rppc_msthomson Guide to the Paul van K. Thomson papers Finding aid prepared by Margo Guditus. Providence College, Phillips Memorial Library, Special and Archival Collections 2009
Phillips Memorial Library, Special and Archival Collections 1 Cunningham Square Providence, RI 02918-0001 http://www.providence.edu/library/spcol
 Finding aid encoded by Margo Guditus, 2009. Finding aid written in English Collection Overview Thomson, (van K. Paul), 1916-1999 Paul van K. Thomson papers 1928-1995 5 box(es) (6.0 linear feet) The collection of Rev. Paul van K Thomson, former V.P of Academic Affairs at Providence College, consists of sermons, course materials, books and articles written by him, as well as news clippings, church bulletins, handwritten manuscripts, and annotated books from his personal library. Providence College Phillips Memorial Library
Providence, RI 02918-0001
rppc_msthomson The records are in English and Italian. Biographical Information

Rev. Paul van K. Thomson was born in Weehawken, New Jersey on December 14, 1916 to Walter Scott Thomson and Mary van Kuykendall Thomson. He attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Weehawken, graduating in 1933, and then attended Columbia University, New York, where he graduated with an A.B. in English cum laude. Between 1937 and 1940 Thomson attended Berkeley Divinity School, New Haven, Connecticut where he received his Bachelors in Sacred Theology.

In 1940 Thomson became an Episcopal clergyman and began his work as the Vicar at St. Martins Episcopal Church in Maywood, New Jersey. Soon after, in 1941, Thomson left St. Martins to work as a Curate at Grace Episcopal Church in Newark.

Before joining the U.S. Navy as a Chaplin to the Pacific Fleet Marine Force in 1943, Thomson received his Masters in Sacred Theology from the General Theological Seminary in New York, New York. His service during World War II earned him two Combat Stars and a Presidential Unit Citation. Upon his return to the United States in 1946, Thomson was offered a position, which he accepted, as the Rector at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Providence, Rhode Island.

In 1949 Thomson started as an Instructor of English at Providence College, in Rhode Island. That same year he and his family left the Episcopal Church (and the ministry) converting to Catholicism. During the 1950’s Thomson continued his education, attending Brown University, and received both his M.A. and Ph.D. in English. This allowed him to become a full-time professor at Providence College in 1959. During the 1960’s and 70’s when Thomson was not teaching he spent his time writing religious articles and books, publishing at least six of his works.

In 1981 Paul van K. Thomson wrote to the Vatican requesting the eligibility to seek ordination as a Roman Catholic Priest. Two years later on August 27, 1983 Paul van K. Thomson was ordained at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence Rhode Island. His ordainment made him the 6th married Roman Catholic Priest in the U.S. and the 1st in the Diocese of Providence.

Thomson retired from teaching full time at Providence College in 1985. Despite this, he continued teaching English part time, as well as preaching at St. Mary’s Parish of Newport, St. Thomas More Church, and St. Veronica’s Chapel of Narragansett. On December 22, 1999, Rev. Paul van K. Thomson passed away the age of 83. He was buried on the 27th of December at St. Columba Cemetery, Middletown, Rhode Island.

