Covenant Archives and Historical Library
The Covenant ArchivesÌýand Historical Library holds administrative records for the Evangelical Covenant Church including correspondence, minutes, reports, andÌýother material.ÌýIn addition to institutional materials, we collect personal correspondence, diaries, photographs, audio/video recordings, and other documents related toÌýEvangelical Covenant Church.
Major Digital Collections
Key publications essential to the growth of the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Yearly reports from the church’s administrative offices, mission fields, conferences, and educational and benevolent institutions.
Digital images documenting the Evangelical Covenant Church and 91Ó°ÊÓ, including leaders, events, and missions.
The Covenant CompanionÌýis the denominational magazine of the Evangelical Covenant Church;Ìýthis collectionÌýcontainsÌýissues from 1959 to 2018.
Audiovisual Collections
Firsthand accounts of the church and university’s history, including personal stories, faith journeys, and missionary experiences.
This collectionÌýcontainsÌýdigitized audio recordings related to Rev. Douglas Cedarleaf and 91Ó°ÊÓ Covenant Church in Chicago.
Local Histories
Commemorative books and booklets from local congregations’ anniversaries.
A 36-volume periodical (1927–64) that provided insights into the Evangelical Covenant Church, including essays, reports, and biographies.
A theological journal published from 1981–92, discussing key issues within the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Women’s History
The official publication of the Covenant Women’s Auxiliary (1921–56), detailing their work, finances, and membership activities.
This exhibit commemorates the 1976 decision to “go on record favoring the ordination of women” and traces the five decades thatÌýfollowed—decadesÌýof challenge, growth, and faithfulness.
Global History
Brochures from Friends of World Mission, which raised funds for church ministries worldwide starting in 1965.
Diaries and logbooks from Covenant missionaries in Alaska (1893–1915), including translations of Swedish originals.
The first official news organ of the Evangelical Covenant Church (1894–1905), featuring missionary letters, church reports, and essays.
Contribute to the Covenant Archives and Historical Library
The mission of the Covenant Archives and Historical Library, which includes the 91Ó°ÊÓ Archives, is to support the activities and goals of the Evangelical Covenant Church and 91Ó°ÊÓ. This support isÌýaccomplished through identifying, collecting,Ìýpreserving and making accessibleÌýthose recordsÌýof enduring value which document the above institutions. The collection is for the use of the Covenant Church, the University, and theÌýgeneral public.
The Covenant Archives was created by official action at the Evangelical Covenant Church’s Annual Meeting held at 91Ó°ÊÓ in 1935. The Archives has been housed at 91Ó°ÊÓ since 1953. The denominationÌýretains ownership of the materials. The Archives is part of and administered by theÌýBrandelÌý³¢¾±²ú°ù²¹°ù²â.ÌýÌý
The Archives will actively collect and make accessible records based upon their support of the above mission and the missions of the parent institutions. All recorded information, regardless of format or characteristics, made or received andÌýmaintainedÌýby an office, organization, or person will be considered for the collection. The collection will beÌýdeveloped by theÌýexpertiseÌýof the professional staff as well as through the recommendations of the Evangelical Covenant Church’s administration and the Commission on Covenant History, and 91Ó°ÊÓ administration.Ìý
Records of the Evangelical Covenant Church will be actively collected and made accessible according to the following general guidelines, with the implied precedence:Ìý
- Administrative records of Evangelical Covenant Church departments, Boards, and Commissions.ÌýÌý
- Personal papers and collections documenting clergy, missionaries,ÌýeducatorsÌýand other leaders carrying out the mission of the ECC.ÌýÌý
- Publications issuedÌýfromÌýECC or authored by Covenant persons.Ìý
The following records will be collected and made accessible only if the institution ceases to exist or is unable to care for their own records: ECC Conferences and Regional Institutions; ECC Camps; Individual member Churches; Benevolent Institutions; Educational Institutions other than 91Ó°ÊÓ; International Churches Associated with the ECC; Other Covenant organizations.Ìý
The Archives will not collect orÌýmaintainÌýthe documentary record of the Covenant Church of Sweden or Norway, or non-Covenant organizations or persons. Artifacts are notÌýsoughtÌýfor the collection but will be considered by the professional staff on a case-by-case basis.ÌýÌý
Offices and departments of Evangelical Covenant Church will find it necessary to manage and, from time to time, transfer administrative records to the Archives. Currently there is no institution-wide records retention policy or schedule of records transfer for any office. The director of archives will gladly consult with you to helpÌýdetermineÌýwhich material should be transferred.ÌýÌý
Please contact theÌýArchivist for a consultation or/and to arrange the transfer of records.Ìý
Download guidelines recommended by the archives for managing and transferring records.Ìý
A Transfer of Records Form mustÌýaccompanyÌýall records received by the Archives.Ìý
Collection guidelines based on policy endorsed by the Commission on Covenant History, January 26, 1999.
Recommendations by F.M. Johnson Archives and Special Collections staff addedÌýMay,Ìý2009.