Foldered & Finished: Robert Lynn Anderson Papers

The Robert Lynn Anderson Papers (1965-2019) are processed and ready for researchers. The finding aid for the papers and digitized selections are now available on DigitalCommons@ACU. These papers include 34.5 linear feet (58 boxes) of paper-based files and cassette tapes, and over 1000 digital files including 175 audio and video files.

List of plases sermon What is ‘Spirituality?’ was preached over the years. Series VI, Spirituality flash drive, Robert Lynn Anderson Papers, 1965-2019. Center for Restoration Studies MS #488. Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.

The following biographical sketch is adapted from the biographical note on the dust jacket of Lynn Anderson, Steps to Life, 20th Century Sermons Series Volume 10. Abilene: Biblical Research Press, 1977.

Robert Lynn Anderson was born September 22, 1936 in Saskatchewan, Canada. After graduating from high school at Western Christian College (Weyburn, Saskatchewn) he attended Freed-Hardeman College (Henderson, Tennessee) and Harding College (Searcy, Arkansas) where he received the B.A. degree in 1959. He received the M.A. degree in 1965 from Harding Graduate School of Religion (Memphis, Tennessee). In 1990, Anderson was the first Doctor of Ministry graduate at Abilene Christian University.

Click on audio player below to hear the opening of Lynn Anderson’s sermon, Ride the Wild Horses, preached at Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. Visit DigitalCommons@ACU to hear the entire sermon and explore more digitized resources: 

Anderson’s ministry experience includes the establishment of a congregation in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, where he preached from 1960-1964. In 1964-1965 he preached in Lepanto, Arkansas, and then established a congregation in Kelowna, British Columbia, where he ministered for six years. From 1971-1989 he preached at Highland Church of Christ, Abilene, Texas. From 1991-1996 he preached at Preston Road Church of Christ, Dallas, Texas. Following these congregational ministries, he devoted full-time to leadership development and coaching through Hope Network Ministries. He conducted a radio ministry consisting of brief 60-second spots heard twice daily in Kelowna and three times per day in Abilene.

Sermon Interruptions, Series VI, Wild Horses flash drive, Robert Lynn Anderson Papers, 1965-2017. Center for Restoration Studies MS #488. Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.

He was active in community life, serving in leadership and board positions in Kiwanis Club, Community Chest, United Appeals, Action for Education Association, and the Committee for Better Education Now. As an adjunct professor, he taught cross cultural communication, Bible, and ministry courses at Abilene Christian University.

Click on audio player below to hear part of Lynn Anderson’s sermon, How to Find Faith, which was part of a series on spirituality. Visit DigitalCommons@ACU to hear the entire sermon and explore more digitized resources: 

Series I, Sermons and Research Material (boxes 2-16) consists of folders Anderson generated in the course of preaching and teaching through the Biblical text. The processor preserved the original order which closely mirrors the Biblical canon. In many cases the folders contain sermon notes, manuscripts or outlines. Series II, Topical Files (boxes 17-34) consists of topical files Anderson generated in the course of teaching, preaching, and speaking. Included in this series are the scripts from and correspondence about Anderson’s radio ministry. Series III, Ministry Files (boxes 35-39) contains files of historic memorabilia, keepsakes, and correspondence from Anderson’s tenures at Highland Church of Christ, Preston Road Church of Christ, and Hope Network Ministries. Of particular note are the notes of appreciation and encouragement Anderson received over the course of his ministry. He kept these in folders labelled ‘Bad Day File.’ Series IV, Writings (boxes 40-42) contains articles Anderson wrote as well as drafts and correspondence about Anderson’s books. Series V, Cassette Tapes (boxes 43-58) contains recordings of Anderson’s preaching at Highland Church of Christ and Preston Road Church of Christ. In many cases these recordings correspond to foldered materials in Series I and II. Series VI consists of digital files Anderson created in the course of his writing and speaking. Contact Special Collections and Archives for access to these files.

Stay tuned additional content on DigitalCommons@ACU! 

Folder & Finished: William Mardell Lynch Papers

The William Mardell Lynch Papers (1939-2003) are processed and ready for researchers. The finding aid for the papers is now available on DigitalCommons@ACU and several items from the collection are digitized and available on DigitalCommons@ACU.

Sermon outline for Immortality, Box 11, Folder I, 1st drawer, William Mardell Lynch Papers, 1915-2003. Center for Restoration Studies MS #16. Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.

William Mardell Lynch was a Church of Christ preacher and writer. He began preaching in Memphis, Tennessee in 1939. He also wrote articles for the Gospel Advocate and other publications. In addition, he self-published two short books in 1956, “The Tobacco Tormentors” and “The Hydrogen Bomb and our Most Effective Defense Against It.”

Sermon outline for Is it Possible to be Religious and not be a Christian?, Box 11, Folder R, 1st drawer, William Mardell Lynch Papers, 1915-2003. Center for Restoration Studies MS #16. Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.

​This collection contains some of the personal and professional papers of William Mardell Lynch, including correspondence, research materials, photographs, and church bulletins. The collections is housed in 29 boxes and contains 6 series.

Foldered & Finished: Max Lucado Papers

The Max Lucado Papers are ready for researchers. A finding aid is available on DigitalCommons@ACU and digital exhibits celebrating various aspects of the collection are available on the Exhibits page of our blog.

Correspondence from Tyndale House. Box 1 of 153, Series I. A Box 1 of 1, Max Lucado Papers, 1965-2016. Center for Restoration Studies MS #316. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.

The Max Lucado Papers were established in 2015 when Lucado designated his alma mater’s Brown Library as the repository for materials documenting his career as a missionary, evangelist and writer. Lucado was the university’s Oustanding Alumnus of the Year in 2003 and earned bachelor’s (1977) and master’s (1982) degrees from ACU.

Max Lucado’s diploma. Box 106 of 153, Series III. A Box 13 of 14, Max Lucado Papers, 1965-2016. Center for Restoration Studies MS #316. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.

“It was at ACU that I was found by Christ. I don’t think I found him, I think he found me and literally re-routed my life and my family’s for generations,” Lucado said. “I pray these papers can show some of that story to someone who needs a discovery of grace.”

Letter from child, 11 March 2014. Box 121 of 153, Series III. B Box 15 of 15, Max Lucado Papers, 1965-2016. Center for Restoration Studies MS #316. Milliken Special Collections, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.

The Max Lucado Papers contain 153 boxes of materials created or collected by Max Lucado. The four series in these papers house Lucado’s productions (sermons, books, media), correspondence, awards and memorabilia, and merchandise.

Tibetan
Lucado, Max, and Sergio Martinez. 2009. [You are special].

Additional selected Max Lucado resources from ACU Special Collections and Archives: