Guide to the Paul van K. Thomson papers, 1928-1995


Phillips Memorial Library
Archives and Special Collections
1 Cunningham Square
Providence, RI 02918
Tel: 401-865-2578
Fax: 401-865-1578
Email: pcarchives@providence.edu
Website: https://pml.providence.edu/

Published in 2009

Collection Overview

Title: Paul van K. Thomson papers
Date range: 1928-1995
Creator: Thomson, Paul van K., 1916-1999
Extent: 6 linear feet
Abstract: 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.
Language of materials: English
Repository: Phillips Memorial Library
Collection number: rppc_thomson

Scope & content

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.

Access Points

Subject Names Subject Organizations Subject Organizations Subject Topics Subject Topics

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in seven series.

  • Correspondence
  • Course Work
  • Literary Writings
  • News Clippings
  • Personal Papers
  • Sermons & Speeches
  • Subject Files

Biographical note

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.

Chronology

Date Event
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

Access & Use

Access to the collection: Collection is open for research by appointment. Materials do not circulate. Some materials may be restricted, for further information contact the Archives and Special Collections, Phillips Memorial Library, Providence College.
Use of the materials: 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 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 up to the researcher to determine the owners of the literary rights and to obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation: Paul van K. Thomson papers, Providence College, Phillips Memorial Library, Archives and Special Collections.
Contact information: Phillips Memorial Library
Archives and Special Collections
1 Cunningham Square
Providence, RI 02918
Tel: 401-865-2578
Fax: 401-865-1578
Email: pcarchives@providence.edu
Website: https://pml.providence.edu/

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION  
Acquisition: The collection was donated to Providence College by Thomson and his wife, Mildred M. Cole Thomson, in 1998.
ABOUT THE FINDING AID  
Author: Finding aid prepared by Margo Guditus.
Encoding: Finding aid encoded by Margo Guditus 2009 October 19
Descriptive rules: Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Separated material: 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

Series I. Correspondence
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.

