Ernest Bourner Allen Papers

Collection

Identifier: RG 30-137

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The papers of Ernest B. Allen document his studies in graduate school, his ministry service, and his travels to Jerusalem and Egypt. The collection consists of notes, 1901-1903, taken by Allen of lectures given by Professor Edward I. Bosworth of the Oberlin Theological Seminary and by other faculty members. The subjects of the lectures include Pauline Theology, New Testament Introduction, and Philosophy and Development of Religion. Also included are four parish registers, 1906-1931, that contain lists of sermons and other addresses given by Allen, and funerals, weddings, and baptisms performed by Allen. Transcripts of Sermons and talks given by Allen are contained in a separate file. Allen's "Statement of Ordination" (1895) expressed his reason for choosing the ministry.

Writings by Ernest B. Allen include hymns, songs, articles, poetry, and essays. Allen's essay, titled "Getting an Education," describes his pursuit of an education through hard work and encouragement from family and friends. A small amount of correspondence, 1917-18, from religious publishers concerns Allen’s submissions of articles and poems.

A small amount of biographical material consists of articles about Allen's ministry, his statement concerning his estate, a death notice, and his memorial service as reported in the Pilgrim Progress Church Newsletter.

In 1904, Allen traveled to Jerusalem and Egypt and recorded his experiences in two diaries. The entries contain description of the methods of travel, by sea and overland, during the early part of the twentieth century. In addition, Allen described life in the Middle East, both in Jerusalem and Egypt.

The collection is divided into seven series: 1. Biographical. 2. Correspondence, 3. Diaries, 4. Lecture Notes, 5. Pastoral Records, 6. Writings, 7. Photographs.

Dates

Creation: 1895-1931, undated
Other: Date acquired: 10/22/1980

Conditions Governing Access

Unrestricted.

Biographical Sketch

Ernest Bourner Allen, son of George Ladd (1832-1898) and Harriet Mathilda Bourner Allen (1832-1892), was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on June 2, 1868. He had one sister, Harriet "Hattie" M. (b. 1870). Allen attended elementary school until eighth grade, then dropped out to help support the family by taking on jobs such as newspaper delivery and a position in a local spring and axle works. He attended Parsons Business College, and worked as a bookkeeper at the M. Israel Company. In 1888, Allen enrolled in the Preparatory Department of Olivet College. He received a B.A. degree from Olivet College in 1895.

Allen’s public speaking skills and his devout interest in the church inspired him to deliver sermons at local churches while attending Olivet College. From 1895 to 1901, he was pastor of the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Lansing, Michigan. He began this position in May, but was not officially ordained to the ministry until September 19, 1895. While in Michigan, he married Mary Rosetta Bryant (1872-1951) on June 2, 1897. In 1901, Allen moved to Toledo, Ohio, where he served as pastor for the Washington Congregational Church. During this time he commuted back and forth to Oberlin, where he received his B.D. degree from the Oberlin Theological Seminary in 1903. He moved to Oak Park, Illinois in, 1918, and served as pastor of the Congregational Church until his death in 1931. During his pastoral career, Allen was active in the Christian Endeavor group of the state of Michigan, and served as missionary superintendent for the state society.

Allen received honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees from Olivet (1907) and Oberlin (1923). He was a trustee of Olivet College from 1897 until his death, and held numerous offices within his denomination. These included trustee of the Ohio Congregational Conference, 1907-14; moderator of the Ohio Congregational Conference, 1910-11; and, a member of the Commission on Missions, National Council. Allen also wrote hundreds of articles on religious subjects, and was a contributing editor of the Christian Endeavor World, Christian Century Quarterly, and Adult Bible Class Monthly.

Ernest Bourner Allen traveled widely, including Egypt, Greece, Italy, England, and the Middle East. His diaries included in the Ernest B. Allen Papers document his trip to Jerusalem in 1904.

He died at his home in Oak Park on November 16, 1931. Allen and his wife had six children: Margaret Bourner (1901-1975, OC 1924), Dorothy Bryant (1903-2008), Mildred Elizabeth (1905-2000), Corinna Frances (1909-2005), Robert Bosworth (1911-1992), and Donald Corbin (1913-1993, OC 1935).

Sources Consulted

Student file of Ernest Bourner Allen (RG 28); Allen Family History by Ralph E. Hillman.

Note written by Joshua Adler.

Extent

1.20 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Method of Acquisition

The Ernest Bourner Allen papers were received by the Oberlin College Archives in three lots. The parish registers, correspondence, and lecture notes were received from the Oberlin College Library in 1980 (1980/33). The remainder of the material was received from Jean Hillman in 2001 (2001/039 and 2001/101).