George Kelsey Papers Finding Aid - University Library - Drew University Archives

George D. Kelsey Papers, 1932-1996
Finding Aid

(Also available in PDF.)

Drew University Archives
36 Madison Avenue
Madison, NJ 07940
Phone: 973-408-3532
Fax: 973-408-3770
http://depts.drew.edu/lib/archives/

Summary Information

Creator

Kelsey, George D.

Title and Dates

George D. Kelsey Papers, 1932-1996

Abstract

George D. Kelsey was the Henry Anson Buttz Professor of Christian Ethics at Drew University, where he taught for 24 years. Prior to teaching at Drew, Kelsey taught at Morehouse College where he became a mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr., then a student. He also served as an executive with the Federal Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches.

Size

20 linear ft. (49 boxes)

Location

Drew University Archives
Madison, NJ 07940

Language of Material

English

Biography of George D. Kelsey

George Dennis Sale Kelsey was born on July 24, 1910 in Columbus, Georgia to Andrew Zadok Kelsey and Marie Hayward Jones Kelsey. He and his brother, Andrew II, were raised in Griffin, Georgia. In 1928, Kelsey graduated as valedictorian of his class from Cabin Creek High School, a Negro Baptist institution dedicated to the teaching of African-American students. Kelsey married Leola B. Hanks in 1930 and they had three children, George II, Everett, and Holly.

Kelsey entered Morehouse College in Atlanta in the fall of 1928 and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1934 with high honors. He graduated from Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, MA with a Bachelor of Divinity degree, and as valedictorian, in 1938. During this time, Kelsey served often as a preacher and lecturer, beginning a long tradition of public oration.

Kelsey entered the Ph.D. program at Yale University in 1937. He postponed completion of the degree program in 1938 to accept a teaching position as Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Morehouse College. Also in 1938, Kelsey was ordained as a minister in the Providence Baptist Church in Atlanta. He received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from Yale in 1946. From 1945 to 1948, Kelsey served as the Director of the School of Religion at Morehouse College and was a visiting lecturer at Gammon Theological Seminary. He began to contribute to books and journals, and his first article titled “The Nature of the Christian Ethic” was published in The Journal of Religious Thought in 1945.

It was during this time that Kelsey first met Martin Luther King, Jr., who studied sociology at Morehouse. A member of the class of 1948, King received his highest marks in his first two years of college in Kelsey’s Bible class. Later, Kelsey offered criticism of a chapter in King’s Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story prior to its publication. King later cited George Kelsey as one of his main influences in pursuing the study of race and religion.

Aside from maintaining a long-running correspondence with King, Kelsey worked and studied alongside several prominent religious thinkers of his time, including Reinhold Niebuhr, Paul Tillich, and Benjamin E. Mays. Later, the writings and views of these authors formed the basis of Kelsey’s teachings on Christian ethics and civil rights.

In 1948, Kelsey took a position with the Federal Council of Churches as an Associate Secretary in the Field Department. The same year, when the Federal Council was consolidated into the National Council of the Churches of Christ, Kelsey was promoted to Associate Director of the Central Department of Field Administration. He retained this position until 1952. Kelsey became a member of the Fellowship of Southern Churchmen, the Society for the Study of Black Religion, and the National Council on Religion in Higher Education.

In 1950, Kelsey was a guest lecturer at Drew University in Madison, NJ and taught a seminar on Christian Ethics. In 1951, he accepted the position of Associate Professor of Christian Ethics at Drew and was promoted to full Professor in 1957. In 1972, he was awarded the title of Henry Anson Buttz Professor of Christian Ethics at Drew, which he kept until his retirement in 1976.

During his time at Drew, Kelsey published numerous articles, chapters, book reviews and pamphlets. Kelsey’s first book, Racism and the Christian Understanding of Man, was published in 1965. Social Ethics Among Southern Baptists, 1917-1969, based on his doctoral dissertation Social Thought of Contemporary Southern Baptists, was published in 1973.

In 1979, Kelsey delivered the convening prayer at the 96th Congress of the U.S. Senate in Washington D.C. In 1989, Andover Newton Theological School established the Kelsey-Owens Black Ministries Program. Kelsey was honored by Drew University in October 1992 with a luncheon and presentation of a portrait. He died after a long illness on April 3, 1996 in Madison, NJ.

