Explore Archives collection online

The expansive Lutheran Archives collection can now be explored online, thanks to the release of a new website showcasing the close to 2500 linear metres of records held by the archive.

The collection documents the history and theology of the synods, congregations and departments of the LCANZ and details the work undertaken in church ministries, the practice of faith, and the cultural life of Lutherans in Australia and New Zealand.

Almost 700 congregations have transferred records to Lutheran Archives and details of these holdings are on the website.

The collection is made up of manuscripts, audiovisuals, photographs, artefacts, periodicals and published works, and includes genealogy and family history, First Nations and mission records, personal papers and synodical documents. Materials date from before the time of Lutheran migration to Australia in 1838 and document LCANZ ministries and interactions across the globe.

The Friends of Lutheran Archives community has funded the website.

You can visit it at lutheranarchives.lca.org.au

Why a new website? Lutheran Archives wants you to access the stories of your church. Lutheran Archives Director Rachel Kuchel says: ‘These are the stories of God’s love and faithfulness to us as we provide ministries to those around us. These stories can encourage us to continue in our current ministries and to pause and reflect on where we have come from. These records can restore and provide identity to individuals and communities. Giving access to these stories is a ministry in itself.

‘Lutheran Archives is committed to making our collections as accessible as possible while respecting privacy principles, cultural protocols and recordkeeping standards. We do not charge to access the collection and rely heavily on the kindness of our community to fund the ongoing care and accessibility of the collection.’

To donate, click the ‘DONATE NOW’ button on the website or phone 08 8340 4009.

There are many things you can learn through the Archives collection. Do you want to know when your church was built – and by what synod? Or which pastors served your congregation and when? Do you want to see images of Sunday school picnics or harvest thanksgiving displays?

Do you want to know which type of congregation ministry Lutheran Archives holds the most records for?**

All of this can be explored under ‘explore the collection’ on the website.

Also, if you want to know how to manage your records, or if you own items you think might be of relevance, explore the ‘deposit records’ section of the website to learn which items are permanent records and require depositing and how to go about transferring the records to Lutheran Archives.

You can also become involved in the archives community by watching Friends of Lutheran Archives presentations on YouTube or streaming upcoming sessions – and you may wish to become a member!

Go to lutheranarchives.lca.org.au/friends-of-lutheran-archives

** Answer: Lutheran Archives holds 1336 sets of records for women’s guilds compared with 148 records for men’s fellowships! They also hold 4974 sets of records for congregational administration.