The Congregational Library & Archives (CLA) is proud to announce a new annual research fellowship opportunity. In honor of Rev. Dr. Arvel M. Steece, the library is launching a fellowship to support a non-academic researcher working on a project focused on some aspect of Congregational Christian history grounded in the CLA’s collections. Pastors, church historians, artists, church members, and others are all encouraged to apply.
This $1,000 fellowship is named after a well-respected and well-loved Congregational church leader who was a passionate historian of the Congregational story. Ordained as a minister on June 20, 1947, Rev. Dr. Steece served churches in Illinois, Minnesota, Connecticut, Michigan, Vermont, and Massachusetts. An active leader in the Congregational community, he helped to form the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC) in 1955 and was a founder of the Congregational Press. Throughout his life, Steece’s dedication to social justice was evident through his advocacy for civil rights, civil liberties, the separation of church and state, and non-violence. “Arvel was such an eloquent storyteller,” remembers Rev. Dr. Ashley Cleere. “I love the idea of people continuing to tell the Congregational story in this way that honors him.”
“Arvel M. Steece never missed a meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Congregational Association,” explains Dr. Kyle Roberts, Executive Director of the CLA. “It is only fitting to create this new research fellowship in his memory for people to explore topics in an institution he so loved.”
The Arvel M. Steece Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for non-academics to explore the library’s collection and expand the interpretation of Congregational history beyond academia. Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2024. The award will be announced on November 22, 2024. Travel to Boston for the fellowship must take place between December 1, 2024, and November 30, 2025. The submission form is live now, and applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Find more information, including a link to the fellowship application, on the Congregational Library & Archives’ website at congregationallibrary.org/fellowships.