Texas Archival Resources Online

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Descriptive Summary

Organization History

Scope and Contents

Restrictions

Administrative Information

Description of Series

Brigid's Place

Women's Assembly

Christ Church

Other Related Information

University of Houston Libraries, Special Collections

Brigid's Place Records, 1993-1999



Descriptive Summary

CreatorBrigid's Place (Houston, Tex.)
TitleBrigid's Place Records
Dates: 1993-1999
AbstractBrigid's Place is the women's center at Christ Church Cathedral and is dedicated to the spiritual and personal development of women. The records consist of administrative files, agendas, minutes, notes and fliers, records of activities, speakers, and ministries, and publications.
IDuhwbrp99
Extent9 boxes; 5 linear feet
LanguageEnglish.
RepositorySpecial Collections & Archives, University of Houston Libraries

Organization History

Brigid's Place, the women's center at Christ Church Cathedral, a place of prayer, meditation, research, and mutual support, is dedicated to the spiritual and personal development of women. Brigid's Place was established in 1996 by Christ Church Cathedral's Women's Assembly when the Assembly recognized that it needed to expand both its resources and its space. The Women's Assembly itself was formed in 1993 as a network for progressive women of Christ Church Cathedral.

Originally, the Assembly envisioned Brigid's Place as a separate project, but the Assembly and Brigid's Place soon became closely identified with one another. Brigid's Place assists women in finding mentors, in forming support networks through Small Groups, and in searching for answers to questions about female spirituality, gender roles, theology, and other issues facing religious women in the modern world. Brigid's Place participants join Small Groups, which focus on specific issues of particular importance to women at different stages in life

Brigid's Place is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization with a board of directors; the Rotating Circle, composed of members from smaller communities who serve limited terms, is the advisory board of Brigid's Place. Brigid's Place also publishes an annual newsletter and brochures for their programs.

Return to the Table of Contents


Scope and Contents

Although the Women's Assembly founded Brigid's Place in 1996, the papers in this collection span from 1993 to 1999. Some research items date to the late 1980s and early 1990s. The papers arrived in five boxes, which split naturally into the two categories of the Women's Assembly and Brigid's Place. The papers were arranged topically and chronologically.

The largest portion of the papers concern the Women's Assembly and Brigid's Place, which are the first two series of the collection. Because the activities of the Women's Assembly quickly became synonymous with Brigid's Place, the papers of the Assembly are included with Brigid's Place beginning with 1996, the year of its foundation. Therefore, the papers relating to the Women's Assembly from 1993 through 1995 were placed in the Women's Assembly series. All papers from 1996 on are in the Brigid's Place series; however, researchers may note some overlap with 1996, and should check both series for complete documentation. These two series contain administrative records; agendas, minutes, notes and fliers for the Rotating Circle and Small Groups; the records of activities, speakers, and ministries for both organizations; and publications.

Papers filed throughout the collection, but which did not directly relate to the functioning and activities of either Brigid's Place or the Women's Assembly, are arranged into two more series: Christ Church, and Other Related Information. The Christ Church series contains various newsletters, minutes, and documents relating to the Christ Church Cathedral, and to other organizations associated with the parish. Other Related Information contains information regarding other religious and women's organization not directly tied to Christ Church, as well as various research materials. The current organization is primarily topical by series and sub-series, and is either topical or chronological within the sub-series.

Return to the Table of Contents


Restrictions

Requests for permission to publish material from the collection should be discussed with the University Archivist.

Return to the Table of Contents


Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Brigid's Place Records, Courtesy of Special Collections & Archives, University of Houston Libraries.

