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Washington County Pennsylvania History and Families
Genealogy 101: Church Letters Received and Granted
Just what are these Letters?
Pre-1940s, persons of civility "introduced" a person by giving a letter, kind of like a "recommendation." Sort of "I know Charlie and he's a good guy" in today's standards.
The religious practice of letters no doubt grew from that societal trend of an introductory letter.
But in churches (not just German Baptists // COB), a Letter showed that a Member had been or is still a member, in good standing, and either stated or implied the person's character. Letters were used to transfer membership to another church... and sometimes, people changed churches every year (I read of one couple in a "First Christian" church who moved several times in & out of a church in one year).
Letters could also introduce the person and pave the way for business matters. If John Smith was elected by the church to go to X church to discuss X difficulty or X proposed plan, Mr. Smith likely was issued a church Letter.
Examples from the German Baptist Church 1800s:
Bro. Peter Forney was granted a traveling letter.
Maybe he was going on a church errand... or, he was taking a trip and would be stopping at other churches, but he was not giving up his Home church membership.
Bro. Isaac Forney also asked for his letter again but it was refused because
he was not leaving. -- Maybe this guy had some kind of church business his Home church wanted him to address...maybe he was not going to be in good standing so therefore the church was holding back his letter until he completed his obligation. Or, maybe he planned to move but long into the future?
Letters were granted to Sister Bertha Gillett and Bro. Ezra Fike -- likely moving, needing to go to a new church, in good standing
Letters received as follows: Ruben Young (Deacon) and wife Clara. -- this is how members (transfers) are accepted into the new congregation
Bro. J.G. Rarick and wife was granted letter of membership -- Both had demonstrated whatever ideals of the church, expressed interest in being members, and the congregation accepted them into the membership.
The following letters were received.
Again, this is how members (transfers) are accepted into the new congregation.
"Received" seemed to always mean "we read it and accepted the member" -- not 'we got this letter in hand now', like receiving a letter in your mailbox.
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