St. Clare of Assisi Episcopal Church, Ann Arbor, Mich., Records, 1953-1991

Summary

Creator:

St. Clare of Assisi Episcopal Church (Ann Arbor, Mich.)

Abstract:

Ann Arbor, Michigan Episcopal Church; The record group includes administrative files; newsletters; clippings, and visual materials.

Extent:

3.5 linear feet

Language:

English

Call Number:

86891 Ba 2

Authors:

Finding aid created by Hillary Handwerger, April 1985

Background

Scope and Content:

The records of St. Clare of Assisi Episcopal Church consists of annual reports, minutes of vestry (Bishop's Committee) meetings, treasurer's reports, Altar Guild reports, correspondence, bylaws, membership lists, building committee reports, building specifications and construction plans, newsletters, clippings, photographs, and parochial reports.

The record group has been divided into eight series: Administrative and General Records; Newsletters; Genesis Records, Building Committee, Dr. Inez Wisdom file; Clippings, Visual Materials, and Later Records.

Biographical / Historical:

St. Clare's began as a mission of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in 1953. Holding their first services at the old Stone School, the membership steadily grew necessitating the building of their own sanctuary completed in the winter of 1956. In 1974, the members of St. Clare agreed to joint ownership and shared use of the sanctuary and classrooms with Temple Beth-Emeth, a Reform Jewish assemblage. Under the corporate name, Genesis of Ann Arbor, each congregation would share in the management of the facilities, while maintaining its own religious program. This was the first instance of a joint ownership of a house of worship by a church and synagogue in the world. The Genesis Corporation was run by a board made up of representatives of both congregations, with the clergy of each having veto power over the appointment of new clergy to the other.

Church chronology

Date	Event
1953	Mission began as St. Francis of Assisi on land donated by Dr. Inez Wisdom. Name change to St Clare in July. Reverend Philip L. Schenk first vicar.
1956	First service conducted in new building
1957	Reverend Albert Neilson becomes vicar
1963	Reverend Colin Campbell, Jr. becomes rector in June.
1967	St. Clare's obtains parish status
1968	Articles of Incorporation of St. Clare of Assisi
1969	Addition dedicated
1970	St. Clare's renting space to Temple Beth-Emeth
1971	First Peace Seder with both congregations
1972	Douglas Evett becomes rector
1973	Sale of one-half interest in property to Temple Beth-Emeth
1973	Formation of Genesis of Ann Arbor as holding company
1977	Anderson House and property annexed to the city
1978	Dedication of new religious education center addition

Acquisition Information:

The record group was deposited by the church (donor no. 7158 ) in 1985. Periodic additions have been made.

Subjects

Click on terms below to find any related finding aids on this site.

Subjects:

Interdenominational cooperation.
Churches -- Michigan -- Ann Arbor.
Religious services -- Michigan -- Ann Arbor.

Formats:

Motion pictures.
Photographs.
Videotapes.

Names:

Episcopal Church -- Michigan -- Ann Arbor.
Genesis Corporation (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
St. Clare of Assisi Episcopal Church (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
Anderson House (Ann Arbor, Mich.)

Places:

Ann Arbor (Mich.)
Ann Arbor (Mich.) -- Churches.