Spring 2000

The Region 6 Archives received a generous grant from AAL for the purpose of conducting Mini-workshops on archival issues and congregational histories. The previous workshops were great successes. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Newark, OH served as host. There was a strong turnout followed by good dialogues and exchanges of ideas. Three of the six regional synods were represented, as well as other denominations. Even the archivist learned something!

The workshop is scheduled until approximately 3:00 pm and will be "interrupted" by a good will donation lunch. If interested in attending, please register at the numbers below, or call the Archives at 614/235-4136 X4002 if you have any questions. See you there!

• Congregation Heritage Workshop - July 16-18, 2000, Luther College

• Congregational Heritage Workshop - June 4-6, 2000, Region 9 ELCA

Congregations on the Web

Several congregations have expressed an interest in expanding their mission to include a web page on the Internet. If your congregation has a website, please e-mail or forward the address to the Region 6 Archives. The Archives has been working on the expansion of its web page and is creating an Active Congregation Link Page. You can create a link to the Archives as well. The Internet address is http://www.trinity.capital.edu/Other/Reg6Arch/ARCHHOME.HTM

Thank you to the congregations who have already submitted their addresses. Look for it soon on the Archives website.

Some facts to celebrate:

• The first woman ordained in the LCA was Elizabeth Platz on November 22, 1970. The women ordained in the ALC and AELC were Barbara Andrews and Janith Otte-Murphey, respectively.
• Earlean Miller was the first African-American woman ordained in the LCA in 1979. She now serves Hope Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH.
• As of May 1999, there were 187 women clergy serving in Region 6.
• There have been a total of 8 female bishops among Lutheran World Federation churches: Germany 2, USA 2, Norway 1, Denmark 2, and Sweden 2. There have also been 3 female presidents in Suriname, Nicaragua, and Hong Kong.

Facts provided by the Commission for Women of the ELCA.

The Region 6 Archives has been temporarily moved to a new location on the TLS campus while renovations are taking place. Although the Archives is open during this time, many records are in storage. While the Archives can still handle inquiries and other requests, please be advised that the inquiry may not be able to be accomplished at the time of the request since the records sought may be not be available. The Archives will move back to its original, renovated space later this year and will be able to complete inquiries at that time. Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience during this time.

Many congregations contact the Archives regarding records management issues. Issues include access for researchers, privacy concerns, and copyright. The Region 6 Archives has published a pamphlet designed to help congregations. The Archives recommends that congregations develop policies regarding the various issues that affect congregational record research. Clearly defined policies approved by the church council or congregation will be a great asset to every congregation. Please contact the Archives for the Brief Advice Guide.

The Region 6 Church Postcard collection continues to grow! Many congregations responded to the last call for sending the Archives their postcards, and hopes are high that more will arrive. You can help by donating any postcards or postcard photos of your church building ever produced by your congregation.

You can also help to document your congregation's history by donating a copy of histories and special publications to the Archives. If your congregation has not prepared a history, the Archives can help. Please contact the Archives for publications on how to prepare a congregational history, or you may want to consider attending one of the Congregational Archive Workshops scheduled. Just contact the Archives for more information.

The Region 6 Archives is always receiving valuable records that celebrate our history. What follows is a short list of records acquired by the Archives.