The archive consists of a certificate of appointment as Deaconess in the Parishes of Mere with West Knoyle in the County of Wiltshire and Diocese of Salisbury, 30 Jan 1933; correspondence with the Diocesan Registry, Salisbury to Deaconess Belfield; copy of her Assent to the 39 Articles, Jan 1937; press cutting relating to Dorothea Belfield's status and office and to the debate bout the status, role and office of deaconess, as opposed to deacon, within the Church.
Papers of Dorothea Edith Belfield
This material is held atWomen's Library Archives
- Reference
- GB 106 7DEB
- Dates of Creation
- 1930s
- Language of Material
- English
- Physical Description
- 0.5 A box (1 folder)
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
Dorothea Edith Belfield (fl.1933-1940) was admitted to the order of deaconess in 1933 and appointed to the Parish of Mere (Diocese of Salisbury) in Feb 1933. She was known as the Rev. Deaconess Belfield. Information extracted from Mere parish magazines indicates that while the Order of Deaconess was recognised in 1920, the office was still contentious. In May 1934 Dorothea was on a month's sick leave. She left the parish in Jan 1935. Her health had not, apparently, been good. She worked unpaid and had anticipated staying for two years and then moving on to work of 'wider scope'. She was hard working and conscientious. Her vicar was the Rev. Ian Cameron. Dorothea Belfield published pamphlets in the 1940's for the London Society for the Equal Ministry of Men and Women in the Church. Little information on her has been traced.
Access Information
This collection is available for research. Readers are advised to contact The Women's Library in advance of their first visit.
Acquisition Information
Unknown: 'Found among pamphlets being listed', Mar 1973; rediscovered amongst 'unsorted archival miscellany' during the Library move, 2002 and formally accessioned, Jul 2003.
Other Finding Aids
Fonds Description (1 folder only)