Claudius B. Spencer Papers

Collection

Identifier: M078

Staff Only

Abstract

Claudius B. Spencer (1856-1934) was a Methodist Episcopal minister and editor of the Central Christian Advocate, the official newspaper of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the High Plains and Rocky Mountain Region. Spencer collection includes correspondence, manuscripts and newspaper clippings concerning Mormonism and the Methodist response to the Mormon Church. The collection includes letters, newspaper and journal clippings, reports, typescript pages and handwritten notes, in addition to an unsigned manuscript entitled, Holiness and Mormonism.

Dates

1881-1931

Creator

Spencer, Claudius B. (Claudius Buchanan), 1856-1934 (Person)

Biographical / Historical

Claudius B. Spencer was born in 1856 in Michigan. He attended Northwestern University and Garrett Seminary, and served as a pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the Detroit Conference from 1881 to 1892. He was then transferred to the Colorado Conference, where he was appointed editor of the Rocky Mountain Christian Advocate. When that publication merged with the Central Christian Advocate, Spencer moved to Kansas City, Missouri, to assume the editorship of that publication. He served in that capacity until his death in 1934.

Well regarded by his friends and colleagues, Spencer served on many denominational boards and conferences. He received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Lawrence University in 1896. As eulogized by University of Denver Chancellor Frederick M. Hunter, he ''generated a spirit of enthusiasm and optimism because of what he himself was, as well as because of what he did and said.'' After a short illness, Spencer died on July 14, 1934.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet (half record box)

Additional Description

Scope and Contents

The Claudius B. Spencer Papers include articles from newspapers and magazines concerning Mormonism and the Methodist response to the Mormon Church. Also included are letters written to Spencer in his capacity as editor of the Central Christian Advocate. Many of these letters concern Mormonism, but there are also letters regarding controversies within the Methodist Church and other Church matters. Half of the collection is comprised of typescript pages and handwritten notes from a manuscript titled: Holiness and Mormonism. The author of the manuscript is unknown. The manuscript describes the origins of Mormonism and, through lengthy discussion, refutes the legitimacy of the Mormon Church.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into four series:; 1. Correspondence, 1900-1924.; 2. Manuscripts, 1881- circa 1916.; 3. Newspaper Clippings, 1899-1931.; 4. Reports, 1908-1911.;