Episcopal Bishop Onderdonk, Tried For Improper Advances, Approves New Priest

Offering a four-part archive involving Episcopal Bishop BENJAMIN ONDERDONK (1791-1861), who was one of the most controversial bishops in the early 19th century. He was accused of making improper advances by several women and tried in a bitter trial before the House of Bishops. Onderdonk countered with accusations of secret conspiracy to remove him for his controversial theological views. Many Protestants feared he was moving the Episcopal Church toward Roman Catholicism, which was politically and culturally sensitive. His trial was sensational and generated a heated pamphlet war. He was ultimately stripped of his duties, though he retained his title as bishop. The 1838-1840 archive involves the ordination of REV. JOHN A. SPOONER as a deacon in the Protestant Episcopal Church and is not related to the trial. - 8 x 10 certificate signed by Onderdonk attesting to "administering holy orders under the protection of Almighty God in St. Mark's Church in the City of New York." Signed by Onderdonk; - 8 x 10 license for Spooner, signed by Onderdonk; - 8 x 10, document signed by five Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church in Fairfield, VT, attesting "from evidence satisfactory to us, that the Rev. John Alden Spooner...hath lived piously, soberly and honestly...and so far as we know...[not] held anything contrary to the doctrine...of the Protestant Episcopal Church; and we think him a person worthy to be admitted to the sacred order of Priests..." - 7 3/4 x 9 3/4, ADS by Onderdonk, noting, "...I hereby approve him as a clergyman in regular standing and receive him as a Deacon of the Diocese of New York. And I also hereby receive and confirm any license which he may have heretofore canonically received as a Deacon to preach the gospel and perform all other functions..." Documents have normal wear. The certificates have seals present but cracked. Else a fine archive from one of the most controversial bishops of the 19th century. Everything we sell is guaranteed authentic forever to the original buyer. We also offer a 30-day return policy. If you discover a problem or are dissatisfied with an item, please contact us immediately. Our goal is to please every customer. We are pleased to be members of The Manuscript Society, Universal Autograph Collectors Club, The Ephemera Society, the Southern New England Antiquarian Booksellers and the Preferred Autograph Dealers and Auction Houses [AM 395]