Handwritten letter from William F. & Mary L. Y. Pendleton in Chicago, IL to Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn. 4 pages, double-sided. Seal with the word “Warren” over dome-roofed building pressed into the upper lefthand corner. Written in 3 stages, dated Dec. 19th, Dec 26th, and Jan. 2nd.

Contents: -Dec 19th (W. F. Pendleton): excitement over possibility of starting Academy Kindergarten -Chicago young people & Mr. Forrest energized by visit of General & Mr. Childs -implications of Benade’s belief that only in Celestial heaven are all marriages between true conjugial partners; young people must consider marriage to eternity & marry for right motives (i.e. conjugial love); even if they don’t marry true conjugial partner, they will still have approximation / similitude of marriage; Lord will take care of the rest -Dec. 26th (M. L. Y. Pendleton): apologies for not responding to letters; please visit; isolated from friends -good effects of General Stuart’s & Mr. Childs’ visit; rallied several promising young people who seemed to be slipping to outside influences -wishes Maria Hogan & Gertrude could join her in studying Kindergarten system; system is beautiful & aligns with Doctrine; what is Gertrude’s impression of papers received? -children delighted w/ Christmas cards from Cara & Dora -Jan. 2nd (W. F. Pendleton): happy new year; congratulations to Pauline & David on Betrothal -received letter from Miss Hogan re. love for cause of children; as W. F. Pendleton said to Mr. Putnam, “To form the New Church of the future we must begin at the cradle.”

Names mentioned: Maria Hogan (Maria C. Hogan), the General (James P. Stuart), Mr. Childs (Walter C. Childs), the Ac. / Academy, Mr. Forrest / Forest, Mr. Benade (William H. Benade), Cara (Cara Starkey Glenn), Dora (Theodora Starkey Smith), Starkey family, Pauline (Pauline Starkey Wells), David (David Lang), Mr. Putnam Places mentioned: 561 West Superior Street (Chicago)