Thornton, R.I. Congregational Church of Christ records, 1889-1918.

Collection

Identifier: RG5546

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection of records from the Congregational Church of Christ in Thornton, Rhode Island, contains administrative meeting minutes and vital membership records which include baptismal and marriage records.

Dates

1889-1918

Creator

Congregational Church of Christ (Thornton, R.I.) (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

In 1885, the Union Evangelical Society of Thornton was chartered in Thornton, Rhode Island. This legal entity changed its name to Union Congregational Church Society of Thornton in 1888. In 1889, the Congregational Church of Christ of Thornton was first gathered. In 1910, a legal dispute arose over the church’s charter and the land the church was built on. The legal quagmire grew so confusing, that the Rhode Island Conference and the Rhode Island Home Missionary Society became involved. As a result of the legal issues, the church society became legally known as the Thornton Congregational Church Society of Thornton and the church property itself was transferred to the Rhode Island Home Missionary Society. By 1930, the church entity was dissolved.

Extent

0.18 Cubic Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

In 1889, the Congregational Church of Christ of Thornton was first gathered. In 1910, a legal dispute arose over the church’s charter and the land the church was built on. Due to the legal issues, the church property was transferred to the Rhode Island Home Missionary Society. The church dissolved by 1930. This collection contains administrative meeting minutes and vital membership records.

Arrangement

Materials in this collection have been arranged into chronological order by start date.

Acquisition Information

Materials were donated to the Congregational Library & Archives by the Rhode Island Conference of the United Church of Christ in April 1984; no acquisition information.

Related Materials

Materials related to the legal issues faced by the church in 1910 were kept by the Rhode Island Conference and may be found within the CLA's Rhode Island Conference records (RG0150).