Abstract The Burgess Beverly Family Scrapbook documents two African American families who lived Grand Rapids, Michigan during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The best-known member of this family was Hattie Beverly, the first woman of color to teach for the Grand Rapids Public Schools. Additonally, the scrapbook documents Bishop John Burgess who was the first African American to head an Episcopal diocese. The scrapbook mostly contains photographs as well as newspaper clippings and...

Abstract Duncan E. Littlefair (1912-2004) was the pastor of Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan from circa 1945 to 1979. This collection primarily includes sermons and pamphlets detailing his theology. Littlefair's tenure at Fountain Street Church continued a doctrine of liberalism. Littlefair, schooled in a theology based on 1930s modern humanism, created a popular liberal environment that increased membership and involvement, making the church one of the most prominent local...

Abstract Eduard Adam Skendzel (1921-1999) was a linguist and historian from Grand Rapids, Michigan. His research focused on the history of the Polish community and the Roman Catholic church, as well as other churches. This collection includes material he collected on non-Polish churches in the Grand Rapids area, covering Catholic, Baptist, Christian Reformed, Lutheran, Presbyterian and other churches. The material includes written histories, anniversary booklets, building dedication programs and some...

Abstract

Eduard Adam Skendzel (1921-1999) was a linguist and historian from Grand Rapids, Michigan. His research focused on the history of the Polish community and the Roman Catholic church. This collection focuses on the Polish community in Grand Rapids and southwest Michigan, including churches associated with the Polish community. Included are Skendzel's own writings, his research notes, other reference titles, 84 oral histories and some original documents. Some of the material is in Polish.

Abstract Emma Cole (1845-1912) was a botanist and teacher in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame in 2007 for her scientific work. This collection primarily reflects the Emma J. Cole Memorial Flower Fund, established by Cole to sponsor special flower services in eight downtown churches. The services were held in June and October between 1912 and 1967 and rotated between the churches. Included are church sermons, programs, administrative documents and a few...

Abstract This collection contains records of the First (Park) Congregational Church, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Established in 1836, the First (Park) Congregational Church is one of the earliest churches established in the city. The records include some of the earliest documents preserved by the church and registers of records up to the early 20th century. This collection could be helpful to researchers interested in the history of the church, the volunteer efforts of its members, and...

Abstract The Fountain Street Church collection has been created primarily from material transferred to the archives from the GRPL Local History Vertical File and the Local History Book Collection. It includes publications on the history of the Church and its architecture and stained glass. It includes documents related to the business of the church such as annual reports, committee and budget reports. Also included are programs of the services, as well as sermons by select former pastors of the...

Abstract

Published in 1993, "Gathered at the river: Grand Rapids, Michigan and its people of faith" details the history of churches in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The book was written by James D. Bratt and Christopher H. Meehan and funded through the Grand Rapids Area Council for the Humanities. This collection includes questionnaires, histories and other documents collected during the research process, including church directories, programs and books.

Abstract

Grand Rapids, a city renewed : a history since World War II is a book written by Gordon L. Olson, Grand Rapids City Historian, for the Grand Rapids Historical Commission in 1996. The collection includes photographs used in the publication as well as papers that document the publication process.

Abstract This devised collection is one of several which includes histories, directories and other documentation of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Kent County churches. This collection brings together various found or transferred items, along with small accession of historical documents and publications from select area churches. The bulk of the items are from the 20th century, though some items are dated in the 19th century. Several of the documents are histories and provide information on individual...