Congregational Files

Collection

Identifier: RG-1701

Staff Only

Dates

Creation: 1650-Present

Language of Materials

Multiple languages

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research. Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and copyright holder. Staff may refuse copying of fragile or at-risk materials.

Materials may be accessed by request at the American Baptist Historical Society. For more information on accessing collections or obtaining copies, visit http://abhsarchives.org.

Extent

60 Linear Feet (Nearly 60 linear feet, and continuing to grow.)

Additional Description

Arrangement

These files have been collected for as long as anyone can remember, but there was no detailed inventory. In 2019 all boxes were pulled, duplicates were discarded, preservation concerns were addressed and the inventory was created.

Arrangement

The inventory is arranged by series, which are the U.S. states and the countries represented. When an individual record is called up, it will have the city, a dash, then the name of the church. For example, in North Carolina, a record comes up at Winterville-Winterville. This means that in Winterville, North Carolina, the church is Winterville Baptist Church. Dates are included if present. In some cases, the Association the church belongs to is also noted, though the information may not be current. A record also notes if there is media included.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Congregational files have been collected by staff and donated by churches and by individuals.

Materials Specific Details

The earliest record found in the collection is from 1650 and the collection is added to every year. Most materials are originals, but there are also photocopies. If media is present, special equipment may be needed to access the contents.

General

The Congregational Files consist of published materials, perhaps done by the church for various anniversary celebrations, or church histories. There are bulletins from milestone events, lists of members and various other materials. There may be a few official church records, but see our Original Church records for those kinds of materials.