Rev. James Maury about 1759 reports on his administration of communion to
what appears to have been a racially mixed gathering. ... and there's
probably relevant stuff in John Van Horne's edition of Associates of James
Bray.
On Jan 5, 2016 2:07 PM, "Terry L. Meyers" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>         I’ve been intrigued for some time by an account given by William
> Dawson (2nd President of W&M) of Lenten instruction he offered in 1744.  As
> I read what he wrote to donors in London, he seems to describe a single
> class attended by a variety of people:
>
> I employed our Youth; every night last Lent, in reading audibly,
> distinctly, and solemnly of this excellent Work [The Knowledge and Practice
> of Christianity Made Easy to the Meanest Capacities; or, An Essay towards
> an Instruction of the Indians; London, 1740], as the Understandings of the
> Hearers, in general were able to receive, and their memories to retain.
> For beside the Scholars [W&M students, presumably the youngsters in the
> Grammar School], there were near 40 white Servants, Indians, and Negroes,
> who constantly attended.  And as many of these as can conveniently be
> present, daily report unto the House of GOD.
>
>         Though Dawson’s language seems pretty clear, some I’ve talked to
> think it unlikely such an integrated gathering would have occurred in the
> Williamsburg of that era.
>
>         Are there accounts of other gatherings, similar or dissimilar,
> that might help shape one reading or the other?
>
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Terry L. Meyers, Chancellor Professor of English, College of William and
> Mary, Williamsburg Virginia  23187 757-221-3932
>
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