Documenting Our History is an on going project, and many missing details are needed for a better picture. History has already determined where we are now, describing how we got here and indicates with-out certainty where we are going. Can it provide insight for planning the future? Beyond answering this open question, there is value in understanding as a fact that our memories lack capacity for detail. Written records and documents always serve us better than our memory alone. If nothing else, history is valuable to serve the curiosity of future generations.

I can relate the story of a tornado victim who no longer had a home. He was asked by a television reporter “What is it that you miss most in what is now virtually gone with the wind ?” His answer was "The family picture album." His answer here serves two purposes, first the importance of family history to this poor fellow, and second, my story would hold much more weight if I could account for who asked him the question he answered. Where did he live? When did it happen? How did he survive? At least such details could help substatiate the story; or added details would make the story seem more real. Surely no family members were lost, or the pictures would not be on top of his list for what was lost. The story I related is absolutely true, but there are no documents or facts which I can produce to back this up.

The Need for Local Histories
Quote from Alban Institute “Congregation resource for church historians.”

The Bible includes much historical material and its' writers were very history-conscious. In the 32nd chapter of Deuteronomy this history-consciousness was highlighted: “Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations.” This concern for the preservation of the historical record continued into the New Testament, especially in such writers as Luke. Thus, our Judeo-Christian forebears included historians who recognized the value of preserving the historical record. We would do well in our day to take steps to see that the past life and events of our local congregation are preserved for future generations.”

The Congregational Resource Guide offers resource recommendations chosen to address the needs of congregations and their leaders. The CRG draws on the expertise of the Alban Institute, the Indianapolis Center for Congregations, and other specialists. Hosted by the Alban Institute; offered as a gift by Lilly Endowment Inc.

The below animated gif picture will link to the Alban Institute Web page(s) resource guide for writing historical records of congregations. Other references and guides as described above are also available from this site.