History of Central Church

Official Record and Related Papers

Ar the regular monthly business meeting of the Central Church, held on Monday evening, June 13, 1904, the subject of a CHURCH HISTORY was discussed, and on motion, it was

Voted, To appoint a committee to consider the matter, and if deemed expedient to gather material for a Church History.

The chairman appointed Mrs. William Carr, Mrs. Eli Thurston, and Mrs. Charles J. Holmes as the committee.

Annual Church Meeting, April 17, 1905

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CHURCH HISTORY

The committee, Mrs. Elizabeth V. Carr, Mrs. Julia A. Thurston, and Mrs. Charles J. Holmes, appointed by vote of the Church on June 13, 1904, to prepare a sketch or history of the Church for the first sixty years of its existence, submit a report of progress.

They have called in such assistance as seemed necessary; have had the cordial coöperation of many interested persons; have diligently scrutinized the Church and local records; have selected much interesting material; and have drafted many articles, biographical sketches, narratives, incidents, etc. They have had frequent meetings, held many interviews for the acquisition of knowledge, and already have much of the sketch in hand and nearly ready for the printer.

The committee ask instruction as to the extent of its powers, such as authority to print, to secure portraits, illustrations, etc., the methods of providing for the expense of the work, the size of the edition, and the plan of circulation or distribution.

In behalf of the committee,

FALL RIVER, April 17, 1905.

Mrs. ELIZABETH V. CARR.

The report was read and accepted. On motion,

Voted, That the Committee on Church History have full power to proceed with the work in such manner as shall seem to it best; to secure a guarantee fund for publication, by subscription or donation as it may be able; and to provide for the sale and distribution of the edition.

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Comment: It is expected that this work will be done without expense to the Church or Society, it being largely of individual interest at present, though of great importance and value for ecclesiastical archives in the future.

To

Circular

PUBLICATION FUND FOR CENTRAL CHURCH HISTORY

FALL RIVER, MASS., June 6, 1905.

The committee on the "History of the Central Church, 1842-1905," have about completed their labors. They have spent nearly a year in reviewing a great mass of records, reports, and other material, and feel that they have compiled a very valuable and interesting volume. It will be amply illustrated with portraits and views, the plates of which alone will cost nearly one hundred dollars. The next question confronting them is as to the Cost of printing the book. They estimate that they will want from eight hundred to a thousand dollars, for an edition of from three hundred to five hundred copies.

They are debarred by the "vote of the Church" from applying to the Church or Society for the funds; they see no other way open, therefore, but to solicit VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS to pay for the work. Especially is this desirable, as they wish to make only a nominal selling price for the book, that ALL may have the privilege of owning a a copy.

This fund for publication should be secured AT ONCE, before the summer vacation.

It will greatly relieve the anxieties of the committee to know how the work is to be paid for; and the answers will also indicate whether the volume is of sufficient interest to the members of the congregation to secure its publication as prepared by the committee.

Will you kindly consider this matter, make as liberal a gift as you may judge necessary and proper, and notify C. J. HOLMES, treasurer of the fund, on or before June 20, of your answer.

Very respectfully,

Mrs. ELIZABETH V. CARR,
Mrs. JULIA A. THURSTON,
Mrs. CHARLES J. HOLMES,

Committee.

Subscribers to Publication Fund, June, 1905