Biographical Timeline 1916 Dec 14 Born in Weehawken, New Jersey 1928 Gives first speech at a meeting of the Second Ward Democrats in Weehawken Democratic headquarters at the age of 12. 1933 Graduates Woodrow Wilson High School with high honors 1933-1937 Attends Columbia University, New York, New York: A.B. in English cum laude 1937 Receives the Boar’s Head Poetry Award, Columbia University 1937-1940 Attends Berkeley Divinity School, New Haven, Connecticut: S.T.B. magna cum laude 1940 Ordained as deacon of Protestant Episcopal Church at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Union City, N.J., by Benjamin M. Washburn, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Newark. 1940-1941 Appointed Vicar, St. Martins Episcopal Church, Maywood, NJ 1941-1943 Appointed Curate, Grace Episcopal Church, Newark, NJ. 1943 Graduates General Theological Seminary, New York, New York: S.T.M Thesis: The concept of the human person according to Thomas Aquinas 1943-1946 Serves as Chaplain, U.S. Navy, Pacific Fleet Marine Force, 5th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Receives 2 Combat Stars and a Presidential Unit Citation. 1945 Marries Mildred Marie Cole of Irvington, N.J. 1945-1946 Appointed Associate Rector, Grace Episcopal Church 1946 Birth of the first of the Thomson’s seven children 1946-1949 Appointed Rector, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Providence, RI. 1947 Publishes “The Sacraments – Power for Daily Living” in The Living Church: A Weekly Record of the News, the Work, and the Thought of the Episcopal Church. 1948 American Representative to International Clerical Conference on Christian Unity, Farnham, England 1949 Enrolls part-time in Providence College, Providence, RI. 1949 Paul van K. Thomson and family baptized as Roman Catholics at St. Pius V Church, Providence, RI. 1949-1952 Hired as instructor in English at Providence College, RI. 1950-1952 Attends Brown University, Providence, RI: 1952 M.A. in English: Thesis Byron’s use of religious materials. 1952 Publishes “Paul van K. Thomson, Ex-Navy Chaplain” in They Heard His Voice: Stories of Noted Converts of Our Day. 1952-1955 Teaches as Assistant Professor of English, Providence College, RI 1952-1956 Attends Brown University, Providence, RI: 1956 Ph.D. in English: Dissertation A Study of Certain Notebooks and Manuscripts of Francis Thompson in Relation to His Poetic Theory and Critical Procedure. 1955 Named a University Fellow, Brown University, RI. 1955-1959 Teaches as Associate Professor of English, Providence College, RI. 1957 Included in the Directory of American Scholars, 3rd Edition 1958 Initiates the Liberal Arts Honors Program at Providence College, RI. 1958-1965 Appointed Director of the Liberal Arts Honors Program at Providence College, RI. 1959 Publishes Why I am a Catholic 1959 Receives an honorary M.A. degree from Providence College, RI 1959-1985 Promoted to Professor of English at Providence College, RI 1960 Publishes Francis Thompson: A Critical Biography 1961-1964 Serves as a Public Member on the U.S. Department of Labor Wage Boards. 1962 Publishes “The Tragedy of the Spanish Inquisition” in The Bridge: A Yearbook of Judeo Christian Studies. Vol. 4 1963 Recieves Outstanding Faculty Service Award from Providence College Alumni Association 1965 Publishes “Reflections on the Future of Religion and Poetry” in Delta Epsilon Sigma [National Catholic Honor Society] Bulletin 1965 Recieves Outstanding Catholic Layman of Rhode Island Award from Knights of Columbus 1965-1982 Is named to post of Vice President for Academic Affairs, becoming Providence College’s 1st lay vice president: continues to teach part time 1966 Receives honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Salve Regina College, Newport, Rhode Island 1966 Publishes “Should Catholic Colleges Be Abolished” in Columbia College Today 1967 Publishes “Francis Thompson and the Surrogate Theory of Poetry” in The Hound of Heaven: A Commemorative Volume 1968 Publishes “Literature and Personal Values” and “Excellence on the Catholic Campus” in The Divine Synthesis: Some Lectures of the Conference on Christian Humanism, 1961-1964 1968-1969 Vice President of the New England Catholic College Association 1969-1970 President of the New England Catholic College Association 1981 Sends documents to the Vatican requesting eligibility to seek ordination as a Roman Catholic Priest 1983 Receives Graduate Alumni Citation awarded by Brown University 1983 Aug 27 Ordained as a Roman Catholic priest by Louis E. Gelineau, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Providence, at Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence, becoming the 6th married Roman Catholic priest in the United States and the 1st in the Diocese of Providence, RI. 1984 Retires from full time status at Providence College 1985 Named Professor Emeritus at Providence College 1985-1988 Appointed Part time Assistant Pastor, St. Mary’s Parish, Newport, Rhode Island 1986 Receives Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Providence College 1986 The Thomson Award is established by the Providence College English Department for the senior(s) with the highest grades in their concentration 1988 As “Senior Priest” in the Diocese of Providence; Thomason retires from the ministry 1988-1989 Rev. and Mrs. Thomson live with the monastic community of the Benedictine Monastic Center, Petersham, Massachusetts 1989-1995 Assists at St. Thomas More Church and St. Veronica’s Chapel, Narragansett, Rhode Island 1990 Publishes Plus Sign on the Roof 1999 Dec 22 Passes away at the age of 83 1999 Dec 27 Buried at St. Columba Cemetery, Middletown, Rhode Island Scope and Content Note

The correspondence, clippings, sermons, books, manuscripts and course materials that comprise this collection concern the life of Rev. Paul van K. Thomson. Most of the documents relate to Thomson’s religious life, ranging from church bulletins when he was working as an Episcopalian Minister in New Jersey to books he wrote about his conversion to Catholocism.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in seven series

Series List Correspondence Course Work Literary Writings News Clippings Personal Papers Sermons & Speeches Subject Files Index Terms

Researchers wishing to find materials related to this collection should search the HELIN catalog with these index terms -- View the catalog record for this collection.

Names Thomson, Paul van K. (Paul van Kuykendall, 1916- Thompson, Francis, 1859-1907 St. Stephen’s Church (Providence, R.I.) Grace Church (Newark, N.J.) Gelineau, Louis E. Podles, Leon J., 1946- Fogarty, John Edward, 1913-1967 Subjects Episcopal Church Providence College Catholic Church -- United States Catholic converts Anglican Communion -- United States -- Clergy

Open for research.

 Acquisitions Information

The collection was donated to Providence College by Thomson and his wife, Mildred M. Cole Thomson, in 1998.

 Custodial History

The collection was acquired and maintained by Paul van K. Thomson prior to its donation to Providence College.

 Preferred Citation

Paul van K. Thomson papers, Providence College, Phillips Memorial Library, Special and Archival Collections

 Processing Information

The collection was originally processed in 1998 and re-processed in 2009.

Some materials may be restricted. For further information contact Special and Archival Collections, Phillips Memorial Library, Providence College.

Terms governing use and reproduction: Photocopying and scanning of materials is a fee based service available in the repository and is allowed at the discretion of the Librarian of Special and Archival Collections when in compliance to the College's policy on copyright and publication.

Researchers are advised that express written permission to reproduce, quote, or otherwise publish any portion or extract from this collection must be obtained from the Providence College Phillips Memorial Library. Although Providence College has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine the owners of the literary rights and to obtain any necessary permissions from them.

Certain restrictions may be imposed to protect the confidentiality of living individuals.

There are no known related materials.

