The Restoration Movement Archives Collection was established in 1973 by Emmanuel School of Religion as a research facility for the examination of past and present aspects of the Stone-Campbell tradition. Established to be used primarily by the Emmanuel School of Religion community of scholars, the Restoration Movement Archives Collection, with its continued growth, is now regarded as a significant collection, and finds increasing use by those outside the Emmanuel community who wish to better understand the heritage of the Disciples of Christ, Christian Churches, and Churches of Christ.
Books
While preserving the records of the rich heritage of the Stone-Campbell tradition, the Restoration Movement Archives Collection also collects current publications that reflect the life and thought of the Stone-Campbell tradition. The more that 5400 books reflect a balance among the three branches of this tradition, i.e., the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the Churches of Christ. The collection includes material written not only by the people of the Stone-Campbell tradition but also about that tradition.
Specific items include biographies of leaders of the Movement, sermon collections, Bible study aids, works on Christian doctrine and church polity, and histories of individual congregations, association, conventions, agencies, and organizations.
Microforms
The microform collection includes annuals, periodicals, theses and dissertations, books, and pamphlets. This collection is located on the second floor of the library.
Periodicals
The periodicals collection includes current publications as well as those which have ceased publication. Also included in the Restoration Movement Archives Collection are periodicals published in other countries. Periodicals published by and about the Stone-Campbell tradition compose most of the collection. Indexes are available for some of the major periodicals such as the Millennial Harbinger, Christian Messenger, Christian-Evangelist, Gospel Advocate, Christian Standard, World Call, and Discipliana.
Organizational Records
The Restoration Movement Archives Collection houses the records of a number of associations, conventions, agencies, societies, and organizations, e.g., the North American Christian Convention, the European Evangelistic Society, and the Christian Missionary Fellowship.
Audio-Visual Materials
Sound recordings of oral history interviews, sermons, proceedings of meetings and conventions, and music are available for use. Video tapes, mostly of Emmanuel's lectureships and special events, are also available. The photographic collection includes pictures of leaders, Missionaries, buildings and events important to the Movement.
Pamphlets
The Restoration Movement Archives Collection's vertical file has a collection of pamphlets expressing the 19th and early 20th century thought of the Stone-Campbell tradition.
Historical Files
Information on individuals, agencies, conventions, programs, and controversies is found in the Restoration Movement Archives Collection's vertical files.
The Restoration Movement Archives Collection is available to all researchers. The Archives operates on a limited schedule and some materials have access restrictions; therefore, it is recommended that potential users contact the Librarian of Emmanuel School of Religion prior to visiting so research needs can be met.
The Restoration Movement Archives Collection is located on the second floor in Room 205 of the B. D. Phillips Memorial Building of Emmanuel School of Religion.
Email: archives@esr.edu