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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.
Description
"Amusing and able letter from W. Chester" explains obstinacy about Sunday School sermon. Relationship between college chapel and local people. Newton is employee between college chapel and local people. Newton is employee of trustees. Trutees have exclusive control over chapel. If disagreement between Chaplain and Board, then President of Board decides. Disapproves of dress on alter, flowers, etc.
ISBN
KMcI 640303
Date
3-3-1864
Keywords
letter, McIlvaine, Bedell, church Newton
Recommended Citation
McIlvaine, Charles Pettit, "Letter to Bishop Bedell" (1864). Charles Pettit McIlvaine Letters. 81.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/mcilvaine_letters/81
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Transcript
Cinc. March 2 /64
My dear Bishop-
Your two fat letters came yesterday. I will put my head at the [Visitation] business soon + write. That is a most amusing + able letter from W. Chester. It is also very “suggestive.” It explains his present obstinacy as to the S.S. sermon. I am much disappointed in his spirit about it. My letter to him was as kind as possible, + took up just about the aspects of the case contained in your letter, stated the peculiarity of his Rectorship, &c. indeed the whole case, + gave my opinion as the same as that of the Pres. about it. This I supposed would be enough, without any particular request or indication of authority. I am quite decided that the students must not be deprived of their sermon on that Sunday - + if it has to come to the use of authority it must be done. But I hope that extremity may be avoided. Let me know what course you think had better be taken. Mr. Newton must not forget that he preaches in the College Chapel that he is an employee of the Trustees, having a house provided him by them + a part of his salary, how much I forget. HIs relation to the inhabitants of the village other than College Officers + their families is incidental to his relation to the several branches of the Institution. The letter would remain; though those were no village-people. With regard to the use of the building for other purposes than those of his services + other than those of the Commencement, I think the true ground is between his apparent [use] + that of the College Faculty having exclusive control in any reason. For example, suppose the use be deemed for some occa-
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Prof. of Mathematics. The occasion had no parochial relation. It would have been easier to have consulted the Rector as to the alterpiece, but it was an extraordinary thing, + in the circumstances, should not have been excepted to.
I wish such a thing as the dressing of the Church for Christ[ians] were not so much given up to the families + whims of any students or ladies who choose to take work in it. In that the Rector should have supreme authority to object. Where we set the
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be may think important to any professed mode of enducting the exercises which he thinks incompatible with the sacred character of teh House. And in case of disagreement the reference as before.
Whether there is any positive claim to this on the part of the Rector or not, I think it is proper.
In regard to your presiding on the 22nd occasion - it was a matter of course. The Rector as such had no more claim to be called to do so, than the
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his salary- You say that in a certain case you will recommend Mr. Trumble to Circleville. You know Mr. More wrote he would never vote again for an Irishman. Try to get a right man to St. Paul’s Columbus. They have had so much exp[?] of thier over heads, that they will perhaps be glad of some other to guide. Cant Worthington + Berkshire be visited under Nash. I have heard nothing from L[?] or [??] but sent a [?] letter. I will see about notices to you of vacancies.
Yours affly, C.P.M.
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to seasons, flowers for “the litter” + so forth. Let us be careful how use so nearly approach them as to have our objections [?] back on ourselves.
In regard to the time of Convention. I don’t think it can be changed to accomodate the visiters from Pittsburgh very desirable as it is that they should come to G. + that you should be there to meet them
As to the ordination of Hartley in Brooklyn, do as you please about it. Mark said nothing to me about his plans, but I learned from others that the people of ? especially in his congregation are so fast going away that he has scarcely the least supported left + he will have to go elsewhere. Mr. (whats his name) where I lodged in Monroeville, the chief man, said to me that they contemplated soon to have a minister to teh ? + perhaps they will choose Marks. This Norman + Miller can be changed. I don’t think I could do any good with Dr. Morse in the way you suggest. He can not stay long. Since I wrote Bitters he’s sent an unconditional ? to take place from Feb. 1 - [?] I don’t need [?] about