A large section of this collection consists of almost ninety years of correspondence between the Hartzlers and their friends and relations. It begins with some of Lucy's earliest letters as a young child. It also includes much correspondence dating from Coleman and Lucy's courtship. Later letters describe, in great detail, their days as missionaries, with Lucy striving to include almost every small detail of their lives in her letters. As their sons grew up and moved away, the letters between them and their parents become a central feature of the collection. Also present is a signed letter from John Kennedy to Coleman Hartzler, dating from Kennedy's 1960 election campaign. The diaries are Lucy Padrick Hartzler's accounts of both missionary and family life in Africa and the United States. Written in long hand, they give brief insights into Lucy's devotion to her husband, family, and church. They are personal in nature and quite informative.
In the first diary there is a short genealogical record of the Padrick family (1851-1957). Those records that center primarily on Coleman Hartzler are located in the Sermons and Administrative series. The former series reflects Hartzler's philosophy of ministry, Christianity, hermeneutics, ethos, and world-view. Most of the sermons are in outline form and are type scripted. There are research notes attached to a few of the sermons. Some of the sermons are dated. Supporting documentation for Hartzler's sermon preparation is comprised of notes, proto-addresses, quotes, prayers, poems, and litanies. The latter series, Administrative, contains three primary elements. The records in the first element reflects his professional life as a minister and a missionary. Subjects include the mission work in the Congo, financial accounts, job descriptions, and the Collins Pension Fund.
The second element contains personal/family administration. The third and final element encompasses those travel documents that both Coleman and Lucy Hartzler used throughout their lives. The series containing photographs and biographical information are a mix of different family members both immediate and extended. It here that the genealogist will want to start their research. The photographs series cover the geographic areas of Africa and the United States. They are primarily portrait in orientation but also include a church facade (unknown) and weddings of variously connected relatives. The biographical series contains subjects that cover clergy, baptismal, and death certificates. Other subjects include various family members funeral services and education. The final series is located in a general file which covers such topics as pastoral records, African holidays, historic sites, friends, obituaries, and a historical calendar of the Congo mission. The bits of information contained within this small series fills the intellectual gaps left out by the preceding series.
