Spencer Heath Archive

Item 2384

Carbon of letter from Heath to Edward McCrady, Chancellor, The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee

September 12, 1954

 

 

Dear Dr. McCrady:

 

Here I am back in New York after leaving Sewanee somewhat prematurely a few days before the end of the summer course to attend to a sudden matter of business that had to be taken care of before September 1st. I was terribly sorry to leave so suddenly. I not only wanted to enjoy every bit of the summer course, but intended to stay a few days longer for the opening of the college and the beginning of the fall term — with the possibility also of some further contact and discussion with you.

 

     I did however have a number of very interesting talks with Dr. Cross and Dr. Parker, especially with Dr. Cross in relation to his fascinating theme, “The Christian Doctrine of Man.” His treatment of this was most inspiring, and he was kind enough to let me read a copy of his whole sheaf of mss. materials, of which I was particularly glad since I was not able to attend his last two sessions. It was also a fine experience to be in daily and dormitory association with that fine and pleasant company of theological men, not forgetting of course meal-time contacts with Drs. Parker, Marshall and Shepherd.

 

     I was also able to take advantage of the Sewanee printing facilities for two or three small jobs that Mr. Sutherland handled very satisfactorily for me, including the little pamphlet on ‘Land Reform’ which, being mainly from the religious point of view, seemed appropriate to the occasion.

 

     I also had some talks with Mr. Sutherland concerning the possibility of the Sewanee Print Shop handling the printing and binding of my Citadel, Market & Altar. Mr. Sutherland seemed quite prepared to go ahead with this, but I thought it would be premature to do so without some further consultation, advice and possible corrections from you, especially with respect to my employment of physical conceptions in the social and the spiritual field. I trust that by the time of my next visit to Sewanee before the end of the year I will have the benefit of your kind assistance and be able to make necessary corrections or improvements and with greater confidence proceed.

 

     Knowing of your many obligations and responsibilities I have sought your attention to what I am doing only because of your own thinking and writing having so far advanced authoritatively in directions so very congenial to my own.

 

     Please remember me kindly to Mrs. McCrady and the other members of your happy household, with my special compliments to the very young lady who so charmingly enchants.

 

                            Sincerely,

 

SH/m