Scope and Content Note

The George D. Kelsey Papers contain a comprehensive overview of Kelsey’s education, career and ministry. The collection largely consists of handwritten notes from Kelsey’s lectures, sermons, research, and manuscripts and early drafts of his published works. Documents from Drew University, Andover Newton Theological School, Morehouse College, Yale Divinity School and other colleges provide information on Kelsey’s studies and teachings. The collection includes items from conferences and conventions attended by Kelsey, and from professional organizations Kelsey worked with, including the National Council of the Churches of Christ and the Society for the Study of Black Religion. The papers also contain information pertaining to Martin Luther King Jr. collected by Kelsey. The collection consists of academic papers, agendas, books, brochures, bulletins, certificates, correspondence, conference and seminar papers, drafts, examinations, lecture notes, magazines, manuscripts, newspapers, offprints, outlines, photographs, published works, research notes, resumes, sermons, sheet music, speeches, surveys, syllabi, and yearbooks. In addition, one audiocassette, one drawing, and one printing plate are included.

Arrangement

The George D. Kelsey Papers are arranged into eight series:

Series 1: Education, 1934-1959
  Subseries A: Morehouse College and Andover Newton Theological School– Class Notes and Papers, 1934-1939
  Subseries B: Yale University – Dissertation, “The Social Thought of Contemporary Southern Baptists, 1946-1966
  Subseries C: Harvard Divinity School – Class Notes, 1958-1959
  Subseries D: New School For Social Research – Class Notes, Undated
Series 2: Academic Career, 1939-1995
  Subseries A: Lecture Notes, 1939-1976
  Subseries B: Correspondence and Ephemera, 1941-1995
Series 3: Ministerial and Professional Career, 1932-1991
  Subseries A: Sermons and Speeches, c. 1940-1970, Undated
  Subseries B: Conferences, 1946-1988
  Subseries C: Ministry, 1942-1991
  Subseries D: Organizations, 1932-1990
Series 4: Publications, 1943-1985
  Subseries A: Books, 1957-1985
  Subseries B: Chapters, Articles and Essays, 1943-1978
  Subseries C: Reviews, 1948-1974
Series 5: Research and Notes, c. 1940-1969
  Subseries A: Notes, c. 1940-1970
  Subseries B: Research, undated
Series 6: Correspondence, 1941-1996
Series 7: Biographical and Miscellaneous, 1828-1996
  Subseries A: Biographies, 1947-1999
  Subseries B: Family and Miscellaneous Papers, 1828, 1943-1996
Series 8: Reading Notes, undated
Appendix

Access and Use

Access

The George D. Kelsey Papers are open to research.

Restrictions on Use and Copyright Information

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from Drew University Archives. Researchers are responsible for other copyright compliance.

Related Materials

The King Center
449 Auburn Avenue, NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 526-8900

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University
Cypress Hall D-Wing
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-4146

Processing and Other Information

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Michael Maziekien in 2006. Finding aid written by Michael Maziekien in 2006.

Descriptive Rules Used

Finding aid content adheres to that prescribed by Describing Archives: A Content Standard.

Preferred Citation

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); George D. Kelsey Papers; Box and Folder Number; Drew University Archives, Madison, NJ.

Subject Headings

Kelsey, George D.
King, Martin Luther, Jr., 1929-1968.
Drew University.
Morehouse College Atlanta, Ga.
Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America.
National Council of Churches.
Christian ethics.
New Jersey.
Georgia.
Correspondence.

Contents List

Series 1: Education, 1934-1959

Series Description

The Education Series contains materials relating to Kelsey’s studies. It includes notes and course materials compiled by Kelsey during his early and post-doctoral study, a draft of his thesis for Andover Newton Theological School, drafts of his dissertation for Yale University, and other academic papers.

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically when dates available, otherwise alphabetically.

Box Folder Title Date
       
Subseries A: Morehouse College and Andover Newton Theological School– Class Notes and Papers, 1934-1939
1 1 American Christianity 1934-1939
1 2 Christian Social Ethics 1934-1939
1 3-5 Church History 1934-1939
1 6 Church Organization 1934-1939
1 7-8 Contemporary Theology 1934-1939
2 1 Cultural Anthropology 1934-1939
2 2 English Bible 1934-1939
2 3 Greek 1934-1939
2 4 History of Christian Social Teaching 1934-1939
2 5 Homiletics 1934-1939
2 6 Industrial Relations and the Labor Movement 1934-1939
2 7 Medieval World 1934-1939
2 8 Missions 1934-1939
2 9 New Testament 1934-1939
3 1-2 Old Testament 1934-1939
3 3 Philosophy of Religion 1934-1939
3 4-5 Religious Education 1934-1939
3 6 Senior Field Work 1934-1939
3 7 Sociology 1934-1939
3 8 Speech Principles 1934-1939
4 1 Theology 1934-1939
4 2 Thesis, “The Impact of Western Economic and Commercial Forces on African Tribal Life” 1939
4 3-4 Miscellaneous Papers 1934-1939
       