Container Description Date
Box 1, Folder 1 Foster, Harriet P.
1936 May 25
Box 1, Folder 2 Edman, Irwin
 1937 Jan 16
Box 1, Folder 3 Bell, Bernard Iddings
 1937 Apr 23
Box 1, Folder 4 Taber, Grieg, Reverend
 1941 Apr 25
Box 1, Folder 5 ----------, Rowland Jr.
 1941 Jul 17
Box 1, Folder 6 Washburn, Benjamin M, Reverend
 1943 Feb 17
Box 1, Folder 7 Gomph, Father
 1945 Apr 23
Box 1, Folder 8 Margaret, Leila
 1945 Oct 8
Box 1, Folder 9 Loveless, H.P.
 1948 Nov 16
Box 1, Folder 10 McVinney, Russell J., Bishop
 1949 Aug 12
Box 1, Folder 11 Schafer, Bruno, Father
 1950 Nov 2
Box 1, Folder 12 Slavin, Robert J.
 1954 May 1
Box 1, Folder 13 Fogarty, John E.
 1961 May 26
Box 1, Folder 14 O'Reed, Wayne
 1961 Jun 15
Box 1, Folder 15 McMurrin, Sterling M.
 1961 Dec 8
Box 1, Folder 16 O'Reed, Wayne
 1962 Mar 8
Box 1, Folder 17 Hughes, John F.
 1962 Mar 21
Box 1, Folder 18 Goldburg, Arthur
 1962 Aug 3
Box 1, Folder 19 Olsen, Clara
 1964 Jul 17
Box 1, Folder 20 Olsen, Clara
 1964 Jul 23
Box 1, Folder 21 Olsen, Clara
 1964 Jul 28
Box 1, Folder 22 Fogarty, Joseph
 1969 Dec 2
Box 1, Folder 23 St. Leo College
 1965 Feb 1 - 1965 Mar 23
Box 1, Folder 24 Duffy, D. A. and Wyman, James
 1965 Feb 19
Box 1, Folder 25 Doody, Terrence
 1965 Feb
Box 1, Folder 26 Lehner, Francis
 1965 Sep 23
Box 1, Folder 27 Mary Emily, Sister
 1966 Mar 7
Box 1, Folder 28 Haas, William Paul
 1966 Apr 18
Box 1, Folder 29 Mary Emily, Sister
 1966 Jun 14 - 1966 Jun 17
Box 1, Folder 30 Minoggio, Ferrando, Reverend
 1966 Aug 2
Box 1, Folder 31 Fogarty, Louise
 1967 Jan 16
Box 1, Folder 32 Office for Papal Audiences
 1967 Jun 6
Box 1, Folder 33 Fogarty, Joseph
 1968 Dec 8
Box 1, Folder 34 Ling, Cyril C.
 1970 Nov 6
Box 1, Folder 35 Gelineau, Louis E., Bishop
 1974 Feb 1
Box 1, Folder 36 Forster, Father
 1977 Sep 14
Box 1, Folder 37 Conley, Robert T.
 1977 Sep 15
Box 1, Folder 38 Delaney, Michael J.
 1977 Sep 15
Box 1, Folder 39 Stenning, Gordon J., Reverend
 1980 Sep 16 - 1980 Sep 17
Box 1, Folder 40 Cavallaro, Galliano J., Reverend
 1981 Dec 21
Box 1, Folder 41 Dabash, Adrian, Chaplain
 1983 Dec 12
Box 1, Folder 42 Gelineau, Louis E., Reverend
 1984 Apr 13
Box 1, Folder 43 Varsanyi, William I., Reverend
 1984 Jul 9
Box 1, Folder 44 Gelineau, Louis E., Reverend
 1984 Oct 19
Box 1, Folder 45 Gelineau, Louis E., Reverend
 1984 Dec 31
Box 1, Folder 46 Gelineau, Louis E., Reverend
 1985 Jan 30 - 1985 Feb 1
Box 1, Folder 47 Backus, Michael
 1985 Mar 5
Box 1, Folder 48 Hanink, James G.
 1985 Jul 19
Box 1, Folder 49 Hanink, James G.
 1985 Jul 26
Box 1, Folder 50 Vree, Dale
 1985 Aug 29
Box 1, Folder 51 Cunningham, John F., Reverend
 1985 Dec 18
Box 1, Folder 52 Angell, Kenneth A., Bishop
 1986 Oct 16
Box 1, Folder 53 Cunningham, John F., Reverend
 1986 Dec 15
Box 1, Folder 54 Angell, Kenneth A., Bishop
 1987 Jan 13
Box 1, Folder 55 Vree, Dale
 1987 Jan 15
Box 1, Folder 57 Gelineau, Louis E., Reverend
 1987 Dec 20
Box 1, Folder 58 Gelineau, Louis E., Reverend
 1988 Jan 18
Box 1, Folder 59 Gibbons, Walter F.
 1988 Mar 7
Box 1, Folder 60 St. Scholastica Priory
 1988 Apr 4 - 1988 Nov 4
Box 1, Folder 61 St. Scholastica Priory
 1989 Mar 18 - 1989 Apr 1
Box 1, Folder 62 Cunningham, John F., Reverend
 1989 Dec 19
Box 1, Folder 63 Cunningham, John F., Reverend
 1990 Jan 9
Box 1, Folder 64 Cunningham, John F., Reverend
 1990 Jul 5
Box 1, Folder 65 Bassingthwaite, Ruth E.
 1992 Jul 13
Box 1, Folder 66 Stiles, Philip J.
 1992 Aug 5
Box 1, Folder 67 Podles, Leon J.
 1992 Aug 29
Box 1, Folder 68 Bannon, Anthony, Father
 1992 Sep 1
Box 1, Folder 69 Suibielski, Father
 1992 Dec 6
Box 1, Folder 70 Filenes
 1993 Mar 30
Box 1, Folder 71 McCloskey, John V.
 1993
Box 1, Folder 72 Grossi, Joseph
 1993
Box 1, Folder 73 Mitchell, Margaret
 1994 Jun 6
Box 1, Folder 74 Podles, Leon J.
 1997 Apr 19

Series II. Course Work
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.

Container Description Date
Box 1, Folder 75 English 418: Principles of Literature Criticism
 1966
Box 1, Folder 76 Lectures: Italian and English Renniasance
 1980
Box 1, Folder 77 Religous Studies 331: Syllabus and Slides
 1980 Jul
Box 1, Folder 78 Sacraments and Woship course
 1983 Jan - 1983 May
Box 1, Folder 79 Summer Course Bulletin from Providence College
 1984
Box 1, Folder 80 Kitchen Theology Discussions
 1985
Box 1, Folder 81 Lectures: Advent
 1985
Box 1, Folder 82 Lectures: Gospel of Mark
 1985
Box 1, Folder 83 Development of Western Civilization I-II: Slides
 1990 Sep - 1991 May
Box 1, Folder 84 Development of Western Civilization I: Lectures
 1990 Sep - 1990 Dec
Box 1, Folder 85 Development of Western Civilization: Lectures
 1990
Box 1, Folder 86 Development of Western Civilization II: Lectures
1991 Jan - 1991 May
Box 1, Folder 87 Development of Western Civilization 201-202: Lectures
 1992 - 1993
Box 1, Folder 88 Development of Western Civilization 101 - 102: Syllabus
 1992 - 1993
Box 1, Folder 89 Development of Western Civilization III: Syllabus and Lectures
 1993 Sep - 1993 Dec
Box 1, Folder 90 Development of Western Civilization III - IV: Course Examinations
 1993 Sep - 1994 Jun
Box 1, Folder 91 Development of Western Civilization IV: Syllabus and Lectures
 1994 Jan - 1994 Jun
Box 1, Folder 92 Study Group Notes
1995 Jan 11 - 1995 Feb
Box 1, Folder 93 History of Higher Education
 Undated

Series III. Literary Writings
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.

