Thomas Samuel Hastings papers, 1845 -- 1911

Series 1: Correspondence, 1888 -- 1904

0.5 linear feet; 0.5 linear feet; 1 box

This series contains correspondence, predominantly written by Hastings to John C. Brown, Charles Butler, and J.M. Ludlow, but occasionally letters not of Hastings' authorship or other documents are enclosed. The letters are chiefly concerned with the business of Union Theological Seminary, such as faculty appointments, curriculum planning, and financial matters, but personal matters, such as the progress of Brown's son, Williams Adams Brown, as a professor at the seminary and the death of Hastings' son, are occasionally referenced. The correspondence with John C. Brown also contains extensive discussion of matters relating to the Charles Briggs heresy trials. Most of the letters are handwritten, but some later correspondence is typewritten.

This series is arranged chronologically.

Series 2: Sermons, circa 1860 -- 1898

1.5 linear feet; 1.5 linear feet; 3 boxes

This series contains handwritten sermons, which are mostly numbered and include emendations and related notes. Most of the sermons have notations written on the verso of the first page that appear to indicate locations and dates of their preaching. Box 3, folder 8 contains a volume with "Skeletons" printed on the cover and chiefly contains numbered expository lectures on Christ's acts. Box 3, folders 9-11 contain typed lecture notes and hymns that were originally held in a single, three-ring binder.

This series is arranged in numerical order.

Series 3: Scrapbooks, circa 1846 -- 1890

0.75 linear feet; 0.75 linear feet; 2 boxes

This series contains a diary printed for the year 1846 with the title "Ministerial Nativities and Changes" written in pen on the cover. A handwritten note on the title page verso indicates that it is "in the handwriting of Dr. Edwin F. Hatfield, stated clerk of the Presbyterian General Assembly." Dr. Hatfield served as a special agent to Union Theological Seminary in 1864 and 1870. The volume does not appear to have been used as a diary or datebook and instead mostly contains ledger-like notations on subjects such as ordinations and licensures. Folder 2 contains a scrapbook of writings, news clippings, invitations, programs, and other printed matter relating to committee work at Union Theological Seminary, as well as a printed letter dated May 8, 1899 from Charles Cuthbert Hall to the senior class. Folder 3 contains a scrapbook of letters, clippings, and notes relating to the General Assembly's committee on revision of the confession of faith collected by Hastings. Box 2, folder 1 contains a scrapbook of news clippings that may be said to be of an inspirational nature. A handwritten index to the clippings appears at the beginning of the volume and additional notes in pencil occasionally appear.

This series is arranged chronologically.

Series 4: General, 1845 -- 1911

0.25 linear feet; 0.25 linear feet; 1 box

This series contains, in Folder 1, two copies (one clothbound) of the program for the inaugural services of Hastings as professor of sacred rhetoric on September 22, 1881. Folder 2 contains a program for the memorial service held in Hastings' honor on April 28, 1911. Folder 3 contains a travel diary describing a European tour in 1903. Folder 4 contains two photographs: one in which Hastings appears with eleven other men and which may have been taken at Hamilton College and a second that depicts the Eills family and may have been sent to Hastings in celebration of the New Year. Folder 5 contains an additional travel diary describing a European tour in 1883; however, given certain qualities of the diary, such as certain terms employed, the youthful tone of the writing, and devotion to describing works of art and architecture encountered in detail, it appears that it is likely to have been written by Hastings' son, the architect Thomas Hastings (1860-1929). Folder 6 contains a diary of Hastings' father, Thomas Hastings (1784-1872). The volume includes handwritten verse and what appear to be notes regarding hymns, as well as journal entries beginning in 1845.

This series is unarranged.