The records of the Crombie Street Congregational Church in Salem, Massachusetts, cover the entirety of its existence from the founding in 1832. The collection includes record books, correspondence, financial information, papers of ministers, records of charitable groups, and more. It has been organized into six series. All material has been arranged chronologically within series or subseries.

Series I. Administrative consists of church record books, correspondence, reports, the constitution and by-laws, lists of members, deeds, and annual meeting reports. Subseries A. Early Records contains the earliest church records, including shares in the Salem Theatre (1827) which occupied the building before the church. It also contains record books, lists of members, baptisms, deaths, the constitution and by-laws, and deeds. Subseries B. Correspondence and Reports contains letters to the clerk, invitations from other churches to attend the installation of a new minister, communication from the Essex South Conference of Churches, and reports of various committees. Subseries C. Other Records consists of record books, correspondence about a possible merger with South Church (1906), lists of members, a manual with its supplement, annual meeting reports, and a brochure.

Series II. Financial contains account books, check books, correspondence, receipts, bills, treasurers’ reports, pew deeds and information, subscriptions for debt, wills, a mortgage, and records of the Ireland Fund.

Series III. Pastoral contains the records of pastoral activities. Subseries A. Pastors’ Papers consists of correspondence, sermons, photographs, and other records of 15 ministers who served in the church. It also contains two folders of calendars of services from 1890 through 1957, and two printed items. Of interest are the letters Joseph Henry Thayer wrote to the Sabbath School students while serving as a chaplain in the 40th Massachusetts Infantry for nine months in 1862-1863. Subseries B. Dismissals and Admissions consists of letters from church members asking to be dismissed from the Crombie Street Church so that they could join a different church as well as the letter granting them that permission. It also contains admissions of individual members to the church.

Series IV. Sabbath School consists of records of the Sabbath School such as the constitution and by-laws, reports, record books, correspondence, attendance records, lessons, the Teachers’ Association records, and the Sabbath School Benevolent Association account and record books. It includes a diagram of the arrangement of classes in the church for 1863.

Series V. Social and Charitable Activities consists of the records of several different societies or clubs that were part of the church. Subseries A. Ladies Benevolent Society contains account books, record books, bank books, an address, receipts, and a list of members. Subseries B. Auxiliary and Missionary Society includes records book, a meeting program, and material about people sponsored by the church. Subseries C. Woman’s Association contains records books and a program booklet for 1933-1934. Subseries D. Koinonia Society includes the constitution, record books, an account book, correspondence, and receipts. Subseries E. Young Peoples Society of Christian Endeavor contains the constitution, record books, attendance records, reports, material about the 21st anniversary celebration, and prayer meeting topics. Subseries F. Men’s Club consists of secretaries reports from 1925 to 1940. Subseries G. Graham Society contains an account book, treasurer’s book, and constitution, and record book. Subseries H. Other Organizations contains material about the Crombie Street Association, the Essex South Association of Congregational Churches, the Men’s Association, The Thayer Club, theatricals, and the Beacon Club.

Series VI. Other Material consists of play scripts, newspaper clippings, memorials and tributes, photographs, sheet music from the 1930s, material from the 100th anniversary of the church’s founding in 1932, choir and organ material, history of the church, church attendance, red damask cloth from original pew cushions, poetry and some photographic negatives.