Report from David Leedy, Diocesan Historiographer

First, let me announce that the Archives of the (continuing) Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth are open in space provided by All Saints Episcopal Church. I intend on being there most Thursdays and often on other days.

During my research of the history of the Diocese of Fort Worth I have acquired a number of documents, booklets and books about our history, which may be added to our archives. Additionally, some "stuff" has been given to me for our archives. However, I am most excited about the acquisitions I made this past weekend.

Background: The Missionary District of the Southwest, including Texas, was commenced in 1838 with Leonidas Pope as Missionary Bishop. In 1850, the diocese of Texas was admitted by the General Convention and in 1859 Alexander Gregg became the first Bishop. In 1874, the diocese of Texas was split into the continuing diocese of Texas and the Missionary Districts of North Texas and West Texas. Alexander Garrett was elected Missionary Bishop of North Texas and became the first Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas, when it was admitted by the General Convention in 1895. In 1982, the diocese of Fort Worth was split off from the diocese of Dallas .

A by-product of each convention (General, Missionary District, Diocese, etc.) is the Convention Journal, which has, among other things, the Bishop’s address, Episcopal acts during the period, list of clergy, list of parishes and missions, resolutions and changes to the canons or constitution, financial and other parish statistics, etc.

Last week, I noticed an item on EBay up for auction. It was the Convention Journal from the 12th annual convention (1886) of the North Texas Missionary District in Dallas . A couple of days later, another Convention Journal for the 17th annual convention held in 1891. I have now purchased both of them and they will be added to our archives.

In response to my inquiry, Barbara Turner, Historiographer for the Diocese of Dallas, responded: "an awesome discovery! I don't think I have anything like it…"

David Leedy
Historiographer for the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth