1778 Debt Settled

As St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Philadelphia enters its third century, its rector, the Rev. Joseph Koci Jr. '43, can feel satisfied that a 183-year-old debt has finally been paid. The minutes of the church vestry carry the notation that a check for $18 was received from the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Selwyn Lloyd, to settle a debt incurred in 1778.

During the Revolutionary War British troops tore down a fence sur- rounding the historic church and burned it for fire wood. The minutes of the church vestry recorded the promise made by a British officer that the church would be compensated for the loss. No record of compensation was ever noted.

Earlier this year Mr. Koci notified the British government of the money due: the original debt plus compound interest of $756,000. Officially the claim was rejected and he was directed to take the matter up with the federal government in Washington or the state government of Pennsylvania. The convention is that "claims by citizens of colonial territories against the government which have not been settled by the date of independence, lie against the successor government."

However, as a token of Anglo American friendship, Chancellor Selwyn Lloyd sent St. Peter's Episcopal Church his personal check for six pounds, eight shillings, and one penny ($18).

The Rev. Mr. Koci considers the debt paid. For the sake of British American amity, the compound interest will be forgotten—"it was just a suggestion." Mr. Lloyd's contribution will be used toward the cost of repainting classrooms in St. Peter's School for Boys.