Collections : [University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library]

Topical Files makes up the bulk of the collection with three subseries of files, each arranged alphabetically, but kept separate because of different dates of accessions.

This first of three Topical Files subseries has been designated Group 1 (16 linear feet; bulk dates 1985-1995) and consists of a wide variety of collected material on the New Age Movement. Due to the success of her first book The Hidden Dangers of the Rainbow Constance Cumbey established a wide correspondence network which enabled her to build an impressive collection of ephemeral materials and independent publications -- material which is sometimes referred to as "gray literature" or "fugitive literature." The series contains general information about the New Age Movement such as pamphlets and magazines regarding globalization, alternative religions, spirituality, alternative lifestyles, technology, Afrocentrism, feminism, and foreign politics. There is also information on known New Age leaders Benjamin Creme and the Maitreya movement, Robert Muller and AD 2000 movement, and Bubba Free John and the Free Communion Church. A strength of this series is the large amount of information about education in Michigan and how the New Age Movement may have influenced the creation of new educational measures such as the Malcolm X Academy in Detroit, the Michigan Model, outcome based education, and home schooling.

Included in the Governing and Oversight Bodies series is material from the Regents (1919-1945), minutes of the organization's executive body (1920-1964) and files of the Vice President for Research (1957-1964). The Regent's material consists of excerpts from the official proceedings regarding research at the university, and communications sent to the regents by DRDA and its predecessors. The minutes of the executive body (which has various names under DRDA's predecessors) represents an apparently complete set of records from 1920 until 1964. The files of the Vice President for Research are those of Ralph A. Sawyer, first individual to hold that office. They are arranged alphabetically and are particularly interesting for information about the Great Lakes Research Institute (1956-1963) and the Institute of Science and Technology (1957-1964). There is also information about funding for the Aerospace Building, obtained through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and a proposed missile range on Michigan's Keweenaw peninsula.

The paper files (Collected materials regarding Word of God Community) have been arranged alphabetically by topic and include papers generated by the community itself or its members. Some of the files warrant special mention. As the Word of God community (at least during the period covered by these records) was governed by Coordinators, the Coordinator's notebooks are a valuable source of information regarding the workings of the community. These notebooks include meeting materials, decisions of the coordinators, and outlines and current policies adopted by the coordinators.

Another excellent source is the "Word of God Archives Documents Book." This volume of documents, now in file folders and numbered, was probably used by Roberta Keene in her thesis "Formal Organization and Charisma in a Catholic Pentecostal Community" (1974). Documents in these files include summary of meetings, planning documents, reports, various statements, and memoranda.

The Fall Conference files relate to the annual weekend gathering of the entire community. Its purpose is to allow the members to express their collective will. General Community Gatherings referred to in the files are prayer meetings held for the entire community. District Gatherings are prayer meetings of Word of God members living in a specific geographic area. Prophecies were generally given by Word of God members at prayer meetings. Within the community they were usually regarded as being divinely inspired. In recording these prophecies, Yoder relied upon the notes of others, his own notes, and audio tape recordings to reconstitute the prophecies.

Other files include the Word of God newsletter, Community Bulletin, files relating to the Community's relationship with churches and with associated groups, such as Catholic Charismatic Renewal and the Sword of the Spirit.

The Research series (1952-1999, 3.8 linear feet) is divided into three subseries: Canadian Legal Documents, Human Rights Research, and European Law Paperwork. Each subseries contain photocopies of research conducted by Hathaway. These materials contain annotations, memos, and other notes written by or sent to Hathaway.

The Houck Family series, 1858-1971 (0.2 linear feet plus folder in oversize box), organized topically, consists of correspondence, financial materials, photographs, and other materials primarily concerning Isaac Harvey, Lydia Ella, and Anna (Annie) Ellen Houck.