Correspondence, 1938-1958
The series Correspondence, 1938-1958 (17.5 linear feet) has been arranged alphabetically by name of correspondent. Except for a few individual named files, this series consists of folders with alphabetical letter descriptions only (e.g., Fa-Far or We-Wj). For his twenty-year career at Central Methodist Church, Crane maintained a single alphabet for all of his voluminous correspondence. For the researcher interested in a specific name, this arrangement is ideal; for the researcher interested in a period of time, Crane's arrangement obviously poses difficulties. The series' great value is in showing the great breadth of Crane's correspondents. Part of the files are with members of his congregation, but of more significance perhaps are the letters exchanged with other Methodist clergy throughout the nation. In this latter category, the researcher will find discussions of current events, church politics, and the day-to-day challenges of being a member of the clergy.