Subseries B: Yale University – Dissertation, “The Social Thought of Contemporary Southern Baptists," 1946-1966
4 5-7 Draft 1 undated
5 1-2 Draft 2 undated
5 3 Draft 3 undated
5 4-5 Draft 4 undated
5 6 Draft 5 undated
6 1 Draft 6 1946
6 2 Outlines undated
6 3 Correspondence 1966
       
Subseries C: Harvard Divinity School – Class Notes, 1958-1959
6 4 Ethics 1958-1959
6 5 Social Relations 1958-1959
6 6 Theology 1958-1959
7 1 Theology 1958-1959
       
Subseries D: New School For Social Research – Class Notes, Undated
7 2 Anthropology undated
7 3 Social Philosophy undated
7 4 Social Psychology undated

Series 2: Academic Career, 1939-1995

Series Description

The Academic Career Series contains materials related to Kelsey’s career as an educator. Subseries A consists of notes, course materials, and examinations from his courses. Subseries B consists of documents pertaining to universities and colleges with which Kelsey was affiliated, and includes bulletins, correspondence, memoranda, minutes, schedules, student publications, and yearbooks.

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically when dates available, otherwise alphabetically.

Box Folder Title Date
       
Subseries A: Lecture Notes, 1939-1976
7 5 Morehouse College, Bible 1939-1944
7 6 Morehouse College, Christian Ethics 1939-1944
7 7 Morehouse College, Contemporary Theology 1939-1944
7 8 Morehouse College, Ethics 1939-1944
7 9 Morehouse College, Ethics of the New Testament 1939-1944
7 10 Morehouse College, History of Christian Ethics 1939-1944
7 11 Morehouse College, History of Christian Social Teachings 1939-1944
8 1-2 Morehouse College, History of Doctrine 1939-1944
8 3 Morehouse College, History of Dogma 1939-1944
8 4-7 Morehouse College, Philosophy 1939-1944
9 1-3 Morehouse College, Religion 1939-1944
9 4 Morehouse College, Social Ethics 1939-1944
9 5 Gammon Theological Seminary, History of Christian Thought 1946-1948
9 6 Gammon Theological Seminary, History of Theology 1946-1948
9 7-9 Drew University, Black Theory in Dialogue 1950-1973
10 1-4 Drew University, Black Theory in Dialogue 1950-1973
10 5-7 Drew University, Christian Ethics 301 1950-1973
10 8 Drew University, Christian Ethics 381-S 1950-1973
11 1-2 Drew University, Christian Ethics 381-S 1950-1973
11 3-5 Drew University, Christian Faith and Natural Law 1950-1973
11 6-7 Drew University, Christian Social Thought 1950-1973
12 1-2 Drew University, The Church and the Moral Life 1950-1973
12 3-4 Drew University, Cultural Anthropology 1950-1973
12 5 Drew University, Ethics 113 1950-1973
12 6 Drew University, Ethics 131 1950-1973
12 7 Drew University, Ethics 133 1950-1973
13 1-6 Drew University, Ethics and Contemporary Society 1950-1973
14 1-4 Drew University, History of Philosophy 1950-1973
14 5 Drew University, The Interpretation of History 1950-1973
14 6 Drew University, Justice and Human Rights 1950-1973
15 1-3 Drew University, Labor and Industrial Relations 1950-1973
15 4 Drew University, Liberation Theology 1950-1973
15 5 Drew University, Love, Justice and Piety 1950-1973
15 6 Drew University, Marriage and Sexuality 1950-1973
16 1 Drew University, Marriage and Sexuality 1950-1973
16 2 Drew University, Philosophical Backgrounds of Theology 1950-1973
16 3 Drew University, Philosophy 1950-1973
16 4 Drew University, Philosophy of Education 1950-1973
16 5 Drew University, Principles of Christian Ethics 1950-1973
16 6-8 Drew University, Problem of Abortion 1950-1973
17 1 Drew University, Problem of Abortion 1950-1973
17 2 Drew University, Problems in Christian Ethics 1950-1973
17 3-6 Drew University, Seminar in Christianity and Race Relations 1950-1973
18 1-2 Drew University, Seminar in Christianity and Race Relations 1950-1973
18 3-6 Drew University, Race Relations 1950-1973
19 1-2 Drew University, Race Relations 1950-1973
19 3 Drew University, Racism and the Christian Understanding of Man 1950-1973
19 4-7 Drew University, Social Ethics 1950-1973
20 1-2 Drew University, Social Philosophy 1950-1973
20 3-5 Drew University, Social Problems and Social Change 1950-1973
20 6 Drew University, Social Relations 1950-1973
20 7 Drew University, Ph.D. Comprehensive Exams 1950-1973
21 1 Lutheran Theological Seminary, Christianity and Race Relations 1971
21 2 Pennsylvania State University, Religious Studies 1973
21 3 Bryn Mawr College, Ethics and Modern Society 1976
21 4-5 Bryn Mawr College, Ethics and Public Policy 1976
21 6 Morris Brown, Church History undated
21 7-8 Miscellaneous undated
       
