Christ Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)
The rector's statement of the sinking of the floor of the new parish building.
Correspondence regarding the establishment of a chapel in the western developments of Philadelphia.
Correspondence and other documents relating to Christ Church Chapel.
Petition for preservation of the burial ground.
Correspondence regarding leasing of church property, 1784-1826
Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Church buildings
Church finance
Presbyterians
Presbyterian Church
Letters
Twenty-nine pages of correspondence between Second Presbyterian and various Philadelphia merchants who leased land and/or buildings from the church over the years spanning 1784 to 1826. Topics include lease terms, requests for reduction in rent, improvements to properties, and repossession of properties by the church.
Includes correspondence from the church congregation asking the Vestry to consider raising Rev. Abercrombie's salary.
Letters and associated documents from the church congregation and other individuals regarding reportedly "offensive" music at Saint Peter's Church, ground rents, requested improvements to the school room, and other subjects.
A majority of the documents in this folder pertain to discussions regarding the use of land surrounding the burial ground. Institutions involved include the Amicable Fire Company, the Resolution Hose Company, and the M.E. Union Church.
Letters subjects pertain to burial ground commemoration; a gift to Saint Thomas Church of the crystal chandeliers from Saint Peter's Church; rights to church pews, most notably the pew associated with Samuel and Elizabeth Powel; and a request of the Male Sunday School to take up collection in aid of their services.
Folder holds continued discussion between the Resolution Hose Company and the Vestry, church and organ maintenence, and a printed circular from the "Corporation for the Reliet of the Widows and Children of Clergymaen in the Communion of the Protestant Elpiscopal Church in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,"
Correspondence includes letters relating to church and organ repair and a thank you letter to a Frances Lapsley, who went to care for Rev. James when he took ill on a trip to Western Pennsylvania. Other correspondence includes more typical subjects like parishioner's rights to pews and church music. A particularly interesting letter/report discuses the failure of public schools to teach the neighborhood children to read as a reason to maintain support of the church's Parochial Day School.
Includes correspondence such as the resignation letter of William Kent, and an 1873 letter from an architect regarding the "imperfections" of the parish building and proposed repairs.
Correspondence pertains to many topics, including the separation of Christ Church Chapel.
A majority of the documents in this folder pertains to the 1904 Easter Monday election. Of note was the issue of ending the rectorship of C. Ellis Stevens. Present are a high number of regret letters from various parish members explaining their inability to attend the vote. The sole 1922 letter from Clement Wainwright expresses his acceptence to the Vestry.
Episcopal Church
Episcopalians
Anthems
Choral music
Church music
Sheet music
Inscribed on the inside front cover: "This Book belongs to the Society of Singers of Christ Church Philadelphia, June the 20th, 1774." Contains sheet music and words to various anthems (choral compositions based on biblical passages, for singing by a choir in a church service.)
Deeds
Counterpart deed of land, granted by William and Margaret Coats to the trustees of Second Presbyterian, and attested by Robert Smith. The lot is located at Campington in Northern Liberties, beginning at the corner of Coates & Second Street and running up to St. John's street.
Gloria Dei Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Lutherans
Lutheran Church
A day book is used to record each day's financial transactions, for later transfer into a formal ledger. This day book records payments made both by and to Gloria Dei Church from 1811 to 1817. Transactions include ground rents and taxes, salaries for reverends, clerks, and sextons, and payments for supplies such as lumber and stationery and services such as painting and window repair.
Death registers
Catholics
Holy Trinity Catholic Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Church records and registers
Record of deaths in the Holy Trinity congregation from 1790 to 1849. Two alphabetical indexes take up the first half of the manuscript. The first index begins in 1790, and the second index begins on image 33 with deaths from 1828. Chronological listings from 1806 to 1849 run from image 59 to image 104, and from 1790 to 1795 in images 105 to 111. For earlier deaths, only the person's name and year of death may be recorded. For later years, the complete date of death is usually included.
Old St. Mary's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Registers of births, etc.
Record of deaths in the congregation of Old St. Mary's from 1837 to 1850. Entries are listed chronologically and include the decedent's date of death, name, age at time of death, native country, and cause of death. Causes of death include consumption of the lung, disease of the heart, poison by arsenic, hydrocephalus, croup, colic, old age, asthma, influenza, and small pox, among others.
Deceased Moravians, friends, and children, 1744-1768
First Moravian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Moravian Church
Moravians
Cemeteries
Burial records
Record of Philadelphia Moravians, their children and friends who died during the years 1744 to 1768. Many of the column headings in the catalog are in German, for which translations are provided: "No." (number), "Nahmen der Verschiedenen" (names of the deceased), "Nahmen der Eltern, der Eheleute oder Meisters" (name of parents, spouse, or master), "wie alt" (how old), "wenn verschieden" (when deceased), "wenn begraben" (when buried), "wo begraben" (where buried), and "durch wen begraben" (buried by whom). Several notes about individuals buried at Potter's Field in Philadelphia are included on the final page. This manuscript was likely sent or intended to be sent to church leadership in Bethlehem, PA.
