Inventory of the William Kent Boyle Papers, 1861-1887

Abstract

Methodist clergyman and editor of the "Episcopal Methodist;" from Bladensburg, Md.

Principally sermons written during the 1870s; together with exegetical notes, other material related to the preparation of the sermons, and a small number of letters and legal and financial papers.

Descriptive Summary

Repository: David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
Creator: Boyle, William Kent.
Title: William Kent Boyle Papers, 1861-1887
Language of Material: English
Extent: 12.0 Linear Feet, 3000 Items
Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

The Boyle Collection consists principally of sermons written mainly during the 1870s. Boyle was largely self-educated, and he appears to have been careful and diligent in preparing his sermons. Exegetical notes are attached to many of his drafts. Several of the sermons were written during the Civil War, but they contain no references to the war or slavery. Boyle's preaching remained expository rather than topical and was not concerned directly with the social issues of the day.

A few items of correspondence and legal and financial papers are included in the collection, several of which indicate that one of his sons was involved in a court case. There are also undated copies of book reviews and testimonial letters praising a new hymn book.

Administrative Information

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Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

However, collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.

Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.

Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

Contents of the Collection

Browse List of Series

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William Kent Boyle Papers

(6 boxes)

Correspondence, 1870-1887

Box 1

Financial papers, 1870-1887

Box 1

Sermons, 1861-1871

Box 1

Sermons, 1872

Box 2

Sermons, 1873

Box 3

Sermons, 1874

Box 4

Sermons, 1875-1877

Box 5

Sermons, 1878-1882 and undated

Box 6

Historical Note

William Kent Boyle (1840-1895) was a Methodist clergyman from Bladensburg, Maryland. He was licensed to preach and admitted on trial by the Baltimore Conference in 1860 and ordained as a deacon in 1862 and an elder in 1864. After serving several charges in Virginia and Maryland, he purchased the Episcopal Methodist in 1882 and edited this publication until his retirement. An obituary appears in the minutes of the Baltimore Conference for 1895.