Historiographer’s Report to 2014 Convention

The Historiographer’s report to the 2014 Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth is submitted by Karen Shepherd. You may download a PDF of this report here.

The Archives of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth are housed in the conference room at the diocesan offices. David Leedy, the first archivist/historiographer of the reorganized diocese, compiled an impressive collection of historical importance, some items dating back to the early 19th century. As Fort Worth’s second historiographer, I have turned my attention to an attempt to record, as completely as possible, our more recent history – from the time of the split (2008-2009) through the final resolution of the property lawsuit.

The biggest prize of this past year was acquiring a metal plate used in the printing process for the very first issue of the Fort Worth Diocese Forward in 1983. The framed plate was given to us by Terry Ramsey, long-time member of Trinity Fort Worth parish, on behalf of her late husband Ben, the winner of the contest to choose a name and design the “flag” for the new publication. After a bit more sleuthing, Terry was also able to provide a mint condition printed copy of the first edition as well.

The Archives has room for any artifact or digital/printed piece of history from your parish – a picture, example of a pew bulletin or newsletter, any newspaper clipping or copy thereof, etc. Please make it a point to preserve the story of this diocese by mailing printed material to the diocesan offices marked “Historiographer.”