Seamen's Church Institute of New York & New Jersey Director's/Superintendent's Records

Director’s / Superintendent’s Files consist of correspondence and reports related to the offices of the Superintendent of the Institute (1897-1933) and the Director of the Institute (1934-1992). The change in title corresponds with the death and end of service of Rev. Archibald R. Mansfield, who served as Superintendent from 1898-1934. Also included in this series are the records of Rev. Harold H. Kelley, Director from 1934-1948; Rev. Raymond S. Hall, Director from 1948-1960; Rev. John M. Mulligan, Director from 1960-1977; and Rev. James R. Whittemore, Director from 1977-1992.

Of particular note is correspondence from 1912 regarding the sinking of the RMS Titanic, including reports of the tragedy and a memorial service held at the Institute’s Church of the Holy Comforter. Also of significance is the correspondence of Rev. Kelley during World War II, including exchanges regarding the sale of War Bonds at the Institute and communications with various federal organizations. Also included are Rev. Hall’s notes from his worldwide survey to assess the state of the maritime professions in 1955. Additionally, unpublished biographies of Rev. Mansfield written by Albert J. Knock in 1933 and later revised by Rev. James C. Healey (1936-1946) are included.