Committee celebrates Brethren archives’ 70th anniversary.

Opening with a special recognition of the 70th anniversary of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA), the Brethren Historical Committee met at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Nov 3-4. The archives is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board and began in 1936, when the books and files of J.H. Moore were donated to the General Mission Board.

Responsibilities of the committee include encouraging Brethren historical research and publication, promoting the preservation of Brethren historical records, and advising BHLA.

The agenda for the meeting included microfilming of Brethren periodicals and full minutes of Annual Meeting, transfer of 16-mm film files to video in DVD format, addition of new space and equipment for BHLA, revision of a pamphlet for local church historians, plans for an insight session at the 2007 Annual Conference, and a review of the 2007 BHLA budget.

Wendy McFadden, executive director of Brethren Press, presented a report on the activities of Brethren Press. Special attention was given to the publication of "The Brethren During the Age of World War" by Stephen L. Longenecker. Publication of the book had been recommended by the committee.

Committee members elected Jane Davis to serve as chair beginning in July 2007. Current members are William Kostlevy (chair), Jane Davis, Marlin Heckman, and Kenneth Kreider. Kenneth Shaffer is director of the BHLA.

Source: 12/06/2006 Newsline