'....when I look at at all the cabals and scandals...which seem to have their centre if not their origin in Episcopalianism...there are few things I so much regret as having any taken any part however humble in subscribing in establishing anything of the kind.' To comprise 1. Autograph letter from Episcopalian Bishop Alexander Ewing [1814-1873] first bishop of the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles [1847]. The letter dated 19th Sept 1848 is to Sir John Powlett Orde of Kilmory on proposals for the new Episcopalian church in Lochgilphead, Argyll. 'I have considerably modified the views which I laid before the meeting at Crinan, on Thursday and I hope they may now meet with your co-operation & that I may have your assistance in carrying them out - which has hitherto so very materially helped forward all Ecclesiastical matters at Lochgilphead.... Ewing goes on to write that he thinks the new Bishop's Residence and Church, although united in one architectural whole...had better be conducted under separate management. He writes about his plans to build first something suitable for the needs of Lochgilphead, and then to seek funds elsewhere. He mentions the Bucklers, architects [John Chessell Buckler and his father, John] who are on Iona, who are requesting ladders and scaffolding while they survey the Church there. [Later, in 1866, JC Buckler would publish a book on the Abbey church of Iona with a history of the Celtic Church contributed by Ewing]. 'I have no doubt will make a series of very interesting plans & drawings, which I shall get published by one of our societies...When they return from the Island I shall get them to sketch out with some estimate of the expense what might do for us...at Lochgilphead and also for Mr. Malcolm a plan of a residence [Neill Malcolm of Poltalloch, a local landowner who was subscribing money towards the costs of the church and residence which would be Ewing's headquarters] contiguous or attached, of which the ruins still remaining ...on the northside of the cathedral of Iona form appropriate models....will especialy fulfil my duty of laying some material as well as spiritual foundation of that ecclesiastical fabric which I have been set to edify this quarter.... He goes on to write that he will be in Ross and Moray on ecclesiastical duties but hoped he and Sir John may discuss these issues on his return. Christ Church, Lochgilphead was consecrated in 1851 the architect being John Henderson. The letter in excellent condition. 2. An extensive archive of letters and a few printed papers dating from 1847/48 and then later, 1855/56 from Bishop Ewing to Sir John Powlett Orde of Kilmory and a number of copy letters from Sir John in response, regarding religious issues but also financial and organisational matters pertaining to the episocopal church at Lochgilphead. Some letters by other hands, including the landowners, Campbell of Auchindarroch and Sir James Milles Riddell, Dean Ramsay and a Mr. Popham of Ardchattan Priory [who, it seems would prefer his parish to be associated with the Church of England] and to include a few printed ephemeral pieces, notices including some manuscript documents [including a 16 page extract from the vestry book Easter 1859 showing accounts for church and school] and printed accounts. A letter dated 18th Dec. 1844 marked 'copy' from a Colonel Lindesay to Mr Malcolm of Poltalloch' sets the tone for some of the later controversies outlining the decision to designate a new diocese of 'Argyll and the Isles' and appoint Alexander Ewing as the new bishop, an appointment opposed by what Lindesay terms the 'extreme' party, Ewing being seen as one of the 'moderates'. This schism underscores much of the remaining archive. The letters are often indicative of conflict between a generally emollient Ewing and Sir John, who objects to some of the 'Romish' practices of the local clergyman (especially the use of the surplice during services). Sir John's letters, or copies of his letters, but in, I think his own hand, to Ewing occasionally betraying a tetchy, and somewhat obdurate spirit. '...when I look at at all the cabals and scandals...which seem to have their centre if not their origin in Episcopalianism...there are few things I so much regret as having any taken any part however humble in subscribing in establishing anything of the kind.' Ewing is often concerned with more mundane financial and organisational matters, so, perhaps Orde became irritated with Ewing's requests for money, as at one point, for example a 'magic lantern' for the edification of the poor of the parish. References from Ewing, too, to other controversies, 'Brechin' is mentioned, a reference, I think to the 'Pusey of Scotland', Alexander Penrose Forbes. Amongst the material are two extensive letters [copies of the originals] from the English churchmen, Pusey and Keble to Ewing, dated 1858 and 1857 respectively. Keble mentions the Eucharistic Service, a source of clear dissension in the Episcopal Church, and Pusey's letter is in part concerned with the Baptismal Sacrament. A fascinating insight into how Episcopalian politics impacted on a local situation and the church's relationship to the local landed gentry in nineteenth century, provincial Scotland. Some 60 + pieces in all, letters, copy letters, ms and printed ephemera [the majority letters]. Always legible and in vg condition.