First Unitarian Congregational Society of Brooklyn records
Call Number
Dates
Creator
Extent
Language of Materials
Abstract
The First Unitarian Congregational Society of Brooklyn records contains documents created and collected by the Church from the point of its founding in 1833 to the mid 1970s. The collection contains a broad range of documents covering the variety of the Congregation's work and operations including its official minutes and trustee records, financial records, ministers files, sermons, photographs, calendars, celebration programs and registers, and building records that include deeds, leases, and building plans for the Church of the Saviour and other buildings owned by the First Church. The community and charity work of the Church is represented as well through ledgers, correspondence, notes and reports by the various clubs and committees and through similar documentation from the Church's Willow Place Chapel where the Church's settlement and welfare programs and Sunday school operated. The Church was also involved with local and international relief and aid groups, particularly during the tenure of Minister John H. Lathrop. Lathrop's files include correspondence, minutes of committees, and other documents from his work with a variety of local and worldwide religious and humanitarian groups. Lathrop also collected a variety of reference materials, including pamphlets, flyers, and articles pertaining to peace, liberalism, theology, and family planning. Other major figures of the First Church and Brooklyn history represented by the collection include the Low family and Alfred T. White. The collection also holds scrapbooks with relevant collected clippings that were donated by parishioners and photographs of some church members and activities. The Second and Third Unitarian Congregations are both represented within this collection as well. These two congregations split from the First Congregation at different points in the 19th century and both re-united with the First Congregation in the mid-1920s.
Historical Note
In June 1833, forced between choosing a ferry ride to Unitarian services in Manhattan or attending services of a different denomination in Brooklyn where they would be refused communion, a group of ten men (John Frost, Josiah Dow, George Blackburn, William H. Carey, William H. Hale, Henry Leeds, Seth Low, Alexander H. Smith, and Charles and Thomas Woodward) set to forming a Unitarian society in Brooklyn. The First Unitarian Congregational Society of Brooklyn was incorporated two years later as the thirteenth functioning church in Brooklyn and the first in the city to be controlled by its congregation. As its place of worship the First Church constructed the Church Of The Saviour on Pierrepont Street by Monroe Place in 1844. The building was designed by architect Minard Lefever in the Gothic Revival style.
The First Church operated a settlement school and Sunday school out of the chapel adjacent to the Church of the Saviour and through the Furman Street Mission until 1876 when, under the guidance of settlement teacher and community figure Alfred T. White, the Congregation completed Willow Place Chapel on Willow Place near Joralemon Street. Willow Place Chapel functioned as a space for evening church services and as a site for much of the First Church's social service and community outreach, particularly through club work. With the help of figures like Alfred T. White and Minister H. Price Collier, settlement and community work at Willow Place Chapel expanded until the First Church had to build an extension of the facilities in 1906 called Columbia House.
In 1840 twenty-two of the First Church parishioners, finding dissatisfaction in particular with Frederick Holland as minister, gathered to form a second society. Holland attempted to resign in 1841 but this resignation was rejected and the two congregations would not reunite until after Holland's second (and this time accepted) resignation in 1842. In 1851 fifty families seeking a more liberal theology would again leave the First Church. Legally organized in 1852, the second iteration of the Second Unitarian Congregation of Brooklyn installed Samuel Longfellow as its first minister in 1853. Longfellow fit the progressive nature of the congregation and not only preached a liberal theology, but also covered a variety of topics from the pulpit including the abolition of American slavery. Longfellow even gave one infamous sermon eulogizing and praising John Brown and his attempt to incite insurrection at Harper's Ferry. Longfellow resigned in 1860 and was succeeded by Reverend Nahor A. Staples, another liberal voice with some abolitionist views. John White Chadwick was another prominent minister of the congregation who became influential within Unitarianism and liberal theology. The Second Congregation sold its church and reunited with the First Church in 1924.
Another split from the First Church came in 1867 when, in order to accommodate parishioners of the First Unitarian Congregation who had been travelling from the Fort Greene and Clinton Hill neighborhoods, the Third Unitarian Congregational Society of Brooklyn was established. First Church minister Frederick A. Farley assisted in duties as a minister until the Third Congregation installed Stephen H. Camp as minister in 1869. Camp became the Third Congregation's most prominent minister and in addition to encouraging organized charitable works and teaching within the Congregation's Sunday School he also shepherded the Congregation from their first space in Unity Chapel (built in 1868 with the assistance of the First Congregation) to Unity Church (built in 1886). The Third Congregation sold its church and reunited with the First Congregation in 1925.
In the time that these three Unitarian congregations were separate from each other, the First Church became more involved in the growing Unitarian movement. Samuel A. Eliot was installed as minister of the Church in 1893 and a year later began serving on the board of directors for the American Unitarian Association (AUA). From this position Eliot helped change the management model of the AUA making it a more effective organization connecting the congregational and secular work of Unitarians. After leaving the First Church's pulpit in 1897, Eliot would go on to become AUA Secretary and then, in 1900, the first president of the AUA to be given executive power over the organization.
The First Church's involvement in national and international concerns grew further under the guidance of Minister John Howland Lathrop. Installed in 1911, Lathrop's tenure as minister spanned the period of both World Wars and he was active in advocating for peace not only during the wars, but also in regards to conflicts which occurred following each war particularly in Spain, China, Palestine, and Eastern Europe. Lathrop wrote many sermons and articles advocating for peace and international relief efforts and was involved with many like-minded organizations, including the National Peace Conference which he served as president. Lathrop also concerned himself with international ecumenical issues and kept up contact with churches in England, the Philippines, Mexico, Japan and Eastern Europe. Lathrop turned particular attention to the growth of Unitarianism in Transylvania and in his congregation's connection to Czechoslovakia. Lathrop kept up correspondence with the Masaryk family, a major political family in Czechoslovakia. In particular he communicated with social worker and president of the Czechoslovak Red Cross Alice Garrigue Masaryk. Alice was the daughter of Tomas Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia, and Charlotte Garrigue, a former member of the First Unitarian Congregation of Brooklyn. Lathrop was an important member of the Unitarian Service Committee trip to Czechoslovakia in 1946. Lathrop's focus was not exclusively international, of course, as he was focused on local issues particularly in regards to urban conditions, employment, housing, and education. In addition to growing the breadth of services provided by the First Church, like social psychiatric counseling for parishioners, Lathrop was heavily involved with groups outside the walls of the church that contributed to the community like the Civic Committee for Adult Literacy and the Brooklyn Urban League which he served as president for many years. Lathrop's prolific and important service to his congregation, community and the world went on even after his retirement in 1957, visiting the First Church yearly until his last visit in 1965, two years prior to his death.
The First Unitarian Congregational Society of Brooklyn continues to operate out of the Church of the Saviour in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood.
Arrangement
The First Unitarian Congregational Society records were found roughly organized with some preliminary work done by an unknown archivist. Some documents within the collection hinted at an original order similar to the arrangement that the collection was found in and the arrangement of the collection is relatively faithful to this original order.
The files within most series are arranged alphabetically according to description with some exceptions such as the Ministers series, arranged chronologically by tenure of ministers and the Photographs series, arranged according to a BHS-assigned identification number, or "V #"
Users of the collection should be aware that it is likely that documents on some matters will be found in various series, and in various folders within series. For example, while registers of church deaths, marriages, and christenings should be primarily located in the Registers series, more lists of this nature can be seen in the Trustee Records or the files on different ministers. Similarly, the work of the Sunday School can be found in the Sunday School Books series, but also in the Subject Files and Willow Place Chapel and Columbia House series.
Folders labeled with a date range might also include undated documents. Also, the date range was determined by the archivist based on a broad survey of folder contents and not on an item level review; accordingly, there may be items in the folders that fall outside the indicated range. Users of the collection should also be aware that some oversized items have been moved to four oversize containers. Notes have been made in these instances both in the folders from which the material was removed and in the container list in this finding aid.
The collection is organized into the following fifteen series:
Missing Title
- - Trustee Records, 1833-1951.
- - Subject Files, 1790-1980.
- - Ministers, 1834-1967.
- - John H. Lathrop Files, 1849-1960.
- - Unitarian Movement Files, 1850-1975.
- - Sunday School Books, 1842-1906.
- - Calendars, 1910-1952.
- - Registers, 1841-1930.
- - Buildings and Construction, 1833-1956.
- - Willow Place Chapel and Columbia House, 1865-1972.
- - Financial Records, 1833-1956.
- - Scrapbooks, circa 1860-1945.
- - Photographs, circa 1870-1958.
- - Second Unitarian Congregation Records, 1837-1967.
- - Third Unitarian Congregation Records, 1867-1958.
Scope and Contents
The First Unitarian Congregational Society of Brooklyn records contain the records created and collected by the First Church over the course of its work and operations. This includes the basic functions of the church as a religious congregation and also the work of the members of its congregation, through various clubs, committees and organizations, contributing to service locally, nationally, and abroad.
The contents of the collection span from 1790 to 1972 though the bulk of the materials begins from the point of the First Church's organization in 1833 and extends to the late 1960's. The organizational records of the First Church are well represented including meeting minutes and resolutions of the Trustees and the Society, by-laws, calendars, directories, registers, and reports of the ministers and various clubs and committees. Documents related to the First Church's founding and its early operation were kept in "History" files among its Subject Files. Subject Files also include information on bequests to the church, church memorials, and church celebrations.
