Adventures At The Archives
by David Leedy, Historiographer

When I started as Historiographer, there were approximately 10 "must have" books on the list. "Bishop Garrett’s Journal" was purchased off of the internet within a few weeks, and this had been on on the previous Historiographer’s list for years.

The Texas Episcopal history books by the Rev. DuBose Murphy and by the Rev. Claude A. Beesley were also very high on the list and we managed to acquire these very early. The parish histories of the second and third parishes in the state of Texas were acquired a few months later, thanks to a small financial donation. "Alexander Gregg: First Bishop Of Texas" was given to us by Sewanee University. Then, last month, the "History of St. Andrew’s," "Remembering the Joy," and "The Saints and Symbols of All Saints" were all donated to The Archives. Finally, our friend, Barbara Turner, Historiographer of the Diocese of Dallas, gave us "Alexander Gregg of Texas" by Arthur Ben Chitty, "The Episcopal Diocese of Dallas – A Centennial History" by The Very Reverend C. Preston Wiles, Ph.D. and a reproduction of "The Diocese of Dallas 1895 – 1952" by Gerald Grattan Moore. All of this made for a very happy Historiographer.

Along the way, we have found many here-to-fore unknown surprises. The beautiful history of the Diocese of Northwest Texas was donated to us by that diocese. Thanks to Joe Christopher, we now have a copy of the booklet he authored, "An Anecdotal History of St. Luke’s Church (Stephenville)," and Bishop Gulick was thoughtful enough to leave signed copies of his speech to the annual convention and his sermon during the Eucharist and Ordination of the first woman priest in the Diocese of Fort Worth, the Rev. Susan Slaughter. We also managed to acquire a book or two off of ebay, including the textbook "American Episcopal History," recommended by our rector, and found a couple of old Council of the Laity newsletters at the Fort Worth Library.

Just recently, I received "Church of the Holy Comforter [Cleburne]" by The Rev. Gordon Miltenberger, a 243-page book published in 1971. Fr. Miltengerger, who is currently on the staff of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Greenville, Texas, sent it to us himself! It is in pristine condition and autographed by Fr. Miltenberger as follows: "To the Diocese of Fort Worth in thankful remembrance of ministry in that part of the harvest. - Gordon Miltenberger". Accompanying the book was an original service bulletin of the CENTENNIAL HOMECOMING held on May 30, 1971 in Cleburne. Rest assured that both are now in acid free packaging will be placed at the diocese offices soon.

There are many similar adventures going on at The Archives. We could use your help, if you have a few spare hours. Email David Leedy at djleedy@sbcglobal.net or call him at (817) 560-2997 if you have the time and would like to join the fun.