Acquisition

Donated by Brigid's Place, 1999

Processed by

Leigh Fought, July 1999

Return to the Table of Contents


Detailed Description

 

Brigid's Place

Brigid's Place contains the papers relating to the administration and activities of the women's center at Christ Church Cathedral, beginning in January 1996 and continuing through 1999. This series is divided into eight sub-series: Administration, Rotating Circle, Small Groups, Ministries, Activities, Speakers, Labyrinth, and Publications. The Administration sub-series contains the documentation for the creation and organization of Brigid's Place, as well as some financial records, correspondence, and information regarding its board of directors. The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject. The Rotating Circle and the Small Groups sub-series include agendas, minutes, notes, and fliers for the Rotating Circle administrative committee and for the various topical committees of Brigid's Place. The Rotating Circle folders are arranged chronologically, while the Small Groups folders are arranged alphabetically by group name. The Ministries sub-series contains similar information, as well as descriptions and plans for the different outreach programs associated with Brigid's Place. Those folders are arranged chronologically. The Activities and the Speakers sub-series include the plans, budgets, attendance records, fliers, and brochures for various liturgical events, workshops, retreats, and educational lectures sponsored by Brigid's Place. The sub-series are arranged chronologically. Information regarding the research and execution of the Labyrinth, a major project of Brigid's Place in conjunction with other Houston area religious organizations during 1997, is contained in the Labyrinth sub-series. The Publications sub-series contains The Women's Journal newsletter, and Lenten Meditations, a group of prayers for women during the season of Lent.
Administration
Creation
boxfolder
11Proposal, 1995-1996
2Organizational Meetings, 1995
3Budgets, 1995-1996
4Long Range Planning, 1996
5Architectural Plans, 1995
Organization
boxfolder
16Statement of Purpose, 1995-1998
7Articles of Incorporation, 1997
8By-Laws, 1998
9Non-profit Status, 1996-1998
10Organizational Structure, n.d.
11Board Meetings Information, 1998-1999
12Brochures, n.d. [c. 1998]
13Computer Disks, n.d.
14Correspondence, 1995-1997
15Directors Lists, 1994-1996
16Treasurer's Reports, 1997-1998
Rotating Circle
boxfolder
117Meeting Information, 1996
18Meeting Information, 1997
19Meeting Information, 1998
20Meeting Information, 1999
Small Groups
boxfolder
121Feminist Forum, 1996-1997
22Noontime Meditation, 1996-1997
23Women in the Workplace, 1997
Ministries
boxfolder
124Jail Chaplaincy, February 1995
25Jewish and Christian Women in Conversation, June 1996
26Women in Crisis, 1996-1997
boxfolder
21Caring Partners, 1996-1997
2Noah Project, 1997
3Brigid's Hope, 1999
Activities
boxfolder
24Calendars, 1996-1999
5Seasonal Programs, 1997-1999
6Blessing of Brigid's Place, August 25, 1996
7Yoga, 1996
8Outdoor Program, 1996-1997
9Workshops, 1996-1998
10Theater LaB Benefit, April 1997
11Creative Writing Workshop, Spring 1997
12“Racism: Woman to Woman,” September 10, 1997
13Mary Magdalene Festival, 1997-1998
14Retreats, 1997-1999
15“Creativity as Sacrament” Workshop, May 8-9, 1998
16“A Time for Friends,” November 7, 1998
17St. Brigid's Festival, 1998-1999
18Women's Spirituality Day, January 23, 1999
19Hildegard von Bingen Festival, April 30, 1999
20Julian of Norwich Festival, May 5, n.d.
Speakers
boxfolder
221Laurence Freeman, May 1996-Nov. 1997
22J. Pittman McGhee, September 6-7, 1996
23Richard Howard, September 26, 1996
24Living the Questions series (misc.), September 1996-April 1997
25Jane Chance, September 1996, June 1997
26Don Benjamin and Jennifer Elkins, October 1996
27Anne Carolyn Klein, November 1-2, 1996
28Erika Lorentz, December 6-7, 1996
29John Lienhard, 1996, n.d.
boxfolder
31Martha Serpas, January 1997
2Edith Mayo, January 1997
3Tinka Tarver, March 14-15, 1997
4Rev. Michael Mayne, April 1997
5Elizabeth Smith, April 1997
6Patricia Orr, June 1997
7Sue Monk Kidd, September 1997
8Fr. Thomas Keating, March 1998
9Sister Helen Prejean, March 6, 1999
10Betty Adam, n.d.
Labyrinth
boxfolder
311Meetings, 1996-1997
12Correspondence, 1995-1997
13Budgets, March-April 1997
14Events, 1996-1997
15Presenter Training, February 9, 1997
16Volunteers, 1994-1996
17Research, 1991-1997
Publications
boxfolder
318Women's Journal, 1997-1999
19Lenten Meditations, 1998-1999