Financial records include various reports and ledgers related to the First Church's endowment, income, expenses, fund raising, and budgets. This also includes subscriber and pew rental information and information on the First Church's properties including mortgages and leases. Other documents on the First Church's properties and buildings include blueprints, deeds, alterations and repairs, and information on stained glass windows and other decorations.
The work of the First Church's ministers is collected here through sermons, correspondence, and collected articles and items in reference to them. The files of Minister John H. Lathrop contain not only a variety of sermons and orders of service, but also records on his work for the community and in international matters. Lathrop headed or worked closely with groups like the Brooklyn Urban League and the National Peace Conference and his files hold correspondence, meeting minutes, and other materials related to these groups. Lathrop was heavily involved in international relief and aid and in addition to correspondence and other documents regarding organizations of this nature, Lathrop's personal work with international aid and Unitarianism, particularly in Transylvania and Czechoslovakia, is among his files here. The Lathrop papers also contain many articles, pamphlets, and other materials related to his areas of interest including marriage, peace, labor and unemployment, religious freedom, and liberal Christianity. The records of the First Church and its ministers also provide some insight into the evolution of Unitarianism in Brooklyn, America, and other parts of the world, particularly through the American Unitarian Association and its departments of outreach, publicity, and social-service. Many sermons and articles by the ministers, particularly John White Chadwick, John Lathrop, and Samuel Longfellow, discuss theology and the development of liberal Christianity as it pertains to Unitarianism.
The First Church's settlement and community work is represented through Sunday School records, club work, charity records, and files on outside community organizations like the Boys' Club and the Brooklyn Bureau of Charities. Much of the settlement and community work of the church was carried out through the Furman Street Mission, Willow Place Chapel, and Columbia House.
The collection also contains photographs of church buildings and functions, and a collection of scrapbooks with clippings related to the First Church's history, particularly some of its ministers.
The collection holds similar records of ecumenical, organizational and community work as they pertain to Second and Third Unitarian Congregational Societies of Brooklyn as well. The correspondence of ministers and trustees, reports, and other documents regarding the creation of these two congregations and their eventual re-unification with the First Church are among the records of all three congregations.
Subjects
Organizations
Genres
People
Topics
Conditions Governing Access
Open to researchers without restriction.
Conditions Governing Use
While some materials may be in the public domain, copyright restrictions may apply for other materials and permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from Center for Brooklyn History and the copyright holder.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date (if known); First Unitarian Congregational Society of Brooklyn records, ARC.109, Box and Folder number; Brooklyn Public Library, Center for Brooklyn History.
Location of Materials
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Materials given as a gift in January 1989 by the First Unitarian Congregational Society of Brooklyn.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
The majority of the materials in this collection are stored offsite and advance notice is required for use. Please contact cbhreference@bklynlibrary.org at least three weeks prior to research visit.
Other Finding Aids
Item level description and digital versions of images from the collection are available for searching via the image database in the Center for Brooklyn History library. Search for object IDs V1989.20 and V1990.46.
About this Guide
Processing Information
The First Unitarian Congregational Society records were processed from July to September 2010 by Craig P. Savino.
The bulk of the collection consists of accession 1989.002 and also includes two photograph accessions: V1989.020 and V1990.046.
Repository
Series 1: Trustee Records., 1833-1966, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The Trustee Records series contain the official records as maintained by the Board of the Church. This primarily consists of the resolutions of the Board and meeting minutes for regular meetings, annual meetings, and committee meetings.
Annual Meetings and Trustee Meetings cover finances, attendance, buildings, music, the Sunday school and other major concerns of the Congregation. In addition to minutes, annual meetings files include correspondence, reports, and other documents introduced to the Board over the course of the meeting. Reports presented to the Trustees by the Treasurer, the Pastor, and various committees are also collected in a dedicated ledger of reports. Some committees of note among these reports are the Female Samaritan Society, the Willow Place Chapel committee, the Music and Organ committees, and the various clubs that were a part of the Church's activities. Reports by the Pastor include information on deaths and baptisms in the Church. The Auditor's reports presented to the Trustees are grouped together in a separate folder.
Some of the correspondence and resolutions of the Trustees, particularly those pertaining to the early days of the church and its formation, can be found in the "History" folders within the Subject Files series.
Some bound material, including the Reports Ledgers and the Society Meeting Minutes, include indexes of the contents of the ledgers, pointing out subjects and events. The indexes to the Society Meeting Minutes include lists of officers and the members of various committees. The early By-Laws (as of 1843) of the Society can also be found within these bound meeting minutes.
The series also contains some minutes of meetings of a Joint Committee of the 1st and 2nd Congregations from around the time of their split and attempted reconciliation in the 1840s.
Arrangement
Trustee Records are arranged alphabetically by document/record type and chronologically within type.
Annual Meetings, 1840-1879, inclusive
General
Moved to Oversize Box 2:
One oversized Treasurer's report from Folder 2, 1853.
Annual Meetings, 1880-1915, inclusive
General
Items moved to Oversize Box 1:
- Large ledger pages of Treasurer's reports from Folder 3, 1893-1894
- Large ledger pages of Treasurer's reports from Folder 4, 1895-1896
Annual Meetings, 1916-1936, inclusive
Annual Meetings, 1938-1956, inclusive
Auditors Reports, 1934-1940, inclusive
Building Committee Minutes (including identifying correspondence), 1842-1844, 1944, inclusive
Joint Committees of the 1st and 2nd Congregations Meeting Minutes and Resolutions, 1842, inclusive
President's Record, 1844-1850, inclusive
Reports Ledger, 1842-1869, inclusive
Reports Ledger, 1869-1881, inclusive
Society Meeting Minutes, Index and list of officers and committee members, 1842-1922, inclusive
Society Meeting Minutes, bound, 1842-1922, inclusive
Society Meeting Minutes, Index and list of officers and committee members, 1842-1922, inclusive
Society Meeting Minutes, bound, 1833-1842, inclusive
Standing Committee Meeting Minutes, bound, 1833-1834, inclusive
Standing Committee Meeting Minutes, bound, 1833-1842, inclusive
Trustees Meeting Minutes, bound, 1922-1966, inclusive
Trustees Meeting Minutes, 1950-1951, inclusive
Oversize Flat Box 1, -
Oversize Flat Box 2, -
Series 2: Subject Files., 1790-1980, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The Subject Files series collects the files kept by the Church covering its various interests and activities.
Of particular note are the "History" files which contain documents related to the early formation of the Congregation. These files include correspondence between the founders, resolutions and other actions of Trustees, early lists of subscribers, By-Laws, and early bills and accounts. The documents address the incorporation of the Congregation, the acquisition of land and the building of the Church of the Saviour, ministers, music, and other major matters of the congregation. Documents related to the early formation of the 2nd Congregation can also be found among these "History" folders. Some other documents related to the early and foundational years of the church can be found in the folders on By-Laws, Covenants and Statements of Faith, and Special Services. Also of interest are documents on the Church's work with children and youth including various clubs and very early documents regarding the Church's Sunday School. There is also club work here regarding psychiatric social work and counseling made available to parishioners during the tenure of John H. Lathrop. Researchers interested in the Low family should also note one file regarding the family with documents mostly unrelated to the church dating back to 1790.
Subject Files also holds published directories of the Church which have Parish lists, club reports with member rolls, updated by-laws and other information on the Church. Some of these directories have been annotated, particularly in the Parish membership lists. Other family-oriented documents include the Bequests, Memorials, Special Services, and membership files.
Arrangement
The folders are arranged alphabetically by description and chronologically within type. With the exception of some files that needed redescription or to be moved to another series, the files are as maintained by the Church and the original file organization can be found in the "Inventories of Church Files" folder.
