Philadelphia Universalist Convention. Records, 1789-1807.
Overview
This collection contains records of meetings, letters from Universalist conventions, and a record book which contains the minutes and transactions of the Convention from 1790 to 1807.
Dates
- Creation: 1789-1807.
Access
There are no restrictions on access to this collection.
Extent
1 boxesThis collection contains letters which were sent from various Universalist congregations to the Philadelphia Universalist Convention. The letters were usually meant to be read at the annual meeting. It also contains drafts of minutes of the Convention, and a record book which contains the minutes and transactions of the Convention from 1790 to 1807.
Biographical / Historical
In September, 1789 a group of New Jersey and Philadelphia believers in the doctrine of universal salvation met in Philadelphia and sent out a circular letter inviting those of like faith to confer the following May at the meetinghouse of Elhanan Winchester’s Society of Universal Baptists in that city. From 25 May to 8 June 1790, seven preachers and ten laymen, from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Massachusetts, deliberated and drew up a “Rule of Faith” and a “plan of Church Government,” both of which they submitted to the eminent Universalist physician Benjamin Rush for his opinion. These documents became foundational for the establishment of the Universalist faith in the United States. (Miller, Russell, The Larger Hope,76–77).
Acquisition Information
Gift of the Universalist Historical Society.
- Title
- Philadelphia Universalist Convention. Records, 1789-1807: A Finding Aid.
- Author
- Andover-Harvard Theological Library
- Language of description
- und
- EAD ID
- div00407
Repository Details
Part of the Harvard Divinity School Library, Harvard University Repository
Special Collections at Harvard Divinity School Library preserves and makes accessible primary source materials documenting the history of religion and theology, with particular historical emphasis on American liberal religious traditions. Though the historical strengths of the collections have been in the field of Christianity, other religious traditions are increasingly reflected, in step with Harvard Divinity School's evolving focus on global religious studies. Known as Andover-Harvard Theological Library since 1911, it was renamed the Harvard Divinity School Library in 2021.
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