Container Description Date
Box 1, Folder 94 The Columbia Review, Vol. XVI, No. 5, Resolving the American crisis - Thomson, Paul K.
1935 May
Box 1, Folder 95 The Columbia Review, Vol. XVIII, No. 2, Redeem the time - Thomson, Paul v.K.
1937 Mar
Box 1, Folder 96 The Columbia Review, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, Two travellers & A vacation - Thomson, Paul K.
1937 May
Box 1, Folder 97 Jester, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 10, Valedictory - Thomson, Paul v.K.
1937
Box 1, Folder 98 The New American Church Monthly, Vol. XLIII, No. 3, A college man speaks out - Thomson, Paul v.K.
1938 Mar
Box 1, Folder 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
Box 1, Folder 100 The Bulletin of the General Theological Seminary, Vol. XXXII, No. 1, A Chaplain's report - Thomson, Paul Van K.
1946 Feb
Box 1, Folder 101 The Holy Cross Magazine, Vol. LVII, No. 3, Report to the church - Thomson, Paul VanK.
1946 Mar
Box 1, Folder 102 The Living Church, Vol. CXV, No. 21, The sacraments, power for daily living - Thomson, Paul Van K.
1947 Nov 23
Box 1, Folder 103 Thomson, Paul van Kuykendall (1952). Byron's use of religous materials (Master's Thesis, Brown University, 1952)
 1952 May
Box 1, Folder 104 The Catholic World, Vol. CLXXVI, No. 1,053, Hope, history and hysteria - Thomson, Paul van K.
1952 Dec
Box 1, Folder 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
Box 1, Folder 106 Thomson, Paul van K. (1959).Why I am catholic. New York: Thomas Nelson and Sons.
1959
Box 1, Folder 107 Why I am Catholic: Draft Manuscript
 Undated
Box 1, Folder 108 Why I am Catholic: Research Materials
 Undated
Box 1, Folder 108 Thomson, Paul van K. (1961).Francis Thompson. New York: Thomas Nelson and Sons.
1961
Box 2, Folder 110 Francis Thompson: Draft Manuscript
 1961 Jan 5
Box 2, Folder 111 Francis Thompson: Research Materials
 Undated
Box 2, Folder 112 Thomson, Paul van Kuykendall (1956). A study of certain notebooks and manuscripts of Francis Thompson (Doctoral Thesis, Brown University, 1956)
 1956
Box 2, Folder 113 Thomson, Paul van Kuykendall (1981). Francis Thompson. In Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism. (Vol 4, pp. 440 - 441). Detroit: Gale Research Company.
1981
Box 2, Folder 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
Box 2, Folder 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
Box 2, Folder 116 Columbia College Today, Fall, Should Catholic colleges be abolished? - Thomson, Paul van K.
1966
Box 2, Folder 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
Box 2, Folder 118 New Oxford Review, Vol. LIV, Apr, Mariology - Thomson, Paul van K.
1987
Box 2, Folder 119 Mariology: Draft
 Undated
Box 2, Folder 120 New Oxford Review, Vol. LV, Nov, On Ecumenism & the amazing unity of Catholics - Thomson, Paul van K.
1988
Box 2, Folder 121 Thomson, Paul van K. (1990).Plus sign on the roof. Petersham: St. Bede's Publications.
1990
Box 2, Folder 122 Plus Sign on the Roof: Research Materials
 Undated
Box 2, Folder 123 Ecumenical Writings: Unpublished
 Undated
Box 2, Folder 124 Morals, ethics and the conscience: Unpublished
 Undated
Box 2, Folder 125 Poems: Unpublished
 Undated
Box 2, Folder 126 Reformation in Germany and England
 Undated
Box 2, Folder 127 Short Stories: Unpublished

Series IV. News Clippings
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.

