LibGuides: PAR 355: Southern Religion: Manuscript Collections

Manuscript Collections at Randall Library

MS 028 Robert E. Tapp Private Papers
This collection contains the personal family photo album of the Robert Estworthy Tapp family. There are also photographs dated between 1870 and the early 1900s of downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, a letter to Tapp from Louis T. Moore, Manager of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and the typescript of a September 2, 1948 article from the Wilmington Morning Star, now the Wilmington Star News.
MS 042 Edwin E. Kirton Family Private Papers
This collection contains correspondence, newspaper clippings, church programs and scrapbooks as well as a large collection of sheet music that belonged to Mrs. Kirton. The scrapbooks in this collection highlight Father Kirton's career and other family events and the social column written by Mrs. Kirton for the Afro American newspaper.
MS 058 The Rabbi Samuel Mendelsohn Manuscripts Collection
This collection contains two hundred and fourteen sermons, lectures, essays and several letters written by Dr. Mendelsohn.
MS 087 Cardinal Eugene Tisserant Papers
This collection contains a holiday card, Vatican library catalog card, and autographed photograph of Cardinal Eugene Tisserant from his friend and associate, William Madison Randall.
MS 096 Rabbi Thurman Collection
This collection contains oversized volumes of cantor's music in Hebrew, loose leaves of printed music, Yiddish posters, Hebrew choral manuscripts in parts Haggadah (Hebrew-English), an oral history with Trudi Rosenthal of the Holocaust, and Rabbi Thurman's last sermon.
MS 106 Wallace C. Murchison Papers
This collection contains the personal and professional papers of Wallace C. Murchison (1919-2013). Materials include correspondence, memoranda, minutes, reports, grant applications, publications, publicity materials, financial documents, maps, blueprints, brochures, notes, printed materials, and a photograph. Major subjects include the North Carolina Fund, the Wilmington-New Hanover County Good Neighbor Council, the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina, and Democratic political campaigns, including that of then Senator Alton Lennon and Governor Terry Sanford.
MS 122 Susan Taylor Block Collection
This collection contains various articles and letters written by Susan Taylor Block, as well as photographs, of local and historical events of importance in the Lower Cape Fear.
MS 123 Dr. Gerald H. Shinn Collection
Materials in this collection include Dr. Shinn's curriculum vitae and teaching philosphy, course syllabi, newspaper articles, photographs, various art prints and two framed images of Shinn. Also included is a vast slide collection related to archaeological digs in Israel and the middle east, european travel, art history, archaeological digs at Poplar Grove Plantation, North Carolina Living Treasures recipients and Schweitzer Prizes award ceremonies.
MS 159 Paul Wilkes Collection
This collection contains the papers, records, research, teachings, and publications of writer Paul Wilkes.
MS 161 Dr. James J. Megivern Collection
This collection contains papers and publications of Dr. James J. Megivern, with emphasis on the religious nature of his work.
MS 164 B. Frank Hall Collection
This collection contains B. Frank Hall's writings and religious sermons, including from his work as a pastor at Pearsall Memorial Presbyterian and while a professor and head of the Philosophy and Religion department when UNCW first formed as Wilmington College. Material is from the 1930s-1950s, though a majority is undated.
MS 172 Dr. Thomas Fanning Wood Family Papers
Papers of the Dr. T. F. Wood family of Wilmington, NC. Includes Dr. Woods's Civil War recollections, correspondence, writings of Dr. Edward Jenner Wood, and genealogy of the Wood family.
MS 173 Thomas A. Moore Personal Papers
This collection consists of personal papers, correspondence, photographs, programs, records, videotapes, and cassette tape recordings covering Mr. Moore’s education and career from 1985-1999.
MS 186 Bradley Jewett Wootten and Family Collection
This collection contains correspondence, photographs, newspaper articles and ephemera relating to life of Lt. Bradley Jewett Wootten from 1895 to his death in 1901. Most of the correspondence in this collection is between members of the Wootten family. Two such letters, copies of the originals, relay information from both before and after the events of November 10, 1898 in Wilmington.
MS 192 Oscar Pearsall Personal and Business Papers
This collection contains ledgers, correspondence, bills and shipping labels related to Oscar Pearsall's whole grocery businesses Hall & Pearsall and Pearsall & Company. Also included are medical insurance certificates and related correspondence for Oscar Pearsall.
MS 193 Pastoral Summit 2001
Research relating to the 2001 Pastoral Summit in New Orleans, including correspondence, a questionnaire sent to churches, publications, brochures, minutes, photographs, and research notes.
MS 228 Bishop Thomas Henry Wright Sermons
This collection primarily contains sermons and essays written by Bishop Thomas Henry Wright from 1928 through the 1980's. Other documents on local churches and histories are also included.
MS 232 Rabbi James L. Apple Collection
This collection follows James Apple’s career as a military chaplain, a Naval Officer and teacher, and includes correspondence, commendations, awards and citations.
MS 300 Pearsall Family Papers
Contains personal letters between various members of the Pearsall family from the late 1800s to early 1900s, as well as bills, account statements, and the articles of agreement for the 2nd Presbyterian Church.
MS 332 Dr. Walter H. Conser Jr. Papers
This collection consists of the accumulated working papers of professor, historian, and author Dr. Walter Conser Jr. between 1970 and 2014. The collection is comprised primarily of research materials, in English and German, including articles, magazines, newspapers, books in whole or part, and associated notes; also included are publishing documents, personal and professional corresondence, newsletters, serials, memorablia, personal papers, and materials documenting Dr. Walter Conser Jr.'s participation in professional and academic panels, conferences, and events. The collection also contains various correspondence, academic and professional papers of scholars Sumner B. Twiss, William G. McLoughlin, and Gene Sharp. Additionally donated were over 100 books, primarily regarding nonviolence, and 13 phonograph records from the 1960s and 70s.
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These materials are especially useful to persons studying issues relating to Native Americans, nonviolent action, civilian-based defense, Western religious history and specifically religious history of the American Southeast.
MS 336 Atkinson and Murchison Family Papers
This collection contains the papers of the Atkinson and Murchison families of Wilmington, North Carolina. A significant portion pertains to Reverend Thomas Atkinson and his son-in-law Reverend David Hillhouse Buel, both North Carolina leaders in the Episcopal church. Additional content relates to various members of the Atkinson and Murchison families, particularly Rev. Atkinson's son--Colonel John Wilder Atkinson, John Wilder's daughter--Loulie Atkinson Murchison, her husband Joel Williams Murchison, Joel's father--John Reid Murchison, John Reid's brother--David Reid Murchison, and David's daughter--Lucille Wright Murchison Marvin.
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The bulk of material is correspondence, often among members of the family checking in on each other, as well as regarding their professions or military service. Additional material includes estate and insurance documents, photographs, planners, newspaper articles, publications, and genealogy information for part of the Murchison and Wright sides of the family.
MS 366 Emancipation Anniversary Sermon Collection
This collection contains two sermons written around 1898 regarding 35 years of slavery emancipation, first initiated during the United States Civil War in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation.
Special Collections Vertical Files
The Special Collections vertical files are compiled by Special Collections staff on an ongoing basis and contain material such as articles, photocopied documents, maps, emphemera, etc. of various persons, places, organizations, and topical subjects related to UNCW and Southeastern North Carolina history.