The collection contained approximately 490 books at the time of donation, which were reviewed and inventoried. Those publications not containing marginalia, presentation notes, or containing subject matter directly related to Thomson's writings were placed in the general circulation department of the library. The remaining publications are available for review upon request.

 Inventory Correspondence 1936-1997 (74 folders) correspondence Scope and Content Note

This series contains correspondence that centers mostly on religious topics. Several of the letters included here concern Thomson's ordination as a Roman Catholic Priest. Additional correspondence relate to Thomson's teaching obligations at Providence College.

The originals of the photocopied letters can be found in Thomson's scrapbook.

Arrangement

This series is arranged chronologically.

 1 1 Foster, Harriet P. 1936 May 25 1 2 Edman, Irwin 1937 Jan 16 1 3 Bell, Bernard Iddings1937 Apr 23 1 4 Taber, Grieg, Reverend1941 Apr 25 1 5 ----------, Rowland Jr. 1941 Jul 17 1 6 Washburn, Benjamin M, Reverend1943 Feb 17 1 7 Gomph, Father1945 Apr 23 1 8 Margaret, Leila1945 Oct 8 1 9 Loveless, H.P.1948 Nov 16 1 10 McVinney, Russell J., Bishop1949 Aug 12 1 11 Schafer, Bruno, Father1950 Nov 2 1 12 Slavin, Robert J. 1954 May 1 1 13 Fogarty, John E. 1961 May 26 1 14 O'Reed, Wayne1961 Jun 15 1 15 McMurrin, Sterling M. 1961 Dec 8 1 16 O'Reed, Wayne1962 Mar 8 1 17 Hughes, John F.1962 Mar 21 1 18 Goldburg, Arthur1962 Aug 3 1 19 Olsen, Clara1964 Jul 17 1 20 Olsen, Clara1964 Jul 23 1 21 Olsen, Clara1964 Jul 28 1 22 Fogarty, Joseph 1969 Dec 2 1 23 St. Leo College1965 Feb 1 - 1965 Mar 23 1 24 Duffy, D. A. and Wyman, James 1965 Feb 19 1 25 Doody, Terrence1965 Feb 1 26 Lehner, Francis1965 Sep 23 1 27 Mary Emily, Sister 1966 Mar 7 1 28 Haas, William Paul1966 Apr 18 1 29 Mary Emily, Sister 1966 Jun 14 - 1966 Jun 17 1 30 Minoggio, Ferrando, Reverend1966 Aug 2 1 31 Fogarty, Louise 1967 Jan 16 1 32 Office for Papal Audiences 1967 Jun 6 1 33 Fogarty, Joseph1968 Dec 8 1 34 Ling, Cyril C. 1970 Nov 6 1 35 Gelineau, Louis E., Bishop 1974 Feb 1 1 36 Forster, Father1977 Sep 14 1 37 Conley, Robert T. 1977 Sep 15 1 38 Delaney, Michael J. 1977 Sep 15 1 39 Stenning, Gordon J., Reverend1980 Sep 16 - 1980 Sep 17 1 40 Cavallaro, Galliano J., Reverend1981 Dec 21 1 41 Dabash, Adrian, Chaplain1983 Dec 12 1 42 Gelineau, Louis E., Reverend1984 Apr 13 1 43 Varsanyi, William I., Reverend1984 Jul 9 1 44 Gelineau, Louis E., Reverend1984 Oct 19 1 45 Gelineau, Louis E., Reverend1984 Dec 31 1 46 Gelineau, Louis E., Reverend1985 Jan 30 - 1985 Feb 1 1 47 Backus, Michael1985 Mar 5 1 48 Hanink, James G. 1985 Jul 19 1 49 Hanink, James G. 1985 Jul 26 1 50 Vree, Dale1985 Aug 29 1 51 Cunningham, John F., Reverend1985 Dec 18 1 52 Angell, Kenneth A., Bishop1986 Oct 16 1 53 Cunningham, John F., Reverend1986 Dec 15 1 54 Angell, Kenneth A., Bishop1987 Jan 13 1 55 Vree, Dale1987 Jan 15 1 57 Gelineau, Louis E., Reverend1987 Dec 20 1 58 Gelineau, Louis E., Reverend1988 Jan 18 1 59 Gibbons, Walter F. 1988 Mar 7 1 60 St. Scholastica Priory1988 Apr 4 - 1988 Nov 4 1 61 St. Scholastica Priory1989 Mar 18 - 1989 Apr 1 1 62 Cunningham, John F., Reverend1989 Dec 19 1 63 Cunningham, John F., Reverend1990 Jan 9 1 64 Cunningham, John F., Reverend1990 Jul 5 1 65 Bassingthwaite, Ruth E. 1992 Jul 13 1 66 Stiles, Philip J.1992 Aug 5 1 67 Podles, Leon J.1992 Aug 29 1 68 Bannon, Anthony, Father1992 Sep 1 1 69 Suibielski, Father1992 Dec 6 1 70 Filenes1993 Mar 30 1 71 McCloskey, John V.1993 1 72 Grossi, Joseph1993 1 73 Mitchell, Margaret1994 Jun 6 1 74 Podles, Leon J. 1997 Apr 19 Course Work 1966 -1995 (18 folders) color slides examinations (documents) lectures lecture notes syllabi Scope and Content Note

As a professor at Providence College, Thomson helped to create and establish the Western Civilization Program required of all undergraduate students. Included in this series are notes, lectures, syllabi, and slides from his years of teaching this program. Lectures, syllibi and materials relating to other classes Thomson taught at Providence College and St. Mary's Church can also be found within this series.

