Church Records

The Moravian Archives serves the Moravian Church in America, Northern Province, as the official repository for the historical records of the boards, agencies, and congregations.

The numbers between brackets refer to the Book of Order of the Northern Province, latest edition.

The following records are to be deposited in the Archives when they are no longer in current use (¶1034.a), preferably at regular intervals (10 or 20 years). By depositing the records in the Archives the records will be open to public access, except for sensitive records that remain restricted for 75 years after their creation. These records are marked here with an *; they can only be used by written permission of the pastor or chairman of the board concerned. (If a congration closes, permission to see restricted records needs to be requested from the Provincial Elders' Conference).

Materials should be organized in folders and placed in strong boxes (15 ½ x 12 ½ x 10 ½"). The height of the boxes is not to exceed 10 ½ inches. The folders should be labeled (e.g. "elders minutes, 1950-1955").

1. Church Register (register of baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and burials) (¶1031.a)
2. Minutes
   a. *Board of Elders
   b. *Board of Trustees
   c. *Joint Board
   d. Church Council
   e. materials given at church council (reports, etc.)
   f. minutes and records of other committees, such as Christian Education, Stewardship, etc.
3. Financial Records
   a. annual budget (if not included in 2.e)
   b. annual financial statement (if not included in 2.e)
4. Documentation
   a. directories of members (“Catalog” or Membership lists) (¶1031.b)
   b. *congregation diary (¶1031.c)
   c. memoirs
   d. histories of the congregation; histories of organizations within the congregation
   e. special brochures concerning any facet of church life
   f. programs and printed materials used for anniversaries, dedications, etc.
   g. photographs (please identify people, occasion and year on back)
   h. building plans for church-owned buildings
5. Newsletters
   The Archives should be on the mailing list so each issue comes to the Archives automatically.

Don't hesitate to contact the archivist about any questions you may have!