MS042 
Edwin E. Kirton Family Private Papers
1927-1986

The Rev. Edwin Eggleston Kirton, STD was born December 13, 1907 in Port of Spain, Trinidad.  He was a clergyman, theologian and community leader.  Father Kirton obtained a degree in biology and chemistry from City college of New York in 1932.  In 1983 he attended New York Law School.  A dream that took 18 years to realize was finally achieved in 1950 when he became an Episcopal priest.  In order to support his family and still pursue his dream of the priesthood during the Depression, Kirton worked as a postal clerk in New York.  The Kirtons arrived in Wilmington in 1951 when he became the rector of historic St. Marks Episcopal Church.

Father Kirton dedicated his life to serving his fellow man and improving the communities in which he lived.  He was very active in local, state, and national organizations.  Father Kirton was an original member of Relations Commission.  During Wilmington’s and New Hanover County’s years of racial tension and desegregation, his was one of the voices of reason and prudence.  Some of the highlights and achievements of his life and career can be found in the chronology following his introduction and description.

The Collection contains correspondence, a large collection of sheet music that belonged to Mrs. Kirton and 23 scrapbooks highlighting Father Mrs. Kirton for the Afro American newspaper. Arrangement of the Collection is chronological. Some restrictions do apply and the literary rights are retained by the family. 

This Collection was donated to the William Madison Randall Library by Father Kirton on July 11, 1985.

The Collection has been designated Accession Number 42 of the Manuscripts Collection, Special Collections Department, William Madison Randall Library, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, 601 South College Rd, Wilmington, North Carolina  28403-3297.

There are no access restrictions on this collection.

Processed by Lana Donaldson Taylor

Special Collections Librarian
Manuscripts Collection
William Madison Randall Library
The University of North Carolina Wilmington      

May 2, 1994

Reverend Edwin E. Kirton, STD (1907-1986)
(A Chronology)

1907 Dec 13
Born Port of Spain, Trinidad

1932                      
Received a degree in biology and chemistry from City College of New York

1933 May               
Married Eunice Odessa Braithwaite

1938                                              
Attended New York Law School

1948-1949                               
Attended General Theological Seminary in New York

1949
Ordained to sacred order of deacons at Cathedral of the Incarnation, Garden City, Long Island New York

1950
Advanced to priesthood; Vicar of St. Michael’s and All Angels, Medford, New York

1950-1976                              
Rector, St. Marks Episcopal Church, Wilmington NC

1953-1975                              
Director, Oceancide Episcopal Camp, Topsail Island, NC
Builder and priests-in-charge of Wade H. Chestnut Memorial Chapel, Topsail Island, NC

1954                                              
Elected to 4th Province-Provincial Synod

1955                                              
Elected to 4th Province-Provincial Synod

1955-1960                                         
Faculty member of St. Augustine’s Summer School of Religious  Education

1958                                                          
Outstanding citizen, Omega Psi Phi fraternity (Wilmington, NC)

1961                                                          
Board Member, Family Services (New Hanover County)
Member Community Council (Wilmington,  NC)
Member mental health Advisory Board (New Hanover County)
Charter member and director of New Hanover County Blood Assurance Plan
Member men’s Advisory Board Phyllis Wheatly Branch YWCA

1961                                                          
Clerical deputy, General Convention protestant Episcopal Church USA

1962-1975
Black member of Governor’s (NC) Committee on Juvenile Delinquency & Youth Crime

1962-1976                        
Elected to 4th Province-Provincial Synod
Diocese, East Carolina, Chairman Department of Missions

1963-1965                                          
Member of Executive Council Diocese of East Carolina

1963-1972                                          
Chair of biracial committee for Wilmington and New Hanover County

1964                                                          
Clerical deputy, General Convention Protestant Episcopal Church USA

1965                                                          
Elected to 4th Province-Provincial Synod

1966                                                          
First black President of New Hanover County Ministerial Association

1967-19??                    
Chairman, Governor’s (NC) Council, Employment of Handicapped Com.

1967                                                          
Nominated Bishop Coadjutor

1969-1970                                          
Clerical deputy, General Convention Protestant Episcopal Church USA

1969-1974                                          
Member, Standing Committee Protestant Episcopal Church USA

1970                                                          
Member, Committee Christian Social Relations, House of Deputies, Protestant Episcopal Church USA

1970-1975                                          
Member, Wilmington Youth Council Advisory Board

1972-1978                                          
Charter member and director of Opportunities Inc.
Chairman Welfare Committee, PTA
Member and secretary, Advisory Recreation Commission (Wilmington, NC)

1973                                                          
Clerical deputy, General Convention Protestant Episcopal Church USA

1973-1975
Member, Standing Committee on Program, Budget & Finance Episcopal Church USA

1973-1979                                          
Chairman Region “O” Family Resources

1974
Honored as “Father to Hundreds” by campers of Oceanside Episcopal Camp, Topsail Island, NC

1980     
Governor’s (NC) distinguished award

1981     
Received Distinguished Service Award from President Reagan

1986, Oct 9                  
Died at Porter’s Neck, NC

Inventory

Manuscript/Box/File

MS042 Kirton Music (These sheet music selections are shelved in four separate document cases, Boxes 1-4). Detailed Inventory located in Box 5.