 Arrangement

This series is arranged chronologically.

 1 75 English 418: Principles of Literature Criticism1966 1 76 Lectures: Italian and English Renniasance1980 1 77 Religous Studies 331: Syllabus and Slides1980 Jul 1 78 Sacraments and Woship course1983 Jan - 1983 May 1 79 Summer Course Bulletin from Providence College1984 1 80 Kitchen Theology Discussions1985 1 81 Lectures: Advent1985 1 82 Lectures: Gospel of Mark1985 1 83 Development of Western Civilization I-II: Slides1990 Sep - 1991 May 1 84 Development of Western Civilization I: Lectures1990 Sep - 1990 Dec 1 85 Development of Western Civilization: Lectures1990 1 86 Development of Western Civilization II: Lectures 1991 Jan - 1991 May 1 87 Development of Western Civilization 201-202: Lectures1992 - 1993 1 88 Development of Western Civilization 101 - 102: Syllabus1992 - 1993 1 89 Development of Western Civilization III: Syllabus and Lectures1993 Sep - 1993 Dec 1 90 Development of Western Civilization III - IV: Course Examinations1993 Sep - 1994 Jun 1 91 Development of Western Civilization IV: Syllabus and Lectures1994 Jan - 1994 Jun 1 92 Study Group Notes 1995 Jan 11 - 1995 Feb 1 93 History of Higher EducationUndated Literary Writings 1935-1990 (33 folders) articles books dissertations doctoral dissertations encyclopedias journals (periodicals) manuscripts (document genre) research notes Scope and Content Note

This series contains the writings of Paul van K. Thomson. He wrote about religous allusions and concepts found in literature, his conversion to Catholocism, and some of the difficulties of being Catholic in modern times. Along with published items are draft manuscripts, research materials and academic dissertations.

 Arrangement

This series is arranged chronologically. The materials relating to Francis Thompson are grouped together by topic.

1 94 The Columbia Review, Vol. XVI, No. 5, Resolving the American crisis - Thomson, Paul K. 1935 May 1 95 The Columbia Review, Vol. XVIII, No. 2, Redeem the time - Thomson, Paul v.K. 1937 Mar 1 96 The Columbia Review, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, Two travellers & A vacation - Thomson, Paul K. 1937 May 1 97 Jester, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 10, Valedictory - Thomson, Paul v.K. 1937 1 98 The New American Church Monthly, Vol. XLIII, No. 3, A college man speaks out - Thomson, Paul v.K. 1938 Mar 1 99 Thomson, Paul v.K. (1940). Some significant aspects of the moral theology of St. Thomas Aquinas, the angelic doctor (Bachelor Thesis, Berkeley Divinity School, 1940) 1940 1 100 The Bulletin of the General Theological Seminary, Vol. XXXII, No. 1, A Chaplain's report - Thomson, Paul Van K. 1946 Feb 1 101 The Holy Cross Magazine, Vol. LVII, No. 3, Report to the church - Thomson, Paul VanK. 1946 Mar 1 102 The Living Church, Vol. CXV, No. 21, The sacraments, power for daily living - Thomson, Paul Van K. 1947 Nov 23 1 103 Thomson, Paul van Kuykendall (1952). Byron's use of religous materials (Master's Thesis, Brown University, 1952) 1952 May 1 104 The Catholic World, Vol. CLXXVI, No. 1,053, Hope, history and hysteria - Thomson, Paul van K. 1952 Dec 1 105 Thomson, Paul van K. (1952). Ex-Navy Chaplain. In Schafer, Bruno (Compiler), They heard his voice. (pp. 237 - 255). New York: McMullen Books, Inc. 1952 Dec 1 106 Thomson, Paul van K. (1959).Why I am catholic. New York: Thomas Nelson and Sons. 1959 1 107 Why I am Catholic: Draft ManuscriptUndated 1 108 Why I am Catholic: Research MaterialsUndated 1 108 Thomson, Paul van K. (1961).Francis Thompson. New York: Thomas Nelson and Sons. 1961 2 110 Francis Thompson: Draft Manuscript1961 Jan 5 2 111 Francis Thompson: Research MaterialsUndated 2 112 Thomson, Paul van Kuykendall (1956). A study of certain notebooks and manuscripts of Francis Thompson (Doctoral Thesis, Brown University, 1956) 1956 2 113 Thomson, Paul van Kuykendall (1981). Francis Thompson. In Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism. (Vol 4, pp. 440 - 441). Detroit: Gale Research Company. 1981 2 114 Thomson, Paul van K. (1962). The tragedy of the Spanish Inquisition. In Oesterreicher, John M. (Ed.), The Bridge Vol IV. (pp. 171 - 196). New York: Pantheon Books. 1962 Dec 2 115 Thomson, Paul van K. (1962). The tragedy of the Spanish Inquisition. In Oesterreicher, John M. (Ed.), The Bridge Vol IV. (pp. 171 - 196). New York: Pantheon Books. 1962 Dec 2 116 Columbia College Today, Fall, Should Catholic colleges be abolished? - Thomson, Paul van K. 1966 2 117 Thomson, Dr. Paul van K. (1968). Literature and personal values & excellence on the Catholic campus. In The Divine Synthesis. (pp. 153 - 173). Asheville: Mount Mary. 1968 2 118 New Oxford Review, Vol. LIV, Apr, Mariology - Thomson, Paul van K. 1987 2 119 Mariology: DraftUndated 2 120 New Oxford Review, Vol. LV, Nov, On Ecumenism & the amazing unity of Catholics - Thomson, Paul van K. 1988 2 121 Thomson, Paul van K. (1990).Plus sign on the roof. Petersham: St. Bede's Publications. 1990 2 122 Plus Sign on the Roof: Research MaterialsUndated 2 123 Ecumenical Writings: UnpublishedUndated 2 124 Morals, ethics and the conscience: UnpublishedUndated 2 125 Poems: UnpublishedUndated 2 126 Reformation in Germany and EnglandUndated 2 127 Short Stories: Unpublished News Clippings 1929-1991 (93 folders) clippings (information artifacts) Scope and Content Note

