Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1784-1937 (Creation)
Extent
4.2 cu.ft. (4 boxes and 1 rolled item)
Name of creator
Administrative history
The House of Bishops (HoB) was established in 1789, four years after the election of The Episcopal Church’s first Bishop, Samuel Seabury. All bishops of The Episcopal Church, active or retired, make up the House of Bishops, with the Presiding Bishop as president. With nearly 300 active members, the HoB comprises half of the Church’s governing body. Eligible members include all diocesan and assisting bishops elected or canonically appointed from the dioceses, area missions, and special jurisdictions of the United States and nineteen other countries, including a number of churches in Europe, Latin America, Taiwan, and Haiti.
Along with the House of Deputies (the other governing body of The Episcopal Church), the HoB meets every three years to adopt legislation. Between conventions, they meet twice a year in a non-legislative capacity and, acting in their pastoral and teaching mode, may explore issues of theological, social or mission concern.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The records of the House of Bishops includes correspondence, minutes of the House from General Convention and special sessions, clergy lists, and printed materials.
System of arrangement
Select Actions of Diocesan and General Conventions, 1784-1786
Correspondence and Miscellaneous Records, 1817-1937
Mexican Commission Papers and Secretary's Correspondence, 1875-1899
Cuba: Miscellaneous Secretary's Correspondence, 1884-1886
Roman Catholic Papers, miscellaneous, 1880-1894
Clergy lists, 1884-1892
House Minutes, General and Special Sessions, 1878-1913
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
Access to Episcopal Church records is governed by the Archives Public Access Policy. Research requests must be submitted in writing.
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
The Archives is able to respond to limited requests for reproductions subject to copyright restrictions, internal policy, and the condition of the source documents.
Languages of the material
- English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Publication notes
GC-04-R0006 House of Bishops. Pastoral Letters, 1808-1958
GC-04-R0011 House of Bishops Committee Records, 1856-1946
GC-01-R0037 House of Bishops Records, 1967-1972
GC-04-R0192 House of Bishops Records, 1953-1984