Local Church Historians

It is recommended that every church have a historian to preserve the history of the church.  There may also be a Committee on Records and History to assist the historian.

The duties of the historian are listed in ¶247.5 of the 2008 Book of Discipline.

A number of resources are available to assist the historian:

  • Church Historian: Remembering the Past and Inspiring the Future, a booklet in the 2009-2012 Guidelines series, is a comprehensive guide for local church historians, which also contains a resource list. It is available from Cokesbury for $2.95.
     
  • The website of the General Commission, www.gcah.org, has an excellent section for local church historians, under Ministry Resources.
     
  • A video, Memory and Ministry: Caring for Your Church’s Heritage, is available on loan from the Heritage Center.
     
  • The Commission on Archives and History offers workshops for local church historians.  Contact the representative from your district about setting one up.  See Commission Members.
     
  • The Commission can also provide suggestions for records management, preservation, writing of history, and celebrations.
     
  • Archival supplies are available from the following companies.  Contact them for a free catalog or to order on line.
    Gaylord  www.gaylord.com 1-800-448-6160
    University Products  www.universityproducts.com  1-800-628-1912
    Hollinger Metal Edge www.hollingermetaledge.com   1-800-862-2228 or 1-800-634-0491
    Light Impressions www.lightimpressionsdirect.com   1-800-828-6212