Showing 2 results

Archival description
US NjMdUMCG 668 · Collection · 1934-1968

The papers consist of clippings, published transcripts, typed transcripts, reports, correspondence, memoranda, publications, and pamphlets pertaining to the merger of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church. Additional extensive material relates to Bishop Oxnam's hearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Un-American Activities, as well as the Committee on Inter-Jurisdictional Relations.

The first series is comprised of correspondence, the bulk of which relates to the Inter-Jurisdictional Commission of the Methodist Church. The work focused on the dissolution of the Central Jurisdiction and the merger of the Evangelical United Brethren and the Methodist Churches. Some of this correspondence is of minor importance, but much of it reflects opinion and counter opinion and proposals growing out of the subjects under consideration.

The second series is the major part of the collection and includes all the substantive minutes, reports, and legislative proposals which emerged from the work of the Commission on Inter-Jurisdictional Relations. This material is international in scope.

The third series is a two volume collection of Parlin’s speeches and addresses given to churches, schools, universities and business groups. These volumes have been dissembled and organized in chronological order.

The fourth series is biographical in nature in so far as it includes articles, clippings, and statements reflecting Parlin's wide and varied projects and interests.

The fifth series is a Book of Remembrance from the Drew University Collection. These letters and statements of appreciation honor Parlin's achievements and contributions to the life of the church.

The sixth series is a substantial collection of articles, clippings and most importantly working documents regarding the hearings of Bishop G. Bromley Oxnam before the U.S. House Un-American Activities. Parlin served as Oxnam’s counsel and strategist at these hearings.

Parlin, Charles Coolidge
Ivan Lee Holt Papers
US NjMdUMCG 672 · Collection · 1920-1966

The papers of Bishop Ivan Lee Holt chiefly reflect his work while pastoring the St. John's Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in Saint Louis, Missouri. However, other areas of Holt's service to the church are documented as well. There is a small number of records that pertain directly to his episcopacy. Holt was an intellectual who mastered many areas within the study of theology. More often than not he would make both broad and minute applications of his various learning experiences and apply them in praxis from the local church level all the way up to and including his work with the World Council of Churches.

The effects of twentieth century wars on the Christian faith and the subsequent role of ecumenicism as related to these wars were primary in Holt's thoughts. Methodism and its placement in conjunction with other denominations during his lifetime is well represented. This is especially true of his sermons. The first and largest series within the collection is entitled Discourses. Here the researcher will find sermons, addresses, prayers, meditations, and quotes. The first sub-series, sermons, make up the bulk of the series. It is here that the diversity of Holt's ministry is best illuminated. However, it should be noted that the standard identifying tags that distinguish between sermons, addresses, and manuscripts are at times blurred. The second series is comprised of manuscripts. Subjects such as Methodism in South America, the Old Testament account of the military campaign against Biblical Sihon, and Bishops Quayle and Selecman are covered. Correspondence is the next series. This series contains letters relating to pastoral appointments, speaking engagements, and various conference cabinets.

Other professional activities include correspondence dealing with Bishop Holt's teaching career, episcopacy, and the various honorary degrees he received during his lifetime. One will find Holt's personal correspondence here as well. Holt's administrative records are located in the following series. Records such as reports, dockets, statements, regulations, minutes, and interviews complete this series.

Like many of the previous series the administrative series reflects both the Bishop's personal and professional life. Subjects include: Southern Methodist University, Central College, Federal Council of Churches, American-Japanese relations, the Commission on Christian Unity, North Texas Annual Conference, Asian Methodism, and cornerstone dedications. Series five contains publications. The first section encompasses both local church and conference publications. This would include bulletins, programs, pamphlets, and postcards. Holt's involvement with award dinners, church services, Women's Society of Christian Service in Northwest Texas, youth rallies, liturgy, various heritage meetings, and special holidays/ celebrations such as Reformation Sunday are documented. The second section includes reprinted articles collected by Holt for research purposes. Subjects covered are sociology, morality, communications, fishing, economics, biographies, Catholicism, Protestantism, Italy, and the Bible.

Newspaper clippings make up the final section. Centering on the United States in general and more specifically Texas, topics include church traditions, political science, awards, Reformation Sunday, speaking announcements, spirituality, and church unity Series six contains biographical records. This series focuses on Holt's memoirs. Oral history transcripts, travel documents and a vita round out the record types. The seventh and final series is a general file. Postcards, poems, correspondence, and notes cover areas such as orders of worship, sermon topics, and Holt's publication: The Methodists of the World.

Holt, Ivan Lee