Subseries B: Correspondence and Ephemera, 1941-1995
21 9 Gammon Theological Seminary 1941-1947
21 10 Yale Divinity School 1943-1993
21 11 Morehouse College 1946-1993
21 12 Spelman College 1946-1947
21 13 Atlanta University 1947
22 1 Drew University Correspondence 1950-1992
22 2-4 Drew University Ephemera 1949-1980
22 5 Howard University 1950
22 6 Harvard Divinity School 1957-1995
22 7 Luther Academy 1962
22 8 Pennsylvania State University 1972-1973
22 9 Texas Southern University 1972
22 10 Andover Newton Theological School 1975-1986
22 11 Bryn Mawr College 1976-1977
22 12 Clark College undated

Series 3: Ministerial and Professional Career, 1932-1991

Series Description

The Ministerial and Professional Career Series contains materials from Kelsey’s ministry and non-academic career. Subseries A includes sermons (see appendix). Subseries B, Subseries C, and Subseries D contain brochures, bulletins and correspondence from conferences, ministry, and professional organizations and churches, respectively. This series contains materials from the convening prayer Kelsey delivered to the United States Senate in 1979.

Arrangement

Subseries A: Arranged alphabetically.
Subseries B: Arranged chronologically.
Subseries C: Arranged chronologically.
Subseries D: Arranged chronologically.

Box Folder Title Date
       
Subseries A: Sermons and Speeches, c. 1940-1970, Undated
23 1 A undated
23 2 B undated
23 3-5 C undated
23 6 D undated
24 1 E undated
24 2 F undated
24 3 G-H undated
24 4 I-L undated
24 5 M undated
24 6 N undated
25 1 O undated
25 2-3 P undated
25 4 Q-R undated
25 5-6 S undated
25 7 T-U undated
25 8 V-X undated
26 1-2 Untitled undated
26 3 Notes on Sermons undated
26 4 Prayers undated
26 5 Orders of Worship 1968-1972
       
Subseries B: Conferences, 1946-1988
26 6 World Conference on Faith and Order 1951
26 7 Conference on Methodism and the Inclusive Church 1956
26 8 Consultation on Long-Range Planning 1966
26 9-10 Conference on Racism undated
27 1 Miscellaneous Bulletins, Brochures and Schedules 1946-1988
       
Subseries C: Ministry, 1942-1991
27 2 Baccalaureates and Convocations 1942-1983
27 3 Weekend Services 1946-1991
27 4 Funeral Services 1974-1982
27 5 United States Senate 96th Congress Convening Prayer 1979
       
Subseries D: Organizations, 1932-1990
27 6 Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America 1932-1950
27 7 National Council on Religion in Higher Education 1945
27 8 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 1947-1950
27 9 National Council of the Churches of Christ 1949-1952
27 10 Fund for the Advancement of Education 1952-1961
27 11 Race Relations Institute 1955
27 12 Association of American Colleges Arts Program 1958-1972
27 13 James Library Disposition Committee 1968
27 14 Young Life Institute 1971-1972
28 1 Society for the Study of Black Religion 1973
28 2 Kelsey-Owens Black Ministries Program 1988-1990
28 3 Home Mission Board undated
28 4 National Urban League undated
28 5 World Council of Churches undated
28 6-8 A Comprehensive Study of the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Advancements in Biomedical and Behavioral Research and Technology 1976

Series 4: Publications, 1943-1985

Series Description

The Publications Series contains outlines, manuscripts, drafts, copies, and offprints of Kelsey’s published works, along with related notes, correspondence and reviews. Subseries A consists of materials related to Kelsey’s two books, Racism and the Christian Understanding of Man and Social Ethics Among Southern Baptists. Subseries B consists of materials related to Kelsey’s published articles, pamphlets, essays, and chapters in symposia and other collections. Subseries C consists of book reviews written by Kelsey.

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically.

