About Us

The Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society was formed in 1934 when the Reformed Church in the United States merged with the Evangelical Synod of North America.

The mission of the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society is to stimulate and cultivate interest in the continuing legacy of the Evangelical and Reformed Church.

To accomplish this, we will:

• Collect and preserve historical material;
• Make information and resources accessible to all;
• Provide engaging educational opportunities;
• Foster cooperation with other interested organizations;
• Ensure the Society has the optimal infrastructure and funding to support its ongoing mission.

Holdings of the Central Office & Archives, Lancaster, PA

The ERHS collection at the Central Office and Archives in Lancaster, PA, includes the minutes of synods, classes, congregations; records of all boards, committees, and commissions; hymnals; liturgies, and important publications such as the Reformed Church Messenger and the Messenger of the Evangelical and Reformed Church. The bulk of this collection relates to the (German) Reformed Church in the United States, the Hungarian Reformed Church, and the Evangelical and Reformed Church.

Most records from the former branch archives of the ERHS at Catawba College in NC (North Carolina Classis and Southern Synod), Heidelberg University in OH (Ohio Synod and classes) and Lakeland College, formerly Mission House in WI (northern classes), are now housed at the Central Office & Archives in Lancaster, PA.

Especially noteworthy are original manuscripts of Mercersburg theologians, Revs. John Williamson Nevin, Philip Schaff, Henry Harbaugh and Emanuel Gerhart. Also valuable are the manuscripts and transcriptions of records of early German Reformed churches and ministers in America which the society received from the library of William J. Hinke in 1947.

Holdings of the ERHS Branch Location, St. Louis, MO

The bulk of the collection at our branch location include the records of the (German) Evangelical Synod of North America, which include records from the Conference and districts, boards and committees, local church records, and papers of important denominational leaders and clergy. These materials are part of the ERHS and are housed at our branch location on the campus of Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, MO.

Especially noteworthy are the collections of Rev. Louis Edward Nollau, a pioneer and leader in the establishment of the (German) Evangelical Synod of North America and the collections of H. Richard and Reinhold Niebuhr, two prominent American theologians and ministers.

Services

The resources of the ERHS are available without charge to in-person researchers, but a donation is suggested to support our efforts. Local churches celebrating anniversaries or wanting information concerning their history may receive assistance from the ERHS staff. Confirmation classes and other church groups are welcome to visit the archives.

While the ERHS is open Monday through Thursday, visitors are encouraged to call or email and make an appointment.

Central Office & Archives Phone: 717-290-8734

Central Office & Archives Email: info@erhistoricalsociety.org

Personnel

President & CEO: Dr. Scott Meyer-Kukan

Office Administrator: Mrs. Alison Mallin

Financial Support

The Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society only receives support from donations, contributions, grants and investment income. Churches and individuals are encouraged to add to the society’s endowment to help assure the continuance of its mission. They are invited to contact ERHS for further information.

Donor Benefits

All current donors receive newsletters throughout the year, an annual journal, and are welcome at public programs and are entitled to research help from and tours of the archives.

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Research Services

If you are unable to visit us in person, ERHS staff can perform genealogical or general historical research for you. The fee is $35 an hour with a one hour minimum. Pre-payment of the research fee is required. Fees are non-refundable. Research requests for both locations shall be submitted online and coordinated through the ERHS Office Administrator.

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