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Bible Society of Salem and Vicinity Records, 1810-1868

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 202

Scope and Content Note

The Bible Society of Salem and Vicinity records document the activities of this Salem, Massachusetts, organization. The collection contains two records books, containing the notes from both the annual meetings of the society and the quarterly meetings of the trustees; an account book, detailing the financial transactions during each year of the society's existence; financial reports; personal correspondence to the society; and transactions regarding the absorption of the Bible Society of Salem and Vicinity by the American Bible Society.

Of particular interest in the record books is an address given by the society to the general public of Salem, stating the purpose of the society, its affiliation with the Massachusetts and American Bible Societies, and an appeal to the public for financial support. The last will and testament of Daniel Lang, a substantial donor to the Bible Society of Salem and Vicinity, is also mentioned in volume 2 of the record books.

Dates

  • Creation: 1810-1868

Creator

Restrictions on Access

This collection is open for research use.

Historical Sketch

The Bible Society of Salem and Vicinity was established on August 22, 1810. The purpose of the Society was to solicit voluntary financial contributions with which to purchase Bibles, and consequently to aid in the distribution of Bibles to those who did not have the Scriptures readily available. The Bible Society of Salem and Vicinity was an auxiliary to the Massachusetts Bible Society, which in turn was a branch of the American Bible Society. The Salem branch was officially incorporated on February 25, 1811. After many profitable years, the Bible Society of Salem and Vicinity voted to disband on June 21, 1867. The members remained part of the American Bible Society, and all funds from the Salem society were sent to this parent organization.

Extent

0.50 linear feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Bible Society of Salem and Vicinity records document the activities of this Salem, Massachusetts, organization.

Physical Location

Phillips Library Stacks

Provenance

This material was deposited by the trustees of the Bible Society of Salem and Vicinity in 1868.

Bibliography and Related Collections

The Bible Society of Salem and Vicinity. The Constitution and Address of the Bible Society of Salem and Vicinity. Charlestown, MA: Printed by Samuel T. Armstrong, 1810.

Discourses by Abiel Abbot, 1817; Thomas Barnard, 1814; Manasseh Cutler, 1813; Brown Emerson, 1819; John Prince, 1816; Benjamin Wadsworth, 1815; and Samuel Worcester, 1818.

Processing Information

Collection processed by Hope Foster, March 1986. Updated by Tamara Gaydos, December 2015.

Title
BIBLE SOCIETY OF SALEM AND VICINITY RECORDS, 1810-1868
Author
Processed by: Hope Foster; Updated by: Tamara Gaydos; machine-readable finding aid created by: Rajkumar Natarajan.
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Phillips Library Repository

Contact:
Peabody Essex Museum
306 Newburyport Turnpike
Rowley MA 01969 USA