The Barnstable Association, a group of ministers from Barnstable County, Massachusetts, first met in July 1792 for the purposes of “cultivating friendship and ministerial union,” and “having better opportunity for consulting each other.” The early meetings, held in individual minister’s homes, consisted of lectures and discussions on a variety of topics. The organization has since evolved, as evidenced by the financial records in this collection. Once just for ministers, the Association currently helps facilitate the work of the churches, including credentialing and placement of clergy.