The Brooklyn Protestant Guild of the Deaf Records

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MSS096

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Brooklyn Protestant Guild of the Deaf collection contains three boxes of manuscripts, books, program books, newsletters, and a will. The collection, which consists of approximately 750 papers, is dated from 1892-1972. The collection includes constitution and by-law materials, correspondence, church memberships, minutes of meetings, a history of the Guild written on January 7, 1944, by the secretary, Lulu M. Demmerle, cash account books, church service brochures, newsletters, officer records, and a will of Archibald J. McLaren.

Dates

Creation: 1892 - 1972

Biographical / Historical

In Brooklyn, the seven men that met together in St. Mark’s Church on Adelphi Street founded the Brooklyn Protestant Guild of the Deaf. The Brooklyn Protestant Guild of the Deaf was founded in January 1892. It was then known as St. David’s Guild. The seven men were the Rev. Mr. Anson T. Colt and Messrs. William G. Gilbert, Robert Rusk, A.J. McLaren, Henry Juhring, Ecka, and Lenehan. The purpose of establishing this church was to provide a meeting place for the social activities of the deaf of Brooklyn and Long Island, and to carry on charitable work among them. The Guild has been the center of religious work, and it started as an offshoot of the Episcopal missions of the Reverend Dr. Gallaudet. The late Reverend Thomas Gallaudet, D.D, inspired B.P.G.D.

Extent

2.5 Linear Feet (2 document cases, 1 oversized flat box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

A social organization with religious ties established for the deaf in Brooklyn and Long Island. Many prominent Deaf clergymen worked with this organization.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated to Archives by Henry Buzzard.

Related Materials

Deaf Rare

Constitution and by-laws of the Brooklyn Protestant Guild of the Deaf: organized January 7, 1892. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Rare

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title: The Brooklyn Protestant Guild of the Deaf Records
Status: Completed
Author: Morris, Cheryl
Date: Original creation March 3, 2000. Last update November 23, 2005. ArchivesSpace version created June 15, 2023.
Language of description: English
Script of description: Latin