Box Folder Title Date
       
Subseries A: Books, 1957-1985
28 9 Racism and the Christian Understanding of Man, Draft 1 undated
29 1 Racism and the Christian Understanding of Man, Draft 1 undated
29 2-3 Racism and the Christian Understanding of Man, Draft 2 undated
29 4-5 Racism and the Christian Understanding of Man, Draft 3 undated
29 6 Racism and the Christian Understanding of Man, Draft 4 undated
30 1 Racism and the Christian Understanding of Man, Draft 4 undated
30 2 Racism and the Christian Understanding of Man, Galley Proofs undated
30 3 Racism and the Christian Understanding of Man, Notes undated
30 4 Racism and the Christian Understanding of Man, Outlines undated
30 5 Racism and the Christian Understanding of Man, Correspondence 1957-1974
30 6 Racism and the Christian Understanding of Man, Reviews 1965-1966
30 7-8 Social Ethics Among Southern Baptists, Draft 1 undated
31 1 Social Ethics Among Southern Baptists, Draft 1 undated
31 2 Social Ethics Among Southern Baptists, Draft 2 undated
31 3 Social Ethics Among Southern Baptists, Draft 3 undated
31 4 Social Ethics Among Southern Baptists, Outlines undated
31 5 Social Ethics Among Southern Baptists, Correspondence 1955-1985
31 6 Social Ethics Among Southern Baptists, Reviews 1973-1974
       
Subseries B: Chapters, Articles and Essays, 1943-1978
31 7 “The Christian Way in Race Relations” 1943
31 8 “The Nature of the Christian Ethic” 1945
31 9 “Protestantism and Democratic Intergroup Living” 1947
31 10 “The Confusion as to Means and Ends in Social Progress” 1950
32 1 “Present Crisis in Negro Ministerial Education” 1949
32 2 “Our Bread and Butter Culture” 1949
32 3 “Social Policies of Contemporary Methodism” 1951
32 4 “Racial Patterns and the Churches” 1952
32 5 “An Interpretation of the Doctrine of Stewardship” 1953
32 6 “Religious Bases of Human Rights” 1953
32 7 “The Implications of the Fall of Man for Race Relations, and Justice, The Unfinished Task of the West” 1954
32 8 “Negro Churches in the United States ” 1955
32 9 “The Plight of Man” 1956
32 10 “Churches and Freedom” 1956
32 11 “Ethico-Cultural Revolution in American Race Relations” 1957
32 12 “Meaning of Vocation in Urban Culture” 1958
32 13 “Law, Morals and American Protestantism” 1960
32 14 “The Lord of Life” 1960
32 15 “Meditations” 1962
32 16 “The Nature of the Racist Faith” 1964
32 17 “Power Available in the Church” 1968
32 18 “Your Reasonable Service” 1970
32 19 “Christian Faith and the Second Post-Reconstruction Era” 1974
32 20 “The Racist Search for the Self” 1978
32 21 “So You Want to Be in Style” undated
32 22 Correspondence 1951-1960
       
Subseries C: Reviews, 1948-1974
33 1 Published 1951-1965
33 2 Manuscripts and Drafts 1948-1974

Series 5: Research and Notes, c. 1940-1969

Series Description

The Research and Notes Series contains Kelsey’s research, including handwritten notes, newspaper articles, bibliographies, and other materials. There is no indication whether these materials were used for Kelsey’s lectures, writings, studies, or personal research. Subseries A contains Kelsey’s written notes on various authors and subjects, including a lengthy manuscript titled “The Nature of Racism.” Subseries B contains photocopied material collected by or given to Kelsey.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically.

Box Folder Title Date
       
Subseries A: Notes, c. 1940-1970
33 3 Authors, Ba – Be undated
33 4 Authors, Br – F undated
33 5 Authors, H – M undated
33 6 Authors, N – Ram undated
33 7 Authors, Raw – Sa undated
34 1 Authors, Sid – Sim undated
34 2 Authors, Tillich undated
34 3-4 Authors, Troltsch undated
34 5 Authors, W undated
34 6 Articles 1954-1961
34 7 Bibliographies undated
34 8-9 Nature of Racism undated
35 1-6 Notes 1940-1949
35 7 Notes 1950-1959
35 8 Notes 1960-1969
36 1-7 Notes undated
37 1 Notes undated
       
Subseries B: Research, undated
37 2 Authors, C – F undated
37 3 Authors, G – J undated
37 4 Authors, L – M undated
37 5 Authors, N undated
37 6 Authors, O – R undated
37 7 Authors, T undated
37 8 Authors, W undated
37 9 Miscellaneous Authors undated
38 1 Subjects, A undated
38 2 Subjects, B-Chr undated
38 3 Subjects, Chu undated
38 4 Subjects, Ci-E undated
38 5 Subjects, F-M undated
38 6 Subjects, N-R undated
39 1 Subjects, Seg-Sex undated
39 2 Subjects, Sexual Ethics undated
39 3 Subjects, So-W undated

Series 6: Correspondence, 1941-1996

Series Description

The Correspondence Series consists of letters written and received by Kelsey. See Series 1 for Drew University correspondence, Series 3 for correspondence related to publications, and Series 6 for Martin Luther King, Jr. correspondence.

