Manuscripts
This collection contains the papers of English religious leader and author Annie C. Bill and consists of manuscripts, correspondence, and ephemera, chiefly dating from 1910-1936. ManuscriptsThere are 8,002 pieces of manuscripts, 6,044 of which are by Annie C. Bill. The manuscripts comprise of articles, drafts, essays, excerpts, notebooks, proofs, speeches, statements, and miscellaneous notes. The manuscripts with titles are arranged alphabetically by author and title; however, the majority of Bill's manuscripts that do not have titles so they are arranged alphabetically by the first line of the manuscript. In addition, the bulk of Bill's manuscripts are fragments that are drafts of her books and religious manuals. An item of interest is an unpublished manuscript contained in two volumes written by Daniel H. Spofford titled, "The First Six Lessons of Christian Science" and "The Last Six Lessons of Christian Science." In addition, there is a handwritten transcript of Mary Baker Eddy's private directions for treating the disease metaphysically. The subjects covered in the manuscripts section are: Christian Science, First Church of Christ, Scientist, (Boston, Mass.)., First Church of Christ, Scientist, (Boston, Mass.). Board of Directors, Fellowship of the Universal Design of Life, Mary Baker Eddy, 1821-1910, prohibition, religion and science, and signs and symbols. Correspondence There are 7,218 pieces of correspondence, 1,629 of which are by Annie C. Bill; most of her correspondence comprises of incomplete drafts of letters. The majority of the correspondence includes letters by her publisher, A.A. Beauchamp, Deputy Advisor, John V. Dittemore, officers, and students relating to her religious movement. Some of the correspondence includes reply letters from the addressee in the same folder, which is also indicated on the folder front. Also, integrated within the correspondence are letters addressed to and from A.A. Beauchamp, before he was associated with Annie C. Bill. In addition, there are also carbon copies of letters written by astronomers, economist, engineers, inventors, physicists, and a steel magnet to Walter Russell that appear to have no relation to Annie C. Bill. Notable authors include: George W. Baker, Frederick Dixon, Wellesley Tudor Pole, Frederick Lawrence Rawson, and Walter Russell. Ephemera There are 2,129 pieces of ephemera, the majority being related to Annie C. Bill. The first part of the ephemera is applications, brochures, fliers, and tracts that are arranged according to Bill's religious organization that she joined or led. Some of the listed periodicals are only fragments. The remaining ephemera consists of an appointment book, British Museum copyright receipts, Bill's British passport, calling cards, circular letters, empty envelopes, financial records, a greeting card, Kelly's Directories LTD., legal documents, miscellaneous ephemera, newspaper clippings, periodicals, photographs, postcards, and reprints. The two oversize green ephemera boxes contain a notebook, photographs, a poster, rubber stamps, and reprinted articles from the Christian Science Sentinel.