Container Description Date
Box 2, Folder 128 Boy Scouts
 1929 - 1933
Box 2, Folder 129 Columbia Political Union Debate
 1935 Mar 20
Box 2, Folder 130 Columbia Student Board Nominations
 1936
Box 2, Folder 131 Annual Bishop's Youth Rally
 1946 Mar 3
Box 2, Folder 132 Club To Hear Paul Thomson
 1951 Feb 3
Box 2, Folder 133 Catholic Culture Lecture
 1941 Mar 1 - 1941 Mar 5
Box 2, Folder 134 Providence College Faculty Member is Lenten Speaker
 1952 Mar 15
Box 2, Folder 135 Catholic Convert to Speak Monday at Mercyhurst
 1952 Mar 23
Box 2, Folder 136 P.C. Professor Talks on Books
 1952 Dec 6
Box 2, Folder 137 Catholic Women's Club Speaker
 1953 Jan 20
Box 2, Folder 138 RI Knights of Columbus Annual Dinner
 1953 Oct 13
Box 2, Folder 139 Modern Woman Topic of Forum Debate
 1954 Feb 1
Box 2, Folder 140 Women's Mission Outlined By Former Episcopal Minister
 1954 Feb 14
Box 2, Folder 141 C.C. Club to Hold It's Annual Dinner Election March 23
 1955 Mar 10
Box 2, Folder 142 Campus Profiles
 1955 Mar 16
Box 2, Folder 143 Philadelphia, Moscow and Rome Theme of Thomson Lecture at Carolan Club Breakfast
 1955 Mar 30
Box 2, Folder 144 Communion Breakfast Set
 1955 Apr 25
Box 2, Folder 145 St. Agnes Library
 1955 Apr 28
Box 2, Folder 146 PC Professor Addresses St. Stephen's Holy Name
 1955 Nov 17
Box 2, Folder 147 Vercellian Lecture
 1955 Nov 17
Box 2, Folder 148 Future of the College
 1956 Feb 8 - 1956 Feb 15
Box 2, Folder 149 P.C. Educator to Address Salve Regina Alumnae
 1956 Mar 9
Box 2, Folder 150 Thomson Keynote at Ohio Conclave
 1956 Aug 30
Box 2, Folder 151 Dr. Van Thomson Speaks April 30 at Joint Meeting
 1957 Apr
Box 2, Folder 152 Bishop to Confer Degrees - Thomson delivers the address
 1957 May 13
Box 2, Folder 153 Dr. Thomson Listed for WJAR-TV Show
 1958 May 28 - 1958 Jun 26
Box 2, Folder 154 Living Faith Needed
1958 Jun 19 - 1958 Jun 24
Box 2, Folder 155 Children's ingenuity results in Nativity presentation
 1958
Box 2, Folder 156 Former D.A., Professor Named Seminar Speakers
 1959 Mar 5
Box 2, Folder 157 P.C. Professor Speaks
 1959 Mar 9
Box 2, Folder 158 Marriage Forum
 1959 Mar 9
Box 2, Folder 159 Railway Units Plan Annual Memorial Mass
 1959 Apr 23
Box 2, Folder 160 Catholic's Involvement in World Changes is Urged
 1960 Feb 25
Box 2, Folder 161 PC to Join in Colo. Workshop
 1961
Box 2, Folder 162 Anna Maria College Speakers Announced
 1961 Sep 24 - 1961 Oct 2
Box 2, Folder 163 Barrington Lecture Series
 1961 Oct 18
Box 2, Folder 164 Latin Students Hold Conference
 1962 Apr 20
Box 2, Folder 165 Catholic Daughters of America Banquet
 1962 May 25 - 1962 Jun 1
Box 2, Folder 166 Regis College Graduates 146
 1962 Jun 12
Box 2, Folder 167 2nd Catechetical Congress
 1962 Apr 27 - 1962 May 4
Box 2, Folder 168 Pilgrim High School Dedication Speaker
 1962 Dec 29 - 1962 Dec 31
Box 2, Folder 169 Baumann's 'Passion' Is Given US Premiere in Cathedral
 1963 Apr 11
Box 2, Folder 170 Serra District 40 Convention
 1963 Sep 5 - 1963 Sep 19
Box 2, Folder 171 Accountants Assn. Program Listed
 1963 Aug 10
Box 2, Folder 173 Trinity Seats Officials, Makes Grant
 1964 May 12
Box 2, Folder 174 PC Educator Speaker at Salve Regina
 1964 Sep 26
Box 2, Folder 175 St. Stephen's Rector to Resign March 15
 1965 Feb 29
Box 2, Folder 176 Thompson Named VP at Providence College
 1965 Apr 27 - 1965 May 9
Box 2, Folder 177 Thomson Gets Mal Brown Award of PC
 1965 May 17
