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The Charles P. McIlvaine letters were written in the 18th and 19th century and therefore may contain language that we understand today as harmful or offensive. You may encounter paternalist descriptions of Native Americans, racial slurs, or sexism. For more information, see our policy page.
ISBN
KMcI610220
Date
2-14-1861
Keywords
letter, McIlvaine, Bedell
Recommended Citation
McIlvaine, Charles Pettit, "Letter to Bishop Bedell" (1861). Charles Pettit McIlvaine Letters. 119.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/mcilvaine_letters/119
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Transcript
Cinc. Feb. 14, 1861
My dear Bishop,
I have this evening read yours of the 12th. I remember hearing that somebody had been to Mr. Powell’s house after everyone had gone to bed. But nobody went to the door and it was not known who it was or what was wanted. It is a very gratifying instance of the power of [?] grace.
As to Gillette I know nothing at all – pro or con – I do not understand things at [?]. Judge Mitchell and Dr. Dosey wrote, you know, and I answered and recommended Dr. [?]. The other day Fitch was here, and said that the letter to me was written with the expectation that I would recommend them to recall him, as he was prepared to give up his connection with the public schools for that purpose. I said their letter intimated no such thing, and if they desired such a thing they should have said so. My idea is that Fitch is not in their secret that they wish to save his feelings, but get someone else. They need a minister there of good abilities. In point of intelligence they are about like the Dayton congregation. Wallace I dare say would do well there. We have now Hillsborough, Circleville, [?] and [?] to get supplied. We must not think of any additional [?] enterprise under present circumstances. I got [?] [?] to have a collection for our committee the Sunday after he was there. I do not know what he got, but I doubt not it was very small. Next Sunday I preach for the Committee at St. Paul, and make a collection. The Quarterly meeting will soon come where we must take measures for measure. The [?] of the Circleville Church writes that they are so much discouraged as to doubt whether they can keep up their organization. He alludes to some special discouragements, but avoids saying what they are. Mr. Magill has not said anything to me. He has done it so often that I suppose he feels averse to coming again with difficulties. Probably he had better leave. – I hear from good people who attend there that the opportunity is very good for a good congregation, but not under him – that he is very uneducated, as I know he is, and constantly shows it – makes no preparation for his sermons, and often says things that grievously offend their sense of propriety. I think if Mr. [?] shall cease at Easter, of which I believe there is a probability and Magill should resign and we could get Mr. Griffin, who used to be at Gambier (his [?] will soon be out) to take both and unite them in one, he could be supported with very little outside end at first, and soon entirely from within. Suppose you ask Mr. Wharton what he thinks Griffin would say to such a proposal. Charley wishes we have had such good preaching as they have at G.–
Yours truly,
C.P. McIlvaine