042/1/1
Verdi Aida

042/1/2
Auf Flügeln des Gesanges

042/1/3
Summertime

042/1/4
Little Yaller Dog

042/1/5
Midsummer

042/1/6
I Shall  Go Quietly

042/1/7
Thine Alone

042/1/8
Thou Art Repose

042/1/9
Home on the Range

042/1/10
Admeto

042/1/11
Just Awearyin' for You

042/1/12
Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing

042/1/13
Summer

042/1/14
Roses of Picardy

042/1/15
Arioso

042/1/16
Wilt Thou Forget?

042/1/17
Thy Beaming Eyes

042/1/18
None But the Lonely Heart

042/1/19
The Trumpeter

042/1/20
The Erlking

042/1/21
Passing By

042/1/22
Come Back to Sorrento

042/1/23
M'appari tutt' amor (Ah! So Pure)

042/1/24
El Ukhnem

042/1/25
The Rose of Tralee

042/1/26
Calm as the Night

042/1/27
Joy of Love

042/1/28
The Lord Is My Light

042/1/29
Clouds

042/1/30
Recitative and Aria for Tenor from Elijah

042/1/31
Just You

042/1/32
Currently Absent from Collection 

042/1/33
Currently Absent from Collection

042/1/34
Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head

042/1/35
Le Nozze di Figaro

042/1/36
I Love Life

042/1/37
Currently Absent from Collection

042/1/38
Bird Songs at Eventide

042/1/39
Florian's Song

042/1/40
Irish Love Song

042/1/41
Currently Absent from Collection

042/1/42
Solfege des Solfeges

042/1/43
Lullaby from Jocelyn

042/1/44
Anthology of Italian Song

042/1/45
I Love Thee

042/1/46
Serenade

042/1/47
The Lass with the Delicate Air

042/1/48
'O Sole Mio!

042/1/49
Since You Went Away

042/1/50
Eili, Eili

042/1/51
Song of the Flea

042/1/52
Serenade

042/1/53
Green Meadows

042/1/54
Bread of Holy Heaven

042/1/55
Love Divine, All Love Excelling

042/1/56
I Heard a Lady Sigh

042/1/57-58
I Wonder as I Wander

042/1/59
Leave Me in Sorrow

042/1/60
I Dream of Jeanie

042/1/61
The Dance

042/1/62
Danse Macabre

042/1/63
Do You Remember?

042/1/64
Me and My Teddy Bear

042/1/65
Agnus Dei

042/1/66
The Shepherd on the Rock

042/1/67
Miserere for One

042/1/68
Serenade

042/1/69
The Lost Chord

042/1/70
Ye Merry Birds That Sweetly Sing

042/1/71
Currently Absent

042/1/72
Pilgrim's Song

042/1/73
Aida

042/1/74
Parted

042/1/75
O Dry Those Tears

042/1/76
Ave Maria

042/1/77
Tu fai la superbetta

042/1/78
Comfort Ye My People

042/1/79
Sound an Alarm!

042/1/80
L'Elisir d'amore

042/1/81
A Spirit Flower

042/1/82
I Hear You Calling Me

042/1/83
Where My Caravan Has Rested

042/1/84
To My Beloved Hasten

042/1/85
Christmas Carols

042/2/1
Goodbye

042/2/2
A Dream

042/2/3
Oh Promise Me

042/2/4
My Heart, at They Sweet Voice

042/2/5
Calm as the Night

042/2/6
Well Do You Know

042/2/7
The Lord Is My Light

042/2/8
The Rosary

042/2/9
My Lovely Cella

042/2/10
Love and Music, These Have I Lived For

042/2/11
A Swan

042/2/12
Thou Art Risen, My Beloved

042/2/13
Because

042/2/14
Hark, Hark!  The Lark

042/2/15
Open the Gates

042/2/16
Twilight

042/2/17
When the Stars Were Brightly Shining

042/2/18
Arioso from Pagliacci

042/2/19
Dedication

042/2/20
Tommy, Lad!

042/2/21
Carissima

042/2/22
Tell Me, Fair Ladies

042/2/23
Lullaby

042/2/24
Who Knows?

042/2/25
A Dream

042/2/26
Woman Is Changeable

042/2/27
The Vain Suit

042/2/28
Invictus

042/2/29
Auf Flügeln des Gesanges

042/2/30
For You Alone

042/2/31
Le Nozze di Figaro, Dove Sono

042/2/32
The Sun Whose Rays

042/2/33
In a Persian Garden

042/2/34
O Holy Mary

042/2/35
The Star

042/2/36
The Virgin's Slumber Song

042/2/37
Danny Boy

042/2/38
Life and Death

042/2/39
Four Ducks on a Pond

042/2/40
Love Went A-Riding

042/2/41
O No, John!

042/2/42
Go Down, Moses

042/2/43
Smilin' Through

042/2/44
My Lord, What a Mornin'

042/2/45
Life

042/2/46
The Bell-Man

042/2/47
At the Well

042/2/48
There Is No Death!