Bequests: A-L, 1847-1941, inclusive
Bequests: M-Z, 1875-1940, inclusive
Bequests: Memorial Lanterns, 1916-1918, inclusive
Bequests: Miscellaneous, 1883-1942, inclusive
Bequests: Murals, 1938, inclusive
Bequests: Parker Memorial Mosaic, 1934-1935, inclusive
Brooklyn Liberal Christian Union, 1866, 1888, inclusive
The Brooklyn Unitarian, 1959, 1970, 1976, inclusive
By-Laws, 1845, 1919, inclusive
Celebrations: Anniversaries, General, 1916-1944, 1980, inclusive
Celebrations: 50th Anniversary, 1894, inclusive
Celebrations: 75th Anniversary, 1917, inclusive
Celebrations: 100th Anniversary, 1933, inclusive
Celebrations: Channing Centenary, 1880, inclusive
Celebrations: Lathrop's 20th Anniversary, 1931, inclusive
Celebrations: Lathrop's 25th Anniversary, 1936, inclusive
Celebrations: Lathrop's 25th Anniversary: Dinner and Reception, 1936, inclusive
Celebrations: Lathrop's 25th Anniversary: Correspondence, 1935-1936, inclusive
Celebrations: Other Congregations, 1914-1937, inclusive
Celebrations: Unitarian Festival, 1862, inclusive
Cemetery: Greenwood, 1844-1929, 1976, inclusive
General
Moved to Oversize Box 1:
- One map of plots with subscriber names (Undated)
- Two ledger pages of Treasurer's reports of cemetery accounts(1845, 1846)
Cemetery: Greenwood: Correspondence, 1901-1941, inclusive
Clergyman's Office Year Book, 1956-1957, inclusive
Clerk of the Church, 1927-1932, inclusive
Clipper Ship Drawings, 1847-1852, inclusive
Clubs: Alfred T. White Society, 1931, 1942, inclusive
Clubs: Boy Scouts, 1925-1941, inclusive
Clubs: General Entertainments and Ideas for Entertainments, Undated, 1914, 1919, inclusive
Clubs: Laymen's League, 1921-1925, inclusive
Clubs: Miscellaneous, 1916-1939, 1945, inclusive
Clubs: Old Fort Club, 1923-1931, inclusive
Clubs: Old Fort Club: Scrapbook, 1922-1924, inclusive
Clubs: Pierrepont Wednesday Club, 1917-1918, inclusive
Clubs: Psychiatric Social Work, Beatrice Bishop Berle, 1930-1931, inclusive
Clubs: Samuel Longfellow Club, Undated, inclusive
Clubs: Service Men's Center, 1944-1945, inclusive
Clubs: Young People's Religious Union, 1923-1937, inclusive
Communion, Undated, 1914, inclusive
Covenants and Statements of Faith, Undated, 1842-1844, 1920s, inclusive
Deacons, 1913-1937, inclusive
Directories, 1890-1891, 1914-1921, inclusive
Directories, 1922-1930, inclusive
Directories, 1930s, inclusive
Directories, 1942-1950, inclusive
Directories, 1953, 1956, inclusive
History, 1830s-1843, inclusive
History, 1844-1960s, inclusive
General
Moved to Oversize Box 1:
One "Deed of Land" for Church of the Saviour plot, 1844
History: Bills, Receipts and Accounts, 1842-1851, inclusive
History: Studies and Pamphlets, 1920, 1930, inclusive
History: Timelines, Undated, inclusive
In Memoriam, circa 1880s, 1912-1953, inclusive
In Memoriam: World War I, Honor Roll and Service Flag, 1917-1919, inclusive
In Memoriam: World War I, Honor Roll and Tablet in Vestibule, 1923-1924, inclusive
In Memoriam: World War II, 1940s, inclusive
Inventories of Church Files, circa 1930s, inclusive
Legal Issues, 1848, 1910, 1927-1931, inclusive
Low Family Papers, 1790, 1813-1880s, 1952, inclusive
Membership: Attendance, 1920s, inclusive
Membership: Transfer by letter, 1890s-1920s, inclusive
Membership Drive, 1925, inclusive
Music, 1900-1950, inclusive
Organ, 1848, 1900-1927, inclusive
Organ: Repairs and Contracts, 1900-1945, inclusive
Post Office Mission Books, 1921, 1923-1928, inclusive
Post Office Mission: Strike Notice, 1936, inclusive
Programs, 1929-1967, inclusive
Programs: other Churches and Services, Undated, 1855-1949, inclusive
Publicity, 1910s-1940s, inclusive
Resolutions, 1910s-1940s, inclusive
The Retreat, Inc., 1910s-1930s, inclusive
The Samaritan Alliance, 1931, inclusive
Signature File, 1920s-1940, inclusive
Special Services, 1844, 1860s-1940s, inclusive
Staff, 1920s-1930s, inclusive
Sunday School, 1842-1873, inclusive
Sunday School: Christmas and Easter Services, 1868-1919, inclusive
Survey and Recommendations, 1938, inclusive
Union Services, 1910s-1930s, inclusive
Visitors Log Book, 1925-1949, inclusive
Visitors Log Book, 1949-1963, inclusive
White, Alfred T.: Obituaries, Memorials, and Condolences, 1921-1941, inclusive
White, Frances Harriet, Undated, 1937, inclusive
Oversize Flat Box 1, -
Series 3: Ministers., 1834-1967, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The Ministers series contains files kept regarding the installation, resignation, and other major matters for the ministers of the Church of the Saviour. The materials are primarily correspondence and copies of resolutions and votes of the Society on these matters. Some files also include sermons, relevant news clippings, and articles . The file on Frederick W. Holland has correspondence regarding protest and controversy over his leadership during a developing schism in the Church as well as his record of funerals, baptisms, and marriages in the Church during his tenure. Clippings and Orders of Service related to Alfred E. Goodnough, H. Price Collier, and Samuel A. Eliot can be found in the Scrapbooks series. Additional sermons by H. Price Collier can also be found in the Scrapbooks series.
In the case of John Lathrop there are several folders due to the bulk of material. These are broken up by subject including his installation, committees he was involved with, other churches he communicated with, and memorial services after his death. Some of the committees here include the the League of Nations Association, the Long Island Historical Society, the Religious Arts Guild, refugee aid associations and other organizations dealing with ecumenical issues, the peace movement, and welfare and aid to the needy. While these files relate to what the Church kept in regards to Lathrop, for documents related to Lathrop's work, including his sermons, see the John H. Lathrop Files series.
Arrangement
Folders are arranged by minister in chronological order of tenure. Because several files in the series relate to John Lathrop, these are divided and arranged alphabetically.
D.H. Barlow (1834-1837), 1834-1837, 1937, 1947, inclusive
Frederick W. Holland (1838-1841), 1838-1846, 1894, inclusive
General
One item moved to Oversize Box 1:
Council meeting of several churches. Includes note "Ralph W. Emerson was present"
Frederick A. Farley (1842-1863), 1841-1892, inclusive
Alfred P. Putnam (1864-1886), 1864-1880s, 1905-1906, inclusive
Alfred E. Goodnough (1887-1888), 1887-1888, 1949, inclusive
H. Price Collier (1888-1893), 1888-1893, 1942, inclusive
Samuel A. Eliot (1893-1897), 1892-1897, 1907, 1942-1957, inclusive
John P. Forbes (1898-1910), 1898-1910, inclusive
John H. Lathrop (1911-1967): Boards and Committees, Educational and Cultural, circa 1930s-1940s, inclusive
John H. Lathrop (1911-1967): Boards and Committees, religious groups, circa 1920s-1940s, inclusive
John H. Lathrop (1911-1967): Boards and Committees, social service and welfare organizations, 1930s-1940s, inclusive
John H. Lathrop (1911-1967): Installation, 1911, 1930s, inclusive
John H. Lathrop (1911-1967): Installation correspondence, 1900-1920s, inclusive
John H. Lathrop (1911-1967): International organizations and world alliances, 1910s-1940s, inclusive
John H. Lathrop (1911-1967): Memorial Services, 1967, inclusive
John H. Lathrop (1911-1967): Other Churches, correspondence and programs, 1920s-1940s, inclusive
Ministers Assistants, 1890s-1930s, inclusive
Oversize Flat Box 1, -
Series 4: John H. Lathrop Files., 1849-1960, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The John H. Lathrop Files series contains the working and reference files of John H. Lathrop who served as minister to the First Unitarian Congregation of Brooklyn from 1911 to 1967. The series covers Lathrop's varied interests and prolific work. Lathrop's work within the Church and community can be seen through his sermons, correspondence, parishioners' files, and work with organizations like the Brooklyn Urban League which he helped found and managed as president for many years. As minister for the Church during both world wars, Lathrop was interested in the international peace movement. Lathrop was involved with various organizations which mobilized for peace like the War Resisters League, the Emergency Peace Campaign, and the National Peace Conference, which he headed. Lathrop was similarly interested in international aid and outreach and had files pertaining to humanitarian efforts in Germany, Spain, Hungary and other nations.
There are some records within this series regarding the First Church's connection to Unitarians in Transylvania and their church there. Several files also address Czechoslovakia and the Unitarian Service Committee trip there which Lathrop was a part of. The First Unitarian Congregation of Brooklyn had a special connection to Czechoslovakia as a former member of the Church, Charlotte Garrigue, had married the first president of Czechoslovakia, Tomas Garrigue Masaryk. Lathrop kept up correspondence with their daughter, Alice Garrigue Masaryk, one of the founders of the Czechoslovak Red Cross, and their son, Jan Masaryk, the Foreign Minister of Czechoslovakia.
The series also contains a collection of reference material on various topics of interest to Lathrop including marriage, peace, labor and unemployment, religious freedom, liberal Christianity, and other related issues. These reference files consist of articles, pamphlets, and various materials from organizations Lathrop was interested in or with which he was tangentially involved. Lathrop's sermons deal with this broad range of topics as well, particularly ideas of liberal Christianity and its application in the world. Lathrop's work with like-minded organizations like the International Association for Liberal Christianity and Religious Freedom and the American Committee on Religious Rights and Minorities can be found in this series.
Some files on Lathrop and documents created by him can be found in many other series within the collection, but particularly within the Ministers series which contains documents on his installation, organizations he served on the board of, and memorial services for his death.
Arrangement
The John H. Lathrop Files are arranged alphabetically by subject and material type.
