Microfilming records of local congregations

In 1962 the Historical Committee of the Christian Reformed Church was instructed by Synod to collect the records of local, active congregations and microfilm their minutes (council, elders, deacons, the executive committee and the congregation), returning the originals to the congregation, so that a back-up set of records was available to local congregations should anything happen to their original set. The microfilm is stored in our vault, and the originals are returned to the congregation sending them. To protect the privacy of individuals about whom information may be contained in certain records while also dealing with requests for conducting historical research, Synod authorized that, without exception, only agency heads, or those authorized by agency heads in writing, be granted access to  confidential records.

Written or phone communications about this program may be directed to the Archives staff.

Records management for congregations

Synod 2008 instructed the staff of the archives to prepare a listing of all records that a local congregation may generate along with recommendations on how long, and where such records should be kept. This document (PDF format) can be downloaded by clicking on the link below.

Keeping Congregational Records

Information about the Christian Reformed Church

Ministers of the Christian Reformed Church

Acts of Synod of the Christian Reformed Church

Church Order and its Supplements