Massachusetts Convention of Congregational Ministers Records, 1749-1993 RG 0706
Processed December 2004 by Alice Dodds
Copyright: requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the archivist or librarian.
History
The Massachusetts Convention of Congregational Ministers was founded in 1692. The records here begin with a leather bound volume of minutes, the first entry of which is dated 1749. It is the first of five such volumes coming down in unbroken sequence to 1928. The remaining years covered by these records run consecutively and completely through 1993. The records after 1928 were maintained in loose leaf notebooks and, unlike the bound volumes, contain not only minutes but correspondence, memoranda, rough drafts, financial statements, invitations, clippings, speeches, photographs and publications.
Aside from minutes, the early records are primarily financial in nature. One of the large responsibilities of the MCCM was the financial support of the widows and orphans of deceased ministers. Bound volumes record the monthly donations distributed to these individuals. In addition to this charitable work by the MCCM itself, its charitable arm, the Congregational Charitable Society also engaged in the financial support of these needy women and children. Some of the annual appeals for funds for these causes are included as a part of this collection. There are also financial records of the Evangelical Missionary Society, the Society for Promoting Theological Education, and gifts and bequests.
The early records contain interesting insights into the life of the times, and one document in particular speaks of customs and manners long forgotten. Addressed to "Excellency," and handwritten for many pages, it is an appeal for a stop to state fasting days. It is undated, must go back to pre-Revolutionary days, and gives no indication of the outcome of the appeal.
Series
Series I
These materials include historical documents and the leather bound, handwritten minutes of the MCCM meetings from May 31, 1749 through May 31, 1838. The five volumes in this series are in excellent condition.
Series II
These boxes contain more heterogeneous records of the MCCM, spanning the years 1959 through 1993. The records came in four very large loose leaf notebooks. As the materials were removed and placed in folders, they were kept in their original order of dates and subject matter. They cover a wide assortment of types of records including meeting minutes, meeting notices, invitations, correspondence, drafts, programs, photographs, and clippings.
Series III
These financial records include the accounts of the Massachusetts Convention of Congregational Ministers and its auxiliary groups including the Congregational Charitable Society, the Evangelical Missionary Society, and the Society for the Promotion of Theological Education. The records of the MCCM and the Charitable Society document the donations for the support of deceased ministers' widows and orphans. Also included here is a folder on bequests.
Series IV
Contained in this series are the sermons of three distinguished ministers of the late 19th century and one by a minister in 1972. They include John W. Harding in 1887, Edward Everett Hale in 1891, Samuel Collins Beane in 1893 and Prescott B. Wintersteen in 1972.