Congregation Mikveh Israel (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Jews
Synagogues
Synagogue records and registers
Deed for a plot of land located in the Township of Moyamensing in the County of Philadelphia, granted by William G. Alexander and Joel B. Sutherland and their wives Catharine and Mary, to Congregation Mikveh Israel, for the sum of $2650 in 1841.
St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Church history
Deed from Thomas Penn and Richard Penn for the land for St. Peter's church and graveyard.
Third Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Deed granted by Thomas and Richard Penn to "Members of the Congregation belonging to the old Presbyterian Meeting House," naming in particular William Allen, John Allen, George Bryan, William Humphries, John Mease, Peter Chevalier and Samuel Purviance, for a new lot at 4th and Pine Streets. The congregation had grown too numerous for the existing house and grounds of First Presbyterian. John Penn, the Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, witnessed the deed in 1765. On the reverse side, the above-named congregants deeded the land and newly built church to "The Committee of the united first and third Presbyterian churches in the city of Philadelphia" in 1772.
Deed of land, granted by William and Margaret Coats to the trustees of Second Presbyterian and signed and dated October 20th, 1784 by William Rush. The lot is located at Campington in Northern Liberties, beginning at the corner of Coates & Second Street and running up to St. John's street.
Land previously deeded by Thomas and Mary Coates to the trustees of Second Presbyterian Church in 1784, in 1788 deeded to James Hartley, as witnessed by William Rush and Peter Thomson.
Church property
Two copies of the indenture made on November 15, 1695, from Griffith Jones to Joshua Carpenter, for a parcel of land at Second Street in the Towne of Philadelphia, for the yearly rent of "Tenne pounds of currant silver money." One copy for Jones, and one for Carpenter. 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.
Diary of preacher David Dailey, 1813-1814
St. George's Methodist Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Itinerancy (Church polity)
Methodists
United States--Delmarva Peninsula
African Americans
Circuit riders
Methodist Church
David Dailey's diary from his time preaching on the Dorchester circuit, from April 5th 1813 to April 5th 1814. Dailey recounts his travels, the people he meets, including separate "black classes," and his physical and emotional state throughout. Entries paint a picture of a difficult life, as Dailey was lonely, suffered from hoarseness, and often traveled through bad weather to find only small gatherings and "hardened sinners." He often prays for greater faith in order to persevere.
Dailey, David
Diary of preacher David Dailey, 1814-1815
David Dailey's diary from his time preaching on the Smyrna and Cambridge circuits, from April 5, 1814 to April 16, 1815. As with his first diary, Dailey recounts his travels, the people he meets, including separate black classes, and his physical and emotional state throughout. Entries continue to paint a picture of a difficult life, including loneliness, hoarseness, bad weather and poor attendance, although he experiences some good days as he preaches, performs baptisms, and visits the sick and dying.
Diary of preacher David Dailey, 1815-1816
Church discipline
David Dailey's diary from his time preaching on the Snow Hill circuit, from April 20, 1815 to April 16, 1816. During this time he notes his 24th birthday. As with his first two diaries, Dailey recounts his travels, the people he meets, and his physical and emotional state throughout. During his third year as a traveling preacher, he seemed to find more joy in his preaching, particularly in "meeting with the blacks." He survives a bout of the measles and another unnamed "tedious illness," and is vaccinated for small pox. He also presides over two trials regarding member misconduct.
Diary of preacher David Dailey, 1816-1817
Camp meetings
David Dailey's diary from his second year preaching on the Snow Hill circuit, from April 17, 1816 to March 16, 1817. As with his first few diaries, Dailey recounts his travels, the people he met, including separate black classes, and his physical and emotional state throughout. He still experiences bouts of depression, but also describes happiness and contentment in preaching, visiting the sick, and performing baptisms, marriages and funerals. He is particularly pleased by camp meetings that are successful in gaining converts. Several entries refer to a woman named Sally, who often attends meetings with Dailey and who would eventually become his wife. Copies of several letters between the two are included at the end of the volume.
Methodist Episcopal Church. Philadelphia Conference
David Dailey's diary from March 17 to November 19, 1817. On March 17 Dailey left the circuit and took his wife Sally to meet his family. He then attended the Philadelphia Conference, where he was appointed to the Accomack circuit. As with his first few diaries, Dailey recounts his travels, the people he meets, including separate black classes, and his physical and emotional state throughout. He still experiences bouts of sickness and depression, but also finds happiness in preaching, visiting the sick, performing baptisms, and attending camp meetings. During this time, Sally gives birth to a son. Also during this time, Dailey describes several trials, including those involving black members, and is involved in matters of church discipline such as expelling a member for "selling a human being in the Southern States."
Diary of preacher David Dailey, 1819-1820
Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Baltimore Conference
David Dailey's diary from his time on the Cambridge Circuit, from April 7, 1819 to March 7, 1820. As with his first several diaries, Dailey recounts his travels, the people he meets, including separate black classes, and his physical and emotional state throughout. This diary begins with a brief account of the Philadelphia meeting, which Dailey describes as disagreeable, and his assignment to the Cambridge circuit, which he explains is the same as the Dorchester circuit to which he was previously assigned. Dailey travels through much bad weather on horse and by canoe to preach, visit with the sick, perform baptisms, marriages, and funerals, and attend tent meetings. He also attends the Baltimore conference and records the names of the preachers he met there. Also during this time, Dailey's younger brother dies of typus, and Dailey's wife bears a second son.
