2002.088.009

This folder contains information, primarily correspondence, relating to the sale of the church property belonging to the First Universalist Society of Methuen,MA. and the disposal of its assets. The paperwork covers the dates from January 1940 through May 1945. The correspondence primarily is between the Clerk of the First Universalist Society, Methuen and the Massachusetts Universalist Convention in Boston. Eventually the property was sold to the Bethel Armenian Church and, by a vote of the Society at a Special Meeting on July 24, 1944, it was decided, " To turn over to the Massachusetts Universalist Convention ( MUC) all property belonging to the First Universalist Society in Methuen, Massachusetts in accordance with the agreement submitted by the MUC with the promise that Article 3, Paragraph C be changed to read, ' the balance of the income shall be divided equally between the First Universalist Society in Lawrence,Mass. and the MUC.' "

admin: The First Universalist Society ceased using the church building in 1934, although the Society continued. In 1938 the Society had an annual meeting and Charles Cooper was elected as Clerk, Fred Woodbury as Treasurer and George Richardson as Moderator. By 1940 the Society was in process of deciding the distribution of property and assets. In1944 some donations were given to the Arlington Day Nursery and to First Universalist Society in Lawrence. By 1945 the building had been sold to the Bethel Armenian Church and the remaining assets were divided equally between the Massachusetts Universalist Convention in Boston and the First Universalist Society in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

One legal-sized folder with approximately 17 pages, some typed, some copies of originals, some hand-written. All are in good condition.

Inventory created by B.Brown, October2002. One copy located with collection; second copy in archivist's office.