^Lot 136 William H. Taft

TLS as president signed “Wm. H. Taft,” one page, 7 x 9, White House letterhead, April 30, 1909. Letter to Reverend Charles Southgate. In full: “I am very sorry I cannot be with you to celebrate the Centennial of the Massachusetts Bible Society. My early associations in Massachusetts are connected with that Society. My aunt's husband, Dr. Increase Niles Tarbox, was an officer in the Congregational Society, and was associated with Dr. Butler, known as 'Bible Butler,' who, I think, was for a long time connected with your Society. The good which it has done in spreading the reading of the Book, upon the precepts of which the progress of modern Christian civilization has been based, is hardly to be measured. I congratulate the Society upon its prosperous condition in this its centenary, and I wish for it continued usefulness. It is one of the sources of moral uplift of which there are so many in New England, which by their age and long record of successful effort are entitled to our veneration and esteem.” In very good condition, with toning and rippling from moisture exposure, as well as signature a bit light and feathered, also from moisture, and some light mirroring of text at the top.

On May 2-3, 1909, the Massachusetts Bible Society celebrated its centennial with commemorative services on Sunday afternoon at Trinity Church and Monday evening at the Old South Church. Charles R. Codman presided and introduced the evening's speakers including officials from other Bible societies, and Taft's letter was read at the celebration in his absence. The letter praised the organization for the ‘good which it has done in spreading the reading of the Book’ and established his personal connection to the Society through his great aunt Adelia Waters, who married theologian and author Dr. Increase Tarbox. Taft's own religious beliefs previously had been questioned when, after refusing the presidency of Yale University, he stated, ‘I do not believe in the divinity of Christ.’ In 1908, just a year prior to this letter, the faithful Unitarian was forced to deny the rumor that he was an atheist.