijah Borden, Christopher Frick, and Frans Helffrichs, with Joseph Dolby’s name struck out [p.2v].

The third document is a June 28, 1816 resignation letter from the Rev. James Milnor to the rector, churchwardens, and vestry of the United Churches. Milnor expresses gratitude for the kindness shown to him during his first ministerial labors, but explains that he has received an unsolicited and unanimous call to another congregation, which he believes offers a more advantageous field of usefulness than the shared charge of multiple churches [p.3].]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> 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.)]]> 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.)]]> 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.)]]> 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.)]]> Abercrombie, James, 1758-1841]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Clergy--Salaries, etc.]]> Marriage]]> Marriage law]]> Minors]]> Clergy]]> Wages]]> Church finance]]> Pews and pew rights]]> Episcopal Church]]>
The central document is a letter from Rev. James Abercrombie to Cumpston (March 19, 1811), written to preempt or answer a complaint brought before the vestry concerning a marriage he had celebrated. Abercrombie recounts that on or about January 12-13, a genteel-looking young man asked him to perform a marriage and assured him he was of full age, above 21 [p.2]. When Abercrombie learned the bride, Miss Eliza Farrel, was only turned 19, he explained she was not of legal age to marry without consent of parents or guardians. The young man stated she had no parents but lived with an aunt who approved [p.3-4]. At the ceremony, a respectable-looking woman identifying herself as Mary Golson, the bride's aunt, confirmed her consent, and Abercrombie married them, entering the bridegroom's name as John Cooper Seckel in his register [p.3-4]. Abercrombie asserts he was grossly imposed upon by deliberate lies, and complains that the defective marriage act throws the whole responsibility onto the clergyman [p.5]. His son John, present in the study, confirmed the account, including that Seckel had declared himself above 26 and that Golson corroborated this [p.6]. A postscript addresses a separate matter concerning the exchange of a pew involving Mr. Meredith [p.6].

The third letter, addressed to the Vestry (October 23, 1811), was occasioned by the resignation of Abercrombie's associate, Rev. Dr. Blackwell, and appeals for an increase in salary [p.7]. Abercrombie recalls an earlier application in 1798 or 1799, when the Vestry resolved to raise an additional 1,200 dollars from pew rents, 600 for the Bishop and the residue for himself, but Dr. Blackwell's displeasure led to a division of the 600 dollars [p.8-9]. He describes eighteen years of faithful service on an incompetent salary, his mounting debts, his teaching in the academy with Dr. Magaw, the fatigue of running a school, and the loss of income from the Oxford and All Saints congregations following the building of St. James Church [p.8-9, p.10]. Citing the depreciation of money since his appointment, he trusts the Vestry will not consider his request unreasonable [p.10].]]> 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.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Debt]]> Decedents' estates]]> Executors and administrators]]> Church finance]]> Bonds]]> Promissory notes]]> Indemnity against liability]]> Estates (Law)]]> Debtor and creditor]]>
The memorandum describes an April 18, 1809 trip by Thomas Cumpston, Samuel Wheeler, and Peter Dehaven to Lower Merion Township to settle a lost $200 bond with Samuel Dehaven, which had originally been given to Paul Webb. It also details their subsequent trip to Norristown to officially record the satisfaction of a loan to Jesse Roberts and the hiring of a lawyer named Mr. Pawling to handle Paul Webb's estate.]]>
The group then continued to Norristown, where they entered satisfaction at the Recorder's Office for money that Paul Webb had lent to Jesse Roberts. Although the money had been repaid before Webb's death, Webb had never acknowledged its receipt in the Recorder's Office, making it necessary for his executors to complete the record. The remaining collection of moneys and other matters concerning Paul Webb's estate were left in the care of Mr. Pawling, a lawyer, who agreed to render an account when called upon [p.1r].]]> Manuscripts]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> De Saussure, Henry William, 1763-1839]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Bills of exchange]]> Dividends]]> Decedents' estates]]> Church finance]]> Charities]]> Banks and banking]]> Bank of South Carolina]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> 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.)]]> Decedents' estates]]> Charities]]> Executors and administrators]]> Power of attorney]]> Legacies]]> Charitable uses, trusts, and foundations]]> Powers of attorney]]>
The letters document the legal and financial management of a legacy bequeathed to a charitable institution overseen by the Christ Church Vestry. They discuss assigning uncollected debts, providing a bond of indemnity, compensating the estate manager, and drawing funds from Charleston, South Carolina to Philadelphia.]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Abercrombie, James, 1758-1841]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Finance, Personal]]> Debt]]> Correspondence]]> Clergy]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> 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.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> 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)]]> ]]>