042/2/49
Ave Maria

042/2/50
Walter's Prize Song

042/2/51
At the Cry of the First Bird

042/2/52
Wade in de Water

042/2/53
The Hills of Home

042/2/54
New-Born Again

042/2/55
The Dream of Des Grieux

042/2/56
Song of the Volga Boatmen

042/2/57
Just for To-Day

042/2/58
Without a Song

042/2/59
Hold On

042/2/60
City Called Heaven

042/2/61
The Birth of Man

042/2/62
Mighty Lak' a Rose

042/2/63
Kashmiri Song

042/2/64
Bless this House

042/2/65
Ay, Ay, Ay

042/2/66
Semele [Oratorio] 

042/2/67
Yesterdays

042/2/68
Honor!  Honor!

042/2/69
Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head

042/2/70
Sweet Little Jesus Boy

042/2/71
The Lord's Prayer

042/2/72
The Lord's Prayer (c.2)

042/2/73
The Lord's Prayer (c.3)

042/2/74
Solace

042/2/75
The Last Rose of Summer

042/2/76
Come Unto Him (From Handel's Oratorio, "The Messiah")

042/2/77
In the Garden of To-Morrow

042/2/78
I Want Jesus to Walk with Me

042/2/79
Beautiful Dreamer

042/2/80
The Carol of the Cricket and the Star

042/2/81
Think on Me

042/2/82
Oh, What a Beautiful City

042/2/83
Love Dreams

042/2/84
Go 'Way from My Window

042/2/85
Let Us Break Bread Together

042/2/86
Music for the Wedding

042/2/87
Thanks Be to Thee

042/2/88
Do You Hear What I Hear

042/2/89
Open Thy Heart

042/2/90
Songs My Mother Taught Me

042/2/91
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth

042/2/92
Rejoice Greatly

042/2/93
Where'er You Walk

042/2/94
Whither?

042/2/95
Let Us Break Bread Together on Our Knees

042/3/1
Bach: Passaglia and Thema Fugatum in C Minor 

042/3/2
Dupre: Fifteen Pieces for the Organ 

042/3/3
Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics, Vol. 278: Vacca 

042/3/4
Alain: Trois Piéces 

042/3/5
The Finest Album of Religious Songs

042/3/6
Noble: Free Organ Accompaniment to 100 Well-Known Hymn Tunes

042/3/7
Purcell: Ceremonial Music for the Organ

042/3/8
Wedding Music Part I

042/3/9
Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics, Vol. 242:  Concone Op. 9

042/3/10
Schirmer's Library, Vol. 65:  Mozart, 19 Sonatas for the Piano

042/3/11
Bach:  12 Chorale Preludes for Organ

042/3/12
Baumbach:  Sacred Quartetts

042/3/13
Madison Square Collection

042/4/1-2 
Anthems 1960; 1962

042/4/3
New 1960 Easter Anthems

042/4/4-5
The Choir Herald Jan. 1961, 1962

042/4/6
Lorenz 1962 Spring Catalog of Church Music

042/4/7
God Shall Wipe Away All Tears

042/4/8
Now Let Every Tongue Adore Thee!

042/4/9
Shepherds, Hark the Song

042/4/10
Come, Holy Ghost

042/4/11
Rainbow 'Round the World!

042/4/12
Remembering You

042/4/13
Mozart:  Sonata I

042/4/14
Oh!  Susanna

042/4/15
World Library's Choral Samples #2

042/4/16
Musical Exercises

042/4/17
The American Home Organist Sept. 1963

042/4/18
H. Flammer:  New Church Music

042/4/19
56 Songs You Like To Sing

042/4/20
Miscellaneous Pieces from Songbooks

042/5/1
1964-1980

Kirton Correspondence (61 Items)

042/5/2
Music Inventory (29 pp.  For these items, see MS Boxes 1-4.)

042/5/3
1952 News Clipping

042/5/4
1955 News Clipping

042/5/5
1956 News Clipping

042/5/6
1957 News Clipping

042/5/7
1958 News Clipping

042/5/8
1959 News Clipping

042/5/9
1961News Clipping (2 Items)

042/5/10
1963 News Clipping (3 Items)

042/5/11
1964 News Clipping (4 Items)

042/5/12
1965 News Clipping (2 Items)

042/5/13
1967 News Clipping (5 Items)

042/5/14
1968 News Clipping (3 Items)

042/5/15
1969 News Clipping (2 Items)

042/5/16
1970 News Clipping (3 Items)

042/5/17
1971 News Clipping

042/5/18
1972 News Clipping (2 Items)

042/5/19
1973 News Clipping (3 Items)

042/5/20
1974 News Clipping (3 Items)

042/5/21
1975 News Clipping (6 Items)

042/5/22
1976 News Clipping (4 Items)

042/5/23
No Date, News Clipping (10 Items)

042/5/24
1986 Obituary and tributes (4 Items)

042/5/25
1954-1976 Church Programs (87 Items)

042/5/26
1971-1979
Kirton Sermons

Addition 1
Envelopes w/postage

Addition 2
Duplicate News Clippings

Scrapbooks (Shelved in four (4) cu. Ft. boxes)

