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Membership records, 1741-1880

 Series

Scope and Contents

This series contains the church's membership records, which are largely composed of relations. Relations are written accounts of individuals' religious experience, often required in the process of applying for full membership. Many of the relations in this series are written in the congregants' own handwriting. The relations also includes related membership records, such as letters of transfer to and from other churches, requests for baptism, and confessions of sins written in order to return to the good graces of the church. In addition to relations, this series contains marriage intentions, which were recorded by the town clerk prior to marriage, membership requests, letters of dismission, disciplinary records, including testimony, and membership certificates to various religious societies.

Dates

  • 1741-1880

Restrictions on Access

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

Extent

34 Folders

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Digital Copies

Many of the membership records found within this series have been digitized and made available online as part of the New Englands Hidden Histories project. An alphabetical index of these Relations and Personal records may be searched for easy digital access. In addition, transcriptions of the majority of these records can be seen along side the digital images.

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Congregational Library & Archives Repository

Contact:
14 Beacon Street
Suite 200
Boston MA 02108
617-523-0470