Scope and Contents: This collection primarily consists of the sermons delivered by John Williams Bradshaw during his pastorate at First Congregational Church in Oberlin (1900-1912, n.d.). Sermon titles include “The efficacy of prayer”, “The ethics of business”, “Evolutionary hypothesis and the idea of God”, and “Changes of 75 years in conceptionof religious life” (delivered in conjunction with Oberlin’s 75th anniversary). The balance of this collection is made up by a biographical file, correspondence (1897), writings by Bradshaw, and an article by C.P. Coffin.
The collection is divided into four series: I. Biographical File; II. Correspondence; III. Sermons and Talks; and, IV. Writings.
SERIES DESCRIPTIONS
Series I. Biographical File, 1912 (1 folder)
This series consists of a photocopy of the necrology statement for John Williams Bradshaw, The Oberlin Alumni Magazine, October 1912, pages 39-42.
Series II. Correspondence, 1897 (1 folder)
Consists of letters from C.P. Coffin to John Williams Bradshaw concerning religious matters and ministry.
Series III. Sermons and Talks, 1898-1910, n.d. (0.7 l.f.)
This series includes sermons of John William Bradshaw, handwritten and typescript. The sermon titles are listed in the inventory of the finding guide. Also included are talks of Bradshaw (1 folder), that were note delivered in church. The talks are listed separately in the inventory.
Series IV. Writings, 1898, 1902, n.d. (1 folder)
This series consists of four (4) writings by John William Bradshaw covering subjects such as the Bible, Christian Education, and Unitarianism. Also included is an artcle reprint by C.P. Coffin entitled “Peter or Cephas in Pauline Usage”, 1907.