Box 2, Folder 178 College Official Selected 'Oustanding RI Layman'
 1965 Jun 3 - 1965 Jun 11
Box 2, Folder 179 Conference on Catholic Jewish Understanding
 1965 Nov 5 - 1965 Nov 11
Box 2, Folder 180 Friendly Sons Will Hear Dr. Paul Thomson of PC
 1966 Mar 7
Box 2, Folder 181 Dr. Thomson Speaks
 1966 Dec 14
Box 2, Folder 182 Thomson Speaks at US Naval Justice School Graduation
 1966 Jan 18 - 1966 Jan 21
Box 2, Folder 183 Somerset High School Graduation Speaker
 1966 May 12
Box 2, Folder 184 Salve Lecture To Be Given By College Vice President
 1966 Oct 21 - 1966 Oct 28
Box 2, Folder 185 Panel Discussion On Schools Held
 1966 Dec 8
Box 2, Folder 186 N.E. Interfaith Conference Set
 1967 Jan 7
Box 2, Folder 187 Thomson Speaks at Dental Society Unit
 1967 Jan 19 - 1967 Jan 22
Box 2, Folder 188 Thomson Speaks at Salve Regina College's Cultural Series
 1967 Feb 6
Box 2, Folder 189 Thomson Speaks at Catholic Women's Club of Worcester
 1967 May 3 - 1967 May 6
Box 2, Folder 190 Thomson Speaks at Diocesan Council of Catholic Women
 1967 Apr 13 - 1967 May 11
Box 2, Folder 191 Thomson Leads a Parent Teacher Panel at St. Mary's Academy
 1967 Oct 20 - 1967 Oct 27
Box 2, Folder 192 Thomson Speaks at Killingly High School Graduation
 1968 Apr 11 - 1968 Jun 20
Box 2, Folder 193 Catholic Congress May13 - 14
 1968 May 5
Box 2, Folder 194 Kent County Serrans Plan 'Bishop's Nite' Program
 1968 Jan 5
Box 2, Folder 195 Thomson Speaks at St. Luke's Rosary and Altar Guild
 1968 May 17 - 1968 May 18
Box 2, Folder 196 'It Was Anything But Dull'
 1968 May 4
Box 2, Folder 197 Pupils Briefed on Careers
 1968 May 4
Box 2, Folder 198 Thomson Speaks at Mother's Day Communion Breakfast
 1968 Apr 22 -1968 May 14
Box 2, Folder 199 Thomson Speaks at Rivier Honors Convocation
 1969 Mar 16 - 1969 Mar 25
Box 2, Folder 200 Drug Official Sees Federal Law Revision
 1969 Apr 9
Box 3, Folder 201 Thomson Speaks at Cumberland High School Graduation
 1969 Jun 14
Box 3, Folder 202 Thomson to speak at Salve Regina
 1968 Jul 13
Box 3, Folder 203 Topic A: Catholic College Vistas
 1968 Oct 4
Box 3, Folder 204 'We've Lost War,' PC Official Says
 1969 Oct 10
Box 3, Folder 205 Thomson Speaks at St. Xavier's Graduation
 1970 Jun 10
Box 3, Folder 206 PC to Be 40% Coed by '74 with 3,200 Student Body
 1970 Jun 19
Box 3, Folder 207 Challenge is 'Right Now,' St. Joseph Faculty Told
 1970 Sep 9
Box 3, Folder 208 Thomson Speaks St Mary College Graduation
 1971 May 20 - 1971 Jun 2
Box 3, Folder 209 Thomson Speaks at RI Honor Society Induction
 1971 May 22
Box 3, Folder 210 PC Official to Speak at Bryant Banquet
 1972 Mar 21
Box 3, Folder 211 Thomson Speaks at St. Patrick's HS Graduation
 1973 May 17 - 1973 Jun 8
Box 3, Folder 212 Trinity Offers Free Speeches About the Dangers of Power
 1975 Oct 4
Box 3, Folder 213 Thomson Speaks at St. Mary's HS Graduation
 1979 May 30 - 1979 May 31
Box 3, Folder 214 Retirement
 1981 Sep 16
Box 3, Folder 215 Fr. Thomson interview on Real-to-Reel
 1983 Sep 29
Box 3, Folder 216 Father Thomson to celebrate Mass at St. Rose of Lima
 1983 Sep 27
Box 3, Folder 217 Fr. Thomson addresses St. Paul's Woman's Club
 1984 May 17
Box 3, Folder 218 Parish Will Honor Couple and Celebrate Feast
 1991 Jun 13
Box 3, Folder 219 Bishop Cheverus General Assembly
 Undated
Box 3, Folder 220 Bishop Urges Bigger Teacher Role
 Undated
Box 3, Folder 221 Providence College Professor Speaks at K. of C. Annual Dinner
 Undated

