Pack (Frank) Papers, 1933-1990

Printable guide [HTML]

Summary

Title:
Frank Pack Papers
Dates:
1933-1990
Abstract:
The collection consists of Dr. Frank Pack's daily planners, grade books, correspondence, notes, and sermons from 1933 to 1990. The lifelong preacher spent the majority of his career at David Lipscomb College, Pepperdine College, and Abilene Christian College. He also preached or was a guest speaker at numerous churches and universities across the country.
Extent:
3.25 Linear Feet (4 boxes)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Box/folder# or item name], Frank Pack Papers, Collection no. 0136, Churches of Christ Heritage Center, Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Pepperdine University.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of Dr. Frank Pack's daily planners from 1963 to 1990, as well as audiocassettes of sermons preached or heard by Dr. Pack. In addition, the collection also includes some of Dr. Pack's grade books, financial records, correspondence, and pieces written about him. The collection as a whole spans from 1933 to 1990.

Biographical / historical:

Frank Pack was the eldest of three sons and was born on March 27, 1916, in Memphis, Tennessee to Walter and Mary Pack. Frank was baptized at the age of 10 and knew from a young age that he wanted to be a preacher. When he was 16, he preached his first sermon before the Reid Avenue congregation in Nashville on July 10, 1932. He later graduated from high school as salutatorian and went on to attend David Lipscomb College for three years with fellow students Howard A. White, M. Norvel Young, Batsell Barrett Baxter, and Willard Collins.

Frank preached in Chattanooga while completing his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Chattanooga and his Master's at Vanderbilt. In 1940, he joined the Bible faculty at David Lipscomb College and also preached at the Grace Avenue Church for four years. In 1945, Frank moved to Los Angeles to attend USC where he pursued a doctorate degree due to the encouragement of Batsell Baxter, Sr. By September of that same year, he was also teaching at Pepperdine College and preaching at the Burbank Church of Christ.

In August 1946, Della Carlton attended service at the Burbank Church of Christ where she met Frank. The two became instant companions and married in June, 1947. In 1949, Frank and Della moved to Abilene, Texas when Frank received an offer to join the faculty at Abilene Christian College. After 14 years at Abilene Christian College, Frank and Della moved back to Los Angeles when they received a call from President M. Norvel Young to return to Pepperdine College. From 1964 to 1991, Frank preached for the Culver-Palms Church of Christ and served on the faculty of Pepperdine College. In addition to his teaching duties, he also chaired the Bible department from 1964 to 1972, and again from 1980 to 1983. He served as dean of the Graduate School from 1967 to 1978 and was promoted to Distinguished Professor of Religion in 1978. His wife, Della, was also a member of the Pepperdine faculty from 1964 to 1977.

Frank preached for nearly 60 years at more than 300 gospel meetings and was a featured speaker in college lecture programs throughout the nation. He was also a prolific writer, publishing nine books and more than 300 articles throughout his career. Frank died on December 9, 1998, of natural causes in Upland, California. He was 82.

Processing information:

The collection was arranged and described by Melanie Greer and Katie Richardson in April, 2015.

Arrangement:

The collection is organized into two series: 1. Printed Materials and 2. Audiocassettes.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Melanie Greer and Katie Richardson
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2025-08-26 19:30:15 +0000 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

Advance notice required for access.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Preferred citation:

[Box/folder# or item name], Frank Pack Papers, Collection no. 0136, Churches of Christ Heritage Center, Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Pepperdine University.

Location of this collection:
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263-4786, US
Contact:
(310) 506-4323
specialcollections@pepperdine.edu
Website