Electronic Guide to the Paul Abels Collection
Prepared by Mark C. Shenise, Associate Archivist; Peter Cole and Lacey Brother, Student Assistants
United Methodist Archives and History Center
General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church
3/6/2002
(Published for the Drew University Methodist Library)
Overview of Collection
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| Record Creator: |
Abels, Paul |
| Title: |
Paul Abels Collection |
| Date Span: |
1942 - 1992 |
| Abstract: |
Paul Milford Abels (1937-1992), American United Methodist minister, one of the first pastors to publicly acknowledge his homosexuality, a pioneer in AIDS activism and a link between the church and several support groups and organizations. The collection contains his personal papers beginning with his high school years, but focuses on his work as an AIDS activist within the church. |
| Extent: |
7.0 cubic feet |
| Resource ID:
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drew.ms.2757 |
Biographical Note
Paul Milford Abels (1937-1992), American minister, was born in Yellow Springs, Ohio, son of James Albert Abels and Carrie M. Atkins. One of the first Methodist pastors to acknowledge publicly his homosexuality, Abels a pioneer in AIDS activism and a link between the church and several support groups and organizations.
Abels received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Drew University in 1959 and his Master of Divinity in 1963, also from Drew, the same year he was ordained elder in the Methodist Church. He also earned a master of sacred music degree from Union Theological Seminary in 1965.
From 1964 to 1969, he worked for the National Council of Churches. From 1969 to 1973, he founded Provo Muse, the first non-profit performing arts management company in the United States, served as Music Director for churches in New York and New Jersey, and directed Westbeth Artist's Housing, New York' s largest artists' community. In 1973, Abels was appointed pastor of Washington Square Church in Greenwich Village, New York City. His involvement in the anti-war movement, embrace of people from all racial backgrounds, and the support he showed for several social groups and organizations were some of the reasons Washington Square Church was called " The Peace Church."
Two years later, he founded Affirmation, the "national Methodist gay caucus," hoping to bridge the gap between the church and the gay and lesbian community. An avowed homosexual, he performed "covenant ceremonies" for same-sex marriages, knowing the church's stance towards gay and lesbian couples. Abels served Washington Square Church until he retired in 1984, the same year the United Methodist Church barred openly lesbian and gay men from pastoral appointments. For the next eight years, he moved to Rensselaerville, New York, with his long time partner, Thomas Hunt. Together they restored historic Catalpa House and turned it into a bed and breakfast.
Paul also committed himself to Equinox, a non- profit organization in Albany where the homeless, drug and alcohol abusers, battered women, and those suffering from AIDS found shelter. The 1989-1990 edition of Who's Who in the East saw his lifetime of dedication to people, the church, and humanitarian organizations, formally recognized. After years of health complications due to AIDS, Abels died on March 12, 1992. Memorial services were held at Washington Square United Methodist Church ten days after his death, and at Rensselaerville Presbyterian Church a month later.
Scope Note
The Paul Abels Collection embodies a time period of constant change-- culturally and ecumenically--documenting his controversial life in and out of United Methodism. Paul Abels' career as a writer began before he left for college. He was editor-in-chief for his high school newspaper, and had a column in the local newspaper, the Cedarville Herald, called "Just Thinking," several of which are found here. As his writing matured, he managed to contribute some his articles and essays, a few of which are scattered throughout the collection. However, Abel's writing reached a hiatus when he entered the ministry. The highlight of the collection for United Methodist history is his declaration of his homosexuality as a minister and subsequent fight for the rights of gays, both clergy and lay, within and beyond United Methodism. Abels was also a voice for AIDS research and its societal impact which is well documented throughout the collection. Music and the Arts which were an important aspect of his life as well claim another major part of his papers. There are records pertaining to his education and family's genealogy. Abels' records of his ministry, sermons preached and documentation of his trips abroad round out the collection.
Arrangement
Materials have been arranged in the following manner.
The Paul Abels Collection is arranged with Abel's original filing system intact. With the exception of the first few folders, the rest of the collection has an alphabetical file folder system.
Preferred Citation
When citing material from this collection please use the following format: Direct reference to the item or its file folder, Paul Abels Collection, Drew University Methodist Collection, Drew University, Madison, New Jersey. Do not make use of the item's call number as that is not a stable descriptor.
Access Restrictions
There are no restrictions regarding this collection. Copyright still owned by Drew. Permissions to publish must be directed to Drew.
