Entries concerning the French Church of Charleston in Quarto 58
The French Church of Charleston - A few entries found in Quarto 58, Consistory Minutes of the French Church of London from 1679-1689 , published by the Huguenot Society of Great Britain and Ireland, offer some interesting information concerning the French Church of Charleston from 1679-1689..Quarto 58: 9: from the Historical Introduction - "Before its end the Consistory had had to deal with enquiries from refugee churches from Ipswich and Rye in the South-East to Plymouth and Exeter in the South-West of England, and from Edinburgh in Scotland to Boston, New England and Charleston, Carolina in the New World. None of these churches had existed in 1679. Indeed, in some cases, the Threadneedle Street church was instrumental in establishing them."Quarto 58: 25: 26 October 1679 “Mr. Guerart[1] reported that he is about to leave for Carolina with a number of families who intend to establish a church there. He asked us to suggest a pastor, to provide some advance for his maintenance and to assist those going to Carolina. It was resolved to reply that we asked God’s blessing on the enterprise, but that we have no means of providing financial assistance other than to assist such poor travelers as pass this way.”Quarto 58: 31: 4 February 1680 "On Sunday February 1, having heard of the straits into which the families going to Carolina under Mr Guerard are reduced after being detained in the Downs (“aux Dunes”) for six weeks by contrary winds,[2] it was resolved to assist them with £5. This will be distributed by Messrs Denew and Porten (A’s) and de Lilliers and Neveu (D’s).” Quarto 58: 39: 23 July 1680 “Mr Petit has asked assistance for the journey to Carolina; this was deferred, since it was not clear what use he wanted to make of the money.”Quarto 58: 83: 9 August 1682 “Mr Laurens Vanderbos,[3] going to Carolina, is to be presented with £2 and a Geneva bible, (quarto edition).”Quarto 58: 143: 15 February 1685 “The deacons reported they were spending far more than they were receiving, and had exhausted their funds. Two elder and two deacons are to go to Sir Peter Colleton and Mr Pen to ascertain what they are offering for Carolina and Pennsylvania respectively; if the conditions are tolerable, the poor will be encouraged to accept them.[4]Quarto 58: 144: 22 March 1685 “Well-to-do heads of family will be visited and asked for charity for the French Protestants wishing to go to Carolina or Pennsylvania, of whom a list will be drawn up by the deacons.” {No list was included in the reference, unfortunately.]Quarto 58: 29 March 1685 “The Two Companies resolved to send Messrs Piozet, David and Gervaise (sic) to the Savoy Consistory to discuss what could be done for the poor refugees asking to go to Carolina or Pennsylvania.”Quarto 58: 159: 17 February 1686 “Pierre Marigaut (sic) returned to say he must leave for Carolina tomorrow [sic]. He will be received to make rec.[onnaissance] next Sunday. [Done publicly 24 February.]”Quarto 58: 311: 6 October 1689 “The directors of the French church of Charleston, Carolina have written seeking financial help; Mr Gravisset is instructed to reply that the Consistory is unable to provide it.”[5]