Robert H. Mitchell Papers
Finding aid created by Fuller Theological Seminary-David Allan Hubbard Library Archives staff using RecordEXPRESS
Fuller Theological Seminary-David Allan Hubbard Library Archives
2019
135 North Oakland Ave.
Pasadena, California 91182
(626) 584-5311
archives@fuller.edu
https://library.fuller.edu/
Title: Robert H. Mitchell Papers
Dates: 1921-2002
Collection Number: CFT00017
Creator/Collector:
Mitchell, Robert H.
Extent: 46 Boxes, 30 linear feet
Repository:
Fuller Theological Seminary-David Allan Hubbard Library Archives
Pasadena, California 91182
Abstract: Robert H. Mitchell (1921- 2002) studied landscaping at the University of Redlands, but after his conversion, influenced by
Henrietta Mears, gravitated toward church music, graduating with a B.A. in Music from the University of Redlands (1947). Throughout
his career, including on strategically located sites for sabbatical leaves, Mitchell collected hymnals and the literature
needed to interpret that corpus. The resulting collection contained 9,000 items. The archival materials include published
and unpublished works, correspondence, church music ephemera and documentary resources for Mitchell’s life and ministry.
Language of Material: English
Supervised use only. Scholarly use within parameters of copyright law.
All rights reserved.
Robert H. Mitchell Papers. Fuller Theological Seminary-David Allan Hubbard Library Archives
Gift of the Mitchell Family, 2004
Biography/Administrative History
Robert H. Mitchell (1921- 2002) studied landscaping at the University of Redlands, but after his conversion, influenced by
Henrietta Mears, gravitated toward church music, graduating with a B.A. in Music from the University of Redlands (1947). He
then studied at the Claremont Graduate School (M.A. 1961). His subsequent career was devoted to music ministry and teaching
at California Baptist Seminary at Covina, CA and at American Baptist Seminary of the West in Berkeley, CA (1954-1986). He
also served as on the music staffs of Walnut Creek Presbyterian, Hollywood Presbyterian, and Covina Baptist Church. In 1984,
Mitchell was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree by American Baptist Seminary of the West. Throughout his career,
including on strategically located sites for sabbatical leaves, Mitchell collected hymnals and the literature needed to interpret
that corpus.
Scope and Content of Collection
The archival materials include published and unpublished works, correspondence, church music ephemera and documentary resources
for Mitchell’s life and ministry. Also interested in liturgy and the arts, Mitchell assembled a significant collection of
books documenting the traditions of Christian art and liturgy. Particular attention was devoted to material from outside North
America. About 1200 hymnals in 210 languages other than English were collected.
Art and religion
Christian art and symbolism
Hymns--History and criticism
World music
Mears, Henrietta C. (Henrietta Cornelia)
California Baptist Theological Seminary, Covina, Calif.
Hymn Society of America