Massachusetts Congregational Charitable Society records, 1786-1954.

Collection

Identifier: RG0120

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains various records created by the Massachusetts Congregational Charitable Society from its inception in 1786. It is comprised of financial and administrative records.

Dates

1786-1954

Creator

Massachusetts Congregational Charitable Society (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

Beginning as a fund within the Massachusetts Convention of Congregational Ministers, The Massachusetts Congregational Charitable Society formed on March 24, 1786, when their Act of Incorporation was passed and signed. After incorporation, the Society maintained a close relationship to the Convention who continued to contribute funds to the Society. The aim of the Society was to provide annual financial relief for widows and children of deceased Congregational ministers.

In the early 19th century, Congregationalism in New England split into two distinct wings. The Charitable Society continued to serve both without interruption, and still currently serve both the families of Unitarian Universalist and United Church of Christ ministers. Shortly after 1820 when Maine achieved statehood, a separate Maine Congregational Charitable Society was incorporated, although today the funds from the Massachusetts Society support families in both states.

Extent

.97 Cubic Feet (3 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains various records from The Massachusetts Congregational Charitable Society which formed on March 24, 1786, when their Act of Incorporation was passed and signed. The Society served and continues to serve as financial support for widows and children of deceased Congregational ministers, and this is reflected in the collection in the form of grant applications, correspondence with beneficiaries, and financial statements.

Arrangement

The Massachusetts Congregational Charitable Society records have been arranged into the two series listed below. Within each series materials have been primarily arranged in chronological order by start date. When appropriate, similar and continuous materials have been grouped together.

Series 1: Finances, 1787-1917

Series 2: Administration, 1786-1954

Acquisition Information

No acquisition information is available for this collection.

Related Materials

Additional records related to the Massachusetts Congregational Charitable Society can be found at the Harvard Divinity School Library, bMS 00504 and the Massachusetts Historical Society, Ms. N-511.

Bibliography

"An historical sketch of the Convention of the Congregational Ministers in Massachusetts : with an account of its funds, its connexion with the Massachusetts Congregational Charitable Society, and its rules and regulations, MDCCCXXI. (1821), 9.3 2047. The Congregational Library & Archives, Boston, MA.”