The records of the Office of the Presiding Bishop consist of minutes, reports, and correspondence primarily from the period when the Most Reverend John Maury Allin was Presiding Bishop. Some materials date from Allin’s successor, Edmund Lee Browning. Also included are materials relating to the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief and the Venture in Mission program.

The Allin Papers rank as the most comprehensive archive of personal papers of any primate in The Episcopal Church. The archive documents each of the venues in which Allin practiced his ordained ministry and, equally importantly, closely reflects the relationships he developed in his vocational life.

The archive concentrates on Allin’s 1974-1985 term as Presiding Bishop but provides substantial evidence of his service to the Church in ordained ministry, as well as personal pursuits after his retirement. The collection includes sermons, correspondence, photographs, and audio and video recordings. Allin’s life prior to his election as Presiding Bishop is documented by personal calendars, correspondence, and photographs.

The Records of the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop document the selection of members of the House of Bishops to be considered by General Convention for the position of Presiding Bishop. Included in the collection are meeting minutes, correspondence, and documentation on the prospective nominees.