Document Type
Finding Aid
Publication Date
2-7-2022
Inclusive Dates--Span
1956-2006
Inclusive Dates--Bulk
1956-2006
Scope and Content Note
A collection of the personal and professional papers of Walter Ellis Burch, Jr. These papers include documents from Abilene Christian College and Pepperdine, journalism materials, information on Burch’s nonprofit work, materials related to Mission Journal, WEBCO documents, EXODUS, and some of his material on race relations. An accrual from University Manuscripts includes speeches given by Burch at Lectureships, Commencements, Faculty Meetings, Chapel, Education Meetings, and Board of Trustees Meetings (1959-1967).
Biographical Note
Walter Ellis Burch, Jr. was born in Fort Worth in 1927. He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Texas Christian University in 1949. He was married to Ruth Elizabeth Crouch in 1948. Burch was a longtime employee of Abilene Christian University, serving as director of publicity (1951-56), journalism instructor (1952-56), director of development (1958-62) and campaign manager/consultant (1964-67). He also preached part time in Albany, Texas and Fort Worth, Texas. He also was a consultant for ACU in the 1980s while he owned Webco, a fundraising, public relations and business development company in Abilene. He also worked in university development for Pepperdine University in the early 1970s. He was involved with church planting through the Exodus movement in the 1960s, planting a church in New Jersey. Burch was an important figure in the race relations debates that took place within Churches of Christ, a stalwart advocate for his Black brothers and sisters. He died in 2009.
Donor Note
Donated by Walter Burch, III (Walter E. Burch's son)
Arrangement
There are eleven series in the collection. The first series, printed materials, is the only series that is arranged in alphabetical order. The other series are arranged by subject material.
Series I: Printed materials
Series II: Nonprofit work
Series III: Mission journal
Series IV: W. E. Burch Co. (WEBCO)
Series V: Church of Christ materials
Series VI: World’s Fair Exhibit, 1964-1965
Series VII: Race relations
Series VIII: EXODUS 1960s
Series IX: Pepperdine University materials
Series X: Abilene Christian College/Abilene Christian University Development
Series XI: Miscellaneous
Series XII: Speeches
Content List
See PDF finding aid for folder inventory.
Subjects
Churches of Christ--Texas, Churches of Christ--Texas (Abilene)
Language
ENGLISH
Extent of Collection
6 linear feet (13 boxes)
Manuscript Number
Center for Restoration Studies Manuscripts #77
Physical Location
Center for Restoration Studies
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], [file or folder name], Walter Ellis Burch, Jr. Papers, 1956-2006. Center for Restoration Studies MS #77. Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.
Use Restrictions
Open to researchers. Contact Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives to make an appointment.
Processing Status
Processed
Finding Aid created by
Brown; Audrey Schaffner; Brady Cox; Beth Purcell; Reid; Bridwell; Mac Ice; Avery Reinoehl; Amanda Dietz
Subjects--Personal Names
Burch, Walter E.; WEBCO; Bolinger, John A; Burch, Walter E., III; Rose, Floyd E.; Lewis, John P.
Comments
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