Inventory of the Duke University Religious Council Records, 1938-1971

Abstract

The Duke University Religious Council was formed in 1956 to coordinate interdenominational religious life and activity on the university campus and replaced the Student Religious Council, formed in 1937.

Types of material include correspondence, minutes, annual reports, financial papers, membership rosters, and the Council’s founding documents. Major subjects include committees organized by the Council; special services, programs, and events; national Christian organizations; and documents relating to the council’s community outreach. The material range in date from 1938-1971.

Descriptive Summary

Repository: University Archives, Duke University
Creator: Duke University. Religious Council.
Title: Duke University Religious Council Records, 1938-1971
Language of Material: English
Extent: 1.5 Linear Feet, approx. 1200 Items
Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Collection Overview

This collection contains material created and accumulated by the Religious Council and range in date from 1938-1971. A majority dates from 1950 to 1965. The collection is divided into two series: Administrative Records and Subject Files. The administrative records contain correspondence, annual reports, financial papers, minutes of the executive council, and founding constitution and by-laws. Subject files include the materials accumulated by the Special Observance Committee, which include materials relating to various programs organized by the committee: correspondence, minutes, reports, and printed materials; Religious Emphasis Week, 1943-1955; outreach programs with Edgemont Community Center: reports, correspondence, financial papers, and the Living & Learning Project; and papers relating to the United Christian Council.

Administrative Information

Collections are on the move for the renovation of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »

Access Restrictions

Patrons must sign the Acknowledgement of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights form before using this collection.

Collection is open for research.

In off-site storage; 24 hours advanced notice required for use.

Use Restrictions

Copyright for Official University records is held by Duke University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Contents of the Collection

Browse List of Series

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Administrative Records, 1938-1966

Annual reports, correspondence, financial papers, founding documents, executice council minutes, and miscellaneous material.

Annual reports, 1938-1940

Box 1

Annual reports, 1960-1961

Box 1

Correspondence, 1956-1966

Box 1

Financial papers, 1956-1959

Box 1

Founding documents, 1955, 1966, undated

Box 1

Minutes, Executive Committee, 1957

Box 1

Minutes, Executive Committee, 1958-1956

Box 1

Miscellaneous, 1948-1956

Box 1

Subject Files, 1943-1971

Various committees, programs, community outreach efforts, religious events and services, and national Christian organizations

Faculty Program, 1957-1958, undated

Box 1

Research Committee, 1959

Box 1

Special Observances Committee (SOC), Correspondence, 1956-1958

Box 1

SOC, Correspondence, 1959-1966

Box 1

SOC, Minutes, 1956-1957, 1961

Box 1

SOC, The Bishop's Company Repertory, 1960-1963

Box 1

SOC, Marriage Seminar, 1958-1959

Box 1

SOC, Printed material, 1957-1965

Box 1

SOC, Newspaper clippings, 1957-1966

Box 1

SOC, Publicity fliers and calenders, 1957-1966

Box 1

SOC, Easter Sunrise Service, 1947-1966

Box 1

SOC, Good Friday Service, 1943-1971

Box 1

SOC, Holy Week, 1948-1949, undated

Box 1

SOC, Lentin Service, 1948-1966, bulk 1948-1955

Box 1

SOC, Noonday Meditation, 1952-1958

Box 1

SOC, Miscellaneous, 1956-1966

Box 1

Edgemont Community Center (ECC), Correspondence, 1958-1969

Box 1

ECC, Financial papers, 1957-1966

Box 1

ECC, Edgemont Community Classic, 1971

Box 1

ECC, Living and Learning Project, 1966-1970

Box 1

ECC, Long-Range Planning Committee, 1966-1967, undated

Box 1

Interdenominational meeting, 1949-1951

Box 1

Japanese Cherry Tree Planting Service, 1953

Box 1

Receptions, 1954-1957

Box 1

Religious Emphasis Week, 1943-1951

Box 1

Religious Emphasis Week, 1952

Box 1

Religious Emphasis Week, 1953

Box 1

Religious Emphasis Week, 1954

Box 1

Religious Emphasis Week, 1955

Box 1

School program at Salvation Army Hospital and House, 1962

Box 1

Student Religious Council, 1952-1957

Box 1

United Student Christian Council, 1948-1952

Box 1

Veterans Hospital Ministry, 1960-1961, 1964

Box 1

World's Student Christian Federation, 1939-1952

Box 1

World Student Day of Prayer, 1939-1952

Box 1

United Student Christian Council, 1948-1952

Box 1

Historical Note

The Religious Council was formed in 1956 to coordinate interdenominational religious activities affiliated with Duke University. In April of 1955, members of the Special Church Board Committee, a sub-committee of the Duke University Church, proposed to create a unified council with a widened sphere of operations. The new council would coordinate and serve as an advisory board to the various campus committees and organizations involved in religious activities. In 1956, to facilitate these goals, the Board of Duke University Church (established in 1938) and the Student Religious Council (formed in 1937) were merged to create the Religious Council. The Religious Council was a committee-based organization with community, faculty, and student representation. However, the Council emphasized student membership on the various committees. The Council also emphasized its interdenominational character, encouraging the participation of all faiths in religious activities.