Abstract

The community of Bryn Athyn was formed in the late 19th century by members of the Philladelphia Swedenborgian Church (New Church).  This collection documents the early Village Association (before becoming a Burough) as well as the various community groups, old and new, that sprang up in the community.  This collection does not contain any official records of the Borough of Bryn Athyn.

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. Pendleton understands from W.F.P.’s last letter, and from other Bryn Athyn Council members, that it has been decided to appeal the Orphan Court’s ruling on the Kramph Will case. Pendleton comments, “While there are several prudential consideration which might suggest our nesting in the hope of preserving our charter rights undisturbed, yet if there is any hope on rational grounds, it would be certainly be a weakness to...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from N.D. Pendleton to Bishop William F. Pendleton. Pendleton has sent W.F.P. several comments from Harvey Lechner on the Kramph Will case. Pendleton has received several clippings from Philadelphia papers on the case. Regarding the Church’s options in the wake of the court’s decision, Pendleton writes, “If there is the slightest hope of a reversal of the decision by the supreme court I am in favor of an appeal. If not I can not see what we shall gain.” Pendleton feels the...

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from N.D. Pendleton to Bishop William F. Pendleton. Pendleton has spoken with Harvey Lechner regarding the Church’s legal standing in the Kramph Will case. Lechner has examined the relevant laws and is concerned that the Church and the Academy are legally vulnerable. Any form of fornication and adultery is against the law, as is the teaching of these ideas. As Pendleton understands from Lechner, “Any institution which holds and teaches things against public policy is...

Scope and Contents

Handwritten letter from N.D. Pendleton to Bishop William F. Pendleton. Pendleton thanks W.F.P. for his note regarding the time of the rehearing of the Kramph Will case. Pendleton will not be able to attend, but he hopes someone will give him an idea of the line of argument used by Mr. Hensel regarding the teachings concerning fornication and concubinage. Names mentioned: (Frederick J.) Kramph, Mr. Hensel (Honorable W. U. Hensel)

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 does not know how to respond to W.F.P.’s last letter; He states that Miss Beekman sent her manuscripts to him for his commentary and general interest, not so that he could arrange them for publication. He again expresses his opinion that the person chosen to edit Miss Beekman’s work should be someone near to her in Bryn Athyn. Pendleton hopes for a favorable outcome of the Kramph Will case, and he looks forward...

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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 was glad to learn that Gilbert Smith will be sent to Erie. He has written to inform Dr. Cranch according to W.F.P.’s suggestion. Pendleton would like to be sent a copy of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision on the Kramph will case. Mr. Acton and Mr. Odhner both voiced opposition to Pendleton leaving Pittsburgh for a position in Bryn Athyn, but Pendleton informed them that he has declined the offer. Names...