Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church of England]]> Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (Great Britain)]]> Clergy]]> Clergy--Appointment, call, and election]]> Church buildings]]> Church finance]]> Bequests]]> Philadelphia (Pa.)]]>
Noteworthy events detailed in the records include the severe paralytic and asthmatic illness of the 70-year-old Rev. Dr. Robert Jenny, which left Rev. William Sturgeon to manage a large and growing congregation. The Vestry outlines their resolution to build a new neat and handsome church, measuring 90 by 60 feet, on a lot provided by the Proprietaries. The files also document efforts to secure additional clergy, including a petition to ordain Jacob Duché Junior, a proposal signed by 74 parishioners to hire Rev. William Macclenachan by private subscription, and subsequent correspondence with Christ Church in Boston seeking a character reference for Macclenachan.]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> Records (Documents)]]> ]]> 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.)]]> 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]]> ]]> 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.)]]> 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.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> 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]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> 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.)]]> 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.)]]> 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.)]]> 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.)]]> 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.)]]> 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.)]]> 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)]]> ]]> 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)]]> ]]> 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.)]]> 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.)]]> 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.)]]> 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.)]]> 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.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopal Church]]> Episcopalians]]> Anthems]]> Choral music]]> Church music]]> Sheet music]]> Manuscripts]]> Songbooks]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Deeds]]> Episcopalians]]> Church history]]> Church property]]> Episcopal Church]]>
Two copies likewise of the 1702 deed by which Jones extinguished the ground rent, for the consideration of 150 pounds, and clarifying that Carpenter's name was used by "special nomination and appointment" of the community of Christ Church, and that the lot is to be used for the perpetual public worship of God, in the Christian religion as practiced by the Church of England.]]> Manuscripts]]> Deeds]]> ]]> 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.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Church finance]]> Church fund raising]]> Spires]]> Church bells]]> Church buildings]]> Episcopalians]]> Church of England]]> Episcopal Church]]> Manuscripts]]> Account books]]> ]]> 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]]> ]]> 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)]]> ]]> Washington, George, 1732-1799]]> Washington, George, 1732-1799]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Episcopal Church]]> Episcopalians]]> White, William, 1748-1836]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Letters]]> Manuscripts]]> Correspondence]]> ]]> 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.)]]> 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]]> ]]> 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]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Abercrombie, James, 1758-1841]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Finance, Personal]]> Debt]]> Correspondence]]> Clergy]]> 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.)]]> 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.)]]> Dobbins, Joseph]]> White, William, 1748-1836]]> Towers, Robert]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Charitable bequests]]> Real property]]> Annuities]]> Dobbins, Joseph -1804]]> Episcopal Church]]> 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)]]> ]]> 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]]> ]]> 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]]> ]]> Dobbins, Joseph]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> White, William, 1748-1836]]> Blackwell, Robert, 1748-1831]]> Annuities]]> Debt]]> Contracts]]>
Dobbins expresses frustration with the "unkind usage" he has received regarding the irregular payments, noting that he refused a partial payment from a Captain Williamson because a consistent payment method had not been adopted. He praises Mr. Hazlehurst for offering to advance the money but demands the recipients establish a reliable payment method through reputable agents.]]> 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.)]]> Marriage records]]> United Churches of Christ-Church and St. Peter's (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Manuscripts]]> Registers (Lists)]]> ]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Marriage records]]> Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]>
A note on the inside front cover from Rector B. Dorr adds to the record five marriages from 1836 and one from 1839, which were recorded in a private record but left out of previous official registers.

(This register contains records dating up to 1979, but was only scanned through 1870, per the terms of grant funding.)]]> Manuscripts]]> Registers (Lists)]]> ]]> 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.)]]> 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.)]]> 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]]> ]]> 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]]> Episcopalians]]> Episcopal Church]]> Account books]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]>