Series V. Personal Papers
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.

Container Description Date
Box 3, Folder 222 Awards & Honorary Degrees - Delta Epsilon Sigma
 1957 Oct 24
Box 3, Folder 223 Awards & Honorary Degrees - Providence College
 1959
Box 3, Folder 224 Awards & Honorary Degrees - PC Alumni Assoc. Faculty Award
 1963
Box 3, Folder 225 Awards & Honorary Degrees - Phi Sigma Tau
1964 Nov 30
Box 3, Folder 226 Awards & Honorary Degrees - Clippings
 1965
Box 3, Folder 227 Awards & Honorary Degrees - Salve Regina Honorary Docotor of Humanities
 1966
Box 3, Folder 228 Awards & Honorary Degrees - ROTC Award
 1972
Box 3, Folder 229 Awards & Honorary Degrees - Clippings
 1983
Box 3, Folder 230 Awards & Honorary Degrees - PC Honorary Doctor of Humanities
 1986
Box 3, Folder 231 Awards & Honorary Degrees - Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society
 Undated
Box 3, Folder 232 Daily Calanders
 1992 - 1993
Box 3, Folder 233 Daily Calanders
 1994
Box 3, Folder 234 Hamilton School
 1922 - 1928
Box 3, Folder 235 Theodore Roosevelt School
 1928 - 1929
Box 3, Folder 236 Woodrow Wilson High School
 1929 - 1933
Box 3, Folder 237 Columbia University - Clippings
 1933 - 1937
Box 3, Folder 238 Columbia University - Correspondence
 1933 - 1937
Box 3, Folder 239 Columbia University - Diploma

See oversize box 2

1937
Box 3, Folder 240 Columbia University - Programs
 1933 - 1937
Box 3, Folder 241 Columbia University - Transcripts & Report Cards
 1933 - 1937
Box 3, Folder 242 Columbia University - Yearbook
 1937
Box 3, Folder 243 Berkeley Divinity School - Clippings
 1937 - 1940
Box 3, Folder 244 Berkeley Divinity School - Correspondence
 1937 - 1940
Box 3, Folder 245 Berkeley Divinity School - Essay
1939
Box 3, Folder 246 Berkeley Divinity School - Programs
 1937 - 1940
Box 3, Folder 247 General Theological Seminary - Transcripts & Report Cards
 1940 - 1943
Box 3, Folder 248 Brown University - MA Diploma
 1952
Box 3, Folder 249 Brown University - Correspondence
 1952 - 1956
Box 3, Folder 250 Brown University - PHD Diploma
 1956
Box 3, Folder 251 Brown University - Transcripts & Report Cards
 1952 -1956
Box 3, Folder 252 Family Papers
 Undated
Box 3, Folder 253 Health Papers
 Undated
Box 3, Folder 254 Military Sevice - Chaplain's Report
 1946 Feb
Box 3, Folder 255 Military Service - Clippings
 1943 - 1946
Box 3, Folder 256 Military Service - Correspondence & Movement Papers
 1943 - 1946
Box 3, Folder 257 Military Service - Enlistment & Discharge Papers
 1936 - 1937
Box 3, Folder 258 Military Service - Enlistment & Discharge Papers - US Navy
 1943 - 1946
Box 3, Folder 259 Military Service - Enlistment & Discharge Papers - RI National Guard
 1947 - 1949
Box 3, Folder 260 Military Service - Grace Church

See side of box 3

1945 Oct
Box 3, Folder 261 Military Service - The Living Church
 1945 Jan 7
Box 3, Folder 262 Military Service - Memorabilia
 1943 - 1946
Box 3, Folder 263 Military Service - Photographs
 1943 - 1946
Box 3, Folder 264 Military Service - Photographs

See oversized files box 2

1943 - 1946
Box 3, Folder 265 Episcopal Church - Membership Papers
 1917 - 1949
Box 3, Folder 266 Episcopal Church - Ordination as a Deacon
 1940 May 19
Box 3, Folder 267 Episcopal Church - Ordination as a Priest
 1941 Feb 1
Box 3, Folder 268 Episcopal Church - St. Martin's Church
 1940 - 1941
Box 3, Folder 269 Episcopal Church - Grace Church
 1941 - 1946
Box 3, Folder 270 Episcopal Church - St. Stephen's Church
 1946 - 1949
Box 3, Folder 271 Episcopal Church - Farnaham Castle & Lambeth Conference
 1948
Box 3, Folder 272 Episcopal Church - St. Stephen's Church - A History
 Undated
Box 3, Folder 273 Roman Catholic Church - Conversion
 1949
Box 3, Folder 274 Roman Catholic Church - Manuals for Administration of Sacraments
 1979
Box 3, Folder 275 Roman Catholic Church - Ordination as a Priest - Correspondence
 1980 -
Box 3, Folder 276 Roman Catholic Church - Cemeteries
 1982 - 1984
Box 3, Folder 277 Roman Catholic Church - Handbook for the Permanent Diaconate
 1983 Jun 30
Box 3, Folder 278 Roman Catholic Church - Ordination as a Deacon
 1983 Aug 24
Box 3, Folder 279 Roman Catholic Church - Council of Priests
 1983
Box 3, Folder 280 Roman Catholic Church - Ordination as a Priest - Clippings
 1983 -
Box 3, Folder 281 Roman Catholic Church - Ordination as a Priest - Photographs
 1983
Box 3, Folder 282 Roman Catholic Church - Ordination as a Priest - Video
 1983
Box 3, Folder 283 Roman Catholic Church - Manuals for Faculties for Priests & Deacons
 1984
Box 3, Folder 284 Roman Catholic Church - Marriage Tribunal
1985
Box 3, Folder 285 Roman Catholic Church - St. Mary's Church
 1985 - 1988
Box 3, Folder 286 Roman Catholic Church - Manuals for Sacraments of Extreme Unction
 1991
Box 3, Folder 287 Roman Catholic Church - Bio Medical Ethics Commission
 1992
Box 3, Folder 288 Roman Catholic Church - Education & Compliance Office
 1994
Box 3, Folder 289 Roman Catholic Church - Catholic School Office
 Undated
Box 3, Folder 290 Roman Catholic Church - Clergy Mutual Bedefit Program
 Undated
Box 3, Folder 291 Roman Catholic Church - Manuals for the Sacrament of Matrimony
 Undated

