About the Crowell Archives

The Moody Bible Institute Archives exists to collect, preserve, and make accessible archival materials which record the life and times of Dwight Lyman Moody and that illustrate the formation, organization, and history of the Moody Bible Institute. The Archives is a part of the Crowell Library and is located on the lower level of the Sweeting Center for World Evangelization on MBI’s central campus in downtown Chicago.

Some notable holdings include records from MBI Ministries (Broadcasting, Education, Moody Press, Today in the Word, etc.) and documents from significant events including the Civil War, Chicago Fire, evangelistic campaigns in the US and Europe, and biographical material of distinguished Christian ministers (C.I. Scofield, Spurgeon, and others).

The Archives are organized into two major topics: Moodyana and the Moody Bible Institute.

Moodyana

"Moodyana" is a term describing our collections that contain items related to the life and work of D. L. Moody (1837-99), his Chicago residency of 1856-73, and his co-workers. These collections contain thousands of photos, clippings, correspondence, sermon notes, and memorabilia of his campaigns.

Moody Bible Institute

The collection contains records and materials that document:

  • The founding and history of Moody Bible Institute (MBI)
  • The Chicago Evangelization Society (the organization from which the Moody Bible Institute developed)
  • WMBI radio
  • Day, Evening and Graduate Schools
  • Moody Press
  • Moody Monthly

The Archives houses over thirty file drawers full of biographical and photographic material of people who have had some connection with the Institute, including faculty, employees and noted personalities.

The entire archival collection consists of fourteen 5-drawer legal file cabinets, sixty archival boxes, and 221 feet of open shelves housing historical A-V and three-dimensional materials. There are also many finding aids and indexes to aid researchers in their queries.

More information about the Archives and collections and additional resources can be found on the Archives LibGuide.

Accessing the Archives

The collection is available by appointment during scheduled hours. During these hours, a library staff member will be available to answer questions and help locate desired materials. To schedule a research appointment or for more information on reading room regulations or our archival holdings, please contact us.

Hours: weekdays by appointment only. E-mail archives@moody.edu at least two days in advance to schedule an appointment.

The Archives is located in Room 003 on the Lower Level of Crowell Library in the Sweeting Center (820 N. LaSalle Blvd., Chicago, IL 60610). It is ADA accessible. For assistance, please visit the Circulation Desk located on the first floor. Free parking is available. Pease call ahead for instructions for obtaining a visitor’s parking pass.

Accessioning of Records

The archives accepts record transfers from within the Institute. The archives may accept donations from outside parties if the materials meet the collection criteria and are items new to our holdings. In order to record provenance, all items must go through a process of documentation. Upon transfer of ownership, donated/transferred items will be processed, indexed, housed, and made accessible to researchers.

MBI Departments represented in our holdings: Administration, Alumni Association, Aviation, the Board of Trustees, Broadcasting, Library, Moody Institute of Science, Moody Publishers, President’s Office, Public Relations, Sacred Music Department, Stewardship, and Student Development.

Types of archival materials: Correspondence and biographical records, fiscal records, MBI catalogs, rare books, periodicals and MBI publications, clippings, microforms, photographs, media, awards & memorabilia, artwork, maps, sermon and class notes, Tunisian Torah scroll, etc.

Location Info

Crowell Library Archives
Moody Bible Institute

820 N. LaSalle Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60610-3284
Sweeting Center
Lower Level

Open Mon, Tue, & Thur
(by appointment)
(312) 329-4175
archives@moody.edu

Icon - Facebook

© Moody Bible Institute

;