Bible Association of Friends records

The collection includes founding documents, annual reports, correspondence, minutes, membership, financial records, Philadelphia Auxiliary records, Concord auxiliary records, and miscellaneous.

Founding documents include the constitution, bylaws, and an appeal to members of the Society of Friends. Annual reports detail the activities of the society for the past year, including officers, reports from auxiliary societies, financial information, and Bible distribution; the information included varies from year to year.

Correspondence includes both general correspondence and treasurer’s correspondence. The former includes correspondence with both individuals, often either purchasers of Bibles or donors of money, and auxiliaries. The latter includes information about where payments are going and investments.

Minutes of the managers contain the most information about the society as a whole. They include reports from committees and auxiliary associations, the printing of Bibles for the Association, interactions with and reports from other Bible Societies, properties and rents, officers, budgets, distribution of Bibles and quantities in stock, and how to encourage attendance at meetings. Annual meeting minutes record discussions at annual meetings.

Membership materials include member lists and subscription books.

Financial records are the largest segment of the collection. Treasurer’s records are those kept by the treasurer and offer a full financial picture, including incoming and outgoing investments and financial information from the auxiliaries. Accounts include information on cash and “book accounts” for printing. Donor records includes information on donations by donor name. Books of check stubs show outgoing payment amounts, who was paid, and often what they were paid for. There are several folders of materials dealing with the John Liverzry Trust, as well as information on other bequests and estates. Miscellaneous financial materials includes some information on investments and insurance documents.

Philadelphia auxiliary materials include materials from both the men’s and women’s committees, including minutes, minutes of the corresponding committees, and treasurer’s accounts. These include information on the distribution of Bibles to specific people and organizations.

Concord auxiliary materials include a minute book.

Miscellaneous materials include a historical sketch of the organization and committee and distribution reports,as well as copies of the 1831 Bible printed for the Association.