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically.

Box Folder Title Date
39 4 Correspondence 1941-1950
39 5 Correspondence 1951
39 6 Correspondence 1952
39 7 Correspondence 1953
39 8 Correspondence 1954
40 1 Correspondence 1954
40 2 Correspondence 1955
40 3-4 Correspondence 1956
40 5-6 Correspondence 1957
41 1-2 Correspondence 1958
41 3 Correspondence 1959
41 4 Correspondence 1960
41 5-6 Correspondence 1961
41 7-8 Correspondence 1962
42 1 Correspondence 1962
42 2-5 Correspondence 1963
42 6-7 Correspondence 1964
43 1 Correspondence 1964
43 2 Correspondence 1965
43 3 Correspondence 1966
43 4-5 Correspondence 1967
43 6 Correspondence 1968
44 1 Correspondence 1968
44 2-3 Correspondence 1969
44 4-5 Correspondence 1970
44 6-7 Correspondence 1971
45 1-2 Correspondence 1972
45 3 Correspondence 1973
45 4 Correspondence 1974
45 5 Correspondence 1975
45 6 Correspondence 1976
45 7 Correspondence 1977
46 1 Correspondence 1978
46 2 Correspondence 1979
46 3 Correspondence 1980-1982
46 4 Correspondence 1983-1986
46 5 Correspondence 1987-1988
46 6 Correspondence 1989-1990
46 7 Correspondence 1991-1996
47 1-2 Correspondence undated

Series 7: Biographical and Miscellaneous, 1828, 1943-1996

Series Description

The Biographical and Miscellaneous Series contains materials which summarize the life and career of Kelsey. Subseries A includes biographies, curricula vitae, newspaper and magazine articles, and information on the honorary luncheon and portrait presentation by Drew University in 1992. Subseries B contains miscellaneous materials related to Kelsey’s family, finances, and personal schedules, photographs, artwork, and other personal papers. There is a small amount of material related to Martin Luther King, Jr., including one signed letter from King.

Arrangement

Subseries A: Arranged chronologically.
Subseries B: Arranged alphabetically.

Box Folder Title Date
       
Subseries A: Biographies, 1947-1999
47 3 Biographical Statements 1947-1986
47 4 Curricula Vitae 1948-1979
47 5 Newspaper Clippings 1952-1987
47 6 “George D. Kelsey: An Estimate of His Scholarship” by Donald G. Jones 1979-1980
47 7 Drew Magazine 1992
47 8 Presentation of Portrait by Drew Theological School 1992
47 9 Obituaries 1996
47 10 The Pastor Scholar Special Edition: Unsung Hero: The Legacy of George Kelsey 1999
       
Subseries B: Family and Miscellaneous Papers, 1828-1994
47 11 Addresses undated
47 12 “American Dream” Proposal 1992
47 13 American Society for Colonizing the Free People of Color 1828
47 14 Appointments 1974
47 15 Kelsey, Leola 1941-1984
48 1 Kelsey, Everett 1953-1954
48 2 Kelsey, George II 1946-1966
48 3 Kelsey Family 1965-1994
48 4-5 Finances 1950-1988
48 6 Lawsuit – NJ Department of Transportation vs. Lakeland Properties 1972
48 7 Materials Related to Martin Luther King, Jr. 1956-1994
48 8 Photographic Plate c. 1955
48 9 Photographs and Artwork undated
48 10 Sheet Music 1943-1951
48 11 Miscellaneous 1950-1990

Series 8: Reading Notes, undated

Series Description

The Reading Notes Series contains four sets of index cards with citations and notes of articles and books read.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically.

