Letter to the Editor

Published: February 21, 2008

To the Editor:

I would like to point out an error in the article about the archives, now being curated by Carolyn Denton (The Georgia Bulletin, Feb.7). The article mentions that the oldest document dates back to 1822, with the next oldest being 1902.

Several years ago, the oldest sacramental records from the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception were turned over to the Office of Archives. These records date back to 1848. The documents were in very bad condition, and the parish was concerned about their long-term preservation. We now refer questions about sacramental records older than approximately 1940 to the archdiocesan archivist.

I am aware of this because I was the business manager at the Shrine at the time. I recall looking through some of those oldest baptismal and marriage records and seeing the signature of Father (Thomas) O’Reilly, who is buried here.

Jeffrey McIntyre, Atlanta