Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1920-1969 (Creation)
Extent
5 cu.ft. (5 boxes)
Name of creator
Administrative history
The Department of Christian Education had its roots in the General Board of Religious Education, which was established canonically in 1910 by the General Convention for the purpose of religious instruction. As part of its efforts, it trained Sunday School teachers, developed religious curricula, organized conferences, and maintained summer schools and campus ministries.
In 1919, the General Board of Religious Education became the Department of Religious Education; instead of reporting to the General Convention, the new department now reported to the Presiding Bishop and National Council. In 1938 its name was changed to the Department of Christian Education. In 1942, the department was brought under the umbrella of the newly formed Home Department, resulting in its brief re-designation as the Division of Christian Education. It was again made a separate department in 1947.
As a result of the Executive Council’s reorganization in 1968, the Department of Christian Education was integrated into the Section I (Service to Dioceses) program group alongside the Home Department, General Division of Research and Field Study, and General Division of Women’s Work with their functions being combined and streamlined to improve organizational flexibility. From 1970 to 1973, there was no staff officer in charge of religious education. The work was briefly carried out thereafter under the direction of a Program Group on Education, followed by an Education Committee headed by an Educational Officer of Executive Council, until the Office of Religious Education was established. Today, educational responsibilities are carried out by different formation ministries within The Episcopal Church.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The records relate to the reorganization of Christian education under the National Council beginning with the phase that retained some of the self-governing aspects of the Church’s board structure. The administrative records include minutes, reports, surveys, correspondence, financial statements, and printed matter. Of note is a significant amount of documentation relating to an annual index of Episcopal Camps and Conferences, including questionnaires, leaflets, brochures, and correspondence as well as two film series including Here and Now and Going on from Here, along with production records. Reports, minutes, transcriptions, and correspondence that document the various aspects of the Department’s work among youth round out the collection.
System of arrangement
Minutes and Reports, 1920-1946
Camps and Conference Records, 1953-1960
Moving Picture Films, 1957-1969
Studies and Surveys, 1953-1962
Youth Work, 1938-1967
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