Correspondence 1889-1963; 1945-1962.

ArchivalResource

United Lutheran Church in America. Board of Deaconess Work. Correspondence 1889-1963; 1945-1962.

Correspondence 1889-1963; 1945-1962.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/57673568

Records in this series comprise business correspondence to and from officers for the Board of Deaconess Work (BDW) of the United Lutheran Church in America (ULCA) and its predecessor the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United States of America (GS). The series dates from 1889-1963, but the bulk of records date from 1945-1962. The majority of the correspondence is that which was received by the board, not sent by it. Authors of this correspondence include BDW presidents H.F. Baughmann, Alvin E. Bell, John R. Deaton; board member H. Ober Hess; board secretaries Charles E. Hay, Foster U. Gift, William H. Wade, Sister Martha Hansen; and board executive secretary Sister Mildred Winter. Subject matter is varied due to span of time that encompasses this collection of correspondence. Early subjects include a proposal to switch incorporation of the BDW from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Baltimore, Maryland; training of deaconesses from the United Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the South (USS) and the BDW relationship to the USS; the merger that created the ULCA and its effect on the composition of the BDW; cooperation between the Baltimore Motherhouse of Deaconesses (BMD) and the Philadelphia Motherhouse of Deaconesses (PMD). Later subjects addressed include the work of the committee on expanded and long rang diaconate; merger of the BMD and PMD; social security benefits and retirement at the motherhouse; the merger to create the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) and its effect on the diaconate; the diaconate's placement in the LCA's new Board of College Education and Church Vocation; matters concerning upcoming board meetings, board minutes, approval of recommendations; matters concerning bequests to BDW; request for documents; and scheduling conflicts for future meetings. There is also one folder of circular correspondence sent by the BDW or its officers. These letters are primarily requests for information and input regarding staffing issues and recruitment of candidates; notification of upcoming board meetings; agenda items for board meetings; and recommendations requiring approval of board members at the board's next meeting. Files are arranged chronologically.

1 box (.2 cubic ft.)

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library, ELCA Library