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Rufus W. Weaver Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MU-PP-0134

Scope and Contents

The Rufus Washington Weaver Collection contains reports, correspondence, and other university-related documents from his time at Mercer University. The folders of the Weaver Papers are not in alphabetical order throughout the collection as a whole, but rather are generally alphabetized in groups of folders. Some groups stretch over several boxes, some groups span only one box or a portion of a box. Additionally, groups of records are not necessarily in chronological order. Items in box 6 are in no order. Folders are listed by the original title. The folders include items from the title, but are not limited to the title. Unless otherwise stated, all miscellaneous files (i.e. A-miscellaneous, etc.) are interfiled by name, subject, and institution. Bracketed items are additions/corrections made by the processor. Items relating to Mercer secondary schools and junior colleges are located in these papers. Where possible, a notation is made in brackets. Items concerning Professor Henry Fox are located in several folders. Fox was asked to leave both Tattnall Square Baptist Church and Mercer University for teaching evolution as fact in Biology classes.

Dates

  • Creation: 1841-1947

Creator

Rights Statement

To quote in print, or otherwise reproduce in whole or in part in any publication, including on the World Wide Web, any material from this collection, the researcher must obtain permission from (1) the owner of the physical property and (2) the holder of the copyright. Persons wishing to quote from this collection should consult the reference archivist to determine copyright holders for information in this collection. Reproduction of any item must contain the complete citation to the original.

Biographical / Historical

Rufus Washington Weaver was elected President of Mercer University in 1918 and served until 1927. During Weaver’s tenure several major endowment campaigns, including the 75 Million Campaign, greatly improved financial conditions at Mercer. Weaver also oversaw the completion of faculty apartments, a student union, and a new President’s home. Porter Stadium was also completed during Weaver’s term as President. Weaver left the school in 1927 to take a position with the Education Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and remained with the Board until it was abolished in 1928. He then moved to Washington D.C., where he served in a number of positions, among them pastor of First Baptist Church, executive secretary of the District of Columbia Baptist Convention, executive director of the Luther Rice Centennial, and chairman of the committee on Army and Navy Chaplains. Weaver died in Washington, D.C., on January 31, 1947. He is buried in the family cemetery in Frankfurt, Kentucky.

Extent

14.42 Linear Feet (7 records center boxes, 1 full Hollinger box, 4 small flat boxes, and 1 large flat box ) : Paper materials, postcards, journal, and ephemera. Items are in good condition.

Language of Materials

English

Title
Rufus W. Weaver Papers
Author
Michelle B. Arnold (1996), Laura Botts (2009), and Jahni Jules (2022)
Date
1996, 2009, and 2022
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Sponsor
Gift of Mrs. P. Mason Payne (1963-1964)

Repository Details

Part of the Mercer University Archives and Digital Initiatives Repository

Contact:
1501 Mercer University Dr.
Macon Georgia 31207 USA
4783012968