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Subject Terms |
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Additional Creators - Personal |
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Huseby, Ardon |
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Legget, Gene |
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Lind, Karen |
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MacBride, Sean |
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Morgan, Maureen |
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Peckham, Bill |
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Rooney, Andrew A. |
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Salzman, Eric |
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Spangler, David |
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Subject Names - Personal |
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Funiciello, Theresa. |
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Subject Names - Corporate |
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Fellowship of United Methodist Musicians, Worship and Other Arts |
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Methodist Church (U.S.) |
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United Methodist Church (U.S.) |
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United Methodist Church (U.S.). General Conference |
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Subject Topics |
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AIDS (Disease) |
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Bible-Homiletical use |
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Child abuse |
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Church and social problems |
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Church controversies |
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Church in art |
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Church music |
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Church music-Methodist |
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Church work with children |
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Church work with gays-Methodist Church |
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Divorce |
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Feminism |
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Gays -- Nazi persecution |
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Homosexuality |
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Human rights |
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Hunger-Religious aspects-Methodist Church |
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Peace |
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Theology |
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Women. |
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Subject Geographic |
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El Salvador |
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Japan. |
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Korea |
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Latin America |
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New Jersey |
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New York (N.Y.) |
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New York (State) |
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Genre |
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Artifacts |
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Audiocassettes |
