Church of the Brethren, Brethren Service Commission, Civilian Public Service records, bulk 1943-1945

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Summary

Title:
Church of the Brethren, Brethren Service Commission, Civilian Public Service records
Dates:
bulk 1943-1945
Creators:
Church of Brethren. Brethren Service Commission. Civilian Public Service
Abstract:
Collection includes memoranda, bulletins, newsletters, and reports relating to compulsory non-military public service, conscientious objectors, and the work of the Church of the Brethren, Brethren Service Commission in the United States during World War II.
Extent:
6 manuscript boxes (2.4 Linear Feet)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Church of the Brethren, Brethren Service Commission, Civilian Public Service records, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Background

Scope and content:

Collection includes memoranda, bulletins, newsletters, and reports relating to compulsory non-military public service, conscientious objectors, and the work of the Brethren Service Commission in the United States during World War II from 1941 to 1946. The first series, Civilian Public Service Camps File, provides a glimpse into the Civilian Public Service camps through newsletters and bulletins written by the conscientious objectors living and working in the camps. The second series, Brethern Service Commission File, consists of memoranda and papers from the Brethren Service Commission and the National Board of Religious Objectors.

Biographical / historical:

The Church of the Brethren is a Christian denomination whose beliefs are guided by the New Testament, with an emphasis on peace, simplicity, and involvement in the relief of suffering and charitable work. The Brethren Service Commission (originally known as the Brethren Service Committee and later renamed the Brethren Volunteer Service), which was originally formed to work on humanitarian relief projects, helped oversee the operation of Civilian Public Service (CPS) camps from 1941 to 1947 for conscientious objectors drafted during World War II.

In a joint operation between the three historic peace churches (the Church of the Brethren, the Mennonites, and the Society of Friends/Quakers) and the government, the CPS camps operated as compulsory non-military public service for conscientious objectors, fulfilling the Selective Service and Training Act of 1940's requirement that those rejecting military service complete other national service in the form of "work of national importance."

The National Service Board of Religious Objectors (created by the three historic peace churches to serve as a liaison with the government) and the Selective Service worked together to select CPS camp sites and identify service project ideas, which included serving specific government technical agencies in areas such as forestry, soil conservation, public health, fish and wildlife, and agriculture, and helping to provide social and mental health services. Over 12,000 conscientious objectors lived in CPS camps and performed various lines of work for no wages; camp operations continued up to nineteen months after the end of World War II. Ultimately the CPS camps and the work of the conscientious objectors led to significant contributions in areas such as forest fire prevention, medical science, and the mental health system.

Acquisition information:
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library Archives in 1969.
Physical location:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by Danielle Lopez
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-02-23 09:37:32.745397

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.

Terms of access:

For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Church of the Brethren, Brethren Service Commission, Civilian Public Service records, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Location of this collection:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives, Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6003, US
Contact:
(650) 723-3563
hooverarchives@stanford.edu
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