The collection is divided into five series, consisting of general papers (1888-2007, bulk, 1960-2003) of the WBEMC; papers (1867-1979, bulk 1867-1878) of the Gethsemane (later Ashley) Baptist Association and papers of three women active in the association: the papers (c. 1973-2003) of Isabel Dixon (b. 1918); the papers (1979-2004) of Ethel Gordon (1911- 2004) and the papers (1958-1991) of Aletha Lewis (1921-1992). The WBEMC papers (approximately 4 linear feet) consist mostly of published annual session minutes, programs, organizational and committee paper documenting the women and youth auxiliaries of the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina from 1888 to 2007. Also included are materials from other local, state and national organizations within the Baptist community, such as minutes, programs and miscellaneous documents from the Baptist Educational Missionary and Sunday School Convention of SC (BEMSSC); materials from the Baptist Educational & Missionary Convention of S.C. (BEMC), Enoree Baptist Association, Kingston Lake Missionary Baptist Association, National Baptist Convention and the WBEMC supported institutions, Morris and Benedict Colleges. Also included are biographical sketches of key women in the Convention and research materials, typescripts, photographs and audio tapes relating to the book, Born to Serve: A History of the Woman's Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina, by W. Marvin Dulaney, Damon Fordham, and Muima A. Shinault-Small. The second series (approximately .5 linear foot) documents the Gethsemane Baptist Association, organized in 1867 and renamed the Ashley Baptist Association in 1878. The minutes are mainly photocopied from annual session from 1867-1878. Also included are scattered bound published minutes from sessions ranging from 1966-1979. The papers within the third series (approximately .8 linear feet) document educator and religious leader Irene Reuben Dixon, b. 1918 in Newberry County, S.C. to Matilda and James Reuben. For twenty-two years, she was a teacher and principal at Thomas Dixon Elementary School (named after her husband). After retiring, Dixon served as director of several Head Start centers for the College of Charleston. Dixon's papers contains typescripts, published church histories, minutes and programs relating to Baptist organizations on a local, state and national level. The papers include Dixon's involvement with Bethel Baptist Church; Gethsemane Baptist Association; Interdenominational Association of Ministers' Wives and Widows Alliance of Jasper County; Mt. Carmel Baptist Association; National Baptist Convention, Woman's Auxiliary; and S. C. Association of Ministers' Wives and Ministers' Widows. With some materials re Dixon' involvement with S.C. School Board and Hampton County Retired Educators Association. The papers (1 linear foot) of Ethel Mae McAdams Gordon (1911- 2004) consist of minutes, organizational papers and programs relating to her involvement with the Woman's Convention, Auxiliary to the National Baptist Convention U.S.A. Inc., the Baptist Education and Missionary Convention of S.C. (BEMC), the WBEMC and the Gethsemane Association. Also included are biographical papers and her published booklet Help! The Family is in Deep Trouble, along with materials re her affiliation with S.C. Black Women's Political Action Forum. She was a teacher and principal in public schools in S.C., and taught and Benedict College, as well as holding various offices in numerous Baptist women's organizations. The final series of papers (.5 linear foot) are those of Aletha Mae Underwood Lewis (1921-1992), born in Wilmington, N.C., wife of Rev. Dozier Lewis, who served in churches in Rembert and Bishopville, S.C. She taught and served as guidance counselor in Bishopville schools and later worked at Morris College. Within the WBEMC, Lewis served as executive board member; director of the Christian Leadership Program; and co-director of the Dunbar-Gandy Retreat at Morris College. Her papers hold speeches, programs and photographs from Rafting Creek Baptist Church, Rembert, along with papers and souvenir programs from various S.C. Baptist churches. WBEMC and Morris College materials include minutes, programs and typescripts of workshops facilitated by Lewis.
