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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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​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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  • King's Chapel from Home
    • January Environmental Compassion Month
    • Worship from Home >
      • Past Virtual Services
    • Music from Home
    • History from Home
    • Community from Home >
      • Voter Action Initiative
      • Anti-Racism Resources
    • Stewardship & Giving
  • About Us
    • Welcome
    • Calendar
    • News & Updates >
      • Weekly Newsletter
      • Messages from the Ministers
      • King's Chapel Updates
    • Clergy & Staff
    • Contact Us & Directions >
      • Send A Message
  • Worship
    • What to Expect
    • Sunday at 9 AM
    • Sunday at 11 AM
    • Wednesday at 5:30 PM
    • Sermons
    • Special Annual Services
    • Book of Common Prayer
  • Music
    • Virtual Musical Events
    • From The Bench: A Musical Blog
    • Tuesday Recitals
    • Concert Series
  • History & 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
      • Literary King's Chapel: Online Exhibit
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Virtual History Events & Programs >
      • Recorded History Programs
      • Past Events & Programs
    • History Program Blog
    • About Us >
      • History Program Staff
      • Contact Us
    • Support the History Program
  • Get Involved
    • Adult Education
    • Children & Youth
    • Serve the Church
    • Serve the World
    • Make a Gift
    • Join King's Chapel
    • Ways To Support Our Partners
  • Weddings & Baptisms
    • Weddings >
      • Dear Prospective Couple
      • Wedding Inquiry
      • Wedding Service
    • Baptisms
  • Space Rentals
  • For Members
    • KC Bylaws
    • 2020 - 2021 Church Leadership
    • Environmental Action Initiative Meeting Minutes
    • 2020 Annual Meeting Recording
    • Annual Meeting Materials 2020
    • 2021 Budget
  • Leadership Retreat Materials 2020