Series VI. Sermons and Speeches
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.

Container Description Date
Box 4, Folder 292 Second Ward Democrats Meeting
 1928 Oct
Box 4, Folder 293 High School Commencement: 'Humanity Uprooted'
 1933 Jun 27
Box 4, Folder 294 Debate: Columbia University vs. Stanford University
1935 Apr 6
Box 4, Folder 295 Anglo - Catholic Congress: 'The Sacraments - Power for Daily Living'
1947 Oct 8 - 1947 Oct 9
Box 4, Folder 296 Report Lecture of the International Priests' Convention
 1949
Box 4, Folder 297 US Senate Committee on Labor & Public Welfare
 1965 Feb 2
Box 4, Folder 298 Fifth Inter-university Faculty Work Conference: 'Literature - It's Meaning to Man'
 1968 Jun 18 - 1968 Jun 23
Box 4, Folder 299 Four Holy Hours for Priests: 'The Voice of Peter and our Priesthood'
 1985
Box 4, Folder 300 Holy Hour
 1985 Nov 22
Box 4, Folder 301 St. Timothy's Church: 'Our Life in the Catholic Church'
 1985 Oct 13
Box 4, Folder 302 Holy Hour
 1986 Apr
Box 4, Folder 303 Communion Breakfast
 1988
Box 4, Folder 304 Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving for Father Charles Eggert: 'We are Ambassadors of Christ'
 1988 Jun 5
Box 4, Folder 305 Eulogy at the Funeral Mass for Rene Fortin
 1991 Mar 1
Box 4, Folder 306 Diocese of Providence Priests Retreat
 1994 May 14 - 1995 Sep 21
Box 4, Folder 307 Reading for the 50th Anniversary of D-Day
 1994 Jun
Box 4, Folder 308 T.S. Eliot
 Undated
Box 4, Folder 309 Festal Index of Homilies
 Undated
Box 4, Folder 310 Gospel of John
 Undated
Box 4, Folder 311 Gospel of Luke
 Undated
Box 4, Folder 312 Gospel of Mark
 Undated
Box 4, Folder 313 Gospel of Matthew
 Undated
Box 4, Folder 314 Holy Hour
 Mar 26
Box 4, Folder 315 'Puritan Sermon on Thanksgiving'
 Undated
Box 4, Folder 316 Teachers Meeting at Our Lady of Mercy School
 Sep 22

Series VII. Subject Files
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.