Scrapbook 1 (small red scrapbook) (~1930-1933)
“Club Chat” articles and clippings
6 editorials written by Rev. Kirton
Equity Progressive Club notices/related clippings
Article “Comparison of Negroes in America and West Indies” by Dr. Carter G. Woodson
City College graduation-newspaper picture from New York Amsterdam News June 22, 1932 (Edwin Kirton’s graduation)
2 telegrams congratulating him (on graduation perhaps)
1932 Olympics articles and pictures
Wedding announcement for Rev. Kirton and Mrs. Kirton in the New York Amsterdam News and the New York Age
New Republic editorial on Judge James A Lowell- refers to Scottsboro case- Lowell refused to send a black person back to Virginia for a murder trial because in Virginia, they would not allow African Americans on the jury, so the case would eventually be thrown out anyway by the Supreme Court
Articles on actor Paul Robeson
Article on autobiography written by James Weldon Johnson
Articles/newspaper picture about the San Jose lynchings
Articles regarding the Protestant ministers in Germany protesting against Nazis
Program from Emperor Jones, starring Paul Robeson

Scrapbook 2 (yellow) (~1939-1965)
Items relating to African-American Musicians
Articles and a program (autographed by Bill Robinson) for the Dinner-Dance for the New York Association of Postal Supervisors
St George Association US Post Office Holy Communion and Breakfast
Photographs of men singing
Articles about Marian Anderson
New York World’s Fair- Federal Employees Day ribbon and ticket for the New York Post Office Glee Club
Articles/programs about Chauncey Northern (music teacher)
Articles about Dorothy Maynor, Caterina Jarboro and Paul Robeson
Newspaper pictures of Queen Elizabeth’s wedding
Article about Mr. And Mrs. Kirton as guest singers at an NAACP program
Articles about Paul Robeson
Items from New York
Numerous editorials by Rev. Kirton, all entitled “If I were …”
“Jamaica Whirl” columns on local happenings- published in the Reporter (a black newspaper)
Article on Eunice Kirton giving a recital
Letters and cards to Mrs. Kirton about her recital and charity work
Picture of the leaders of the Jamaica, NY NAACP, including Rev. and Mrs. Kirton
Jamaica notes and activities column written by Mrs. Kirton
National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Women’s Day Celebration program with red and yellow ribbon attached
Items from North Carolina
Articles about various committees/groups that Mrs. Kirton helped with
Women’s Auxiliary program from the presentation of the Perma Vue Hood Incubator at Community Hospital
Church activity articles – the Kirton’s were involved and mentioned frequently
Birth announcement for the Kirton’s granddaughter
Invitation to the 16th birthday reception for the Kirton’s daughter Elsie Elise on October 9th, 1965
Article on African- American discrimination suit filed against James Walker Hospital

Scrapbook 3 (red) (~1949-1951)
Most of the scrapbook deals with Kirton’s 2 ordinations
Invitations to Rev. Kirton’s ordination to Deacon (1949)
Cards, telegrams, programs and letters to Kirton about his ordination to Deacon in Long Island, New York
Photographs of the ordination
Selections of clippings about the ordinations
Announcement of Kirton’s ordination to the priesthood (1950)
Telegrams, letters and cards of congratulations
Photographs of the ordination
Misc.
Articles and programs of the recital of singer Lois Jordan
Photographs of the church and groups of people
Articles about organization of branch of National Council of Negro Women

Scrapbook 4 (flower arrangement on cover)
(first half of scrapbook ~1960s, second half of scrapbook ~1950-1954)
Family news clippings- one regarding their granddaughter’s christening and one about their son’s wedding
Programs from various ceremonies where Kirton gave speeches or sermons
Articles about new Hanover County Unit of the American Cancer Society Crusade kick-off
Article praising Kirton for his first 5 years of service in Wilmington
Articles on the World Day of Prayer
Article about the church being able to burn their mortgage because they paid it off in 7 years instead of 15
Program from concert given by Mrs. Kirton
Columns written by Mrs. Kirton in the Afro-American
Articles about Jackie Robinson speaking at the 4th annual Convention of the North Carolina Association of Student councils
Unidentified photographs of groups of people
Various programs from concerts/celebrations
Mrs. Kirton’s certificate of attendance at the Christian Conference of Negro Women in 1952

Scrapbook 5 (brown) (~1950-1960s)
Article about Rev. Kirton attaining priesthood
Article about the Senior Choir from St. Mark’s broadcasting a program on the radio- the choir included the Kirton family (Rev., Mrs., and Eunice)
Articles written by Mrs. Kirton
1956 YWCA program
Program from National Hospital Week
Article about $5 million waterfront fire in Wilmington
Program from the NC College Annual Concert by the college choir
Many articles about Wilmington events written by Mrs. Kirton
Ocean city Resort Beach advertisements
Various wedding announcements from weddings performed by Rev. Kirton
Camp Baskerhill summer camp pamphlet
Program from the Southeastern Open Tennis Championships
Articles “PE Church Women Drop Race Barriers” and “Church Women’s Unit Elects Mrs. Kirton Vice President”
History of the Wilmington Council of United Church Women, written by Mrs. Kirton in 1961
The YWCA 1960 Year in Review program
3 programs for special services at St. Marks Church
Directory of United Church Women of the North Carolina Council of Churches
14th Annual Institutional Day program
YWCA mother- Daughter banquet program and speech given there by Mrs. Kirton
Article about Queen Elizabeth’s wedding