Altar of All Faiths: Brahmo Samaj plaque, artist's sketch, Undated, inclusive
American Committee on Religious Rights and Minorities, 1928-1944, 1951, inclusive
American League for Human Rights, 1933, inclusive
American Legion, 1934, inclusive
General
Includes signed letter from U.S. Senator Royal S. Copeland.
American Red Cross, Brooklyn Chapter, 1921-1943, inclusive
American Unitarian Association, 1919, 1933-1938, inclusive
Arab National League, 1937-1947, inclusive
Articles (by Lathrop), 1930s-1940s, inclusive
Berkeley Unitarian Church, 1906-1911, inclusive
Bhagavat Gita, Order of 80 Certificate, 1899, inclusive
Bible Studies, 1904, circa 1910s-1940s, inclusive
Book Reviews, circa 1930s-1940s, inclusive
British Unitarianism, circa 1940s, inclusive
Brooklyn Interorganizational Council on Disarmament, 1931-1934, inclusive
Brooklyn Urban League, 1931-1939, inclusive
Channing, William, 1937-1938, inclusive
Clippings, 1920s-1930s, inclusive
Clippings: Abraham Lincoln's Assassination, 1865, inclusive
Civic Committee for Adult Literacy, 1932-1935, inclusive
Committee for World Disarmament and World Reconstruction, 1951-1952, inclusive
Correspondence: A, 1912-1944, inclusive
Correspondence: B, 1900s-1950s, inclusive
Correspondence: Babel, Henry, 1955, inclusive
General
Includes two letters from Adlai Stevenson.
Correspondence: Brooklyn Ministers, circa 1910s-1930s, inclusive
Correspondence: C-D, 1910s-1940s, inclusive
Correspondence: E-F, 1910s-1940s, inclusive
Correspondence: Family, 1849-1912, inclusive
Correspondence: Family, 1913-1945, inclusive
Correspondence: G-H, 1910s-1940s, inclusive
Correspondence: I-L, 1910s-1940s, inclusive
Correspondence: M-N, 1910s-1930s, inclusive
Correspondence: Niebuhr, H. Richard, 1937, inclusive
Correspondence: O-P, 1910s-1940s, inclusive
Correspondence: R, 1910s-1940s, inclusive
Correspondence: S-Z, 1910s-1940s, inclusive
Correspondence: Taft, William H., 1921, inclusive
Czechoslovakia, 1928-1952, inclusive
Czechoslovakia: American Relief for Czechoslovakia, Inc., 1947-1949, inclusive
Czechoslovakia: Correspondence, circa 1930s-1940s, inclusive
Czechoslovakia: Endicott, NY, 1951-1953, inclusive
Czechoslovakia: Masaryk, Alice Garrigue, 1933-1953, inclusive
Czechoslovakia: Masaryk, Jan, 1940s, inclusive
Czechoslovakia: Masaryk family, 1939-1948, inclusive
Czechoslovakia: Olesovice Children's Home`, 1946-1948, inclusive
Czechoslovakia: Unitarian Service Committee Trip, 1946-1947, inclusive
General
Moved to Oversize Box 3:
- One large sign in Czech for a sermon given by Dr. Lathrop, 1947.
- One small sign for the Unitarian Service Committee Medical Teaching Mission, Undated.
Czechoslovakia: Unitarian Service Committee Trip: Clippings, 1946-1947, inclusive
Czechoslovakia: Unitarian Service Committee Trip: Correspondence, 1946, inclusive
Czechoslovakia: Unitarian Service Committee Trip: Personal Report of John Lathrop, circa 1946, inclusive
Dresser, Horatio, circa 1930s-1940s, inclusive
Dresser, Horatio: The Quimby Manuscripts, 1903, circa 1920s, 1960, inclusive
Eastman, Rebecca Hooper, circa 1937, inclusive
Emergency Peace Campaign, 1936-1937, inclusive
Ephemera, circa 1930s-1940s, inclusive
Field, Noel, 1950, inclusive
Free Church Fellowship, 1934-1936, inclusive
German Churches, 1947-1948, inclusive
Germany: Relief for German Children, 1924, inclusive
Greece, 1928-1930, 1933, inclusive
Haspl, Karel, 1952-1953, inclusive
Hosmer, Fred: Portrait and Pension Fund, 1920-1925, inclusive
Hungary and Transylvania, 1920s-1940s, inclusive
Hungary: Gabor, Gelei, 1940s, inclusive
Hungary: Kossuth (including copies of articles from 1860's-1880's), circa 1930s-1940s, inclusive
Hungary: Siklossy, Laszlo, 1924-1934, inclusive
India, 1935-1938, 1954, inclusive
International Association for Liberal Christianity and Religious Freedom (IARF), 1929-1941, inclusive
IARF, 1946-1954, inclusive
IARF: Amsterdam, 1948-1949, inclusive
IARF: Berne, 1946-1948, inclusive
IARF: Lathrop Articles re:, 1940s-1950s, inclusive
IARF: Society of Friends, 1948-1949, inclusive
International Religious Fellowship, 1946-1948, inclusive
Islam, 1936, 1947, inclusive
Japan, 1926-1929, inclusive
Journals and Accounts of European Trips, 1900, 1902, inclusive
Kagawa, Toyohiko, 1935-1936, inclusive
Krakes, Pavel, 1948-1953, inclusive
League of Nations, 1925-1926, inclusive
Lectures, circa 1920s-1940s, inclusive
The Living Faith of A Unitarian, 1944, inclusive
The Living Faith of a Unitarian: Correspondence, 1944-1945, inclusive
Mayor of Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn Heights Press), 1941, inclusive
Melish, Dr. Howard, 1931-1944, inclusive
Mexico, 1935, inclusive
Mita, Edo, 1953, inclusive
National Consumers' League Conference, 1932-1933, inclusive
National Peace Conference, 1935-1937, inclusive
National Peace Conference, 1938-1940, inclusive
National Peace Conference, 1941-1942, inclusive
New York University, 1932, inclusive
Notebooks, Undated, inclusive
Notes, Undated, inclusive
Notes, circa 1930s, inclusive
Obituaries, circa 1920s-1940s, inclusive
Other Churches: Programs, 1901-1945, inclusive
Parishioners Files: A-D, 1931-1936, inclusive
Parishioners Files: E-J, 1931-1936, inclusive
Parishioners Files: K-M, 1931-1936, inclusive
Parishioners Files: N-R, 1931-1936, inclusive
Parishioners Files: S-Z, 1931-1936, inclusive
Parishioners Lists, circa 1910s-1940s, inclusive
Petitions, Letters, and Resolutions Signed, 1950s, inclusive
Philippines, 1940s-1950s, inclusive
Pioli, Giovanni, circa 1950s, inclusive
Poems, collected, circa 1910s-1950s, inclusive
Prayers, circa 1910s-1940s, inclusive
Prayers, collected, circa 1900s-1940s, inclusive
Quotations, collected, circa 1900s-1940s, inclusive
Quotations and Music, collected, 1910s-1940s, inclusive
Reference: Czechoslovakia, 1940s, inclusive
Reference: Eastern Europe (collected and bound articles), 1910s-1920s, inclusive
Reference: Eastern Europe, collected and bound articles, 1910s-1930s, inclusive
Reference: Health and Hygiene, 1930-1941, inclusive
Reference: Labor and Unemployment, 1930s-1940s, inclusive
Reference: Liberalism and Related Causes, 1930s-1940s, inclusive
Reference: Marriage, Birth Control and Family Counseling, 1920s-1940s, inclusive
Reference: Marriage, Birth Control, and Family Counseling, 1920s-1940s, inclusive
Reference: Peace and Foreign Policy, 1920s-1940s, inclusive
Reference: Peace and Foreign Policy, 1920s-1940s, inclusive
Reference: Peace and Foreign Policy, 1920s-1940s, inclusive
Reference: Peace and Foreign Policy, 1920s-1940s, inclusive
Reference: Theology and Philosophy, 1920s-1940s, inclusive
Reference: Unitarianism, 1900, inclusive
Second Unitarian Church, 1913, inclusive
Sermons and Orders of Worship, Undated, 1914-1932, inclusive
Sermons and Orders of Worship, 1933-1936, inclusive
Sermons and Orders of Worship, 1937-1943, inclusive
Sermons and Orders of Worship, 1944-1951, inclusive
Sermons, published, 1940s-1950s, inclusive
Sermons: Radio Address, 1925-1936, inclusive
Sermons, repeated (1 of 2), 1909-1936, inclusive
Sermons, repeated (2 of 2), 1909-1939, inclusive
Sixth Conference on Science, Philosophy, and Religion, 1945, inclusive
Sixth Conference on Science, Philosophy, and Religion: Papers Presented, 1945, inclusive
Spanish Refugee Appeal, 1945-1950, inclusive
Student Christian Movement in New England, 1937, inclusive
Theological Schools and Courses, circa 1900s-1940s, inclusive
Transylvania: Csiki, Gabrielic, 1922-1923, 1934, 1938, inclusive
Unitarian Festival, 1942, inclusive
UNESCO, 1950-1952, inclusive
Unity Church: Directory, circa 1910s, 1947, inclusive
Universitat Jena, 1902, inclusive
University of Chicago, 1901, inclusive
Vit, Karl V., 1948-1952, inclusive
Wald, Lillian, 1932-1934, 1940, inclusive
White, Alfred T., 1912-1919, inclusive
World Churches, 1920s-1940s, inclusive
World's Fair, Temple of Religion, 1937-1939, inclusive
Oversize Flat Box 3, -
Series 5: Unitarian Movement Files., 1850-1975, inclusive; 1850-1945, bulk
Extent
Scope and Contents
The Unitarian Movement Files contain the general files kept by the Church on its involvement with the Unitarian movement across America, primarily through the American Unitarian Association (AUA), and in other parts of the world. The AUA material concerns Unitarian outreach, publicity, and social-service. There is one folder related to the congregation's sister church in Transylvania. For more on the Church's efforts abroad, see the John H. Lathrop Files for papers on Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Transylvania, and the Philippines.
