Consists of correspondence, writings and speeches, clippings, and printed materials. The collection principally relates to Lofton's career throughout his Baptist ministry having led churches in the following locations: Dalton, Ga.; First Church, Memphis, Tenn.; Third Church, St. Louis, Mo.; Talladega, Ala.; and Central Church, Nashville, Tenn. Subject areas represented within the collection include: his published works, REVIEW OF THE QUESTION and BIBLE THOUGHTS AND THEMES; views on slavery, capital punishment, and foreign mission work; and the hand written sermons and sermon notes Lofton wrote throughout his ministry. The Correspondence Series primarily relates to hand written reviews relating to his works, REVIEW OF THE QUESTION and BIBLE THOUGHTS AND THEMES. A few letters are included from family members. The Clippings Series contains newspaper reviews of Lofton's works dated from 1897-1920's. The Writings and Speeches Series documents Lofton's intellectual growth throughout his career as author and minister. This series contains Lofton's published text, CHARACTER SKETCHES (1890) and manuscript draft of his autobiography titled, "My Family Garden." Lofton's sermons and sermon notes comprise the bulk of the collection, which give insight to his spiritual and writing development as it progresses through the years of ministry. The sermon notes offer insight to his views on slavery, capital punishment, and foreign mission work. The Printed Materials Series includes published brochures and sermons written by Lofton and others, dated 1881-1914. The Miscellaneous Series contains an assortment of items from 1873-1940 including Lofton family photographs and other materials. Included are items pertaining to Baptist minister George Law Stewart and Dr. Adiel Sherwood.
