J. Edgar Edwards Papers, 1938-1973

Summary

Creator:

Edwards, J. Edgar (Joseph Edgar), 1909-1973

Abstract:

Minister and director of the Guild House, Ann Arbor, Michigan, religious cooperative. Sermons, prayers, addresses, poetry, course notes from Union Theological Seminary, and marriage ceremonies; also papers concerning the 1965 and 1967 teach-ins at the University of Michigan on the war in Vietnam, draft counseling, conscientious objection, Students for a Democratic Society and other political groups, and miscellanea.

Extent:

5 linear feet

Language:

English.

Call Number:

85142 Aa 2

Authors:

Finding aid prepared by: Michigan Historical Collections staff

Background

Scope and Content:

The collection contains sermons (1941-1973) which deal primarily with the church's and the individual's role in society. Also included are Edward's class notes and papers from the Union Theological Seminary, lecture notes for the various courses on non-violence and other subjects which Edwards taught, and marriage programs including the vows written by individual couples. The papers include pamphlets, newsletters, notebooks, and clippings designed to assist in counseling conscientious objectors. Edwards participated in the Vietnam War teach-ins of 1965 and 1967, addressing the meetings both times. Material of the Students for a Democratic Society and other radical political groups are included.

Biographical / Historical:

J. Edgar Edwards received his Bachelor of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in 1942 and began his career at the First Congregational Christian Church in Maplewood, New Jersey. Leaving in 1946, he became director of the Willow Run Village Church Fellowship Council. In 1950 he became rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Hillsdale, Michigan. From 1951 to 1954 Edwards lived in Dedham, Mass and worked in Boston for the Student Christian Movement, visiting many colleges and universities in New England. In 1954 he accepted the pastorate of Edwards' Memorial Congregational Church in Edwardsville, Pennsylvania. Edwards came to Ann Arbor as director and campus minister of the Guild House in 1957 and remained until his death in 1973.

Acquisition Information:

The collection was the gift of Alice E. Edwards (donor no. 4537 ) in 1977.

Subjects

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Subjects:

Clergy -- Michigan -- Ann Arbor.
Conscientious objectors.
Peace -- Societies, etc.
Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975.

Names:

Guild House (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
International Conference on Alternative Perspectives on Vietnam (1965: University of Michigan)
Students for a Democratic Society (U.S.)
Union Theological Seminary (New York, N.Y.)
University of Michigan -- Religion.
University of Michigan -- Students -- Social life and customs -- 1961-1970.
Edwards, J. Edgar (Joseph Edgar), 1909-1973.

Places:

Michigan -- Social life and customs -- 20th century.
Michigan -- Social life and customs -- 1961-1970.