Container Description Date
Box 4, Folder 317 Around the Table
 1994
Box 4, Folder 318 Cemetery Files
 1982
Box 4, Folder 319 Church Bulletins
 1945 - 1994
Box 4, Folder 320 Clippings
 Undated
Box 4, Folder 321 Biographical Information on John J. Hughes
 Undated
Box 4, Folder 322 Book Inscriptions - Poems 1909 - 1925 by T.S. Eliot
 1935
Box 4, Folder 323 Book Inscriptions - Lenin
 1936
Box 4, Folder 324 Book Inscriptons - Christianity and Philosophy
 1941 Apr 10
Box 4, Folder 325 Book Inscrioptions - Reason and Revelation in the Middle Ages
 1941 Apr 10
Box 4, Folder 326 Book Inscriptions - Poems of Francis Thompson
 1941 Sep 16
Box 4, Folder 327 Book Inscriptions - A Selection of Poetry of John C. Harrington
 1985 May
Box 4, Folder 328 Book Inscriptions - The Complete Picture Guide to Newport, RI
 1987 Aug 7
Box 4, Folder 329 Book Inscriptions - Flatland
 1991 May
Box 4, Folder 330 Book Inscriptions - An Alembic of Philosphy
 1996 Jul 20
Box 4, Folder 331 Editorials & Reviews - Columbia Spectator
 1936
Box 4, Folder 332 Editorials & Reviews - Lion about Literature
 1937
Box 4, Folder 333 Editorials & reviews - The Living Church Family
 1944 Sep 24
Box 4, Folder 334 Editorials & Reviews - Words of Faith
 1956 Jan 19
Box 4, Folder 335 Editorials & Reviews - Dr. Zhivago
 1958 Dec 18
Box 4, Folder 336 Editorials & Reviews - 'The Thomist: 'Faith and Understanding in America'
 1959 Oct 22
Box 4, Folder 337 Editorials & Reviews - The Thomist: 'Christianity in Conflict'
 1961 Jan 24
Box 4, Folder 338 Editorials & Reviews - The Early Identification of Talented Individuals is of National Concern'
 1962
Box 4, Folder 339 Editorials & Reviews - The Cowl: 'Searching the Scriptures'
 1963 Feb 27
Box 4, Folder 340 Editorials & Reviews - The Cowl
 1969 Feb 19
Box 4, Folder 341 Editorials & Reviews - The Thomist: Multiple Reviews
 1969 Apr - 1969 Nov
Box 4, Folder 342 Editorials & Reviews - The Thomist: 'Between Earth and Heavan'
 1970 Jul
Box 4, Folder 343 Editorials & Reviews - The Thomist: Meatphor: An Annotated Bibliography and History
 1972 Jul
Box 4, Folder 344 Editorials & Reviews - The Thomist: 'Patmore's Asethetic and His Metrical Theory'
 1972 Oct 20
Box 4, Folder 345 Editorials & Reviews - The Thomist: 'il Moro'
 1973 Apr
Box 4, Folder 346 Editorials & Reviews - The Cowl: 'Simplicity Frames College'
 1973 Nov
Box 4, Folder 347 Editorials & Reviews - The Thomist: 'Soundings in Satanism'
 1974 Apr
Box 4, Folder 348 Editorials & Reviews - Providence Visitor - 'Family Values Unavoidable'
 1992 Jun 18
Box 4, Folder 349 Editorials & Reviews - Providence Class Notes
 1991 Winter
Box 4, Folder 350 Editorials & Reviews - Providence Visitor: 'Papal Directives and the Catholic University'
 1991 Oct 31
Box 4, Folder 351 Editorials & Reviews - Providence Visitor: ' Is Rev. Ms. Harris Playing a Theological Game?'
 1991 Dec 19
Box 4, Folder 352 Editorials & Reviews - Providence Visitor: 'Crossing the Threshold of Hope'
 1994
Box 4, Folder 353 Editorials & Reviews - The Name of the Rose
 Undated
Box 4, Folder 354 Editorials & Reviews - Oscar Wilde
 Undated
Box 4, Folder 355 Editorials & Reviews - Temptation of Christ
 Undated
Box 4, Folder 356 Editorials & Reviews -
 Undated
Box 4, Folder 357 John E. Fogarty Memorial Service
 1967
Box 4, Folder 358 Guest Speaker at PC - Major James F. Kealey - US Army
 1989
Box 4, Folder 359 Honolulu Advertiser

See oversized box 2

 1945 Aug 14
Box 4, Folder 360 Honolulu Advertiser

See oversized box 2

1945 Aug 15
Box 4, Folder 361 House Deed
 1959
Box 4, Folder 362 Lecture by Kenneth L. Schmitz
 1991 Jan 28
Box 4, Folder 363 Marriage Forum Speech - audiotape
 1957 Mar 24
Box 4, Folder 364 Notes on 'Cathedra Sempiterna'
 1994
Box 4, Folder 365 Notes on Sermons, Courses & Retreats
 Undated
Box 4, Folder 366 Ordination Certificate

See oversized box 2

1941 Feb 1
Box 4, Folder 367 L'Osservatore Romano - Vatican Newspaper - English Edition

See Oversized box 2

 1995 Apr 5 - 1995 Apr 12
Box 4, Folder 368 Peleliu - Tom Lea Paints Island Invasion

See oversized box 2

Box 4, Folder 369 Photographs
1941 - 1949
Box 4, Folder 370 Providence Visitor

See oversized box 2

1993 - 1995
Box 4, Folder 371 Rhode Island World Affairs Week - Program
 1952 Mar 9
Box 4, Folder 372 La Rocca - Italian Newspaper

See oversized box 2

 1950
Box 4, Folder 373 The Columbia Spectator

See oversized box 2

 1937 Jun 1
Box 4, Folder 374 Scrapbook
 1928-1949
Box 4, Folder 375 Second Annual Conference of the Catholic Youth Council for Social Action
 1939 Nov 11
Box 4, Folder 376 Thomistic Institute of Catholic Nurses Lecture Series - Program
 1964 Feb 6
Box 4, Folder 377 Francis Thompson - The Hound of Heaven - Musical Setting
 Circa 1950