Return to the Table of Contents




 

Women's Assembly

The sub-series for the Women's Assembly are nearly identical to those of Brigid's Place: Administration, Rotating Circle, Small Groups, Ministries, Activities, Speakers, and Publications. The materials are dated 1993-1996. Because Brigid's Place is an extension of the Women's Assembly, the duplicated sub-series contain the same types of papers that are included in Brigid's Place, and follow the same arrangement.
Administration
Creation
boxfolder
320Organizational Meetings, March-June 1993
21Budget Rationale, 1994
Organization
boxfolder
322Mission and Goals, n.d.
23Organizational Chart, 1994
24Brochure Plans, 1995
25Correspondence, 1993-1995, n.d.
26Mailing Lists, 1993-1997
Rotating Circle
boxfolder
327Meeting Information, 1993
28Meeting Information, 1994
29Meeting Information, 1995
30Publicity Committee, 1993
Small Groups
boxfolder
331Lists, 1994-1995
32Contemplative Woman, 1993-1994
33Feminist Forum, 1994-1995
34Mothers and Daughters, 1994
35Through Her Eyes, n.d.
boxfolder
41Weavers, 1994-1995
2Wisdom Bearers, 1993
3Women in the Workplace, 1993-1995
4Women on the Cusp, 1993-1996
5Women Praying for Women, n.d.
6Women Saints and Mystics, 1993-1996
7Women in Crisis, 1993-1996
Ministries
boxfolder
48New Hope Housing, 1996
9Caring Partners, n.d.
Activities
boxfolder
410“Savvy, Spirited, Southern,” 1993
11Retreats, 1993-1994
12“Let Freedom Ring,” 1994
13St. Lucia Evening, 1994
14Facilitator Workshop, 1994-1995
15St. Brigid Festival, 1994-1996
16Taskforce (unidentified), 1995
17Personal Empowerment Workshop, 1996
18Workshops, n.d.
Speakers
boxfolder
419Christine Cozzens and Donna Sadler, September 1993
20“Herstory”: Women of the Bible, November 1993
21Speakers Bureau, 1993
22Carol Anderson, 1993
23East Harris County Convocation, n.d. [c. 1993-1994]
24John Lienhard, May 1994
25Parker Palmer, September 1994
26Allison Cheek, May 1995
27Daphne Grimes, April 1996
28Lois Ann Peckham, May 1996
Publications
boxfolder
429Newsletters, 1993-1996
30Matrix Award, 1995
boxfolder
51Notes, 1993-1994
2Notes, 1995
3Notes, 1996
4Photos, n.d.
5Mailing List, n.d.

Return to the Table of Contents




 

Christ Church

The Christ Church sub-series and folders contain papers relating to Christ Church Cathedral and its other organizations for the years 1985 through 1999. The folders in this series are arranged alphabetically by topic: Administration, Cathedral Organizations, Cathedral Bulletin, Events, and Miscellaneous. The Administration folders are arranged alphabetically, and contain church policies, brochures, parish reports and plans of action. The Cathedral Organizations includes minutes, information, and fliers concerning Christ Church organizations other than the Women's Assembly or Brigid's Place. The folders are arranged alphabetically. The two Cathedral Bulletin folders contain an incomplete set of newsletters for the Cathedral from 1992-1999. The Events folder contains fliers for various church functions. The Miscellaneous folders contains fliers, clippings and other information related to Christ Church, but not directly related to the other subseries and folders in the Christ Church series.
Administration
boxfolder
56Brochures, n.d.
7Building Use Policies, 1997, n.d.
8Church Policies, 1992-1995
9Parish Report, 1994-1999
10Plan of Action, 1997
Cathedral Organizations
boxfolder
511Daughters of the King, 1985-1986, 1990-1994
12Guild of the Christ Child, 1993
13Ladies' Parish Association, 1992-1997
14Mary and Martha Guild, 1993-1995
15Women's Breakfast, 1992-1997
16Cathedral Bulletin, 1992-1996
boxfolder
61Cathedral Bulletin, 1997-1999
2Events, 1994-1999
3Miscellaneous, 1996-1998

