The papers of Reuben E. Nelson include sermons, speeches, journals, and correspondence from Nelson's time as a Baptist preacher and administrator. He was heavily involved in the American Baptist Convention through his work as a pastor, General Secretary, and eventually Executive Secretary.

Programs, articles, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and other memorabilia from Whitaker's pastorate of the Calvary Baptist Church, Rochester, New York, and Pilgrim Baptist Church, St. Paul, Minnesota; one file is of special interest because of Whitaker's involvement in civil rights issues, particularly in the wake of Rochester's 1964 race riots.