Collection: Thomas Bray papers | Archival Collections

Dr. Thomas Bray (1656-1730) was a leading figure in the Church of England in colonial Maryland. The collection includes information on colonial religion, libraries, and the Anglican Church Establishment Act contained in petitions, meeting minutes, correspondence, and theological tracts.

Dates

1697-1705

Use and Access to Collection

This collection is open for research.

Duplication and Copyright Information

Photocopies of original materials may be provided for a fee and at the discretion of the curator. Please see our Duplication of Materials policy for more information. Queries regarding publication rights and copyright status of materials within this collection should be directed to the appropriate curator.

Extent

4.00 Linear Feet

Additional Description

Scope and Content of Collection

The Thomas Bray papers cover the period 1697 to 1705 and consist of minutes, petitions, proposals, legislation, correspondence, catalogs, and lists. A number of the documents in the collection describe conditions of life and the state of the church in the Maryland colony. Other topics covered include the church in the Maryland colony. Other topics covered include Quakers, clergy, libraries, the Anglican Church Establishment Act, and plans for the financial support of the clergy.

The documents have been described individually.

Biography

Dr. Thomas Bray (1656-1730) was a leading figure in the history of the Church of England, founding the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (S. P. G.) and the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (S. P. C. K.). In 1696 Bray was appointed Commissary of the Bishop of London for the Anglican Church in Maryland. He remained in London until 1699 attempting to obtain royal approval for two successive Acts of the Maryland Legislature for the creation of a tax-supported Anglican establishment. He spent the spring and summer of 1700 returning to London with a new Act that was approved by William III.

Bray was interested in seeing the clergy supplied with theological books and designed a system of parish and provincial collections from which books could be borrowed. The books were heavily theological but a selection of non-theological subjects was planned. Books from these collections could be borrowed by the laity.

Arrangement

This collection is organized as one series.

Series 1: Documents

Custodial History and Acquisition Information

The papers of Thomas Bray were purchased by the University of Maryland at College Park Libraries in 1979.

Existence and Location of Copies

Digital copies of the documents and letters in this collection are available at http://digital.lib.umd.edu/results.jsp?index1=dmKeyword&query1=thomas+bray in the University of Maryland's Digital Collections.