Guide to the Brown University Christian Association records, 1881-1969

John Hay Library , Special Collections
Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Tel: 401-863-2146
email: hay@brown.edu

Published in 2012

Collection Overview

Title:	Brown University Christian Association records
Date range:	1881-1969
Creator:	Brown University Christian Association.
Extent:	34.5 Linear feet
Abstract:	The Brown Christian Association records contain material relating to various issues in which the BCA was involved, such as disarmament and conscientious objectors during World War II, various relief organizations for post-war Europe, and organizations that provided aid to poor children in the United States. The collection includes annual reports, journals, and newsletters produced by the organization; correspondence and files of K. Brooke Anderson and Joe Wang; records related to campus activities during World War II; peace activities; and subject files. The materials are dated from 1881 to 1969.
Language of materials:	English
Repository:	John Hay Library , Special Collections
Collection number:	OF.1Q.C1

Scope & content

The Brown Christian Association records contain material relating to various issues in which the BCA was involved, such as disarmament and conscientious objectors during World War II, various relief organizations for post-war Europe, and organizations that provided aid to poor children in the United States. The collection includes annual reports, journals, and newsletters produced by the organization; correspondence and files of K. Brooke Anderson and Joe Wang; records related to campus activities during World War II; peace activities; and subject files. The materials are dated form 1881 to 1969.

Access Points

Subject Organizations

• American Friends Service Committee
• Brown University
• Young Men's Christian Association

Subject Topics

• Christian college students--religious life
• Christian college students--Religious life--Societies, etc.

Document Types

• Annual reports
• Financial records
• Letters (Correspondence)
• Publications

Subject Topics

• Education

Arrangement

The Brown University Christian Association records have been organized into eleven series:

• I. Annual reports, 1908-1959
• II. Journals, 1929-1956
• III. Religious Embassy, 1929-1956
• IV. World War II newsletters, 1943-1946
• V. General files, 1881-1958
• VI. General files, 1957-1967
• VII. Latin America Summer Program, 1964-1969
• VIII. K. Brooke Anderson, 1936-1957
• IX. Correspondence with Joe Wang, 1937-1954
• X. Peace, 1928-1942, undated
• XI. Assorted files, 1890-1958, undated

Administrative history

The Brown Christian Association was organized as the Young Men's Christian Association of Brown University on November 16, 1881. Its stated purpose was "To promote growth in grace and Christian fellowship among its members, and aggressive Christian work especially by and for students." Under the auspices of the association, weekly prayer and conference meetings were held, as well as weekly prayer meetings for the individual classes.

In 1928 K. Brooke Anderson came to Brown as executive secretary of the Brown Christian Association, and remained in that position until his retirement in 1957. The Interfaith Commission was organized in 1936 to bring about better understanding among Catholics, Jews, and Protestants. The Peace Commission became active in 1937, holding weekly meetings, sending out student speakers, and sponsoring demonstrations on Armistice Day and National Peace Day.

In 1958 the University Christian Association was formed by the merger of the Brown Christian Association, the Pembroke Christian Association, and various student groups of the neighboring churches.

Through the years the Christian Association sponsored a wide variety of programs. The Community Commission counseled boys at the Rhode Island Training School and provided recreation for children at the John Hope Center. The World Commission brought political leaders to the campus and sponsored the Peace Week program. The Personal Life Commission presented vocational and marriage lectures. The Christian Faith and Heritage Commission arranged Bible study and vesper services. The annual Religious Embassy sponsored campus-wide discussions led by clergymen of all faiths. The Brown and Pembroke Christian Associations came under the Chaplain’s office in the early 1950s with funding from the University, and the Newman Club and Hillel Club and other sectarian organizations were recognized and allowed to meet on campus for worship or study, but discouraged from holding social gatherings. In 1956 the Religious Embassy was replaced by Religious Symposium Week with meetings arranged by three groups, the University Christian Council, the Newman Club, and the Hillel Foundation. Reverend Sam H. Newcomer served as executive secretary of the Brown Christian Association from 1957 to 1963.

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Use of the materials:	Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation:	Brown University Christian Association records, OF-1Q-C1, Brown University Archives.
Contact information:	John Hay Library , Special Collections Box A Brown University Providence, RI 02912 Tel: 401-863-2146 email: hay@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by Brown University Library staff.
Encoding:	This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2012 August 17
Descriptive rules:	Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)
Sponsor:	Processing funded by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

Additional Information

Related material:

Related materials can be found in the K. Brooke Anderson Papers, Ms.2011.010, Brown University Library.

Inventory

---