[Archive] Four Letters from the Rector of St. John's Parish, Chronicling his Temporary Breakdown and Resignation

Lewis, John Vaughn

Published by Washington, DC, 1880

7 pp. on 3 sheets & 1 Bifolium. Four letters, spanning two years, from John Vaughn Lewis (1836-1911) the rector of St. John's Parish (St. John's Episcopalian Church) in Washington D.C., one of the best known churches in the nation's capital, to his colleague Mortimer Jefferis, beginning with the hiring of Jefferis, and through to the aftermath of the resignation of Lewis, from St. John's. In the first letter, dated October 15, 1878, Lewis offers Jefferis forty dollars a week to come work at St. John's, ".to maintain the Daily Service, to assist on Sundays, &. superintend the Sunday School." In the second letter, dated January 30th, 1879, Lewis does not address Jefferis (nor anyone else), rather he names Jefferis as his representative, and authorizes Jefferis to act on his behalf. The third, written on St. John's stationary, but from the Convent of St. Paul, is dated 1879, and informs Jefferis of his resignation from St. John's. He tells Jefferis that he ". and Jim Clark must take care of things, somehow. You need not come see me, I am 'played out'". The last letter, dated May 14, 1880, is the only letter not written on St. John's stationary, and comes from Burlington, NJ. By this time, Jefferis too, had left St. John's, as this letter was addressed to him in Dresden, Germany. In this letter, Lewis takes the opportunity to explain his decision to leave St. John's, claiming that his resignation was "fore-ordained", as they had not only reduced his salary and spending allowance, but they had knowingly "upset" his choir by making it a mixed quartet. Moreover, they had accused him of intemperance, to which he had replied, "'"Gentlemen, I know perfectly well how I use liquor and why. I could defy your charge in any court.'". He then shares with Jefferis his prospects for the future, entertaining the possibility of leaving Parish life, and working instead, in academia. He would however remain with Parish life, becoming rector at a number of churches after 1880. Very good, remnants and punctures to top edges of few letters, small tears along folds, not affecting text, minor browning. Seller Inventory # 44632

Bibliographic Details

Title: [Archive] Four Letters from the Rector of St...
Publisher: Washington, DC
Publication Date: 1880