This series comprises circular letters and business correspondence of the directing sister for the Deaconess Community of the Lutheran Church in America. These records are from 1963-1971, but the bulk date from 1966-1971. The predominant record type is circular letters. These were written to the sisters and were authored by Sister Anna Melville, directing sister for the community. These records were generated during the course of Sister Anna's responsibilities for administration of the deaconess house and keeping the community informed about matters that affected the community. The letters include news about individual deaconesses concerning illnesses, job assignments, vacations, consecrations, investitures, anniversaries, and deaths. It included general news concerning the diaconate related to upcoming events, conferences attended, financial matters regarding pensions, and changes in staffing at the community. There is also one folder of business correspondence sent by and to Sister Anna Melville from 1963-1971. Even though some of the correspondence is pre-1966, the folder remains in this series because the majority of the correspondence is post-1966 and fits in with the period of the deaconess community as structured from 1966-1978. Subject matter of this correspondence includes letters of condolence, financial matters, thank-you notes, the retired sister's addition to at the deaconess center in Gladwyne, Penn., and the institutional chaplain position for the deaconess community. Of note, correspondence between the directing sister and individual deaconesses are found in each deaconess's personnel file.