This series contains news clippings written about Thomson. Many of the news clippings found here were copied from the Providence College Archives and are announcements of Thomson's speaking engagements. Clippings that were originally part of the Thomson collection are from his younger years as a student at Columbia University and as a Navy Chaplin in the Pacific.

The photocopies of news clippings from the Providence College archives were added to the collection when it was originally processed in 1998.

 Arrangement

The series is arranged chronologically.

 2 128 Boy Scouts1929 - 1933 2 129 Columbia Political Union Debate1935 Mar 20 2 130 Columbia Student Board Nominations1936 2 131 Annual Bishop's Youth Rally1946 Mar 3 2 132 Club To Hear Paul Thomson1951 Feb 3 2 133 Catholic Culture Lecture1941 Mar 1 - 1941 Mar 5 2 134 Providence College Faculty Member is Lenten Speaker1952 Mar 15 2 135 Catholic Convert to Speak Monday at Mercyhurst1952 Mar 23 2 136 P.C. Professor Talks on Books1952 Dec 6 2 137 Catholic Women's Club Speaker1953 Jan 20 2 138 RI Knights of Columbus Annual Dinner1953 Oct 13 2 139 Modern Woman Topic of Forum Debate1954 Feb 1 2 140 Women's Mission Outlined By Former Episcopal Minister1954 Feb 14 2 141 C.C. Club to Hold It's Annual Dinner Election March 231955 Mar 10 2 142 Campus Profiles1955 Mar 16 2 143 Philadelphia, Moscow and Rome Theme of Thomson Lecture at Carolan Club Breakfast1955 Mar 30 2 144 Communion Breakfast Set1955 Apr 25 2 145 St. Agnes Library1955 Apr 28 2 146 PC Professor Addresses St. Stephen's Holy Name1955 Nov 17 2 147 Vercellian Lecture1955 Nov 17 2 148 Future of the College1956 Feb 8 - 1956 Feb 15 2 149 P.C. Educator to Address Salve Regina Alumnae1956 Mar 9 2 150 Thomson Keynote at Ohio Conclave1956 Aug 30 2 151 Dr. Van Thomson Speaks April 30 at Joint Meeting1957 Apr 2 152 Bishop to Confer Degrees - Thomson delivers the address1957 May 13 2 153 Dr. Thomson Listed for WJAR-TV Show1958 May 28 - 1958 Jun 26 2 154 Living Faith Needed 1958 Jun 19 - 1958 Jun 24 2 155 Children's ingenuity results in Nativity presentation1958 2 156 Former D.A., Professor Named Seminar Speakers1959 Mar 5 2 157 P.C. Professor Speaks1959 Mar 9 2 158 Marriage Forum1959 Mar 9 2 159 Railway Units Plan Annual Memorial Mass1959 Apr 23 2 160 Catholic's Involvement in World Changes is Urged1960 Feb 25 2 161 PC to Join in Colo. Workshop1961 2 162 Anna Maria College Speakers Announced1961 Sep 24 - 1961 Oct 2 2 163 Barrington Lecture Series1961 Oct 18 2 164 Latin Students Hold Conference1962 Apr 20 2 165 Catholic Daughters of America Banquet1962 May 25 - 1962 Jun 1 2 166 Regis College Graduates 1461962 Jun 12 2 167 2nd Catechetical Congress1962 Apr 27 - 1962 May 4 2 168 Pilgrim High School Dedication Speaker1962 Dec 29 - 1962 Dec 31 2 169 Baumann's 'Passion' Is Given US Premiere in Cathedral1963 Apr 11 2 170 Serra District 40 Convention1963 Sep 5 - 1963 Sep 19 2 171 Accountants Assn. Program Listed1963 Aug 10 2 173 Trinity Seats Officials, Makes Grant1964 May 12 2 174 PC Educator Speaker at Salve Regina1964 Sep 26 2 175 St. Stephen's Rector to Resign March 151965 Feb 29 2 176 Thompson Named VP at Providence College1965 Apr 27 - 1965 May 9 2 177 Thomson Gets Mal Brown Award of PC1965 May 17 2 178 College Official Selected 'Oustanding RI Layman'1965 Jun 3 - 1965 Jun 11 2 179 Conference on Catholic Jewish Understanding1965 Nov 5 - 1965 Nov 11 2 180 Friendly Sons Will Hear Dr. Paul Thomson of PC1966 Mar 7 2 181 Dr. Thomson Speaks1966 Dec 14 2 182 Thomson Speaks at US Naval Justice School Graduation1966 Jan 18 - 1966 Jan 21 2 183 Somerset High School Graduation Speaker1966 May 12 2 184 Salve Lecture To Be Given By College Vice President1966 Oct 21 - 1966 Oct 28 2 185 Panel Discussion On Schools Held1966 Dec 8 2 186 N.E. Interfaith Conference Set1967 Jan 7 2 187 Thomson Speaks at Dental Society Unit1967 Jan 19 - 1967 Jan 22 2 188 Thomson Speaks at Salve Regina College's Cultural Series1967 Feb 6 2 189 Thomson Speaks at Catholic Women's Club of Worcester1967 May 3 - 1967 May 6 2 190 Thomson Speaks at Diocesan Council of Catholic Women1967 Apr 13 - 1967 May 11 2 191 Thomson Leads a Parent Teacher Panel at St. Mary's Academy1967 Oct 20 - 1967 Oct 27 2 192 Thomson Speaks at Killingly High School Graduation1968 Apr 11 - 1968 Jun 20 2 193 Catholic Congress May13 - 141968 May 5 2 194 Kent County Serrans Plan 'Bishop's Nite' Program1968 Jan 5 2 195 Thomson Speaks at St. Luke's Rosary and Altar Guild1968 May 17 - 1968 May 18 2 196 'It Was Anything But Dull'1968 May 4 2 197 Pupils Briefed on Careers1968 May 4 2 198 Thomson Speaks at Mother's Day Communion Breakfast1968 Apr 22 -1968 May 14 2 199 Thomson Speaks at Rivier Honors Convocation1969 Mar 16 - 1969 Mar 25 2 200 Drug Official Sees Federal Law Revision1969 Apr 9 3 201 Thomson Speaks at Cumberland High School Graduation1969 Jun 14 3 202 Thomson to speak at Salve Regina1968 Jul 13 3 203 Topic A: Catholic College Vistas1968 Oct 4 3 204 'We've Lost War,' PC Official Says1969 Oct 10 3 205 Thomson Speaks at St. Xavier's Graduation1970 Jun 10 3 206 PC to Be 40% Coed by '74 with 3,200 Student Body1970 Jun 19 3 207 Challenge is 'Right Now,' St. Joseph Faculty Told1970 Sep 9 3 208 Thomson Speaks St Mary College Graduation1971 May 20 - 1971 Jun 2 3 209 Thomson Speaks at RI Honor Society Induction1971 May 22 3 210 PC Official to Speak at Bryant Banquet1972 Mar 21 3 211 Thomson Speaks at St. Patrick's HS Graduation1973 May 17 - 1973 Jun 8 3 212 Trinity Offers Free Speeches About the Dangers of Power1975 Oct 4 3 213 Thomson Speaks at St. Mary's HS Graduation1979 May 30 - 1979 May 31 3 214 Retirement1981 Sep 16 3 215 Fr. Thomson interview on Real-to-Reel1983 Sep 29 3 216 Father Thomson to celebrate Mass at St. Rose of Lima1983 Sep 27 3 217 Fr. Thomson addresses St. Paul's Woman's Club1984 May 17 3 218 Parish Will Honor Couple and Celebrate Feast1991 Jun 13 3 219 Bishop Cheverus General AssemblyUndated 3 220 Bishop Urges Bigger Teacher RoleUndated 3 221 Providence College Professor Speaks at K. of C. Annual DinnerUndated Personal Papers 1922 -1994 (69 folders) transcripts report cards awards letters (correspondence) church records calendars photographs videocassettes Asian paper money newspapers school yearbooks diplomas correspondence essays military records liturgical texts Scope and Content Note

