KING'S CHAPEL
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Joseph May (1760-1841) with 1811 ed. King's Chapel Prayer Book
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This Unitarian Book of Common Prayer was published in Boston in 1811 and is the 2nd edition of the King's Chapel Prayerbook, printed by Joshua Belcher in Boston. Joseph May was a member of King’s Chapel for more than 55 years and served as Junior Warden. He was the grandfather of famous literary author Louisa May Alcott and a close friend of Reverend James Freeman. Church records list him as “James Freeman’s most intimate friend and his constant helper.” In 1787, Joseph May was one of the congregants who ordained Reverend Dr. James Freeman as the first Unitarian minister, making King’s Chapel the first Christian Unitarian church in America, and also played a key role in adopting Freeman’s version of the Book of Common Prayer. 
Joseph May originally gave this prayer book to his daughter Elizabeth Sewall Willis who grew up attending King’s Chapel along with her sister Abigail May Alcott - Louisa May Alcott’s mother. You can see that Elizabeth signed her name “E. S. May” on the inside cover. In 1811 Elizabeth married Benjamin Willis and the couple eventually moved to Portland, Maine. After Elizabeth’s death in 1822,  prayer book was passed down to her son Hamilton who inscribed “my mother’s prayer book” below her name.
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The full story behind this 2nd edition King’s Chapel Book of Common Prayer was eventually added to the inside cover: ​
The book was given by Joseph to his daughter Elizabeth Sewall Willis (1798-1822) and passed on her death to her son Hamilton (1818-1878). It was given by Hamilton’s daughter Pauline (1870-) to Benjamin Willis Wells, son of Elizabeth Sewall Wells, grandson of Elizabeth Sewall Willis and great-grandson of Joseph May. He gave this book to King’s Chapel, May 17, 1919.
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King's Chapel
Est. 1686
​
In the love of truth, and the spirit of Jesus Christ, we unite for the worship of God
​and the service of all​.
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 www.kings-chapel.org |  58 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02108  |  617-227-2155 
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  • Home
    • About Us >
      • Welcome
      • Calendar
      • Clergy & Staff
      • Contact Us & Directions >
        • Send A Message
      • Employment Opportunities >
        • Church Sexton Position
        • Assistant Minister Position
  • Worship
    • Holy Week 2023
    • Sunday at 9 AM
    • Sunday at 11 AM
    • Lent 2023
    • Sermons
    • Special Annual Services
    • Book of Common Prayer
  • Music
    • Tuesday Recitals
    • Concert Series
    • Musical Inquiries
  • History & Tours
    • Plan Your Visit >
      • 2023 At A Glance
      • Guided Tour Offerings >
        • Group Tours
    • Explore Our History >
      • A Brief History
      • The Stone Chapel: Art & Architecture >
        • The Wooden Chapel
        • Georgian Architecture
        • Box Pews
        • Interior Colors
        • Memorials
        • The Chancel Windows
        • The Last Supper Painting
      • Crypt and Burying Ground >
        • Crypt >
          • Crypt Highlights: Crypt Entrance
          • Crypt Highlights: Tomb Structure
          • Crypt Highlights: The Stranger's Tomb
          • Crypt Highlights: Research and Family Connections
          • Crypt Highlights: Remaining Memorials
          • Crypt Highlights: Hand-Hewn Beams
        • Burying Ground
      • Religious History >
        • Online Exhibit: Independent Country, Independent Church
        • 334 Years of Ministry
      • Slavery at King's Chapel
    • Online Exhibits >
      • Queen's Chapel: Women's History at King's Chapel
      • Revolutionary King's Chapel: Online Exhibit
      • Literary King's Chapel
      • Uncovering the Past: Exploring Black History Through Primary Sources
    • History Events & Programs >
      • Past Events & Programs
      • Recorded History Programs
    • Christmas History at King's Chapel >
      • Decking the Halls: The History of Decorating with Greens
      • Christmas Lights: Then and Now
      • 18th & 19th Century Christmas Services & Music
      • Christmas Feasts & Treats Throughout History
      • Holiday History Trivia
    • History Program Blog
    • About Us >
      • History Program Staff
      • Contact Us
    • Support the History Program
  • Community
    • News & Updates >
      • Parish Community News
      • Between Sundays Archive
    • Community from Home
    • Community Action Committee >
      • Anti-Racism Resources
    • Memorial to Enslaved Persons
    • Environmental Action Initiative
    • Join King's Chapel
    • For Members >
      • Budget Meeting 2023
      • Partner Church Sunday 2022
      • KC Bylaws
      • 2022- 2023 Church Leadership
  • Giving
    • Why Give
    • Ways to Give
    • Stewardship >
      • Pledge
  • Weddings & Baptisms
    • Weddings >
      • Dear Prospective Couple
      • Wedding Inquiry
      • Wedding Service
    • Baptisms
  • Space Rentals
  • Member Action Initiative