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. 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. 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.”

Scope and Contents Typed letter from N.D. Pendleton to Rev. Willard D. Pendleton in Aspinwall, PA, USA. Pendleton apologizes for this brief acknowledgement of Willard’s congratulations on his (Pendleton’s) 70th birthday. Pendleton received many such congratulations, and he was particularly moved by the effort put into the birthday celebrations by Raymond, Mildred, Harold, and Clara. Pendleton has written to Alex P. Lindsay in response to the Pittsburgh Pastoral Council’s request for an assistant pastor. Norman...

Scope and Contents Typed letter from N.D. Pendleton's secretary, Freda Pendleton, to Rev. Gilbert Haven Smith in Glenview, IL, USA. Smith has written to F. Pendleton informing her that he will be attending the upcoming ministers’ meetings in Bryn Athyn. Pendleton responds, “For your information- I no longer have the pleasant job of housing the guests- including ministers- for the February meetings. I am a strong believer in passing the buck, which I did in this case after having undertaken the job for a number...

Scope and Contents Typed letter from N.D. Pendleton's secretary to Rev. Theodore Pitcairn in Bryn Athyn, PA, USA. Unsigned, likely written by Viola Wolcott Rennels. The Bishop’s secretary encloses the “Order and Organization of the Immanuel Church of the New Jerusalem” for Pitcairn to read and return so that it may be circulated amongst the other members of the Consistory. The secretary also reminds Pitcairn that the Senior Dance is approaching in case he and Mrs. Pitcairn would like to attend. Names...