Collection Policy
The archives collects Conference records and publications; district records; local church histories, directories, newsletters, and records; and information concerning clergy and bishops. We accept personal papers and manuscripts from ministers, church leaders, church historians, organizations, and others involved in the Conference and its churches. In addition to the United Methodist Church, the archives documents predecessor denominations including the Methodist Episcopal Church, Methodist Protestant Church, Evangelical Association/Church, United Brethren in Christ, and Evangelical United Brethren Church.
Upon the closing of a local church, the District Superintendent transfers any surviving records to the archives. Open churches may also transfer to the archives those records deemed of permanent or historical value if church storage space is limited or the records are in deteriorating condition. Church records that are considered permanent include:
- Membership registers and church directories
- Records of baptisms, marriages, and deaths of church members
- Minutes of all boards, committees, and organizations
- Annual reports/audits
- Architectural drawings
- Insurance policies
- Newsletters
- Bulletins
- Property deeds
- Property inventories
- Bequest or estate papers
- By-laws
The General Commission of Archives and History publishes a Local Church Records Schedule periodically which outlines what materials should be held and for how long.