2002.016.002

The series is a collection of the clerk's books of the Spiritualist Church. The first clerk's book covers the period of March 1898 through June 1905. It includes minutes of the monthly meetings, the annual meetings and special meetings. Treasurer's reports are included in the minutes. In addition to meeting minutes the book has a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws. The back of the book has a list of names and addresses, presumably names of members of the church. The final page is a list of mediums and their addresses. It includes one name, Emma B. Smith.The second book is titled " Progressive Spiritual Society Methuen, Mass - June 1905," was originally kept by George Nelson, 87 Quincy Street, Methuen, Mass and covers the period from June 1905 through December 1931. It contains minutes of monthly, annual, special meetings of the church. A copy of the revised by-laws, in which the church deletes "Progressive" from its official name and is re-named First Spiritual Church of Methuen, is located in the beginning. Membership cards were instituted for perspective members. The record of the mortgage obtained from Essex Savings Bank in 1905 for the real estate located at Centre Street, Methuen is recorded.The third record book begins in May, 1932 and concludes September,1957. The book includes minutes of church meetings and treasurer's reports and auditor reports.The fourth record book begins December 1957 and concludes August, 1974. At the back of the book are listed Trustees' names from 1962 through1976.The meetings are not as frequent and the minutes are less detailed but does list officers' names and titles.The fifth record book is a treasurer's book with income and expense entries from June, 1940 through December, 1959.
The series contains three folders. The first folder contains three folded, printed copies of Constitution and By-Laws of the First Spiritual Church Methuen, Mass. The card also includes the Rules of Order of the meetings. The second folder pertains to Martha A. Whitehead. It has a copy of her mediumship certification from the Massachusetts State Association of Spiritualists, signed by Emma B. Smith, Secretary and F. A. Wiggin, President. A letter inviting Mrs. Martha Whitehead to be pastor of the First Spiritual Church with her written acceptance of that call, not dated, is also in the folder. The third folder contains assorted papers from the church records.Included are minutes of meetings from March 1932; an index of titles of hymns; a page of handwritten meeting notes( no dates); two letters of resignation from the secretary and conductor of the Lyceum; a copy of Definitions and book titles as adopted by the National Spiritualist Association; a printed booklet, 34 pages, of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Massachusetts State Association of Spiritualists, revised 1931. The state association was incorporated February 19, 1894. ( Note that the resignation dates of the conductor and secretary of the Lyceum as found in the minutes of the Lyceum Annual Meetings are October 3, 1943 and November 28, 1943, respectively.)

admin: Within the by-laws of the Progressive Spiritualist Society of Lawrence, Article 2, Section 1, the Officers of the Society shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Clerk, Corresponding Secretary, Collector and Treasure. Article 3, Section 3 of the same by-laws states the Clerk shall be the individual who kept a record of all business transacted at the meetings.

Collection came from Mary Hagopian.The records were given to the donor by Mr.Thomas Hadfield, President of the Spiritualist Church, 1 Peaslee Terrace, #2, Methuen, MA.

5 record books; 3 folders. The first two Record books are in fragile condition, with loose pages and detached covers.The first book has a worn leather cover and about 136 numbered pages. The second book has a a worn leather cover and about 258 numbered pages. The third record book has a leather cover and 172 numbered pages. The fourth book has a leather cover and 150 pages, half of which are blank. The fifth book is leather bound and has 176 pages, half of which are blank.

Inventory, created by Barbara Brown, October 2002. One copy in box; second copy in archivist's office.

5 record books; 3 folders. The first two Record books are in fragile condition, with loose pages and detached covers.The first book has a worn leather cover and about 136 numbered pages. The second book has a worn leather cover and about 258 numbered pages. The third record book has a leather cover and 172 numbered pages. The fourth book has a leather cover and 150 pages, half of which are blank. The fifth book is leather bound and has 176 pages, half of which are blank.