Return to the Table of Contents




 

Other Related Information

The Other Related Information series contains papers not directly related to Christ Church Cathedral, the Women's Assembly, or Brigid's Place, dated 1986 through 1999. Three sub-series are found in the Other Related Information series: Organizations, Conferences/Events, and Research. The Organizations sub-series folders are arranged into two groups: Women's and Religious. Women's Organizations include both secular and religious groups focusing primarily on women. Religious Organizations include only religious groups that have no particular gender association. The folders in the two Organizations groups are arranged alphabetically. The Conferences/Events sub-series includes programs and information for conferences or similar events that were not sponsored by Christ Church, the Women's Assembly, or Brigid's Place. These folders are arranged alphabetically. The Research sub-series contains clippings, papers, notes, brochures and publications relating to the various issues that concerned the women of Brigid's Place. These folders are arranged alphabetically by topic. All of the material in the Other Related Information series provides context for the different activities, networking, and ideas that influenced the creation and functioning of Brigid's Place. The oversized box contains three issues of New York Times Magazine, January and April 1990, and June 1993; three issues of the Texas Episcopalian, September 1996, and March and May 1999. The box also contains one page from the April 1995 Texas Episcopalian, and ten sheets of butcher paper with notes written on them.
Organizations
Women's
boxfolder
64Crisis Pregnancy Center, 1993
5Episcopal Women's Caucus, 1993-1995
6Federation of Houston Professional Women, 1994-1997
7Gladney Center (adoption), n.d.
8Greater Houston Women's Foundation, 1993-1997
9Houston Area Women's Center, 1993-1994
10National Assembly of Religious Women, 1992-1993
11Planned Parenthood, 1991-1996
12UH Women's Studies Program, 1993-1996
13Women for Social Witness, 1993
14Women in Mission and Ministry, 1992-1995
15Other, 1993-1996
Religious
boxfolder
616Center for Progressive Christianity, 1996-1997
17Episcopal Diocese, 1988-1999
18Institute of Religion, 1994
19Jung Center, 1996-1997
20“Let Freedom Ring,” 1995
boxfolder
71New York Open Center, 1996
2Other, 1992-1998
Conferences/Events
boxfolder
73“Catching Fire,” 1992
4“Continuum of Violence,” 1992
5Trinity Institute National Conferences, 1992-1995
6“A Vision of Wholeness,” 1994
7“Women in Photography,” 1993-1994
8Other, 1993-1996
Research
boxfolder
79Anglican Spirituality and Liturgy, 1974-1994
10Diversity, 1992-1995
11Family Issues, 1992-1995
12Feminism, 1990-1994
13Gospel of John, n.d.
14Male/Female Difference, 1988, n.d.
15Prayer, n.d.
16Reproduction Issues, n.d.
17St. Brigid of Ireland, 1954, 1994
18St. Hildegard von Bingen, 1998
19St. Lucia, n.d.
20Science and Religion, n.d.
boxfolder
81Supplemental Liturgical Materials, 1993-1997
2Women and Education, 1993-1994
3Women and Spirituality, 1985-1994
4Women in the Clergy, 1986-1994
5Women's Health, 1991-1992
6Women's Self-Esteem, 1990-1997
7Handwritten Notes, n.d.
8Other, n.d.
boxfolder
9OV-1Oversized, 1990-1999

Return to the Table of Contents