The papers are arranged into five series, which include Newcombe’s lecture notes; Newcombe’s PhD thesis; drafts and published theological essays written by a variety of authors; sermons and essays written by William Creighton Graham; and an undated Hebrew scroll.
The first series consists of 32 notebooks, 14 ringed binders, flashcards and files of lecture notes. The notebooks were likely created from 1932 to 1960, including during Newcombe’s student days at Oberlin College. The notes mainly relate to theology, biblical languages and early Christian history. Also included in this series are four packages of colour slides featuring religious imagery and tourist destinations.
The second series consists of one bound copy of Newcombe’s PhD thesis, The Prophetic Attitude to Hebrew Kingship, which was completed in 1965 at Vanderbilt University, as well as drafts and notes on his thesis.
The third series contains both drafts and published essays related to early Christian history, interpretations of Christian religious texts and theology. The drafts, journal articles and manuscripts were written by a multitude of different authors, including Newcombe’s students, academics, and Newcombe himself. They were written between 1938 and 1979, and are largely arranged based on subject matter, and not chronologically. Also included in this series are examination booklets written by Newcombe’s United College students from 1951 to 1964.
The fourth series in composed of William Creighton Graham’s lecture notes, sermons and theological essays. This series consists of 9 ringed binders, 2 notebooks and folders, which were likely created in the 1930s. Graham was a professor of Old Testament language and literature at the University of Chicago from 1926 to 1938, before he moved to Winnipeg and served as Principal of United College from 1938 to 1954.
The fifth series consists of an undated scroll covered in Hebrew calligraphy, and composed of panels of parchment that have been stitched together. This item is awaiting further description.
Newcombe, Charles R.