The purpose of the Divinity Archive repository is to serve the common good by organizing and making accessible primary and secondary resources in the field of Religion. This archive extends beyond library and educational institutions to include service and non-profit organizations related to/sponsored by religious bodies and denominations. Divinity Archive is hosted at the Duke Divinity School Library. The Divinity School at Duke University is one of the thirteen theological schools of the United Methodist Church. Its own library holdings are particularly strong in the areas of Christianity in general and the Methodist and Wesleyan traditions in particular.
Collection Highlight: Histories of Duke Divinity School
"Theological Education at Duke University, 1925-1950"
Chapter 10 of Robert Franklin Durden, The launching of Duke University, 1924-1949 (Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1993) offers an extended account of the first quarter century of Duke Divinity School's history. Durden used materials from the University Archives extensively in his research. This chapter covers the school's founding and early faculty appointments, as well as the tenures of its first deans (Soper, 1926-1928; Russell, 1928-1941; Garber, 1941-1944; Branscomb, 1944-1946; and Bosley, 1947-1950).
"Four Decades of the Divinity School"
Written by Kenneth Willis Clark, this article and account of the school's history appeared in the Spring 1967 edition of the Divinity School Review. It includes an account of the decision to officially change the name of the institution from "School of Religion" to "Divinity School" in 1940.
"Fifty Years of Theology and Theological Education at Duke; Retrospect and Prospect"
This address by Dean Robert E. Cushman appeared in the Winter 1977 edition of The Duke Divinity School Review. The dean reflects for faculty, students, alumnae and alumni on the first half century of Duke Divinity School's history, and looks ahead to its future.
Collection Highlight: Divinity School History Timelines