MS 075 Protestant Episcopal Church Resolution
The clergy and laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church of New York City met in the Lecture Room of Christ Church on September 14, 1829 to adopt measures to establish the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Territory of Florida. Rev. Dr. Lyell was appointed chairman and Rev. John M. Guion, secretary. The members resolved to meet again the following Friday evening and to invite other interested clergy and laity to address the issue. Extract from the minutes.
MS 169 St. James' Episcopal Church Records
The collection consists of original papers, handwritten ledgers, bills, account books, early personal checks, indentures, letters, church records, and hand drawn town maps. The early church was est. 1729 in Newtown (Wilmington).
MS 180 St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church Collection
This collection includes historical data on St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church, beginning in 1818 with the First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, and continuing through the founding of the Second Presbyterian Church in 1858--renamed St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in 1888, the establishment of the Church of the Covenant in 1917, and the 1944 merging of St. Andrews Presbyterian and the Church of the Covenant.
MS 253 St. Paul's Episcopal Church Papers
This collection contains documents, ephemera, minutes, pamphlets, photographs, publications and record books pertaining to the history and operations of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wilmington, North Carolina. Items in this collection cover the history of the church, its buildings, finances, parishioner groups and relationship with the Diocese of Eastern Carolina, dating from 1858 to 1997.
MS 258 2nd Presbyterian Church Ledger
This collection contains a financial ledger from the 2nd Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, NC, belonging to Oscar Pearsall, the treasurer.
MS 360 St. Luke Zion AME Church Collection
This collection contains documents and photos of the St. Luke AME Zion Church in Raleigh, NC, especially focused on the 145th anniversary on April 4, 2010. There is a booklet commemorating the event. Within the booklet, there is a message from Reverend Williams L. Johnson III thanking the people who put together and attended the celebration, as well as their dedication to the church. Also, there is a brief history of the church and congratulations from members of the community wishing the church a happy anniversary.
MS 378 Winter Park Presbyterian Church Collection
This collection contains a typed supplement to the publication, "Winter Park Presbyterian Church, The People and Times: A History, One Hundred Years 1913-2013," by Sherman Hayes, of which he also wrote. This supplement contains church information such as a directory, list of elders, deacons, women of the Church officers, and long-time members, as well as historical events occurring over the hundred years of the Church's existence.
MS 379 Pearsall Memorial Presbyterian Church Collection
Contains church records, newsletters, histories, directories, event documents, architectural drawings, church bulletins, tapes, photographs, and CDs containing photos from the 1930s to the 2000s. A large amount focuses on The Women of the Church (WOC), a woman-focused group of the Church.
Special Collections Vertical Files
The Special Collections vertical files are compiled by Special Collections staff on an ongoing basis and contain material such as articles, photocopied documents, maps, emphemera, etc. of various persons, places, organizations, and topical subjects related to UNCW and Southeastern North Carolina history.