Scrapbook 6 (black) (~1951-1956)
Program from Jamaica, NY NAACP song recital
Honor Roll listing from North Carolina College (April 1955)- daughter Eunice Kirton is on list
Articles about Rev. Kirton moving to St. Mark’s in Wilmington, NC
Numerous newspaper clippings about church, school, and local events
Commencement programs where Rev. Kirton spoke
Articles about Dr. HB Shaw becoming Bishop
Article about pushing Christianity in British Africa
Articles, cards, and letters about Rev. Kirton being instituted as rector of St. Mark’s
Article about daughter Eunice Kirton’s debutante ball
Article about a fist fight at a gravesite
RSVP letters
Article about daughter Eunice Kirton’s high school graduation and a photograph and announcement
Napkin for Rev. and Mrs. Kirton’s 20th wedding anniversary
Numerous articles about local events, written by Mrs. Kirton
Articles about events where Rev. Kirton spoke – weddings, commencements, etc.
Article about a drowning at the beach
Photographs and articles about the groundbreaking for the new $40,000 parish house
Articles about the cornerstone ceremony for the new $40,000 parish house
Articles about the dedication ceremony for the new $40,000 parish house
RSVP letters for dedication ceremony
Program from a recital given by Mrs. Kirton, presented by Maestro Chauncey Northern
Article about “Youth Witnesses for Christ” rally at Williston High
Program from the “first interracial” (handwritten) Azalea Festival Worship Program
Front page article about the damage done in New Bern by Hurricane Ione in 1955
Articles about daughter Eunice Kirton- attending a religious conference, making the honor role at North Carolina College
Sections of 5 newspapers from 1955 and one from 1960

Scrapbook 7 ( Burgundy) (~1956-1958)
Programs from Annual Dinner of the Hampton Alumni club Negro Week, the Convocation of the Women’s Auxiliary and the Youth League of the Convocation of colored church workers, and the Annual Reformation Day Service
Newspaper clipping about National Family Week and the Family Service Society of Wilmington
The September 1959 Mission Herald of the Diocese of East Carolina
Clippings about Women’s Day Observance and Rev. Kirton attending The College of Preachers
Clipping of Wilmington chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (Rev. Kirton was a member)
Clipping from dedication of St. Mark’s Episcopal Chapel and Oceanside Episcopal Camp
Article by Eunice Kirton about years activities
Article about first two local African American Boy Scouts in the Cape Fear Area Council to receive the “god and Country” award from the
Clipping about Rev. Kirton receiving the Omega Citizenship Award from the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
Editorials about integration
Programs from Williston Senior High School Graduation 1957 [son Ed Jr.?]
Program from 8th Annual Awards DYA at North Carolina College at Durham (daughter Eunice received awards)
Clippings, program about daughter Eunice’s graduation
Program from 134th commencement of the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Virginia
Report from the Hospital Steering Committee of New Hanover County
Articles and programs about Clyde Beatty being ordained in the church
US Treasurer’s check for sixty cents to Rev. Kirton
Letters thanking Rev. Kirton
Program from the “Bishop’s visitation and service for the unveiling of portrait of the late Allen Jackson” [namesake of St. Mark’s parish house]
Azalea Festival Worship Service Program
Article about suit of race discrimination against James Walker Hospital being dismissed
Article about James Walker Hospital being given a Class C rating by the State Board of Health
More about Rev. Kirton receiving the Omega Citizenship Award from the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity- programs, articles
3 small photographs from September 1957
2 8x10 photographs, possibly of Clyde Beatty’s ordination

Scrapbook 8 (cream with yellow and orange words) (~1956-1971)
Letter from Rev. Kirton to parishioners at Christmas
NCC Honor Roll lists
NCC commencement program and pictures from newspaper
Commencement announcement for Williston High School 1956- [note-Edwin Jr.’s name is written here too, as well as in Scrapbook #7 on the program for the 1957 graduation]
Articles about Rev. and Mrs. Kirton’s visit to conventions in Michigan
Newspaper advertisement for “Kirton School of Music and Art, Eunice Brathwaite Kirton, Director”
Article from Wilmington News “Councilmen, commissioners adopt resolutions supporting desegregation”
Letter from Rev. Kirton and others about actions in times of racial tensions
Article by Mrs. Kirton advocating “Friends, use pen to support college”
Programs from the annual award day at NCC
Article “215 students cited during annual award day at NCC” including the Unity Award for Eunice Kirton
Article about Mrs. Kirton's mother dying in New York
Article about Mrs. Kirton quitting post at Wheatley YWCA
Article about Spelling Bee judges being announced, among them Rev. Kirton
Letter from Rev. Kirton to NC Governor about St. Mark’s launching a reading clinic for 5 th, 6 th and 7 th graders