This series contains the personal papers of Paul van K. Thomson. Included is biographical information on Thomson's school years, military service, his time as an Episcopal Minister, and later years as a Catholic Priest. Additional items found in this series are awards and honorary degrees, family documents, and daily calendars.

 Arrangement

This series is arranged alphabetically.

3 222 Awards & Honorary Degrees - Delta Epsilon Sigma1957 Oct 24 3 223 Awards & Honorary Degrees - Providence College1959 3 224 Awards & Honorary Degrees - PC Alumni Assoc. Faculty Award1963 3 225 Awards & Honorary Degrees - Phi Sigma Tau 1964 Nov 30 3 226 Awards & Honorary Degrees - Clippings1965 3 227 Awards & Honorary Degrees - Salve Regina Honorary Docotor of Humanities1966 3 228 Awards & Honorary Degrees - ROTC Award1972 3 229 Awards & Honorary Degrees - Clippings1983 3 230 Awards & Honorary Degrees - PC Honorary Doctor of Humanities1986 3 231 Awards & Honorary Degrees - Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor SocietyUndated 3 232 Daily Calanders1992 - 1993 3 233 Daily Calanders1994 3 234 Hamilton School1922 - 1928 3 235 Theodore Roosevelt School1928 - 1929 3 236 Woodrow Wilson High School1929 - 1933 3 237 Columbia University - Clippings1933 - 1937 3 238 Columbia University - Correspondence1933 - 1937 3 239 Columbia University - Diploma1937

