Cathedral Films, Inc. Records

EA-00-R0327

The Archives of the Episcopal Church

Fonds

Cathedral Films, Inc. Records

• 1938-1993 (Creation)

67 cu.ft. (75 boxes)

Cathedral Films, Inc. was a nonprofit religious film production company founded in 1939 by Episcopal priest Rev. James K. Friedrich to promote Christian education through film. Initially producing feature-length biblical dramas, the company soon focused on short films for use in churches and Sunday Schools. Over four decades, Cathedral Films became a leading producer of religious media, including filmstrips, recordings, and educational content addressing contemporary social issues. Despite financial struggles and internal governance conflicts, leadership transitioned from Friedrich to Rev. Ed Eagle, and later to Friedrich’s son, Rev. James L. Friedrich. The company ceased production in the mid-1990s.

The Cathedral Films archive offers a well-rounded overview of both the administrative and creative aspects of Cathedral Films, Inc., and the two companies that formed as offshoots in the 1970s, Q-Ed Productions and Religious Films Corporation. Included are minutes and corporate records, legal documents, financial documents, scripts, promotional materials, and audio visual materials.

Minutes and Corporation Records, 1939-1992
Legal Documents, 1954-1984
Corporate Administration, 1948-1992
Financial Administrative Records, 1953-1989
Scripts, 1950-1988
Promotional Materials, 1948-1993
Photographs, Film Strips, and Slides, n.d.
Audio and Moving Image Recordings, n.d.

Access to Episcopal Church records is governed by the Archives Public Access Policy. Research requests must be submitted in writing.

The Archives is able to respond to limited requests for reproductions subject to copyright restrictions, internal policy, and the condition of the source documents.

• English

• Christian education
• Education
• Q-Ed Productions
• Religious Films Corporation

• Eagle, Ed (Subject)
• Friedrich, James K. (Subject)
• Friedrich, James L. (Subject)

• Audio and Moving Image Recordings
• Documentaries
• Filmstrips
• Slides