MS 232 Rabbi James L. Apple Collection
This collection follows James Apple’s career as a military chaplain, a Naval Officer and teacher, and includes correspondence, commendations, awards and citations.
MS 273 Thomas M. Groome, Jr. Collection
Artifacts, papers, and photos documenting Thomas Groome's 25 years as an Air Force Chaplain, from 1949 - 1974.
MS 297 Chaplain Charles Baldwin Collection
This collection contains a variety of publications related to military chaplaincy, particularly on the subjects of Lutheran chaplaincy and the Vietnam War.
MS 299 Chaplain William Calbert Collection
Contains letters, photographs, papers, and memorabilia belonging to Chaplain William E. Calbert and his service with the U.S. Army, about his family, and various memorial service events.
Special Collections Vertical Files
The Special Collections vertical files are compiled by Special Collections staff on an ongoing basis and contain material such as articles, photocopied documents, maps, emphemera, etc. of various persons, places, organizations, and topical subjects related to UNCW and Southeastern North Carolina history.

Primary Source Databases

These databases provide searchable access to primary source materials about religion outside of Randall Library's Special Collections, including papers and documents of religious thinkers and authors, monographs about special subjects in religion, and more.

ATLA Historical Monographs Collection
With the ATLA Historical Monographs Collection (11 Series), religion and theology scholars can focus their research on the era and topics that most closely fit their fields of study. Eleven thematic series provide researchers with specialized content spanning from the 13th century through 1922. The majority of content dates from the 19th and early 20th centuries, a time of great doctrinal, social and organizational turmoil and upheaval in American culture, making this collection a resource for scholars seeking to understand not only religious thought during this time period, but the general social, political and economic transformation of the country as well. Find more information.
Twentieth Century Religious Thought, Volume 1: Christianity
A multivolume, cross-searchable online collection that brings together the seminal works and archival materials related to worldwide religious thinkers, from the early 1900s until the turn of the 21st century. The collection is fully cross-searchable with the volumes on Judaism, Islam, and Eastern Religions. Find more detailed information.
Twentieth Century Religious Thought, Volume 2: Islam
Focuses on modern Islamic theology and tradition and details Islam’s evolution from the late 19th century by examining printed works and rare documents by Muslim writers, both non-Western and Western voices. The collection is fully cross-searchable with the volumes on Christianity, Judaism, and Eastern Religions. Find more detailed information.
Twentieth Century Religious Thought, Volume 3: Judaism
Twentieth Century Religious Thought: Volume III, Judaism focuses on modern Jewish theology and philosophy and details Judaism’s evolution from the late 19th century by examining printed works and rare documents. It includes an international selection of English-language editions of key thinkers such as Eugene Borowitz, Elliott Dorff, Emil L. Fackenheim, Blu Greenberg, David Hartman, Mordecai Kaplan, Adolf Neubauer, and Joseph B. Soloveitchik; writings in German and Hebrew from the Markus Brann collection, and a selection of contextual monographs and reference works. The collection is fully cross-searchable with the volumes on Christianity, Islam, and Eastern Religions.
Twentieth Century Religious Thought, Volume 4: Eastern Religions
Twentieth Century Religious Thought: Volume IV, Eastern Religions focuses on the various facets of Eastern Religion spanning over two-hundred years. It includes an international selection of English-language editions of key thinkers such as Alan Watts, Sister Nivedita, K. N. Jayatilleke, and Prayadh Payutto, among others. The collection is fully cross-searchable with the volumes on Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.