Scrapbook 9 (picture of a street scene) (~1958-1962)
Invitation to dedication and opening of Adkins Funeral Home
Christmas card from Champion McDowell Davis
Letter thanking Rev. Kirton for remembering a Rabbi’s Rosh Hashana
Article about St. Mark’s 90th anniversary
Family Service Society Annual Report pamphlet
Letter from Board president of New Hanover County Blood Assurance Plan
Baby announcement for Rev. and Mrs. Kirton’s granddaughter (daughter of Eunice)
Article about Rev. Kirton’s 10th anniversary at St. Mark’s
Odd letter written by Rev. Kirton- joking about drugs, possibly relating to a hospital stay which is alluded to in a letter on the following page
Article about St. Mark’s history extending earlier than the Civil War
Letter to Rev. Kirton inviting him to attend a National Security Seminar to listen to lectures about how civilians and military could fight the Cold War together
$5.00 check to the USS North Carolina Battleship Commission from Rev. Kirton
Article “FBI arrest man who said he was African chief”
Wedding announcement of Edwin E Kirton II
1961 annual report of the Community Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County
Wilmington Morning Star from February 14, 1962

Scrapbook 10 (red) (~1961-1974)
Letter from friend on speech Rev. gave in New Bern on race relations
Letter about meeting in Raleigh on employment of the handicapped where Rev. Kirton sat next to the governor
Letter and ID card from the General Convention of the Episcopal Church
Letter from President Richard Nixon about a response Rev. Kirton made regarding a speech Nixon made on August 15 1973
Article on Family Day at St. Mark’s
Article and autographed program from singer betty Allen, who gave a concert at UNCW
Program and reception invitation to the governor’s council on the Employment of the Handicapped
Articles on Champion McDowell Davis being chosen New Hanover
Citizen of the Year
Program and sermon from burial officiated by Rev. Kirton
Invitation to Governor’s Council on the Employment of the Handicapped and to its awards luncheon for the winners
Public Records clipping for property purchased by Rev. Kirton- Porter’s Neck Plantation
Letter to and from Champion McDowell Davis about being a “landowner”
Program from presentation of Handel’s Messiah, done by UNCW concert Choir
Letter and program regarding the Ceremony commemorating the Wilmington Federal Building as a historic customhouse
Section of the Congressional Record where Senator Helms recognized Champion Davis as Citizen of the Year
Certificate acknowledging that Rev. Kirton would appear in the 1974 edition of Personalities of the South
Article and unwritten postcards from the Caribbean cruise taken by Rev. and Mrs. Kirton to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary
Two tickets and corresponding articles to Rev. John Maury Allin becoming the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church
Guest ribbons and nametags for Rev and Mrs. Kirton, possibly from bishop Allin’s installation
Postcards from the cruise and best wishes cards about the cruise
Invitation to Historic Customhouse Ceremony
Article about reenactment of call for First Provincial Congress and proclamation of Wilmington historic district
Article about Rev. Kirton beginning 24th year at St. Mark’s
Letters to Rev. Kirton about his appointment to Council on Employment of the Handicapped

Scrapbook 11 (street scene) (1962-1963)
Articles about Blood Assurance Plan
Article about St. Mark’s celebrating 93rd anniversary
Two tickets to the Grand Opening Show of the Wilmington Civic Amphitheatre
Editorial by Rev. Kirton about two men being labeled as outlaws before their trial
Two postcards from the Episcopal Center for the Diocese of Western North Carolina
Clipping about daughter Eunice becoming director of the Park Town Nursery Center in Cincinnati, OH
Articles about formation of interracial group for Wilmington and New Hanover County
Articles about ordination of Marlon Poitier
Program from Formal Dedication of Ideal Cement company’s North Carolina Plant
Article about phony “African Prince” tricking Charleston hospital and leaving large unpaid bill

Scrapbook 12 (red) (~1964-1966)
Invitation to the United Fund Final Report Luncheon
Articles about prominent African American Wilmington physician indicted for murder of patient
Christmas card
Article about a dinner honoring hometown hero Sam Bowens of the Baltimore Orioles
Letter approving Rev. Kirton’s reappointment as a member of the Mental Health Advisory Board
Articles about local ministers resolving to protect local children from “obscene books and magazines”
Articles about Allsbrook being reelected Mayor of Wilmington
Advertisement for the members of the Billy Graham Association in Wilmington for Wilmington Area Evangelistic Crusade
Articles about the Wilmington Area Evangelistic Crusade
Article about Elsie Elise Kirton’s formal 16th birthday reception
Articles about the KKK in Wilmington
Article about no action taken against James Walker Hospital regarding racial discrimination charges
Christmas card from Mayor Allsbrook
Letter to Rev. Kirton about suggestions for photographer from Look magazine coming to Wilmington about their All-American City application
Articles about Look Magazine staffers inspecting Wilmington
Invitation to dedication ceremony for new Wilmington fire Dept. station
Articles about Wilmington being chosen by Look magazine as am All-American city
Articles about laying cornerstone for New Hanover Memorial Hospital
Program for The Restless Ones motion picture
Ribbon/nametag fro Rev. Kirton as a “Billy Graham Crusade Counselor”
Letters about The Restless Ones film screening

Scrapbook#13 (cream) (~19661967)
Articles about Cornerstone Ceremony for New Hanover Memorial Hospital
Report of the Chairman to the Steering Committee about screening of the movie The Restless Ones
Wedding invitation
Articles about Oceanside Episcopal Camp’s new building and record attendance
Program from graduation ceremony at Community Hospital (handwritten above: “Last Graduation at Community Hospital”)
Articles about oldest active member of St. Mark’s (91 years old)
Article about two teenagers who drowned at the beach
Letter from National Committee of Negro Churchmen about a gathering at the Statue of Liberty to call for “Moral integrity on racial issues” in the November elections
Article, program on YWCA mortgage burning ceremony

