MSS 96

Brooklyn Protestant Guild of the Deaf, est. 1892

Papers of Brooklyn Protestant Guild of the Deaf, 1892-1972

Gallaudet University Archives.

Descriptive Summary

Repository: Gallaudet University Archives
Call No.: MSS 96
Creator: Brooklyn Protestant Guild of the Deaf
Title: Papers of Brooklyn Protestant Guild of the Deaf, 1892-1972
Quantity: 1.5 Linear Feet (3 document boxes)
Abstract: A social organization with religious ties established for the deaf in Brooklyn and Long Island. Many prominent Deaf clergymen worked with this organization.
Note: This document last updated 2005 November 23.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: The Brooklyn Protestant Guild of the Deaf collection was donated to the Gallaudet University Archives in 1978 by Henry Buzzard.

Processed by: Cheryl Morris. 2000 March 3.
Processing Note:
Conditions on Use and Access: This collection is open to the public with no restrictions. Photocopies may be made for scholarly research.

Related Material in the Archives:

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

Historical Sketch

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.  

Scope and Content

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.

Series Descriptions and Folder Lists

No Series.