Arrangement
The Unitarian Movement Files are arranged alphabetically by subject and material type.
American Unitarian Association (AUA): Aided Churches, 1928-1932, inclusive
AUA: Administration: Officers and General Procedures, 1927-1933, inclusive
AUA: Alliance Manuals and Pamphlets, circa 1920s-1930s, inclusive
AUA: Annual Meeting, 1917-1936, 1943, inclusive
AUA: Board of Directors' Meetings, 1929, 1943, inclusive
AUA: By-Laws and Organization, 1847, 1914-1932, inclusive
AUA: Committee on New Americans, 1928-1930, inclusive
AUA: Educational Institutions, 1850s, 1928-1932, inclusive
AUA: Finance, Income and Expenditures, 1929-1934, inclusive
AUA: Fund Raising: Contributions of First Unitarian Church, 1900-1943, inclusive
AUA: Fund Raising: Maintenance Fund, 1930, inclusive
AUA: General Conference, 1919, 1929, 1931, inclusive
AUA: International Congress, Foreign Relations Committee, 1922-1932, inclusive
AUA: Layman's League, 1919-1922, inclusive
AUA: Membership Drive, 1920-1922, inclusive
AUA: Mid-Atlantic States Council: Metropolitan Conference, 1932-1940, inclusive
AUA: Oxford Conference, 1936-1937, inclusive
AUA: Publications Committee, 1930-1932, inclusive
AUA: Social Relations Department, 1927-1933, inclusive
AUA: Social Service Council, 1926, inclusive
AUA: Wilbur, Earl, 1933, inclusive
Brooklyn: Charities and Welfare Associations, 1917-1940, inclusive
Brooklyn: Civic and Cultural Development, 1876-1945, inclusive
Flatbush Unitarian Church, 1932-1942, 1950, 1975, inclusive
Hollis Unitarian Church, 1934, 1937, 1942, inclusive
New Jersey Unitarian Church Archives Survey, 1940, inclusive
Other Unitarian Churches, circa 1910s-1930s, inclusive
Salem Church, Massachusetts, 1917-1923, inclusive
Transylvanian Sister Church, 1920-1940, inclusive
Unitarian Conference of Mid-Atlantic States and Canada, 1911-1942, inclusive
Unitarian Foundation, 1926, inclusive
Unitarian Service Pension Society, 1916-1940, inclusive
Series 6: Sunday School Books., 1842-1906, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The Sunday School Books series contains small books and ledgers used by the Sunday School of the First Unitarian Church. Lists of names of teachers and students can be found in the Attendance Records Ledgers and the Directory and Secretary's Book. The books on the Annual Meetings of Teachers and the Sunday School Journal account the operations and concerns of the school. Sunday School classes were conducted by the Church of the Saviour at the Wall Street Ferry House on Furman Street until the building of Willow Place Chapel in 1876. Thus, it should be noted that the books in this series span the time before and after the building of the chapel and those interested in the Congregation's Sunday School should also check the Willow Place Chapel series. Some additional records on the Church's school can be found in the Subject Files series. Some financial records of the Sunday School can be found in the Financial Records series.
Arrangement
The books are arranged alphabetically by subject.
Annual Meetings of Teachers, 1887-1890, inclusive
Attendance Records Ledgers, 1842-1883, inclusive
Attendance Records Ledgers, 1889-1903, inclusive
Directory and Secretary's Book, 1877-1881, inclusive
Sunday School Journal, 1864-1880, inclusive
Superintendent's Record, 1901-1906, inclusive
Series 7: Calendars., 1910-1952, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The Calendars series contains the bound books that hold the orders of worship as well as flyers and pamphlets related to services. Programs to special services and events are often included as well. Some of the calendars were in the possession of Minister John H. Lathrop and include some of his annotations and notes. For additional orders see the files on "Sermons and Orders of Worship" within the John H. Lathrop Files
Arrangement
The calendars are arranged chronologically by year.
Calendars, 1910-1923, inclusive
Calendars, 1923-1935, inclusive
Calendars, 1935-1946, inclusive
Calendars, 1946-1952, inclusive
Series 8: Registers., 1841-1930, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The registers in this series track the christenings, marriages, and funerals carried out by the Congregation. Willow Place Chapel had its own functions separate from the Church of the Saviour and kept its own registers which can also be found in this series. The Willow Place Chapel registers also contain substantive commentary on the families making up that portion of the Congregation, including notes on employment, illness, marital problems, and other issues. Some registers also contain additional information on the Sunday School and charity loans. For additional records of christenings, marriages, deaths, and member rolls of the Church, one should check the reports of the Ministers to the Trustees in Trustee Records, the "History" folders within the Subject Files, and lists of parishioners kept by John H. Lathrop in the John H. Lathrop Files.
Arrangement
Registers are arranged alphabetically by description.
General Register, 1893-1912, inclusive
Marriage and Christening Register, 1841-1890, inclusive
Marriage and Christening Register, 1895-1900, inclusive
Willow Place Chapel Registers, 1889-1904, inclusive
Willow Place Chapel Registers, 1904-1912, inclusive
Willow Place Chapel Register of Members, 1921-1930, inclusive
Series 9: Buildings and Construction., 1833-1956, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The Buildings and Construction series pertains to buildings constructed, purchased, and maintained by the First Congregation. Among these buildings is the Gothic Revival style Church of the Saviour of the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood, built in 1844. The series includes the original plans and specifications submitted by its architect, Minard Lafever. In addition to plans, specifications, and alterations made on the buildings, the series contains financial information related to the properties and documents on embellishments to the buildings such as the Church's stained glass windows and marble baptismal font. There is also information on the pews of the Church of the Saviour and some of its renters. In addition to the Church of the Saviour other buildings in this series include the Parish House (50 Monroe Place), the Parsonage (98 Pierrepont St), the Pierrepont Chapel (adjacent to the Church of the Saviour), and 123 Pierrepont Street. Documents related to Willow Place Chapel and Columbia House are collected in the Willow Place Chapel and Columbia House series. For information on the organ of the Church of the Saviour refer to the Subject Files series.
Arrangement
Materials in Buildings and Construction are arranged alphabetically by description.
123 Pierrepont Street, 1938-1944, inclusive
General
Moved to oversize box 3:
Seven blueprints of 123 Pierrepont Street.
Church of the Saviour: Alterations and Repairs, 1904-1941, inclusive
General
Moved to Oversize Box 3:
One oversize plan with diagrams of alterations, Undated (from Folder 2)
Church of the Saviour: Baptismal Font, 1847, inclusive
Church of the Saviour: Pews, 1833-1930s, inclusive
General
Moved to Oversize Box 3:
- One floor plan of pews with pew numbers and names of subscribers, 1844 (from Folder 6)
- One floor plan of pews with pew numbers, Undated (from Folder 7)
Church of the Saviour: Plans and Specifications, 1842, inclusive
Church of the Saviour: Undercroft Alterations, 1923, 1938, inclusive
General
Moved to Oversize Box 3:
One sketch of alteration plans, Undated.
Heating, 1937-1940, inclusive
Inspection Certificates, 1900-1949, inclusive
Insurance, 1881-1939, inclusive
Inventory, 1942, inclusive
Parish House: Alterations and Repairs, 1911-1937, inclusive
Parish House: Construction Bills, 1937-1938, inclusive
Parish House: Construction purchase orders, 1937, inclusive
Parish House: Contract Work, 1937, inclusive
Parsonage (98 Pierrepont Street), 1890-1953, inclusive
General
Moved to Oversize Box 3:
- Three blueprints of stairway, doorway, and front of building, c.1930's-1940's
- One sketch paper plan of first floor and basement, c. 1930's-1940's
Parsonage: Sale of, 1952, inclusive
Pierrepont Chapel, 1867-1869, inclusive
Pierrepont Chapel: Additions, 1905-1906, inclusive
Pierrepont Chapel: Construction and Renovations, 1913-1921, inclusive
Property Restrictions, 1910-1942, inclusive
Screens in Memory of Alfred, Annie, and Katherine White, circa 1922, inclusive
General
Moved to Oversize Box 3:
Four blueprints of arch and screens, c.1922
Taxes and Assessments, 1907-1940, inclusive
Windows: Beatitudes Window, 1944-1947, inclusive
Windows: Clerestory Windows, 1912, 1930-1956, inclusive
Windows: Forbes Window, 1913, inclusive
Windows: Rose Window, 1913, inclusive
General
- Moved to Oversize Box 3: One blueprint of window fixture and design moved to oversize box
Windows: Tiffany Windows, 1905-1949, inclusive
Oversize Flat Box 3, -
Series 10: Willow Place Chapel and Columbia House, 1865-1972, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
Willow Place Chapel was built in 1876 under the direction of Alfred T. White who was seeking a more proper setting for the settlement school under his charge. The Chapel functioned somewhat separately from the Church of the Saviour and conducted its own evening services as well as adopting the First Congregation's Sunday School. In addition to these tasks, some other classes (such as in music or sewing), clubs, and welfare work operated out of Willow Place Chapel. In 1906 Columbia House was added to the settlement complex and carried on its own outreach and community work in conjunction with Willow Place Chapel. The Willow Place Chapel and Columbia House series contains the records related to the work carried on within these buildings and on behalf of the members including annual and trustee reports, deacon meeting minutes, Sunday school records, and the records of the Chapel Association. The series also holds relevant building records in regards to construction and alterations, financial information including accounts and salaries, various records on clubs and events that functioned out of the Chapel, and records related to health and social work carried out by the Chapel's staff. Prior to the establishment of Willow Place Chapel these tasks, particularly social and settlement work, were done at the Furman Street Mission. Reports and other records relevant to work done at the Furman Street Mission can be found in this series, particularly among material before 1876.
