Epher Whitaker papers, 1864-1900

Call Number: ARC.286

Extent: 0.13 Linear feet, in four folders

Epher Whitaker (1820-1916) was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Southold, Long Island, for more than forty years, retiring the pastorate in 1891. He was also an author and historian. The Epher Whitaker papers (1864-1900) include manuscripts of fourteen of Whitaker’s sermons, lectures and short writings dating from the late 1800s. There is also a small amount of correspondence from 1864 concerning religious revival among children. Most of the lectures and sermons concern historical topics, including past ministers at Southold and Shelter Island; preachers who appeared in the pulpit of the First Presbyterian Church of Southold, including African-Americans; the history of the First Presbyterian; and a survey of Suffolk County history. A summary of remarks entitled “The Proper Work of the Ministry” is an autobiographical account of Whitaker’s career (1891). Other manuscript remarks include reflections on “The Rise of Woman” and the relation of church and state, as well as religious themes.

Names:

  • Whitaker, Epher, 1820-1916
  • First Presbyterian Church (Southold, N.Y.)

Places:

  • Shelter Island (N.Y.)
  • Southold (N.Y.)
  • Suffolk County (N.Y.)
  • Suffolk County (N.Y.) — History

Subjects:

  • African Americans — New York (State) — Suffolk County
  • Presbyterian Church — Clergy
  • Presbyterian Church — New York (State) — Suffolk County

Types of material:

  • Lecture notes
  • Sermons

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