Box Title Date
     
49 Reading Notes (2 sets) undated
50 Reading Notes undated
51 Reading Notes undated

Appendix

Sermons and Speeches

The American Creed, the Supreme Court, and the N.A.A.C.P.
Applying Religion to Society
The Authority of the Bible in Christian Ethical Decision Making
Biblical Basis for Christian Social Action
Biblical Foundations for World Democracy
Blessed Are the Humble
Blocks to Racial Equality and Justice
The Challenge of Our Economic Culture to the Churches
Christ and Life after Death, Mark 12:24 -27
A Christian Approach to the Abortion Issue
Christian Attitudes Towards War
Christian Faith and Democracy
Christian Faith and Reaction
Christian Faith and Secularism
Christian Faith and Socialism
Christian Faith and Sexuality
The Christian Interpretation of Human Rights (See also A Christian Understanding of Human Rights)
Christian Justice (See also The Meaning of Christian Justice)
Christian Marriage, Matt. 19: 1-12
Christian Motivation for Political Action
A Christian Understanding of Human Rights (See also The Christian Interpretation of Human Rights)
A Christian View of Marriage
The Christian Witness to the Secularist Mind
Christianity and the Struggle for Emancipation
Christianity as a Social Ethical Force
Christianity, Individualism and Universalism
Christians as Citizens
The Church and Contemporary Problems
The Church and Social Service
The Church and the Economic Orders in Review
The Church and the Individual
The Church as Educator
The Church as a Missionary Agency
The Church in Prospect
The Church in a Strange Land
The Churches and Race Relations
The Churches and Social Justice
The Churches and Voluntary Service (See also The Philosophy of Voluntarism)
Civil Rights
Commitment to Christ
The Communist Challenge to Christian Faith
The Comparative and the Ideal, Luke 22:24
The Contribution of the Elementary Teacher to the Emotional Stability of the Child
The Contributions of City and Country to Our National Life
Covenant Theology and Christian Social Ethics
Creation and Dominion
The Cultural Challenge to Evangelism
Current Strategy in U.S. Race Relations
Current Trends in Ecumenicity
Dating
Developing Democratic Citizens through Elementary and Secondary Education
Developing the Democrat Within the Family Circle
Digging Again the Wells, Gen 26:18
The Discontinuity of the Christian Life
Distinctive Character of Southern Rural Life: A Legacy of Slavery
Diversity in the Church
Do It Now (Children's Sermon)
Do Protestants Have an Adequate Social Ethic?
The Doctrinal Bases of Protestant Action
Double Immortality (See also Our Double Immortality)
Dr. King and the Civil Rights Struggle in Perspective
The Dualism of Interim and Eschatological Ethics
Economic Reform vs. Population Limitation (Social Reform)
Economic World Which Student Faces
Ecumenical Church
The Ecumenical Movement
The Effect of Racial Patterns on American Church Life
Equality and Differentiation of Treatment
Establishing the Relevance of the Gospel through Preaching
The Eulogy in the Memorial Service of Mrs. Elizabeth Whitman
Eulogy for Frances Sellers
Eulogy of Margaret Pielstick
A Evaluation of the Christian Ethical Tradition of Marriage
The Evangelistic Task of the Church
The Evolution of Color Caste
The Evolution of Racism in America
Expressing My Convictions in Group Relations
Faith Amidst Confusion, Hab. 1:12-2:4
Faithfulness in Small Things
The Family in Service
The Federal Council at Work Today
The Foolishness of Preaching (See also The Proclamation of Foolishness)
For What Shall We Give Thanks?
Freedom Worth Seeking
The Function of the Theological Seminary
General Introduction to Ethics
Genesis 22:1-14
Genesis 22:3
Genesis and Evolution
Good Community Relations
Gospel, Church, World
Historical Background and Analysis of the Present Racial Crisis
The Holiness of Obligation
How Are People Related?
How Shall We Sing the Lord's Song in a Strange Land ?
Human Sexuality
The Imprecatory Attitude in Religion
Integration Trends in Education and Some Implications for the Negro
Is a World Culture Possible in Our Time?
Joyfulness of the Christian Life
Justice – A Social Goal
Justice – The Unfinished Task of the West
The King Nobody Knew
Let God Be God, Romans 5:1-11
Life's Stabilizing Force
Like a Tree Planted by the Rivers of Water
Little Big Men and Big Little Men
Live Out Your Faith, Kings 18:17-39
Making Ethical Decisions
Man-Centered or God-Centered Religion – Which?
Marriage as a Christian Community
Martin Luther King and His Experience of God in Christ
Matthew 16:24, Matthew 10:34-39
The Meaning of Christian Justice (See also Christian Justice)
The Meaning of Christian Love
The Meaning of Sin
The Meaning of the Christian Law of Love
The Meaning of the Fall (of Man)
The Meaning of the Resurrection
The Meaning of Vocation in Urban Culture
Ministering to Today's World
My Religious Responsibility