For more on the Congregation's Sunday school, see the series Sunday School Books. For registers pertaining to services and members of the Willow Place Chapel, see the Registers series. Some financial records of the Sunday School can be found in the Financial Records series.
Arrangement
Materials in the Willow Place Chapel and Columbia House" series are arranged alphabetically by description.
50th Anniversary, 1915, inclusive
97th Company, 1890-1892, inclusive
Accounts Ledger, 1906-1920, inclusive
Alfred T. White Community Center, 1962, inclusive
American Unitarian Association, 1917-1919, inclusive
Annual Meeting Reports, 1922-1939, inclusive
Annual Meeting Reports, 1940-1946, inclusive
Annual Picnic, 1915-1922, inclusive
"B" Miscellaneous, circa 1910s, inclusive
Bequests: Windows, Lanterns and Banners, 1892-1932, inclusive
Better Times, the Weekly Welfare Magazine, 1926, inclusive
Board of Education, 1922-1947, inclusive
Boy Scouts, 1917-1918, inclusive
Boys' Clubs, 1915-1916, inclusive
Brooklyn Bureau of Charities, 1916-1919, inclusive
Brooklyn Trust Company, 1880s, 1920s, inclusive
Budgets, 1914-1922, inclusive
Buildings: Alterations and Repairs, 1906-1924, inclusive
Buildings: Contracts, 1905, 1925, inclusive
Buildings: Heating, 1924-1925, inclusive
Buildings: Insurance, 1925-1937, inclusive
Buildings: Specifications, 1875, inclusive
Buildings: Specifications, 1905, inclusive
Burke Relief Foundation, 1916-1917, inclusive
"C" Miscellaneous, 1916-1917, inclusive
Calendars, 1921-1924, inclusive
Calendar Notices, 1918-1919, inclusive
Camps, 1917-1918, inclusive
Cash Accounts System, circa 1910s, inclusive
Cash Books, Receipts and Disbursements, 1909-1925, inclusive
General
Moved to Oversize Box 2:
One ledger of Receipts and Disbursements, 1920-1925.
Chapel Association: Annual Meetings and By-Laws, 1890-1911, inclusive
Chapel Association: Meeting Minutes, 1914-1917, inclusive
Chapel Association: Meeting Minutes Book, 1912-1925, inclusive
Chapel House News, 1912, 1913, inclusive
Children's Aid Society: Summer Vacation, 1920, inclusive
Children's Year, 1918-1919, inclusive
Christmas Services, 1908-1920, inclusive
Citizenship and Americanization, circa 1918, inclusive
Clubs and Entertainments, 1913-1922, inclusive
Clubs: By-Laws, circa 1910s, inclusive
Clubs: Suggestions, circa 1910s, inclusive
Columbia Civic Club, 1917, inclusive
Columbia House, 1918-1944, inclusive
Columbia House: Accounts Ledger, 1919-1920, inclusive
Columbia House: Brass Band, 1917-1918, inclusive
Columbia House: Music School, 1919-1936, inclusive
Columbia House: Reports to the Treasurer, 1921-1922, inclusive
Columbia House: Sewing School and Library, 1928-1946, inclusive
Columbia House: Summer Vacation Work, 1915-1941, inclusive
Columbia Men's Club, 1916-1917, inclusive
Community Councils, 1919-1920, inclusive
Constitution and By-Laws, circa 1910s, inclusive
Country Fortnight Outings, 1918, inclusive
"D" Miscellaneous, circa 1916, inclusive
Deacons: Meeting Minutes, 1943-1951, inclusive
"E" Miscellaneous, 1917, inclusive
Easter Services, 1904-1916, inclusive
Edison Electric Illuminating Co., 1916-1917, inclusive
Educational Dramatic League, circa 1910s, inclusive
Employment Agencies and Bureaus, circa 1910s, inclusive
"F" Miscellaneous, 1915-1921, inclusive
Finances, 1916-1948, inclusive
Finances: Accounts and Statements, 1917-1923, inclusive
Finances: Analysis, 1921, inclusive
Finances: Salary and Other Disbursements, 1917-1918, inclusive
Food Selection and Preparation, 1917, inclusive
Form Letters, 1919-1921, inclusive
Fourth of July Committee, 1916-1919, inclusive
Fundraising, 1907, inclusive
Furman Street Mission, 1867-1869, inclusive
"G" Miscellaneous, 1917, inclusive
"H" Miscellaneous, 1916-1918, inclusive
Health Clinics, 1916-1920, inclusive
History, 1865-1914, 1972, inclusive
Infantile Paralysis, 1916-1917, inclusive
Intersettlement Athletic League, 1916, inclusive
"L" Miscellaneous, 1917, 1920, inclusive
Lantern Slides, circa 1910s, inclusive
Lathrop, John H., 1918-1924, inclusive
"M" Miscellaneous, 1916-1920, inclusive
Merger with Pierrepont Chapel, 1926, inclusive
Military Census, circa 1917, inclusive
Ministers, 1886, 1915-1930, inclusive
Monday Club, 1908-1914, inclusive
Mothers' Aid Day Nursery, 1911, inclusive
"N" Miscellaneous, 1918-1924, inclusive
"P" Miscellaneous, 1919, inclusive
Plays, circa 1910s, inclusive
Programs, 1890, 1912-1922, inclusive
Refurbishing (Baker Drawings), circa 1915, inclusive
General
Moved to Oversize Box 3:
- One sketch of alterations and design for message board, Undated.
- One sketch of turned wood candlestick, Undated.
Reports, 1868-1927, inclusive
Reports to the Trustees, 1867-1907, inclusive
Reports to the Trustees, 1908-1926, inclusive
Resolution: Unity with First Congregation, 1951, inclusive
Riverside Improvement Association: Zoning Restrictions, 1906-1925, inclusive
General
Moved to Oversize Box 2:
Two blueprints of proposed cable and box for NY & NJ Telephone Company
Settlements, 1915-1923, inclusive
Special Services, 1871-1923, inclusive
Staff: Paid and Voluntary, 1908-1928, inclusive
Summer Work, 1920-1921, inclusive
Sunday School: Curriculum, 1920s-1940s, inclusive
Sunday School: List of Early Teachers, 1916-1926, inclusive
Sunday School: Outline of Mission, Undated, inclusive
Sunday School: Questionnaires, 1920s, inclusive
Sunday School: Reports, 1905-1923, inclusive
Sunday School: Teachers and Pupils Book, 1865-1917, inclusive
Titles, Deeds, and Leases, 1875-1947, inclusive
General
Moved to Oversize Box 1:
- Two deeds of indenture between the Board of Education and Trustees of the Church, 1875
- Two maps/plans of the area bordered by Columbia Place, State Street, Willow Place, and Joralemon Street, 1875 and 1947
Treasurer, 1918-1920, inclusive
Treasurer: Accounts Record Book, 1931-1941, inclusive
War Correspondence, 1918, inclusive
War Savings Committee, 1918, inclusive
General
Moved to oversize:
Three War Savings Stamps propaganda posters, c. 1918
Willow Place Chapel News, 1921-1927, inclusive
Women's Club, 1930s-1940s, inclusive
Wonderland, 1921-1922, inclusive
YMCA, 1920, inclusive
Oversize Flat Box 1, -
Oversize Flat Box 2, -
Oversize Flat Box 3, -
Series 11: Financial Records., 1833-1956, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The Financial Records series holds many of the Church's records regarding collecting and disbursing funds for its operations as well as for Willow Place Chapel, the Sunday School, Missionary Fund, and other programs. General financial statements of the Congregation are within this series. The series includes records of disbursements from the Charity Fund, Friendship Fund, and Minister's Discretionary Fund (the Charity Fund was used to make payments to congregants in need until 1923 when it was replaced by the Friendship Fund. The Friendship Fund was closed in 1940 and its purpose subsumed into the Minister's Discretionary Fund, which was also used for such payments prior to 1940.) In addition to the records of the Treasurer, budgets, investments, and fund raising, this series also contains ledgers on subscriber dues and pew rentals, including a book of the original deeds to the pews. Records on the receipts of the Church and ledgers of Offerings to the Church are another source of lists of pews renters and subscribers. The Church's investments include mortgages, so there is some information on individual residential mortgages including amounts, debtors, and properties.
