Religion Collections in Libraries and Archives: A Guide to Resources in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia Table of Contents - Preface/Acknowledgements - Abbreviations Lists of Entries: District of Columbia - Maryland - Virginia

Emory and Henry College Frederick T. Kelly Library: Special Collections

Access Policies

The Special Collections are open for use by serious researchers.

Reference Policy:

Telephone and mail reference questions are accepted. There are no restrictions, but a fee may be charged if extensive research or photocopying is necessary.

Borrowing Privileges:

Materials in the Archives and Special Collections circulate only on a restrictive, case by case, basis.

Networks/Consortia:

Holston Academic Libraries Consortium, OCLC via SOLINET, SOLINET, and SWING. Holdings are listed in OCLC. OCLC searches are not done for researchers.

Background Note:

Founded in 1836 under the auspices of the Holston Conference of the Methodist Church. The first students were enrolled in 1838.

Description of Collections

Books and monographs:

The collection holds approximately 11,000 volumes. These are primarily from the 19th and 20th centuries with a few items from the 18th century. Subject highlights include printed histories of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Methodist Episcopal Church, South; Methodist Episcopal Church, North; Evangelical United Brethren; and the United Methodist Church. There are also items relating to general Methodist history, religious studies, and religion in general.

The computer catalog contains all items for which there is Library of Congress cataloging.

Periodicals and newspapers:

The Library holds 45 current subscriptions and approximately 80 titles, many with long runs. These cover the 19th and 20th centuries. Highlights of this collection include the Holston Conference Annual Records (1874-1939) and conference journals from the following: Methodist Episcopal Church; Methodist Episcopal Church, South; Methodist Episcopal Church, North; Evangelical United Brethren; and the United Methodist Church. Journals relating to Methodism, the Methodist Church, and religious studies are also included in the collection.

Holdings are available on the online catalog.

Archives, manuscripts, correspondence, and oral histories:

Approximately 120 linear feet with inclusive dates covering the 18th to the 20th centuries. Highlights include letters and writings of persons prominent in the regional Methodist Church and historical manuscripts from area colleges; District records; Holston Conference Meeting Minutes; and regional church histories.

A card index to names and church histories is available.

Vertical files:

200 vertical files with inclusive dates from 1790 to the present. Highlights include newspaper clippings, biographical sketches, programs, bulletins, correspondence, and memorabilia.

Paintings, photographs, slides, and prints:

Approximately 200 photographs from 1890 to the present. Most are of churches, events, and people, both Holston Conference and College-related.

Subject Headings