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Clippings |
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Correspondence |
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Journals |
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Legal documents. |
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Manuscripts |
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Newsletters |
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Pamphlets |
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Photographs |
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Publications |
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Sermons |
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Occupations |
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Minister |
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Musician. |
| Call Number |
Folder Title |
Date(s) |
| 2131-5-2:
1 |
Personal Files |
1942-1947 |
| 2131-5-2:
2 |
Personal Files |
1948-1949 |
| 2131-5-2:
3 |
Personal Files |
1950-1951 |
| 2131-5-2:
4 |
Personal Files |
1952-1953 |
| 2131-5-2:
5 |
Personal Files |
1954-1955 |
| 2131-5-2:
6 |
Personal Files |
1956-1957 |
| 2131-5-2:
7 |
Personal Files |
1958-1959 |
| 2131-5-2:
8 |
Family photos accompanying a letter from friend Beth, 1959 |
1959 |
| 2131-5-2:
9 |
Personal Files |
1960-1961 |
| 2131-5-2:
10 |
Personal Files |
1962-1963 |
| 2131-5-2:
11 |
Personal Files |
1965 |
| 2131-5-2:
12 |
Personal Files |
1966-1967 |
| 2131-5-2:
13 |
Personal Files |
1968-1969 |
| 2131-5-2:
14 |
Appointment Book 1969-1971 |
1969-1971 |
| 2131-5-2:
15 |
Personal Files |
1970-1971 |
| 2131-5-2:
16 |
Abels Genealogical Information |
1963-1983 |
| 2131-5-3:
1 |
Address Book |
1974 |
| 2131-5-3:
2 |
Advocate and New York Native (Gay Magazines) Articles |
1984 |
| 2131-5-3:
3 |
Affirmation |
1984-1990 |
| 2131-5-3:
4 |
Affirmation |
1983 |
| 2131-5-3:
5 |
Affirmation |
1980-1985 |
| 2131-5-3:
6 |
Affirmation--General Conference |
1981-1990 |
| 2131-5-3:
7 |
Affirmation--General Issues |
1976-1980 |
| 2131-5-3:
8 |
AIDS Articles |
1990-1991 |
| 2131-5-3:
9 |
AIDS For Political Election |
1990-1991 |
| 2131-5-3:
10 |
AIDS Panel--Paul Abels |
1992 |
| 2131-5-3:
11 |
AIDS Resources |
1983-1991 |
| 2131-5-3:
12 |
AIDS Resources |
1990 |
| 2131-5-4:
1 |
AIDS Clippings--Social Issues |
1990-1991 |
| 2131-5-4:
2 |
Albany Area Housing Opportunities |
1981-1991 |
| 2131-5-4:
3 |
T.S. Arthur--Term Paper |
1956 |
| 2131-5-4:
4 |
The Arts |
1975-1991 |
| 2131-5-4:
5 |
The Arts--Center for Cultural Development |
1969-1973 |
| 2131-5-4:
6 |
The Arts--General Articles |
1969-1990 |
| 2131-5-4:
7 |
Arts---Gregory Battcock Articles |
1969-1990 |
| 2131-5-4:
8 |
Arts and Church--General Articles |
1956-1989 |
| 2131-5-4:
9 |
Autobiography |
1958 |
| 2131-5-4:
10 |
Bennington AIDS Project |
1984-1990 |
| 2131-5-4:
11 |
Bible Study |
1979 |
| 2131-5-4:
12 |
Boat |
1957-1971 |
| 2131-5-4:
13 |
Boy's State |
1954 |
| 2131-5-5:
1 |
Bread and Puppet Theater |
1977-1980 |
| 2131-5-5:
2 |
Nancy Carter |
1987 |
| 2131-5-5:
3 |
Cedarville Herald and Cedar Scope (high school newspaper) |
1954 |
| 2131-5-5:
4 |
Child Abuse |
1978-1980 |
| 2131-5-5:
5 |
Children's Ministry |
1977 |
| 2131-5-5:
6 |
Christian Peace Conference |
1973-1983 |
| 2131-5-5:
7 |
Committee on Investigation--June 19 |
1980 |
| 2131-5-5:
8 |
Common Bond |
1985-1990 |
| 2131-5-5:
9 |
Community Chest |
1975-1981 |
| 2131-5-5:
10 |
Counseling |
1989 |
| 2131-5-5:
11 |
Covenant Papers |
1977-1983 |
| 2131-5-5:
12 |
Covenant Papers |
1977-1983 |
| 2131-5-6:
1 |
Covenant Services |
1983 |