The Housekeeping Scribe's Chronicle is a record of expenses for club meetings and events and thus doubles as a resource of menus and club member rolls.
Arrangement
Files and items are arranged alphabetically by description.
Appraisal of Property and Furnishings, 1932, 1939, inclusive
Budgets, 1916-1954, inclusive
Budgets: Correspondence, 1924-1935, inclusive
Budgets: Correspondence, 1936-1942, inclusive
Charity Fund: Minutes and Account Book, 1871-1902, inclusive
Charity Fund / Friendship Fund: Account Book, 1902-1940, inclusive
Charity Fund: Check Books, 1902-1923, inclusive
Charity Fund / Friendship Fund: Notes and Correspondence, 1918-1940, inclusive
Charity Fund: Vouchers (Brackett, Treasurer), 1899-1911, inclusive
Charity Fund: Vouchers (White, Treasurer), 1911-1921, inclusive
Charity Fund / Friendship Fund: Vouchers (Frothingham, Treasurer), 1921-1940, inclusive
Collection Plate, Church and Chapel, 1940-1947, inclusive
Endowment Investments, 1911-1941, inclusive
Endowment Investments: Mortgages, 1890s-1940s, inclusive
Fund Raising: Charity and Missionary Committee, 1897-1919, inclusive
Fund Raising: Easter Offertory, 1935, inclusive
Fund Raising: Every Member Visitation, 1934, 1939, inclusive
Fund Raising: Loyalty Week, 1934-1935, inclusive
Fund Raising: Methods, 1931, 1939, inclusive
Fund Raising: Pledge Cards, 1918-1919, inclusive
Fund Raising: Special Appeals, 1919, inclusive
Fund Raising: Survey Committee: Questionaire and Replies, 1938, inclusive
Fund Raising: Survey Committee: Survey and Recommendations, 1938, inclusive
General Finances Journal, 1921-1935, inclusive
General Finances Ledger, 1908-1935, inclusive
Housekeeping Scribe's Chronicle, 1930s, inclusive
Housekeeping Scribe's Chronicle Book, 1927-1945, inclusive
Income for Special Funds, 1921-1935, inclusive
Investments, 1895-1928, inclusive
Missionary Fund: Collections Ledger, 1898-1910, inclusive
Minister's Discretionary Fund: Check Books, 1932-1935, inclusive
Minister's Discretionary Fund: Check Books, 1935-1941, inclusive
Minister's Discretionary Fund: Check Books, 1941-1945, inclusive
Minister's Discretionary Fund: Check Book and Correspondence, 1945-1949, inclusive
Minister's Discretionary Fund: Check Books, 1946, 1949-1952, inclusive
Minister's Discretionary Fund: Correspondence and Notes, 1930-1951, inclusive
Offerings Ledgers, 1929-1936, inclusive
Pews: Original Deeds and Transfers, 1844-1901, inclusive
Pews: Rental Ledgers, 1840-1886, inclusive
Pews: Rental Ledgers, 1886-1921, inclusive
Pledges Ledger, 1922, inclusive
Receipts and Distribution Ledger, 1911-1921, inclusive
Receipts and Expenditures Ledger, 1914-1921, inclusive
Receipts and Expenditures Ledger, 1921-1927, inclusive
Receipts and Expenditures Ledger, 1929-1935
Receipts and Expenditures: Balance Sheets, 1923-1932, inclusive
Receipts and Expenditures: Overview, 1893-1913, inclusive
Reports, 1921-1944, inclusive
Reports, 1945-1956, inclusive
Subscribers Dues Book, 1842-1844, inclusive
Sunday School Accounts Ledger, 1866-1908, inclusive
Treasurer: Bank Account Book, 1845-1846, inclusive
Treasurer: Correspondence, 1910s-1940s, inclusive
Treasurer's General Ledger and Cash Book, 1833-1840, inclusive
Treasurer's General Ledger and Cash Book, 1842-1859, 1866-1884, inclusive
Treasurer's General Ledger and Cash Book, 1884-1912, inclusive
Series 12: Scrapbooks., circa 1860s-1945, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The books in the Scrapbooks series contain clippings and ephemeral items related to the Church. The scrapbooks collect articles on the church's ministers and on religious and ecumenical matters. They also collect some published images, poems, hymns, and local news items. Several of the scrapbooks include clippings related to Plymouth Church and Henry Ward Beecher. Most of the scrapbooks seem to have been made by members of the church. The scrapbooks of items on the ministers Alfred E. Goodnough, H. Price Collier, and Samuel A. Eliot and the scrapbooks collecting the sermons of Collier were assembled and donated to the church by Maud Willard Bartlett. One other scrapbook ("Religion and Theology, 1866-1875") included a note that it came from the home of Mary E. Butterick in 1942.
Arrangement
The scrapbooks in this series are arranged alphabetically by topic and chronologically by earliest date within topic. Loose items that were falling out of scrapbooks were placed into folders which can be found alongside the scrapbook that the items came from.
Ministers: A. E. Goodnough, 1887-1888, inclusive
Ministers: H. Price Collier, 1888-1892, inclusive
Ministers: H. Price Collier and Samuel A. Eliot, 1892-1893, inclusive
Ministers: H. Price Collier and Samuel A. Eliot, 1893-1896, inclusive
Ministers: Samuel A. Eliot, 1897-1917, inclusive
Ministers Sermons: H. Price Collier, 1888-1913
Miscellaneous Articles and Items, 1860s-1870s, inclusive
Miscellaneous Articles and Items, 1870s-1880s, 1937-1945, inclusive
Religion and Theology Articles and Items, 1866-1875, 1880s-1900s, inclusive
Series 13: Photographs., circa 1870s-1958, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The Photographs series contains photographs from two separate photo accessions related to the Church. Most of the folders in this series contain images that were originally part of the First Unitarian Congregational Society records. These photos were initially removed from the collection and entered into the library's image database under a V1989.20 accession number. The photos include church buildings, like Willow Place Chapel and the Third Unitarian Congregation's Unity Church, and church activities such as a picnic, fairs, plays, and some minstrel shows. Also included are photos of ministers from the First, Second, and Third Unitarian Congregations including John Lathrop, John White Chadwick, Alfred P. Putnam and Stephen H. Camp. The last folder in the series contains photos from a later accession, V1990.46, and consists of four print reproductions of photographs of Willow Place Chapel, Columbia House, and the school at the chapel.
Item level description and digital versions of images from the collection are available for searching via the image database in the library.
Arrangement
The photographs are arranged according to their digital Object ID # in PastPerfect.
John Lathrop, Parishioners, circa 1910-1958, inclusive
Chapel and Church, Picnic, Parishioners, Reverend Hewlett, and John Manning, circa 1890s-1940s, inclusive
Parishioners, Picnic, circa 1890s-1938, inclusive
Ministers (Chadwick, Lathrop, Putnam, Camp), Unity Church, Unity Chapel, Unity Sunday School, circa 1870s-1930s, inclusive
Windows, for Christian Register article, circa 1950, inclusive
Willow Place Chapel and Willow Place Chapel Sewing School, circa 1890s, inclusive
Columbia House Children, 1935, inclusive
Minstrel Shows, 1943, 1945, inclusive
Christmas Mystery Play, Streets of Wonderland Pageant, 1913, 1921, inclusive
Columbia House Player's Club and Columbia House Summer Girl Minstrels, 1919, inclusive
Lathrop Photo Album, circa 1890s-1910s, inclusive
Church of the Saviour interior illustration, circa 1919, inclusive
Bible Study Prints, circa 1920s, inclusive
Willow Place Chapel, Kindergarten, Columbia House Fair, circa 1900, 1917, inclusive
Christening Font, Unity Church, Third Unitarian Congregational, circa 1870-1900, inclusive
Creator
Angel of Light/Immortality mosaic by Louis C. Tiffany
Scope and Contents
This black and white photograph depicts a church sanctuary which contains the Angel of Light mosaic by Louis C. Tiffany. It is not clear which church is pictured as it does not seem to be the mosaic's current home at the Unitarian Congregational Society sanctuary in Brooklyn Heights.
Historical note
The mosaic in this picture was originally designed in 1915 for the Unitarian Church of the Messiah in Manhattan. In 1919, that building suffered a fire and the mosaic was placed in storage. In 1935, it was purchased by First Unitarian. The mosaic had been commissioned by Julita A. Jones Parker to memorialize her husband James. She had Tiffany Studios install the mosaic in the First Unitarian Congregational Society sanctuary in Brooklyn Heights and it was rededicated as the Angel of Immortality.
Series 14: Second Unitarian Congregation., 1837-1967, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The Second Unitarian Congregation first split from the First Congregation in 1840 over dissatisfaction with Minister Fredrick Holland. The congregations united in 1842 (after Holland's resignation) but split again in 1851. The Second Unitarian Congregation series represents the records of the Second Unitarian Congregation during both of these splits.
