Brethren Historical Library and Archives

10/29/2024

The archives recently received a woodburning made by Beulah Minnich and T.S. Eikenberry while they were courting. Though this would make a lovely post for Valentine’s Day (Did you meet your sweetie at camp or church doing arts and crafts? If so, tell us in the comments!), I am instead feeling inspired as I recall all the times when I collaborated with friends making art together or working on service projects. When I am moving in circles outside of the church, I find artists and fellow do-gooders understand the joy of collaborating and creating together with like minds. There is little like it! As for the Bible (hand-tooled by Nelda Eikenberry), I just think it looks cool! 😎

10/19/2024

The Flaxman Library at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago has allowed me to use their space to do some remote work and research for the last several weeks. Their textile arts and historic preservation resources are awesome! Chicago is a really cool place for individuals interested in architectural preservation. Though I am here for completely different work, the thought remains: I wonder who in our midst will be the next experts in preserving Brethren art and architecture. I was really hoping to snap a picture of the ‘L’ train as it passed.

10/09/2024

One of the lovely things about working in a library is we discover books we would like to read from thinkers and teachers we never had the privilege to meet. Do you remember when this book came out? Did it impact you? If so, share in the comments.

From Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, Director Church of the Brethren News Service Newsline (June 21, 2007):

“The book sold 30,000 copies in its first year and a half of publication, and was named among the top five paperbacks Protestants were reading in 1970 by the “Christian Herald.” “Newsweek” praised the book in an April 25, 1983, article reviewing the history of “Mad,” saying it was “one of the magazine’s proudest moments.”

09/10/2024

You may be learning about James Earl Jones' English professor, Donald Crouch.
From the August 1980 Messenger: the magazine of the Church of the Brethren, which can be found courtesy of the Brethren Digital Archives. Link in the comments.

09/03/2024

I'm Claire, the new director of the BHLA. Last week, while shelving materials, I admired the penmanship of a calligrapher and thought I would use this opportunity to introduce myself.

I enjoy pen and ink drawing, comedy, and live music. I was delighted by these images captured in ledgers dating from 1898 to 1907.

I worked as a federal records manager before attending Bethany Theological Seminary (MDiv '14). During my young adult years, I was a circulation assistant at the Martinsburg Public Library and the Ramer Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

I enjoy the sharp wit and wisdom of our ancestors. The tone in the materials documenting many of our fiercest ideological debates is amusing for enthusiasts of Victorian literature.

What do you want to see more of in this space? How have you used the archives in the past?

I look forward to meeting you. Thank you for your time.

06/27/2024

Closure Announcement:

06/25/2024

Don't worry about this post if you're tired of hearing about Antietam and the Dunker Church but I wrote this reflection and really like how it turned out:

A place for reverence and reflection on loss and healing, violence and peace: Young adults visit Antietam Church of the Brethren Newsline June 20, 2024 By Allison Snyder Antietam is the second Civil War battlefield that I’ve visited, the other is Gettysburg. Both times, I have found it both peacef...

06/24/2024

Exciting news out of Camp Mack! I so appreciate the responsive archiving practices. Popping items in the freezer might seem counterintuitive but the cold and climate control of it mitigates damage like that and prevents mold growth. Just make sure any items don't get wet while doing so.

06/13/2024

This is an, I forgot to take a picture for YAC so here it is for everyone post. These souvenir coins were produced for the Centennial Year of the Battle of Antietam (and South Mountain which happened 3 days before Antietam). The centennial celebration also saw the completion of the Dunker Church rebuild. (Item part of the BHLA collection and photo taken by Allison Snyder)

06/07/2024

This item is a hand-written draft of "Move in Our Midst" by Kenneth Morse as a poem. According to an accompanying letter from his wife, Marjorie L (Morse) Kauffman, the writing of this iconic Brethren hymn was inspired by a serious storm at Camp Harmony. (Item from the BHLA & photo taken by Allison Snyder)

06/07/2024

This video from our Church of the Brethren History channel on YouTube details the creation and history of the well-loved Hymn "Move in Our Midst" and includes reflections from the writer himself, Kenneth Morse. I find the history of and creative decisions made with this hymn really fascinating (as a double major in History & English, this is really the intersection of both of my interests). Keep an eye out for this, but the BHLA also has a copy of the original draft of the first 3 verse of "Move in Our Midst" in our collection that includes a different version of the 3rd one we're used to.

The history of the popular Church of the Brethren hymn, Move in Our Midst is explored in this short video, which includes interviews with hymn writer Ken Mo...

05/28/2024

Thank you to Antietam National Battlefield for a great tour during Young Adult Conference and this weekend! I found this really helpful in understanding more context, especially about how the battle initially started. (video features National Park Rangers and taken by Allison Snyder)