Correspondence, 1964-1978

The correspondence files of the Hinton Rural Life Center consists of the daily correspondence of Harold McSwain and Doyce Gunter, and cover all years of each administration. Reverend McSwain’s correspondence begins after his appointment to the directorship but before he was headquartered at Hinton, and ends in June, 1973. It includes both general correspondence and correspondence with specific individuals. Rev. McSwain corresponded with a number of other administrators, theologians, and academicians regarding his research, publications, professional activities, and the overall work of the HRLC; therefore this file is a good source of information regarding his philosophy and work during those years.

The general correspondence of Rev. Gunter addresses primarily administrative matters such as arranging meetings, making Center publications available to interested parties, and fundraising / public relations work. In addition, Rev. Gunter maintained files on his correspondence with the Board of Directors (1974-1977), and on correspondence pertaining to consultation and evaluation (1973-1977), conferences and workshops (1974-1977), parish staff training (1974- 1977), and “Lord’s Acre” material (1974-1977). (The “Lord’s Acre” was a national fundraising program of the Methodist Church.)