The Congregation's first permanent minister was Samuel Longfellow, installed in 1853. The Second Unitarian Congregation took a progressive stance under Longfellow who occasionally preached against slavery and delivered an infamous sermon in praise of John Brown. Some of Longfellow's sermons can be found in the file on him. A parishioner's complaint and resignation of his pew in reaction to Longfellow's John Brown sermon can be found in the "Finances: Pew Rentals" folder. Longfellow's tenure was followed by Nahor A. Staples who also included abolitionist views in his sermons. The Second Congregation's influential minister John White Chadwick (installed 1864) is also well represented in this series through his correspondence, sermons and articles written by and about him, particularly memorials after his death.
The series contains records related to the regular functions and activities of the Second Congregation including trustee records, financial records of pew renters and subscribers, committee reports and record books kept by the Sunday School. The series also contains many records of the Second Congregation's Branch Alliance, a women's group that did charity work and eventually folded into the First Congregation's Samaritan Alliance when the Congregations reunited in 1924.
Arrangement
Folders are arranged alphabetically according to description.
Address Book, circa 1860s-1890s, inclusive
Anniversaries Book, 1876, 1884-1885, inclusive
Annual Meetings, 1900-1925, inclusive
Bequests, Gifts, and Memorials, 1896-1925, inclusive
Branch Alliance: Cash Book, 1887-1907, inclusive
Branch Alliance: History, Undated, inclusive
Branch Alliance: Meeting Minutes, 1887-1896, inclusive
Branch Alliance: Meeting Minutes, 1896-1920, inclusive
Branch Alliance: Post Office Mission, 1888-1906, inclusive
Branch Alliance: Reports and Petitions to the Trustees, 1862-1921, inclusive
Branch Alliance: Reports of the Beneficence Committee, 1911-1917, inclusive
Buildings: Alterations and Repairs, 1867-1896, inclusive
Buildings: Building Fund Subscriber Signatures, 1857, inclusive
Buildings: Deeds, Leases, and Insurance, 1837-1921, inclusive
Buildings: Roofing Samples, 1918, inclusive
Buildings: Sale and Lease of Property to Syrian Protestant Church, 1925, inclusive
By-Laws, 1855-1908, inclusive
Calendars, 1914-1924, inclusive
Church Home Book (Membership), 1908-1923, inclusive
Committee Reports, 1842-1920, inclusive
Correspondence, 1891-1919, 1925, 1943, inclusive
Correspondence: First Unitarian Congregation, 1913, 1921-1925, inclusive
Correspondence: Other Churches, 1853-1914, inclusive
Correspondence: Welfare Organizations, 1858-1897, inclusive
Finances: Bills and Operating Costs, 1877-1896, inclusive
Finances: Cash Book, 1858-1917, inclusive
Finances: Cash Book, 1918-1924, inclusive
Finances: General, 1857-1873, inclusive
Finances: Ledger of Accounts, 1903-1924, inclusive
Finances: Pew Rentals, 1850s-1873, inclusive
Finances: Pew Rentals Ledger, 1897-1904, inclusive
Finances: Pew Rentals and Subscribers Ledger, 1911-1916, inclusive
Finances: Subscribers Ledger, 1852-1859, inclusive
Finances: Subscribers, 1851-1873, inclusive
Finances: Treasurer's Records, 1843-1873, 1917-1918, inclusive
Finances: Treasurer's Reports, 1851-1914, inclusive
History, circa 1900s-1920s, inclusive
Incorporation, 1841, inclusive
In Memoriam, 1896-1950, inclusive
Mailing Lists, circa 1840s-1890s, 1917, 1925, inclusive
Ministers: Chadwick, John White, 1860s-1944, inclusive
Ministers: Dutton, Caleb Samuel, 1906-1907, 1913, inclusive
Ministers: Longfellow, Samuel, 1852-1905, inclusive
Ministers: Lyttle, Charles H., 1914-1925, inclusive
Ministers: Pulpit Supply, 1851-1853, inclusive
Ministers: Staples, Nahor A., 1861-1864, inclusive
Music, 1858-1896, inclusive
The Radical, articles by Samuel Longfellow and John White Chadwick, 1870, inclusive
Register, 1919, inclusive
Resolutions, 1910, 1918, inclusive
Sermons from other churches, 1900-1929, inclusive
Special Services, 1876-1924, inclusive
Society Meeting Minutes, 1840-1899, inclusive
Sunday School: Attendance Ledger, 1868-1882, inclusive
Sunday School: Attendance Ledger, 1893-1923, inclusive
Sunday School: Lessons and Exercises, 1873, 1880, inclusive
Sunday School: Library Ledger, 1866-1885, inclusive
Sunday School: Report, 1921, inclusive
Taxes, 1915, inclusive
Trustees: Chairman John F. Thompson, 1919-1967, inclusive
Trustees: Correspondence, 1854-1917, inclusive
Trustees: Elections, 1852-1909, inclusive
Trustees: Meetings and Reports, 1851-1865, inclusive
Trustees: Meetings Minutes Book, 1851-1926, inclusive
Trustees: Rents, 1853-1879, inclusive
Unity, articles featuring John White Chadwick, 1905-1911, inclusive
Series 15: Third Unitarian Congregation., 1867-1958, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The Third Unitarian Congregation was established in 1867 in order to accommodate parishioners of the First Unitarian Congregation who had been travelling from the Fort Greene and Clinton Hill neighborhoods to attend services at the Church of the Saviour in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. Frederick A. Farley assisted in duties as a minister until the Third Congregation installed Stephen H. Camp as minister in 1869. Camp became the Third Congregation's most prominent minister and in addition to encouraging organized charitable works and teaching within the Congregation's Sunday School he also shepherded the Congregation from their first space in Unity Chapel (built in 1868 with the assistance of the First Congregation) to Unity Church (built in 1886). The Third Congregation sold its church and united with the First Congregation in 1925.
The Third Unitarian Congregation series contains the records of the Third Congregation's organization and operation including its by-laws, society and trustee minutes, resolutions, and financial records. The series also contains records of the Congregation's charitable work such as through the Branch Alliance, the Charitable Fund, the Ladies Benevolent and Social Society, and other clubs and groups organized by the Church. Correspondence regarding the merger of the Third Congregation's merger with the First Congregation can also be found here.
Arrangement
Folders are arranged alphabetically according to description.
Accounts Book, 1871-1877, inclusive
Annual Meeting Minutes, 1889-1910, 1919-1931, 1936, inclusive
Bequests, 1927, 1934, 1939, inclusive
Branch Alliance, 1909-1935, inclusive
Branch Alliance: Accounts Books, 1897-1910, 1917-1934, inclusive
Branch Alliance: Meeting Minutes, 1897-1898, 1905-1906, inclusive
Branch Alliance: Meeting Minutes, 1911-1917, inclusive
Branch Alliance: Reports, 1920-1934, inclusive
Branch Alliance: Reports Book, 1920-1934, inclusive
Branch Alliance: Treasurer's Record Book, 1909-1918, inclusive
Branch Alliance and Friendly Aid Society: Accounts Book, 1919-1933, inclusive
Brooklyn Broadcasting Corp. (WBBC), 1934-1935, inclusive
By-Laws, 1905, 1924, inclusive
Charitable Fund, 1928, 1932, inclusive
Clubs, 1900-1903, inclusive
Correspondence, 1897, 1926-1958, inclusive
Directory, 1925, inclusive
Entertainments, 1895, 1900-1903, 1935, inclusive
Guild of St. Christopher, 1890, inclusive
History, 1869-1890s, 1924, inclusive
Inventories, circa 1920s, inclusive
Investments, 1928-1929, inclusive
[Lend?] a Hand Committee: Reports Book, 1890-1893, inclusive
Ladies Benevolent and Social Society: Accounts Book, 1873-1935, inclusive
Manuals, 1874, 1888, inclusive
Ministers, circa 1910s, 1925, inclusive
Ministers: Stephen H. Camp, 1869-1897, 1943, inclusive
Membership Book, 1922-1929, inclusive
Memorials, circa 1890s, 1926, 1935, inclusive
Memorials Books, circa 1910s, inclusive
Merger with First Unitarian Congregation, 1935, inclusive
Mortgages, 1926-1931, inclusive
Parish Register, circa 1880s, inclusive
Resolutions, 1924-1931, inclusive
Secretary's Book (Correspondence), 1897-1901, inclusive
Services, 1886-1917, inclusive
Sunday School, 1894, ,1899, inclusive
Society Meeting Minutes, 1867-1925, inclusive
Treasurer's Reports, 1896, 1898, 1926-1929, inclusive
Trustee Meetings and Elections, 1918-1935, inclusive
Trustee's Meeting Minutes, 1894-1917, inclusive
Unity Church Building Deed, Insurance, Property Blueprint, 1872-1886, 1907, 1927-1928, inclusive
Unity Church Building Fund, 1868-1890, inclusive
Windows and Memorial Tablets, 1867, 1926-1927, inclusive
General
Moved to Oversize Box 1:
Sketch of memorial tablet for Caroline R. Whitney