William Herbert Perry Faunce papers (MS-1C-9)

The William Herbert Perry Faunce papers consist primarily of correspondence, but also include sermons, addresses, journals, and clippings dating from 1845 to 1968. Most of the materials are dated from the 1890 to 1929. The collection documents Faunce's experiences as a student at Brown University and the Newton Theological Institution; his ordination; his travels in Europe, the United States, and Asia; the years he was a pastor; sermons and addresses given throughout his lifetime; and his tenure as Brown University President. The Journals series also documents family life. Brown University subjects documented in the collection include student life, curricula, addresses and sermons delivered to the student body, the selection of candidates for honorary degrees, commencements, and the library. In letters to his parents and in journals written while he was a student at Brown, Faunce describes student life, including Delta Upsilon activities, working for the Brunonian, courses, and elocution classes; the teaching of Ezekiel Gilman Robinson and Jeremiah Lewis Diman; his roommate J. Lee Richmond; his spiritual life; and playing the organ for various churches. While he was a student at Newton Theological Institution, Faunce wrote about teaching elocution, preaching at various churches, and his decision to become a pastor. Faunce's ordination is documented in some detail, including the charge which was given by his father, D.W. Faunce.

Faunce's work as a pastor for the State Street Baptist Church, in Springfield, Mass. and the Fifth Avenue Baptist Church in New York, N.Y., is documented in the Sermons and Journals series. His election as Brown University President and the decision making process he engaged in before accepting the appointment are documented in the Letters by others and the Journals series. The collection contains the correspondence of other members of the Faunce family, including D.W. Faunce and Sarah Edson Faunce. Letters by D.W. Faunce, in the Letters by others series, were written while he was a student, teacher, and an ordained minister. W.H.P. Faunce's journals also describe D.W. Faunce's work as a clergyman. The relationship between W.H.P. Faunce and his wife Sarah Edson Faunce and the Rockefeller family is documented in their correspondence with Laura C. Rockefeller and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Other correspondents include Harry Lyman Koopman and Clarence A. Barbour. W.H.P. Faunce wrote many letters from Lake Mohonk, N.Y.

Faunce began to train in oration and elocution when he was in high school and his training is documented in his journals. The collection includes 190 texts of addresses written and delivered by Faunce. Subjects include religion, education, ethics, citizenship and patriotism. Addresses were given at various Brown functions; at other educational institutions; at religious, professional and business association meetings; building dedications; anniversary commemorations; at Lake Mohonk, N.Y., and in China. Faunce traveled to Europe, Asia, and the American West. He wrote detailed letters and journal entries that described the places he visited; the people he met, including educators, political leaders, and clergy; his activities, including conferences, preaching engagements, and sight-seeing; and his transportation and accommodations. He traveled to London, Scotland, Paris, Italy, and Switzerland in 1887, on a trip sponsored by his Springfield, Mass., pastorate. In 1895 the Faunces traveled to Germany. In 1905 Faunce attended The Baptist World Conference in London; traveled to Oxford University where he met a number of educators; and visited Paris, Vienna, Constantinople, and Greece. In 1907 Faunce traveled by train through the U.S. West and attended the NEA [National Education Assoc.?] meeting in Los Angeles; as well as visited the San Francisco area after a recent earthquake, the University of California, Berkeley; Stanford University; Seattle, where he preached at what was probably a United Society of Christian Endeavor convention; and Yellowstone Park. From late 1912 to 1913, Faunce traveled to Egypt, Ceylon, India, Burma, and China. In 1922, he traveled to London and addressed the English Speaking Union; to Copenhagen, where he attended the World Alliance for Promoting International Friendship Through the Churches and was made chair of the "Committee on Findings;" and to Switzerland, where he attended the opening of the League of Nations. He described post-war conditions in Paris and its environs.