Scrapbook 14 (red) (~19681969)
Program from dedication of Hercules Inc. Hanover Plant
Invitation, article, nametag to Governor’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped
Two articles about disorderly conduct by students at area high schools
Article quoting various leaders from African American groups on the racial violence in Wilmington
Program, invitation, articles for consecration of new Bishop
Program, invitation, ticket to Governor’s Conference on Coastal Plains Development
Letter from Robert Scott
Invitation to be a patron at the Inaugural Ball for Governor and Mrs. Robert Scott
Christmas Card from Mayor Allsbrook
Christmas Card to Rev. Kirton from Mrs. Kirton
Article about Rev. Kirton being cited by Governor Dan Moore for his accomplishments
Christmas card from Governor Dan Moore and Mrs. Moore
Invitation to Awards Luncheon from Governor Scott
Article about handicapped man receiving award from Governor Scott for guiding others with their prosthetics
Invitation to the dedication of the new plant of the General Electric Company and its Nuclear Energy Division
Article first priority of the City’s Human Relation’s Board is rumor control
Invitation from Governor Scott to be a patron at the 1969 North Carolina Symphony Ball
Invitation to President’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped

Scrapbook 15 (red) (1969) (St. Mark’s Centennial)
All items relate to St. Mark’s Centennial
Cover of The Mission Herald of the Diocese of East Carolina
Program from Centennial Banquet
Article about Bishop opening the centennial celebration
Letters, telegrams, and cards of congratulations
Full page biography in the Wilmington Star News
Article about 2nd centennial speaker former rector
Letters from the Mayor Allsbrook Wilmington
Thank you letter from Governor Robert Scott
Copy of address delivered by Champion Davis at the 100th anniversary Dinner
Two tickets to centennial banquet
Copy of letter from Governor Robert Scott
Handwritten pages

Scrapbook 16 (green) (~19691970)
Article about graduation in New Hanover County
Father’s Day cards for Rev. Kirton
Invitation to Founder’s Day/ Champion Davis birthday at Cornelia Nixon Davis Nursing Home 1969
Articles, program from dedication of Coast Guard Station
Program of remarks made at Founder’s Day/ champion Davis birthday at Cornelia Nixon Davis Nursing Home
Program from West Onslow Beach Dedication
Invitation to the Governor’s Committee on the Employment of the Handicapped
Program from 25th annual conference of the North Carolina Recreation and Park Society
Program, articles from the dedication of the Virginia Pearson Empie Park
Article about Rev. Kirton’s 20th anniversary of his ordination
Congratulatory cards and telegrams about the 20th anniversary of his ordination
Articles, newspapers pictures about arrival of USCG Cutter Mendota arriving in Wilmington
Letter to Rev. Kirton from Associate Justice Dan Moore
Christmas card from Alton Lennon
Article about dedication of Market North Apartments
Article about Mrs. Booker T. Washington being installed as the First Senior Warden in the history of St. Mark’s Church
Invitation to the Governor’s Mansion for an Awards Luncheon
Invitation, tickets to the Admiral’s Brunch (given by the commanding officer of the USCG Cutter Mendota)
Note from Richard Nixon
Christmas card/brochure from Champion Davis
Invitation to Founder’s Day/ Champion Davis birthday at Cornelia Nixon Davis Nursing Home 1970
Star News section July 22, 1969 area people give comments on moon landing

Scrapbook 17 (green) (Man of the Year 1970)
All items relate to Rev. Kirton being named Star News Newspapers’ Citizen of the Year in 1970
Editorial and article about Rev. Kirton being named Citizen of the Year
Letter of congratulations from Governor Robert Scott
Letters of congratulations
Letter from Representative Alton Lennon
Thank you letters from Rev. Kirton to Star News editor and publisher
Telegrams of congratulations
More letters of congratulations
Cards of congratulations
Three copies of Star News announcing Rev. Kirton’s win for Citizen of the Year
Extra programs from St. Mark’s
Chronology of 1971 section of the Star News
Governor’s Committee on the Employment of the Handicapped Newsletter for March 1971

Scrapbook 18 (Red) (~19691976)
New Hanover Memorial Hospital dedication articles, certificate 1967
Golden Star Awards programs, letter, articles
Article on dedication of 115 housing units for the aged
Certificate, letter regarding the Governor’s Committee on the Employment of the Handicapped
Cards of congratulations
Letter top Rev. Kirton about the National Security Seminar
Letter about anonymous donor giving money to St. Mark’s to have it air conditioned
Letter from Lady Bird Johnson regarding letter Rev. Kirton wrote her about luncheon where combating crime at home was discussed
Program and invitation to the Governor’s Conference on Community Relations
List of participants in the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
Article about Dr. Martin Luther Kind canceling trip to Wilmington
Telegram from Governor Dan Moore asking Rev. Kirton to help bring peace “in this troubled hour”
Article about Bishop dedicating the air conditioning that was donate anonymously
Newspaper picture of the Cornerstone Ceremony for New Hanover Memorial Hospital
Invitation, reserved seating ticket, nametag, for the President’s Committee on the Employment of the Handicapped
Article written by Mrs. Kirton about the New Hanover School Board’s decision to close Williston Senior High School
Article about Good Neighbor Council (of which Rev. Kirton was a member) trying to get aid for a jailed youth

