Collections : [University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library]

The Chronological Tribe Files (.8 linear feet) span the years 1908 to 1992 and contain materials generated and received by a tribe during their active year. Such materials include membership lists, correspondence with Old Braves and the Old Braves Council, initiation plans, proposals for Honorary Sachems, and annual financial reports.

The correspondence with Old Braves is especially interesting both for its historical anecdotes, as well as for its expressions of concern about and support for various campus issues. Historical anecdotes and references are scattered throughout the Chronological Tribe Files. For example, the folder "Tribe of 1955" contains an historical account of the Michigamua pin and ring. Acquisition of the totem pole is documented in the folder "Tribe of 1957." A history of Rope Day can be found in the folder "Tribe of 1958."

Among the campus issues examined in the correspondence are: plans for a cooperative bookstore in the Michigan Union in the "Tribe of 1949" folder; the ban on student automobiles in the "Tribe of 1953" folder; women cheerleaders in the "Tribe of 1958" folder; and student unrest in Tribe folders of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Also, the folder "Tribe of 1973" contains documentation of the complaint filed with the Michigan Civil Rights Commission against Michigamua for its portrayal of Native American traditions. The folder "Tribe of 1977" contains documentation of the complaints brought against Michigamua for alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and of Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 relating to Michigamua's exclusion of women.

The Church Administration series (2 linear ft.; 1892-1975) contains reports, financial records, correspondence and pamphlets. There is a complete run of Annual Reports for the years 1892 to 1953, although most of the series dates from the 1930s through the mid-1950s. There are also activity reports for several church groups, and the "Building Addition" folder [box 2] contains plans of the downtown church building. Publicity for the church, including tracts by Rev. Fuller, circulars and membership forms are located in the "Pamphlets" folder [box 2].

The first series, Church Administrative Records, consists of records from various internal and local conferences, agendas and minutes from the church's administrative boards, and financial documentation.

The first series Church Campus Ministries documents the various Christian student groups that have been associated with and became a part of Guild House in the twentieth century. These records include administrative records, correspondence, newsletters, and reports on the merger of student groups with Guild House.

Within the first series, Church Governance and Policies, the annual reports from 1977 to 1980 provide a detailed description of the church's activities and concerns after its move to the new facility. The reports reflect something of the personality of Charles Adams as well. The Leadership Council minutes provide insight into issues of importance to church members, such as the changing economic and social makeup of the neighborhood around the church, the importance of community involvement, and how to involve youth in the church. The folder of information for new members contains histories of the church and other information on the organization and beliefs of the church.

The Church Government Documents series contains documents relating to the governance of the church. These include the original articles of incorporation and several church constitutions.

The Church History series includes brief histories prepared for various events in the life of the church and two anonymous histories believed to be authored by former ministers. More formal histories include the 1985 account by Minister Edward H. Redman of his own ministry to the church, and a comprehensive 1990 history by congregation member Marjorie Reade entitled, "The Story of Our First Hundred Years." Included in the series material are the notes and correspondence of Marjorie Reade with fellow congregation-member Ruth Bordin concerning the history of the church, and between Marjorie Reade and Alice Sunderland Wethey, granddaughter of Minister Jabez Sunderland, concerning the history of the Sunderland family. Also included are notes and correspondence regarding the sharing of church history with other organizations, including the national Unitarian Universalist Historical Society. Digital files regarding the Sankofa project are included within the series, documenting the church's transition following the retirement of Kenneth Phifer. The series concludes with articles and letters of recognition concerning the church's 1990 125th anniversary celebration. The 150th anniversary celebration is documented by lectures, sermons, photographs, and printed material in various digital file formats.