Scope and Contents Legal document settling the controversy over Anna Aitken’s bequeathment of $1000 to “the New Church of Pittsburgh.” In 1892, the General Church of Pennsylvania, represented by Geo. A. Macbeth, attempted to prevent the secession of the First New Jerusalem Society of Pittsburgh and lay claim to its property. This resulted in two bodies claiming to represent the New Church of Pittsburgh. The Court finds in favor of the First New Jerusalem Society of Pittsburgh, represented by Rev. John...

Scope and Contents Letter from B. F. Glenn at 1700 Green Street, Philadelphia to J. Pitcairn. Glenn plans to travel with his daughter Mary to attend Convention in Cincinnati. As he does not have much experience traveling, he hopes to convince J. Pitcairn to join them, or if not, to give them recommendations regarding route and arrangements. Glenn reports that they are getting along pleasantly in Church matters and that “the storm is over and past.” He writes that things are also going well with their...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from Dr. George R. Starkey in Washington, D.C. to his wife, Caira Skelton Starkey. Mr. Pendleton agreed with Starkey that reading should be attended to. Starkey sent a letter via Daniel to Mr. Arther on Friday as soon as he decided not to come home. If Mr. Arthur was in the office as usual, it would have been practicable to reach Mr. Campbell or someone else. Starkey is chagrined at the way matters transpired, but thinks it is “much sadder that the people should allow...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from E. Westervelt in Philadelphia to John Pitcairn Jr. Westervelt has received J. Pitcairn’s renewed invitation to visit Renovo, but unfortunately his poor health prevents him from leaving the city. He has not heard from his nephew since he last wrote to Pitcairn and so assumes he has made some other arrangement. Westervelt reports on a recent meeting of the three Philadelphia societies at the Broad Street Church “to institute measures for encouraging friendly...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from John Pitcairn Jr. in Oil City, Pa. to Rev. Chauncey Giles for the editor of the (New Church) Messenger. “Vandergrift, Pitcairn & Co.” letterhead. Regarding the state of the "Old Church." Letter transcribed as the handwriting is difficult to read.Transcription: “Rev. Chauncey Giles Edr Messenger- Will you have the kindness to insert the enclosed article in the Messenger of next week, or if the columns are made up in the paper of the week following...

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Handwritten letter from N.D. Pendleton to Bishop William F. Pendleton. Regarding the outcome of the Kramph Will case, Pendleton writes, “The decision handed down by the Supreme Court marks a great day for the New Church. We are moved by a spirit of profound thankfulness, and would attribute all to the Lord’s over ruling Mercy. . . I join with the members assembled in their rejoicing.”

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from N.D. Pendleton to Bishop William F. Pendleton. Pendleton writes that he has not been working on arranging Miss Beekman’s manuscripts for publication; She sent a letter months ago stating that her papers on the Divine Human Form need to be rewritten, and Pendleton took this to mean that he was released from this responsibility for the time being. Pendleton is glad that the Church’s lawyer, Hensel, is hopeful regarding their case against Convention. Pendleton comments,...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from N.D. Pendleton to Bishop William F. Pendleton. Pendleton discusses the Kramph Will case, and the possibility of appealing Judge Smith’s decision. He worries that an unsuccessful appeal may bring more negative attention on the Church. He writes, “I am not unmindful of the fact that Judge Smith decided the case on the ground that the will itself was void because its devise was to a body teaching the doctrines as laid down in the Writings of the Honorable Emanuel...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from N.D. Pendleton to Bishop William F. Pendleton. With his trip to Atlanta approaching, Pendleton has received letters from Glenn Smith, Charley, and Andy. Smith informs Pendleton that, besides his own family, there are three General Church people, six Convention people, and several new “possible receivers” in Atlanta. Pendleton requests to know the dates when W.F.P. will be in Pittsburgh so that he can coordinate with Rev. Brickman about filling the pulpit for the...

Scope and Contents Typed letter from N.D. Pendleton to Rev. Albert Bjorck in Bath, England. Pendleton was delighted to receive Bjorck’s and Bjorck’s wife’s applications for General Church membership; Certificates of membership and formal application blanks have been sent to them. In Bryn Athyn, everyone has read Bjorck’s letter to Mr. Smyth with interest. Pendleton doubts that Mr. Smyth will publish it, but he thinks that Bjorck’s reasons for leaving Convention should be known. Pendleton suggests that if...