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"Church letter" help

TheOldMole Jul 13 2008 07:26 AM

]When news went out that one member of the Smith family had returned a Baptist, the Church lost no time in bringing in its sheep before he had a chance to stray. John had no intention of presenting himself for membership, for his church letter was still at Hallettsville where he had been baptized, and where he was in disgrace. Former pastor Wilson's church letter and license to preach had been canceled to prevent his returning or entering elsewhere, and John feared that if he attempted to ask for his letter that the truth would come out about him. The time of this passage is around 1918. Can anyone tell me what a church letter was? Or is? Is this still a current church practice?

Rockin' Doc Jul 13 2008 11:28 AM

I believe they are talking about the persons letter of membership. For instance, I am a member of the United Methodist Church. My actual membership is with the local church where I attend. Should I move to another area at some time, I would generally have my membership transferred to the church I am attending in my new locale.

Nymr83 Jul 13 2008 12:11 PM

yes, and there was a time when this "transfer" of membership among some christian groups was far more than a mere formality and you would be unable to participate fully at your new church until the old one gave over the letter, something they would refuse to do if you had done something like converted

TheOldMole Jul 13 2008 06:52 PM

Thanx.

Kong76 Jul 13 2008 07:17 PM

Is there anything that ny83 doesn't know something about?

Nymr83 Jul 13 2008 07:23 PM

i'm a nerd and read too much, also i google stuff (though not this) to look smart.

AG/DC Jul 13 2008 07:58 PM

In order to get married, I had to call the church of my infancy for a copy of my batismal certificate. I swear I was on with her for no more than 40 seconds before she said, "OK, we'll have that sent to you." I was holding it three days later. I have no doubt that the church I'm in now, when they get such calls, say, "OK, I have to dig behind the baseboards. You were born in 1967? Oh, no, we have to wait for Roberto to come in ion Thursday to get access to those. Some furniture needs to be moved, and it's very dangerous in that room. A lot of water damage and rot." It's astonishing how churches can be the most organized and least organized places there are. Of course, if you believe it, the Mormons have geneology on every last one of us.

Frayed Knot Jul 13 2008 08:03 PM

I'm guessing it probably helps that the church of your youth was/is the central diocese for the area and connected to all those offices, no? They strike me as a place likely to be very organized.

AG/DC Jul 13 2008 08:09 PM

No, good point, but I wasn't baptized in the Diocese of Rockville Centre or the Parish of St. Agnes, but back in the Diocese of Brooklyn, Parish of St. Rose of Lima. We were thinking of going back there to get married, but they fired a teacher a few years back for having the gall to get pregnant and not get married. Give me compassion over organization.