Sermons
Confirmation
Church membership
Church meetings
Love feasts
Church schools
Missionaries
American Civil War (United States : 1861-1865)
Includes a summary of events, compiled by pastor Edmund de Schweinitz for the years 1842 to 1854, in the time after pastor David Bigler's calling to First Moravian Church, New York, NY. According to the account provided here by Schweinitz, no congregational diary was kept during this time. From 1855-1866, a complete diary was again kept by ministers of the congregation. Topics covered include but are not limited to: descriptions of services & sermons; confirmations, marriages, receptions of new members, and deaths in the congregation; prayer meetings, congregational meetings, and love feasts; the arrival of new ministers; the practice of "pulpit exchange" with other denominations; fundraising for causes such as the Sunday School and missionary work; and the American Civil War. Inserted printed materials include programs for church events such as the cornerstone ceremonies of 1855 and 1866, and news clippings on the Emancipation Proclamation.
Donations to the steeple fund, 1739-1754
Church fund raising
Spires
Church bells
Church of England
Record of payments made toward the construction of a steeple and purchase of bells for Christ Church, from 1739 to 1754. Some donors paid cash, other paid in materials and others paid for needed goods and services. Page numbering starts over after page 19, with a renewed effort begun in 1750 to build upon previous work.
Draft of constitution for St. Paul's Church, circa 1760
St. Paul's Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)
McClenachan, William, 1714-
Church management
In 1760 a group of congregants from Christ Church, supporters of the Rev. William McClenachan, an Anglican minister of evangelical leanings, seceded from Christ Church, and eventually formed St. Paul's. 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.
Epistles, letters, minutes, and reports - Index, 1685-1778
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
Society of Friends--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia
Quakers--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia
Philadelphia (Pa.)--Genealogy
Church committees
Corporate minutes
Correspondence
Marriage records
Persecution
Poor
Charity
Religious education
Religious literature
Miscellaneous papers might include reports, financial documents, epistles, and other items which were usually only briefly referenced in the minutes of the business meeting. Includes typed index of contents at beginning of each folder dated 1662-1702 [p. 2-8] and 1703-1713 [p. 224-229].
Epistles, letters, minutes, and reports, 1714-1721
Miscellaneous papers might include reports, financial documents, epistles, and other items which were usually only briefly referenced in the minutes of the business meeting. Includes typed index of contents at beginning dated 1714-1721.
Epistles, letters, minutes, and reports, 1722-1730
Miscellaneous papers might include reports, financial documents, epistles, and other items which were usually only briefly referenced in the minutes of the business meeting. Includes typed index of contents at beginning dated 1722-1731.
Epistles, letters, minutes, and reports, 1731-1738
Miscellaneous papers might include reports, financial documents, epistles, and other items which were usually only briefly referenced in the minutes of the business meeting. Includes typed index of contents at beginning dated 1730-1738.
Epistles, letters, minutes, and reports, 1739-1745
Miscellaneous papers might include reports, financial documents, epistles, and other items which were usually only briefly referenced in the minutes of the business meeting. Includes typed index of contents at beginning dated 1739-1745.
Epistles, letters, minutes, and reports, 1746-1753
Miscellaneous papers might include reports, financial documents, epistles, and other items which were usually only briefly referenced in the minutes of the business meeting. Includes typed index of contents at beginning dated 1746-1753.
Epistles, letters, minutes, and reports, 1754-1759
Miscellaneous papers might include reports, financial documents, epistles, and other items which were usually only briefly referenced in the minutes of the business meeting. Includes typed index of contents at beginning dated 1754-1759.
Epistles, letters, minutes, and reports, 1760-1765
Miscellaneous papers might include reports, financial documents, epistles, and other items which were usually only briefly referenced in the minutes of the business meeting. Includes typed index of contents at beginning dated 1760-1765.
Epistles, letters, minutes, and reports, 1766-1770
Miscellaneous papers might include reports, financial documents, epistles, and other items which were usually only briefly referenced in the minutes of the business meeting. Includes typed index of contents at beginning dated 1766-1770.
Epistles, letters, minutes, and reports, 1771-1775
Miscellaneous papers might include reports, financial documents, epistles, and other items which were usually only briefly referenced in the minutes of the business meeting. Includes typed index of contents at beginning dated 1771-1775.
Epistles, letters, minutes, and reports, 1776-1779
Miscellaneous papers might include reports, financial documents, epistles, and other items which were usually only briefly referenced in the minutes of the business meeting. Includes typed index of contents at beginning dated 1776-1779.
Epistles, letters, minutes, and reports, 1780-1785
Miscellaneous papers might include reports, financial documents, epistles, and other items which were usually only briefly referenced in the minutes of the business meeting. Includes typed index of contents at beginning dated 1780-1784.