| 2131-5-6:
2 |
Covenant Services |
1977 |
| 2131-5-6:
3 |
Covenant Service--Thomas Borsay and Victor Cabrera--9/17/77 |
1977 |
| 2131-5-6:
4 |
Covenant Service--Donald McKinney and Kenneth Palinskie 11/1/1980 |
1980 |
| 2131-5-6:
5 |
Death and Dying |
1978-1983 |
| 2131-5-6:
6 |
Democratic Socialists of America |
1986-1987 |
| 2131-5-6:
7 |
Disarmament |
1978-1982 |
| 2131-5-6:
8 |
Divorce |
1974-1979 |
| 2131-5-6:
9 |
Ear Magazine |
1979-1982 |
| 2131-5-6:
10 |
Ecumenism |
1979-1990 |
| 2131-5-6:
11 |
El Salvador |
1980-1982 |
| 2131-5-6:
12 |
Environmental Concerns |
1990 |
| 2131-5-6:
13 |
Equinox |
1984-1986 |
| 2131-5-6:
14 |
Faith and AIDS (Paul's presentation at Albany Medical Center 4/ 91) |
1991 |
| 2131-5-6:
15 |
Family |
1979-1989 |
| 2131-5-6:
16 |
Judith Farris, Contralto |
1988 |
| 2131-5-7:
1 |
Fellowship of United Methodist Musicians, Worship and Other Arts |
1985-1988 |
| 2131-5-7:
2 |
Fellowship of United Methodist Musicians, Worship and Other Arts |
1985-1989 |
| 2131-5-7:
3 |
Feminism |
1974-1988 |
| 2131-5-7:
4 |
Findhorn (Spangler) |
1974 |
| 2131-5-7:
5 |
Fred |
1978-1979 |
| 2131-5-7:
6 |
Fund-raising Letters |
1990 |
| 2131-5-7:
7 |
Funeral Planning |
1986-1988 |
| 2131-5-7:
8 |
Theresa Funiciello |
1974-1978 |
| 2131-5-7:
9 |
Gambling |
1982 |
| 2131-5-7:
10 |
General Conference |
1980 |
| 2131-5-7:
11 |
General Conference |
1984 |
| 2131-5-7:
12 |
Genetics and Ethics |
1979 |
| 2131-5-7:
13 |
Golden Phoenix--Supporting Documents |
1988-1991 |
| 2131-5-8:
1 |
Good News Movement Materials |
1975-1980 |
| 2131-5-8:
2 |
Grade Reports and Test Results |
1955-1963 |
| 2131-5-8:
3 |
Greenwich Village |
1977-1981 |
| 2131-5-8:
4 |
Guggenheim Memorial Grant |
1988-1991 |
| 2131-5-8:
5 |
The Havens Relief Fund Society |
1982-1985 |
| 2131-5-8:
6 |
Homelessness |
1984-1990 |
| 2131-5-8:
7 |
Homophobia |
1983-1990 |
| 2131-5-8:
8 |
Homosexuality |
1980-1988 |
| 2131-5-8:
9 |
Homosexuality |
1980-1985 |
| 2131-5-8:
10 |
Homosexuality |
1981-1992 |
| 2131-6-1:
1 |
Homosexuality |
1975-1990 |
| 2131-6-1:
2 |
Homosexuality |
1978-1990 |
| 2131-6-1:
3 |
Homosexuality |
1979-1991 |
| 2131-6-1:
4 |
Homosexuality |
1976-1982 |
| 2131-6-1:
5 |
Homosexuality--Integrity |
1980-1985 |
| 2131-6-1:
6 |
Homosexuality--Politics and Society |
1970-1992 |
| 2131-6-1:
7 |
Human Rights |
1976-1984 |
| 2131-6-2:
1 |
Hunger |
1978-1991 |
| 2131-6-2:
2 |
Hymn Permissions |
1979 |
| 2131-6-2:
3 |
Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture |
1983 |
| 2131-6-2:
4 |
Iran |
1976-1983 |
| 2131-6-2:
5 |
Japan Trip |
1976 |
| 2131-6-2:
6 |
Jewish/Christian Relations |
1978-1982 |
| 2131-6-2:
7 |
Bill T. Jones Dance Company |
1988-1990 |
| 2131-6-2:
8 |
Judicial Council |
1979 |
| 2131-6-2:
9 |
Martin Luther King, Jr. |
1982 |
| 2131-6-2:
10 |
Korea |
1981-1989 |
| 2131-6-3:
1 |
Korea |
1982-1989 |
| 2131-6-3:
2 |
Latin America |
1974-1983 |
| 2131-6-3:
3 |
Legget, Gene (incl. photo) |
1971-1988 |
| 2131-6-3:
4 |
Letters from Paul Abels |
1955-1956 |
| 2131-6-3:
5 |
Letters to Paul Abels |
1988-1991 |
| 2131-6-3:
6 |
Lind, Karen (poetry) |
1987-1988 |
| 2131-6-3:
7 |
Living Together |
1977-1990 |
| 2131-6-3:
8 |
MCC/NCC (Consultation) |
1980-1982 |
| 2131-6-3:
9 |
MCC/NCC (Consultation) |
1982-1983 |
| 2131-6-3:
10 |
MacBride, Sean |
1971-1980 |
| 2131-6-3:
11 |
Bishop McConnell |
1980 |
| 2131-6-3:
12 |
Dorothy McConnell |
1989-1990 |
| 2131-6-3:
13 |
Marxism/Communism |
1968-1978 |
| 2131-6-3:
14 |
Mastrangelo vs. Abels |
1971 |
| 2131-6-3:
15 |
Men's Group--Capital District |
1990 |
| 2131-6-4:
1 |
Methodist Federation for Social Action--Special Study Project |
