Overview
Why does history matter? One of the chief values of history is entertainment. It is fascinating to learn about the people of the past. We enjoy listening, seeing, and reading about what has happened in the past. Many in your congregation will be captivated by the stories of people and events in your church's history.
History can also be a source of inspiration. As we learn more about those who created the heritage of which we are heirs, we may be inspired to give thanks for their lives, and we may pledge to follow their example. On the other hand, we recognize that history is made by people who are not always at their best, and their stories may evoke our confession of their shortcomings and inspire us to say that we shall learn from their mistakes.
Finally, we know that history's real importance is that it helps us understand who we are. It is a clue to our own identity. Your church's present-day location, its architecture, its worship style, its organization, its ministries and outreach, and countless other facets of its life are all rooted in the history of the congregation. By reflecting on the past, we can better understand who we are and determine the future directions of our ministry.
--From Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation: Church Historian, 2005-2008, p. 7. Copyright © 2004 by Cokesbury. Used by permission.
What the Church Says
Churches are strongly encouraged to elect a church historian to preserve the history of each local church.
According to The Book of Discipline, the responsibilities of the historian are:
"...to keep the historical records up to date; serve as chairperson of the committee on records and history, if any; cooperate with the annual conference commission on archives and history; provide an annual report on the care of church records and historical materials to the charge conference; and also provide, with the pastor and the committee on records and history, if any, for the preservation of all local church records and historical materials no longer in current use. Records and historical materials include all documents, minutes, journals, diaries, reports, letters, pamphlets, papers, manuscripts, maps, photographs, books, audiovisuals, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, or any other documentary material, regardless of form or characteristics...."
-From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004, 247.5 a-b. Copyright © 2004 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.
The church may also create a committee on records and history to be chaired by the church historian. The function of the committee will be to assist the historian with his or her responsibilities.
Tasks and Responsibilities
As a local church historian, you will:
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Establish an archives if it does not already exist.
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Encourage church officers to keep accurate church records.
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Provide for the preservation of all records and historical materials no longer in current use.
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Promote interest in the history and heritage of The United Methodist Church and of your own congregation.
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Assist the pastor and others in the annual observance of Heritage Sunday and in the celebration of significant anniversaries.
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Serve as a member of the Committee on Records and History, if one exists.
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Serve on the church council and/or other committees to which the local church historian is assigned.
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Help those who wish to do research in your church's records.
--From Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation: Church Historian, 2005-2008, p. 6. Copyright © 2004 by Cokesbury. Used by permission.
 The material above gives only a basic description the purpose and responsibilities of the Church Historian. The booklet, Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation 2005-2008: Church Historian, will provide practical and concrete suggestions and resources for helping you carry out these important ministry responsibilities. You will find detailed instructions about how to create an archive for your local church. Helpful suggestions and resources are provided to answer questions such as these: Which records should be kept and which ones should be discarded? How do you go about gathering and collecting these records? How should you organize and catalog the records? What methods and tools will you need to help preserve the condition of the documents? The Guideline also offers information about how to go about writing a history of your church. Click here to purchase this book
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