Scrapbook 19 (green) (May 26, 1970)
On May 26, 1970, Rev. Kirton received his Doctor of Divinity Degree from the General Theological Seminary
Letters to and from Rev. Kirton about getting his degree
Letters and cards of congratulations
Commencement program including picture of recipients
Newspapers articles
More letters of congratulations (Alton Lennon, Governor Scott)
Cards of congratulations
 
Scrapbook 20 (Brown with gold trim) (~1970-1972)
Article about Mrs. Kirton and her life as a minister’s wife
Articles about Episcopal churches tutoring program for high school students
Christmas cards from Governor Scott and Congressman Alton Lennon (signed)
Article about Rev. Kirton warning that use of violence would not help with situation of students that boycotted
Program from dedication of Sarah Graham Kenan Memorial Auditorium at UNCW
Tickets, nametags from the 1971 Azalea Festival
Large article about Golden Star Awards
Article about Sorority formed at UNCW for teachers and professionals in New Hanover and surrounding counties (Elsie Kirton was a member)
Article about the Wilmington Morning Star recognized by the North Carolina Department of Archives and History as “oldest daily newspaper in continuous publication in North Carolina”
General Theological Seminary Alumni notes mentioning Rev. Kirton
Articles about resolution (and copy of resolution) proposed by Rev. Kirton (idea was Mrs. Kirton’s) to have 3 days of prayer to help find solutions to racial unrest
Article about racial disturbance at Hoggard High School and comments made by Ben Chavis
Article that Port City black leaders resent Militant leaders arrival in city
Article about cancellation of hearings conducted by Committee for Racial Justice
Copy of editorial by WECT Channel six, about the racial violence
Article about Human Relations Committee discussing recent racial tension, also mentions Rev. Kirton’s resignation from organization

Scrapbook 21 (dark tan) (~1972-1973)
Letters about Rev. Kirton resigning from the Wilmington-New Hanover Human Relations Commission
Tickets and nametag to reviewing stand at Azalea Festival
Letter from Governor Scott thanking Rev. Kirton for sympathy regarding his mother
Invitation to an investiture of a Superior Court Judge in D.C.
Clipping about the Kirton’s visiting their daughter in Illinois
Certificate of membership for Rev. Kirton to the North Carolina Recreation and Park Society
Articles about retirement of Bishop Wright and institution of Bishop Elebash
 
Scrapbook 22 (red-brown) (~1974-1976)
Article about Rev. Kirton beginning his 24th year as rector
Article giving clergy’s opinions on women as priests
Article about consumers uniting against large energy bills
Articles about Champion McDowell Davis’ death and will
Letters about the proposed highway historical marker for St. Mark’s
Rev. Kirton’s letter of resignation from Oceanside Episcopal Camp
Article about winners of Albert Schweitzer International Prize (among them Mother Theresa) presented at Kenan Auditorium
Invitation to ceremony and reception for Albert Schweitzer International Prize winners
Articles on St’s Mark’s 100th anniversary celebration
Letter about Rev. Kirton’s retirement
Letter about Rev. Kirton being on the Executive Board of the Cape Fear Council Boy Scouts of America
Invitation to President’s Committee on the Employment of the Handicapped meeting
Letter about changing inscription on St. Mark’s Historical Marker
Program, letter about the Southeastern Mental Health Center Dedication Ceremony
Program from Annual Banquet of Cape Fear Council of Boy Scouts of America
Article about Rev. Kirton retiring
Letter, newspaper picture about Winston-Salem man named Handicapped American of the Year by President Ford
Program, ribbon from North Carolina Bicentennial Ball
Article about Rev. Kirton honored at Oceanside Camp on “Father Kirton Day”
Newspaper picture of President Ford talking with Rev. Kirton
Newspaper picture of Rev. Kirton and others posing in front of St. Mark’s Historical Marker
Valentine’s Day card to Rev. Kirton from Mrs. Kirton
Article about consumer taste testing in Wilmington, of which Mrs. Kirton participated
 
Scrapbook 23 (brown) (~1974-1979)
Rev. Kirton given honorary doctorate of sacred theology by the General Theological Seminary
Letter from Champion Davis about $10,000
Sermon for burial for Wade H Chestnut, Jr.
Article about community prayer day to help with racial tensions
Article about Champion Davis as Citizen of the Year 1973
Invitation to the North Carolina Bicentennial Ball from Governor and Mrs. Holshouser, Jr.
Article about St. Mark’s getting a historical marker from the state
Program from George Mason University commencement (daughter Elsie Elise- 1976)
Article about Rev. Kirton being elected chair of Region 4 White house Conference, Affirmative Action for Employment of the Handicapped and Funding Sources
Ribbon/name tag for Rev. Kirton from the North Carolina Azalea Festival in 1978
Program from the dedication of Mary Cooper Williams elementary School
Article about Rev. Kirton winning the National Service Award from the President’s Committee on the Employment of the Handicapped

Scrapbooks indexed by Michelle Cicero
Spring 2006

 

COPYRIGHT:  Retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.