KING'S CHAPEL
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Elizabeth Bulfinch Coolidge (1777-1837) with 1785 ed. King's Chapel Prayer Book
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This first edition King’s Chapel Book of Common Prayer was printed by Peter Edes in Boston, part of a family dynasty of printers in Boston. 
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The name inscribed on the preface of the 1785 prayer book, “Anna Eliza Bulfinch,” may have belonged to one of Dr. Thomas Bulfinch and Susan Apthorp Bulfinch’s daughters - Anna or Elizabeth- who were both baptized at King’s Chapel. Dr. Bulfinch married into the prominent King’s Chapel Apthorp family in 1759 and following the American Revolution played a critical role in Reverend James Freeman’s lay ordination and the adoption of the King’s Chapel prayer book. The Bulfinch family sat in pew number 6 in 1785, which is consistent with the “no. 6” also inscribed on the preface page. 
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At this time, we believe that the prayer book likely belonged to Elizabeth Bulfinch (1777-1837) - perhaps “Anna Eliza” was a nickname for her - since the inside cover also has the name “Joseph Coolidge, January 21, King’s Chapel” inscribed. Joseph Coolidge, III (1773-1840) married Elizabeth Bulfinch at King’s Chapel on September 20, 1796. Originally members of Old South, Joseph Coolidge’s family became members of King’s Chapel in the 1780s when the congregation became Unitarian, so both Elizabeth and Joseph would have grown up together at King’s Chapel. 

​Perhaps Joseph Coolidge acquired this first edition of the King’s Chapel Unitarian prayer book after marrying Elizabeth Bulfinch? Did he just inscribe his name on this special prayer book that belonged to his wife? While we’ll likely never know the answer to these questions, perhaps we’ll uncover more clues about this specific prayer book or about the family history of the Bulfinches and Coolidges. 
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King's Chapel
Est. 1686
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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 >
        • Pianist/ Music Leader
        • Verger Position
  • Worship
    • Holy Week 2022
    • Sunday at 9 AM
    • Sunday at 11 AM
    • Lent 2022
    • 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 >
      • 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
    • 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