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

Typed letter from N.D. Pendleton to Rev. Ernst Pfeiffer in The Hague, Holland. Pendleton has received Pfeiffer’s annual report and the treasurer’s financial report. He notes that Charter Day celebrations were held in Bryn Athyn last weekend.

Scope and Contents Handwritten letter from N.D. Pendleton to Rev. Eugene Schreck. No Date, circa 1892/1893 CE. Text: “After consulting with Mr. Bostock in regard to reports, news notes etc from the Emmanuel Society to the “Life” I decided to ask Mr. Alvin Nelson to write them for us and send them to the Life monthly. He will send you general society news, but all communications concerning the Schools will be written by either Mr. Bostock or myself – That is, all communications concerning our work, its...

Scope and Contents Typed letter from N.D. Pendleton to Rev. Gustaf Baeckström in Stockholm, Sweden. Pendleton acknowledges Baeckstrom’s letter of Jan. 12th with enclosed annual report for 1931. Pendleton gives Baeckstrom a report of the Mid-year meetings which have just ended; Most of the time was spent discussing the question of marriages, i.e., whether or not ministers should marry people of two different religions. The Writings do not support these marriages, and Pendleton proposed this question “in order...

Scope and Contents Typed letter from N.D. Pendleton to Rev. Gustaf Baeckström in Stockholm, Sweden. Pendleton acknowledges Baeckstrom’s letter of Oct. 22nd and enclosed baptismal records of two girls from the Sunday school. Pendleton tells Baeckstrom about their night at Mrs. Carpenter’s; It was "a delightful gathering in memory of our visit to Sweden, everything served after the Swedish manner in so far as possible. There were frequent “skoals” so you can imagine we had a good time.” Pendleton may travel to...

Scope and Contents Typed letter from N.D. Pendleton to Rev. Henry Heinrichs in Denver, CO, USA. Pendleton has received Heinrichs’ letter of October 22nd with his annual report of the Denver Society. The report has been submitted to Mr. (Will) Caldwell for publication in the Life, if space can be found. Pendleton hopes Heinrichs will be able to “lift the Society (Denver) out of the seeming discouragement which has lowered its vitality during the past several years.” To this end, Pendleton recommends slow and...

Scope and Contents Typed letter from N.D. Pendleton to Rev. Homer Synnestvedt in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Pendleton has received Synnestvedt’s letter of March 25th. Pendleton discusses plans for the upcoming district assembly in Pittsburgh, April 26th-29th. The subject of his address will be Representative Government and Human Freedom in the light of Revelation. He is looking forward to the customary “Stag luncheon” and Monday night banquet. Pendleton regrets that’s the Pittsburgh school will lose Miss Celia...

Scope and Contents Typed letter from N.D. Pendleton to Rev. Reginald W. Brown in Maseru, Basutoland, SA. Pendleton has received Brown’s letters with enclosures. Pendleton supports Brown’s work in Basutoland, but worries that the more success he has there, the harder it will be for him to return to the Academy. The faculty is even more strained than Pendleton had anticipated; Mr. Acton is still away in Europe and will not be back for months. Pendleton advises Brown to prepare someone, possibly de Guymuller, to...

Scope and Contents Typed letter from N.D. Pendleton to Rev. Theodore Pitcairn in Maseru, Basutoland. Pendleton has received Pitcairn’s letter of Dec. 2nd. He is relieved that Pitcairn agrees with him on “the marriage question.” He states, “The spiritual law is absolute, Christianity and polygamy cannot be mixed, and no New Church minister should knowingly baptize any one known to be living with more than one woman.” Pendleton would also like to insist on a Christian marriage ceremony, but he does not know...

Scope and Contents

Typed letter from N.D. Pendleton to Rev. Theodore Pitcairn in Bryn Athyn, PA, USA. Text: “The much appreciated cigars came this morning. We shall, I trust, frequently enjoy them together.”