See oversize box 2

3 240 Columbia University - Programs1933 - 1937 3 241 Columbia University - Transcripts & Report Cards1933 - 1937 3 242 Columbia University - Yearbook1937 3 243 Berkeley Divinity School - Clippings1937 - 1940 3 244 Berkeley Divinity School - Correspondence1937 - 1940 3 245 Berkeley Divinity School - Essay 1939 3 246 Berkeley Divinity School - Programs1937 - 1940 3 247 General Theological Seminary - Transcripts & Report Cards1940 - 1943 3 248 Brown University - MA Diploma1952 3 249 Brown University - Correspondence1952 - 1956 3 250 Brown University - PHD Diploma1956 3 251 Brown University - Transcripts & Report Cards1952 -1956 3 252 Family PapersUndated 3 253 Health PapersUndated 3 254 Military Sevice - Chaplain's Report1946 Feb 3 255 Military Service - Clippings1943 - 1946 3 256 Military Service - Correspondence & Movement Papers1943 - 1946 3 257 Military Service - Enlistment & Discharge Papers1936 - 1937 3 258 Military Service - Enlistment & Discharge Papers - US Navy1943 - 1946 3 259 Military Service - Enlistment & Discharge Papers - RI National Guard1947 - 1949 3 260 Military Service - Grace Church

See side of box 3

1945 Oct 3 261 Military Service - The Living Church1945 Jan 7 3 262 Military Service - Memorabilia1943 - 1946 3 263 Military Service - Photographs1943 - 1946 3 264 Military Service - Photographs

See oversized files box 2

1943 - 1946 3 265 Episcopal Church - Membership Papers1917 - 1949 3 266 Episcopal Church - Ordination as a Deacon1940 May 19 3 267 Episcopal Church - Ordination as a Priest1941 Feb 1 3 268 Episcopal Church - St. Martin's Church1940 - 1941 3 269 Episcopal Church - Grace Church1941 - 1946 3 270 Episcopal Church - St. Stephen's Church1946 - 1949 3 271 Episcopal Church - Farnaham Castle & Lambeth Conference1948 3 272 Episcopal Church - St. Stephen's Church - A HistoryUndated 3 273 Roman Catholic Church - Conversion1949 3 274 Roman Catholic Church - Manuals for Administration of Sacraments1979 3 275 Roman Catholic Church - Ordination as a Priest - Correspondence1980 - 3 276 Roman Catholic Church - Cemeteries1982 - 1984 3 277 Roman Catholic Church - Handbook for the Permanent Diaconate1983 Jun 30 3 278 Roman Catholic Church - Ordination as a Deacon1983 Aug 24 3 279 Roman Catholic Church - Council of Priests1983 3 280 Roman Catholic Church - Ordination as a Priest - Clippings1983 - 3 281 Roman Catholic Church - Ordination as a Priest - Photographs1983 3 282 Roman Catholic Church - Ordination as a Priest - Video1983 3 283 Roman Catholic Church - Manuals for Faculties for Priests & Deacons1984 3 284 Roman Catholic Church - Marriage Tribunal 1985 3 285 Roman Catholic Church - St. Mary's Church1985 - 1988 3 286 Roman Catholic Church - Manuals for Sacraments of Extreme Unction1991 3 287 Roman Catholic Church - Bio Medical Ethics Commission1992 3 288 Roman Catholic Church - Education & Compliance Office1994 3 289 Roman Catholic Church - Catholic School OfficeUndated 3 290 Roman Catholic Church - Clergy Mutual Bedefit ProgramUndated 3 291 Roman Catholic Church - Manuals for the Sacrament of MatrimonyUndated Sermons & Speeches 1928 - 1994 (24 folders) notes sermons speeches Scope and Content Note

This series is comprised of sermons that Thomson wrote and gave as an Episcopalian Minister and as a Roman Catholic Priest after his ordination in 1983. Also included in this series are copies of speeches Thomson delivered during his career.

The originals of photocopied speeches can be found in Thomson's scrapbook.

Arrangement

This series is arranged chronologically. Undated items are arranged alphabetically at the end.

 4 292 Second Ward Democrats Meeting1928 Oct 4 293 High School Commencement: 'Humanity Uprooted'1933 Jun 27 4 294 Debate: Columbia University vs. Stanford University 1935 Apr 6 4 295 Anglo - Catholic Congress: 'The Sacraments - Power for Daily Living' 1947 Oct 8 - 1947 Oct 9 4 296 Report Lecture of the International Priests' Convention1949 4 297 US Senate Committee on Labor & Public Welfare1965 Feb 2 4 298 Fifth Inter-university Faculty Work Conference: 'Literature - It's Meaning to Man'1968 Jun 18 - 1968 Jun 23 4 299 Four Holy Hours for Priests: 'The Voice of Peter and our Priesthood'1985 4 300 Holy Hour1985 Nov 22 4 301 St. Timothy's Church: 'Our Life in the Catholic Church'1985 Oct 13 4 302 Holy Hour1986 Apr 4 303 Communion Breakfast1988 4 304 Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving for Father Charles Eggert: 'We are Ambassadors of Christ'1988 Jun 5 4 305 Eulogy at the Funeral Mass for Rene Fortin1991 Mar 1 4 306 Diocese of Providence Priests Retreat1994 May 14 - 1995 Sep 21 4 307 Reading for the 50th Anniversary of D-Day1994 Jun 4 308 T.S. EliotUndated 4 309 Festal Index of HomiliesUndated 4 310 Gospel of JohnUndated 4 311 Gospel of LukeUndated 4 312 Gospel of MarkUndated 4 313 Gospel of MatthewUndated 4 314 Holy HourMar 26 4 315 'Puritan Sermon on Thanksgiving'Undated 4 316 Teachers Meeting at Our Lady of Mercy SchoolSep 22 Subject Files 1935 - 1995 (60 folders) clippings (information artifacts) church bulletins editorials inscriptions reviews (document genre) deeds audiotapes newspapers programs photographs ordinations speeches scrapbooks Scope and Content Note

This series contains materials relating to different interests of Thomson, much of which is comprised of editorials and reviews written by him. Additional items included in the series are photocopies of book inscriptions, church bulletins, a personal notebook, and speeches given by other people. Along with these items are several newspapers from the Vatican, and a few from his service in the Navy.

