Brookline, Mass. Leyden Congregational Church records, 1895-1975.

Collection

Identifier: RG0701

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains records on the administration, building, and finances of Leyden Congregational Church, including those from the Church’s treasurer and Board of Trustees. The collection also holds records on church life and history, which feature a scrapbook as well as materials on the Church’s 40th, 50th, and 75th, anniversaries. Finally, in this collection there are records on the committees and organizations associated with Leyden Congregational, such as their Woman’s Union.

Dates

1895-1975

Creator

Leyden Congregational Church (Brookline, Mass.) (Organization)

Restrictions on Access

Access to this collection is unrestricted and open to the public.

Restrictions on Use

Items in this collection are subject to U.S. Copyright Law. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine the copyright status of collection items and to secure any permissions necessary for their reproduction and publication. Requests for permission to publish material must be discussed with the archivist or librarian.

Historical Note

The Leyden Congregational Church in Brookline, Massachusetts was incorporated on November 24, 1896, with the formal organization of the church and installation of Dr. Harris G. Hale as pastor having taken place on November 4 of that year. For three years, services were held in the Beaconsfield Casino. The cornerstone for the church building at 1835 Beacon Street was laid on May 19, 1899, and the first morning worship took place six months later.

The building was restored in the late 1920s after a fire damaged the House of Worship. Still, the Church and its community celebrated many joyous events and occasions, including its 50th and 75th anniversaries. Beyond the administration of the Leyden Congregational itself, the Church led various organizations and committees. This included the Woman’s Union, which was comprised mostly of women members of the Church. The Union carried out missionary and charity work, impacting the local and the international.

During its time, Leyden Congregational Church voted to ratify the “Basis of Union” in 1937 and joined the United Church of Christ in 1962. Leyden Congregational Church eventually closed in 1975, after nearly eight decades of serving its neighboring community. Today, the building at 1835 Beacon Street is occupied by the Chinese Christian Church.

Extent

3.71 Cubic Feet (4 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Leyden Congregational Church in Brookline, Massachusetts was incorporated on November 24, 1896, with the cornerstone for the church building at 1835 Beacon Street having been laid on May 19, 1899. The Church eventually closed in 1975, after nearly eight decades of serving its neighboring community. This collection contains records on the committees and organizations, history, administration, building and finances, and church life of Leyden Congregational Church.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into five series. The second and third series have been further arranged into three and six sub-series, respectively. Records in each series and sub-series have been arranged by topic and in chronological order.