Scope and arrangement
The St. Philip's Church records, which date from 1867 to 1994 (bulk: 1957-1978), document the complex ways the church addressed the spiritual, social, intellectual, civic, and recreational needs of its parishioners and community members. Files include correspondence; meeting minutes; financial records; manuscripts; handwritten notes; church bulletins; blueprints; scrapbooks; photographs; and sound recordings.
The collection is divided into two series: Series I: Church Files and Series II: Pastor Weston's Files. The earliest documents in the collection pertain to confirmations, the vestry, church finances, bequests, and property and date from the 1860s to the 1930s; however, the majority of the records reflect the church's activities from the 1950s through the 1970s. The influence of Pastor M. Moran Weston who served as rector from 1957 to 1982, is evident in the bulk of the collection. The collection also reflects Weston's board involvement with a number of organizations, and his domestic policy concerns from the 1950s through the 1970s. His theological and social beliefs are reflected in his speeches, sermons, and writings, while his board commitments are represented in files of organizational correspondence and meeting minutes. Weston's rectorship is also documented through his correspondence and subject files.
While the remainder of the collection also addresses Weston's role as pastor and leader, the church files document broader aspects of the church, specifically its involvement in real estate and housing; its role providing social services and commitment to challenging injustice; the everyday activities of the church as a place of worship; and administrative matters including the church's finances and personnel. The church files consist of property records and proposals for property developments, financial and program reports, correspondence, and administrative files for the St. Philip's Community Service Council. Vestry minutes, registers, and baptism and confirmation records document the high level administration of the church, its attendance, and the Christian rites of baptism and confirmation.
The St. Philip's Church records are arranged in two series:
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1867-1980s
The Church Files pertain to the administrative operations of the church and its affiliated entities, particularly its housing properties, the Community Service Council, and other initiatives to improve the neighborhood, housing, and services for senior citizens and youth. In some cases these files overlap with Weston's files. The Church Files are divided into four subseries.
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1881-1994
Pastor Weston's Files document his 25 years of service as rector of St. Philip's Church. His ministerial, entrepreneurial, and community organizing work is well-represented, while personal records and mementos are scant. In some cases, Pastor Weston's files complement or overlap with Series I. Pastor Weston's files are divided into four subseries.