1974-1990 |
| 2131-6-4:
2 |
Middle East |
1978-1983 |
| 2131-6-4:
3 |
The Mirror |
1976 |
| 2131-6-4:
4 |
Miscellaneous |
1966-1982 |
| 2131-6-4:
5 |
Moral Majority |
1981 |
| 2131-6-4:
6 |
Moral Majority |
1981 |
| 2131-6-4:
7 |
Music--Paul Burkhard |
1970-1972 |
| 2131-6-4:
8 |
Music--Sydney Carter |
1970 |
| 2131-6-4:
9 |
Music--Copyright Information |
1971 |
| 2131-6-4:
10 |
Music--General (Modern) |
1970-1980 |
| 2131-6-4:
11 |
Music--Philip Glass |
1970-1980 |
| 2131-6-4:
12 |
Music--Maureen Morgan |
1976-1982 |
| 2131-6-5:
1 |
Music--Eric Salzman |
1972-1973 |
| 2131-6-5:
2 |
NAMBLA Response |
1983 |
| 2131-6-5:
3 |
Native American Concerns |
1975-1983 |
| 2131-6-5:
4 |
New Music and Arts Exchange Catalog |
1970 |
| 2131-6-5:
5 |
Newsweek Travel Seminar |
1971 |
| 2131-6-5:
6 |
St. Paul's Newsletters |
1961 |
| 2131-6-5:
7 |
Non-violence |
1979-1984 |
| 2131-6-5:
8 |
Northern Ireland |
1974-1984 |
| 2131-6-5:
9 |
November 7--A day of remembrance for lesbian and gay victims of the Holocaust |
1980-1982 |
| 2131-6-5:
10 |
Obituaries/Tributes |
1992 |
| 2131-6-5:
11 |
Palestine |
1977-1983 |
| 2131-6-5:
12 |
Peace |
1982-1983 |
| 2131-6-5:
13 |
"Peace" Song Book |
1967-1983 |
| 2131-6-5:
14 |
Bill Peckham |
1987-1990 |
| 2131-6-5:
15 |
People for the American Way |
1982 |
| 2131-6-5:
16 |
Personal--Ardon Huseby |
1967 |
| 2131-6-5:
17 |
Personal Planner |
1978-1979 |
| 2131-6-5:
18 |
Personal Planners |
1980-1982 |
| 2131-6-5:
19 |
Photograph of Paul Abels |
1962 |
| 2131-6-6:
1 |
Prayers |
1980-1983 |
| 2131-6-6:
2 |
Racism |
1977-1982 |
| 2131-6-6:
3 |
Response |
1978-1980 |
| 2131-6-6:
4 |
RISK: Hymns for a New Day |
1966 |
| 2131-6-6:
5 |
Andrew Rooney |
1985-1990 |
| 2131-6-6:
6 |
Paul's Memorial Service |
1992 |
| 2131-6-6:
7 |
Sermon--1/7/79 |
1979 |
| 2131-6-6:
8 |
Sermon--3/1/81 |
1981 |
| 2131-6-6:
9 |
Sermon--9/5/82: "The Work-A-Day World" |
1982 |
| 2131-6-6:
10 |
Sermon--9/12/82: "The State of the Church" |
1982 |
| 2131-6-6:
11 |
Sermon--9/26/82: "A Carnal Theology, Part I" |
1982 |
| 2131-6-6:
12 |
Sermon--10/3/82: "A Carnal Theology, Part II (Church)" |
1982 |
| 2131-6-6:
13 |
Sermon--10/24/82: "A Carnal Theology, Part IV (Conclusion/Peace)" |
1982 |
| 2131-6-6:
14 |
Sermon--10/5/83 (At Drew Chapel) |
1983 |
| 2131-6-6:
15 |
Sermons--Various |
1977-1989 |
| 2131-6-6:
16 |
Sermons--Various |
1977-1990 |
| 2131-6-6:
17 |
Sermons--Various |
1978-1991 |
| 2131-6-6:
18 |
Sermon Notes |
Undated |
| 2131-6-6:
19 |
Socialism |
1976-1985 |
| 2131-6-6:
20 |
Theater--Script: "Sow What" |
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| 2131-6-7:
1 |
Theology: General Articles |
1977-1990 |
| 2131-6-7:
2 |
Theology: "How My Mind Has Changed" Series |
1980 |
| 2131-6-7:
3 |
Theology in the Americas |
1974-1986 |
| 2131-6-7:
4 |
Tribute to Paul Abel's Ministry at Washington Square Methodist Church |
1984 |
| 2131-6-7:
5 |
Urban |
1978-1980 |
| 2131-6-7:
6 |
Visual Arts: Walter Gaudnek |
1970-1985 |
| 2131-6-7:
7 |
Visual Arts: Nam June Paik |
1972-1973 |
| 2131-6-7:
8 |
Visual Arts: Anita Steckel |
1973-1974 |
| 2131-6-7:
9 |
Wedding Material |
1967-1984 |
| 2131-6-7:
10 |
Wedding Material |
1972-1982 |
| 2131-6-7:
11 |
Wedding--Pearson/Bennett--6/20/87 |
1987 |
| 2131-6-7:
12 |
Wedding--Setrakian/Genson |
1980 |
| 2131-6-7:
13 |
Wedding--Thompson/Aplegren |
1980 |
| 2131-6-7:
14 |
Wedding--Titus/McNaughton |
1977 |
| 2131-6-7:
15 |
Wedding Resources |
1973-1979 |
| 2131-6-8:
1 |
Westbeth General |
1970-1975 |
| 2131-6-8:
2 |
Westbeth General |
1971-1989 |
| 2133-1-1:
1 |
Various Audiocassettes |
Undated |