The National Council of Churches
The Nature of Christian Justice
Nature of Christian Stewardship
The Nature of the Christian Life
The Nature of the Church
The Nature of Value
The Need for Opportunities of a Youth Program in the Church
The Need of Vision in Life
Negro Americans What Now?
Negro Education: Its Successes and Difficulties
The Negro Spiritual Speaks of Life and Death
The Negro Today: the Problems Which He Faces
New Developments in Race Relations in Church Life
New Life in Christ, Matt. 5:38-48
Notes on the Racist Consciousness
Notes on the Two Lessons, Isaiah 58:1-12, I John 1:5-2:11
Objectives of Religious Education
The Oneness of the Family of God
Our Double Immortality (See also Double Immortality)
Our Pastoral Ministry to Youth
Our Knowledge of God
Our Need of a Better Christianity
Our Present World Disorder
Overcoming
Overcoming, Joshua 14:12, Numbers 13 and 14
Overcoming the Barriers to Ecumenicity
The Peculiar Status of Black People in America
Pentecost, the Criterion for the People of God
People of God, The, Romans 2:17 -29
Philosophy of Life
Philosophy of Voluntarism (See also The Churches and Voluntary Service)
The Place of Economic Values in the Scale of Human Values
The Positiveness of the Good Life
Poverty and Conscience
Practical Preaching
Preaching in the Post-Christian Era
The Problem of Gambling
Problem of God-Talk in the Urban Situation
Problems of the Christian Ethic
The Proclamation of Foolishness (See also The Foolishness of Preaching)
The Product of the Christian College
The Proposed Council of Churches and the Spirit of the Reformation
Protestant Orthodoxy
Pure and Undefiled Religion, James 1:27
Questions on the Nature of God
Race Relations in the World and the Nation: Racism in Relation to Certain Other Factors of Western Culture
Racial Structure of the Church
Racism in Relation to Certain Other Factors of Western Culture
Racist Transformation of Christian Morality
A Realistic View of Man for Future Student Action
Re-Creation
The Relation of Religious Ideas to Group Experiences as Seen among the Hebrews of O.T. Period and Negroes During American Slavery
Relation of the Educational Program to Religion
The Relationship of the College Student to the Church
Religion and Science: Friends and Foes
Religion as Fear-Dispelling Agency
Religion and the Productive Life
Religion in Education
Religion in the State-Supported School
Religious Ideas in the Causation of Social Problems
Religious Influences on Prejudice
The Revealed Nature of God
The Role of Ethics in Desegregation
The Role of the Religious Institution in Modern Times
The Root of Evil
Secularism in the Church – The Practical Atheists
The Secularist Mind
Serving Under Authority, Gal. 1:1-12
Should Negroes Leave the South?
Should Treatment of the Moribund Person be Terminated
Sin and Racism
Social Responsibility and Capital Punishment
The Social Role of the Church
The Social Task of the Church
A Soldier Bears Message to Napoleon
Some Guiding Principles by Which the College Student May Conduct His Life
Some Important Facts Concerning a Local Council of Churches
Some Lessons from Jesus
Some Moral and Spiritual Aspects of the American Racial Situation
Some Moral Responsibilities of Public Speakers
Some Observations Regarding Martin Luther King Jr. as a College Student
Some Points to Parents in Their Relation to Their Children
The Spirit Itself Beareth Witness with Our Spirit, That We Are the Children of God: Romans 8
Statement of Appreciation on Behalf of the Faculty of the Theological Seminary at Drew University
Stations on the Way to Freedom: Action
Student Aid in Perpetuating Morehouse's Traditions
The Student that a Christian College Should Produce
Sympathy
The Task of Christian Missions in the Light of Social Conditions in the Mining Areas of Africa
The Task of Education in a Secularist Culture
Teaching Methods
Theological Analysis and Criticism of Racism in the Thought of Benjamin E. Mays
The Theological Bases for the Social Concern of the Religious Community
There is Something Wrong with Life
The True Jews, Romans 2:17-29
The Truth Shall Make You Free, John 8:32
Unity Against Diversity, Gen. 26:18
The Value of a Vision in Life
War from the Point of View of a Christian Moralist
What Ails Man?
What Does the Coming of Christ Mean for Us?
What is Social Ethics?
What is the Church?
What Men Live By
What Responsible Leadership Should Do
What Shall We Think of Man?, I Kings 19:14 -18
What State Council Welfare Dept. Can Do
What the Contemporary Theological School Should Do for Its Students
Where are the Churches on the Race Question?
Why Does God Permit Tyrannical Injustice? Hab. 1:1-17
Why Intergroupal Struggle
Witnessing in a Strange Land
The Word of God on Sunday Morning
Work
Work and Vocation
Work of the Local Council
Xmas as a Revival
Last updated 05/16/2007 by Cheryl Oestreicher