The Montana School of Religion Records

The Montana School of Religion Records, 1924-1958

Overview of the Collection

Creator: Montana School of Religion
Title: The Montana School of Religion Records
Dates: 1924-1958 (inclusive)
19241958
Quantity: 2.0 linear feet
Collection Number: Mss 608
Summary: The collection contains the records of The Montana School of Religion from 1924 to 1958. The collection includes financial records, especially from fundraisers, articles of incorporation, minutes of Montana School of Religion Board meetings, and information from student activities and conferences.
Repository: University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr. #9936
59812-9936
Missoula, MT
Telephone: 406-243-2053
library.archives@umontana.edu
Access Restrictions: Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of Archives and Special Collections, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana--Missoula.
Languages: English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

The Montana School of Religion was incorporated in 1924, through the cooperative efforts of President Charles H. Clapp of the University, the Law School, and the Missoula Ministerial Association. William L. Young was its first director. The Montana School of Religion was not an organic part of the University. As an affiliate, however, the director was still responsible to the University and a Board of Trustees representing cooperating denominations. Students could not receive a degree in Religious Studies, but they could take up to 15 credits in courses offered by the school. The purpose of the school was to help students “make the proper adjustments in their religious thinking at the same time that they are making their readjustments in other realms of thought” and to develop a lay Christian leadership. At the same time, the school also emphasized its non-sectarian nature.

The Montana School of Religion became defunct sometime in the late 1960s. A Department of Religious Studies that was directly affiliated with the University started in 1969.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection contains the records of The Montana School of Religion from 1924 to 1958. The collection includes financial records, especially from fundraisers, articles of incorporation, minutes of Montana School of Religion Board meetings, and information from student activities and conferences. Items of note include a student survey of religious preferences and a proposal for a Religious Center at Montana State University (now The University of Montana) in Missoula, Montana.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes. Copyright status unknown.

Preferred Citation

[Name of document or photograph number], Montana School of Religion Records, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana--Missoula.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Custodial History

The custodial history is unknown.

Acquisition Information

The source and date of acquisition are unknown.

Processing Note

The original folders titles were maintained, but the original folders were replaced with acid-free ones during processing. Materials are arranged chronologically by year.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Container(s)	Description	Dates
Box/Folder
1/1	The Montana School of Religion, Articles of Incorporation	1924
1/2	The Montana School of Religion Corporate Records, ledger	1924-1938
1/3	School of Religion, "Volume II of Corporate Records,"	1928-1949
1/4	School of Religion Annual Reports	1924-1936
1/5	School of Religion-General	1929-1950 and undated
1/6	Baty, Henry; American University, Beirut, Lebanon	1945-1947
1/7	Religious Emphasis Week	1946-1953
1/8	School of Religion Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes, Student Christian Association Minutes	1947-1948
2/1	Finances Before 1949
2/2	Finances Before 1949
2/3	Finances	1948-1951
2/4	Finances, Special Spring Drive	1950-1951
2/5	School of Religion Director	1949-1951
2/6	School of Religion Board	1949-1954
3/1	Promotion	1950-1951 and undated
3/2	School of Religion-Miscellaneous, mailing lists, and other materials	1951-1954
3/3	School of Religion Drive	1952
3/4	School of Religion Drive	1953
3/5	Class Enrollments-School of Religion	1954-1955
3/6	Student Christian Association Cabinet Business President	1955-1957
4/1	Correspondence	1955
4/2	School of Religion Drive	1955-1956
4/3	A Survey of Religious Preference of Students at Montana State University	1956
4/4	Correspondence	1956
4/5	Job Analysis-Assistant Director, School of Religion	1956-1957
4/6	Correspondence	1957
4/7	Ecumenical Student Conference	1957
4/8	Ecumenical Student Conference Applications	circa 1957
4/9	Montana School of Religion-Meeting of Denominational Leaders	1958
4/10	Policy and purpose	undated
4/11	Proposed Religious Center at Montana State University, Missoula, Montana	undated
4/12	Recreation-games	undated

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