 Arrangement

This series is arranged alphabetically.

4 317 Around the Table1994 4 318 Cemetery Files1982 4 319 Church Bulletins1945 - 1994 4 320 ClippingsUndated 4 321 Biographical Information on John J. HughesUndated 4 322 Book Inscriptions - Poems 1909 - 1925 by T.S. Eliot1935 4 323 Book Inscriptions - Lenin1936 4 324 Book Inscriptons - Christianity and Philosophy1941 Apr 10 4 325 Book Inscrioptions - Reason and Revelation in the Middle Ages1941 Apr 10 4 326 Book Inscriptions - Poems of Francis Thompson1941 Sep 16 4 327 Book Inscriptions - A Selection of Poetry of John C. Harrington1985 May 4 328 Book Inscriptions - The Complete Picture Guide to Newport, RI1987 Aug 7 4 329 Book Inscriptions - Flatland1991 May 4 330 Book Inscriptions - An Alembic of Philosphy1996 Jul 20 4 331 Editorials & Reviews - Columbia Spectator1936 4 332 Editorials & Reviews - Lion about Literature1937 4 333 Editorials & reviews - The Living Church Family1944 Sep 24 4 334 Editorials & Reviews - Words of Faith1956 Jan 19 4 335 Editorials & Reviews - Dr. Zhivago1958 Dec 18 4 336 Editorials & Reviews - 'The Thomist: 'Faith and Understanding in America'1959 Oct 22 4 337 Editorials & Reviews - The Thomist: 'Christianity in Conflict'1961 Jan 24 4 338 Editorials & Reviews - The Early Identification of Talented Individuals is of National Concern'1962 4 339 Editorials & Reviews - The Cowl: 'Searching the Scriptures'1963 Feb 27 4 340 Editorials & Reviews - The Cowl1969 Feb 19 4 341 Editorials & Reviews - The Thomist: Multiple Reviews1969 Apr - 1969 Nov 4 342 Editorials & Reviews - The Thomist: 'Between Earth and Heavan'1970 Jul 4 343 Editorials & Reviews - The Thomist: Meatphor: An Annotated Bibliography and History1972 Jul 4 344 Editorials & Reviews - The Thomist: 'Patmore's Asethetic and His Metrical Theory'1972 Oct 20 4 345 Editorials & Reviews - The Thomist: 'il Moro'1973 Apr 4 346 Editorials & Reviews - The Cowl: 'Simplicity Frames College'1973 Nov 4 347 Editorials & Reviews - The Thomist: 'Soundings in Satanism'1974 Apr 4 348 Editorials & Reviews - Providence Visitor - 'Family Values Unavoidable'1992 Jun 18 4 349 Editorials & Reviews - Providence Class Notes1991 Winter 4 350 Editorials & Reviews - Providence Visitor: 'Papal Directives and the Catholic University'1991 Oct 31 4 351 Editorials & Reviews - Providence Visitor: ' Is Rev. Ms. Harris Playing a Theological Game?'1991 Dec 19 4 352 Editorials & Reviews - Providence Visitor: 'Crossing the Threshold of Hope'1994 4 353 Editorials & Reviews - The Name of the RoseUndated 4 354 Editorials & Reviews - Oscar WildeUndated 4 355 Editorials & Reviews - Temptation of ChristUndated 4 356 Editorials & Reviews -Undated 4 357 John E. Fogarty Memorial Service1967 4 358 Guest Speaker at PC - Major James F. Kealey - US Army1989 4 359 Honolulu Advertiser

See oversized box 2

1945 Aug 14 4 360 Honolulu Advertiser

See oversized box 2

1945 Aug 15 4 361 House Deed1959 4 362 Lecture by Kenneth L. Schmitz1991 Jan 28 4 363 Marriage Forum Speech - audiotape1957 Mar 24 4 364 Notes on 'Cathedra Sempiterna'1994 4 365 Notes on Sermons, Courses & RetreatsUndated 4 366 Ordination Certificate

See oversized box 2

1941 Feb 1 4 367 L'Osservatore Romano - Vatican Newspaper - English Edition1995 Apr 5 - 1995 Apr 12

See Oversized box 2

 4 368 Peleliu - Tom Lea Paints Island Invasion

See oversized box 2

4 369 Photographs 1941 - 1949 4 370 Providence Visitor

See oversized box 2

1993 - 1995 4 371 Rhode Island World Affairs Week - Program1952 Mar 9 4 372 La Rocca - Italian Newspaper

See oversized box 2

1950 4 373 The Columbia Spectator

See oversized box 2

1937 Jun 1 4 374 Scrapbook1928-1949 4 375 Second Annual Conference of the Catholic Youth Council for Social Action1939 Nov 11 4 376 Thomistic Institute of Catholic Nurses Lecture Series - Program1964 Feb 6 4 377 Francis Thompson - The Hound of Heaven - Musical SettingCirca 1950