Archives


The Saint Thomas More (STM) Archives was founded in 2011 and dedicated to safeguarding the history of our Parish for future generations. We preserve material such as photographs and negatives, videos, audio, brochures, fliers, reports, administrative, and ministry records that represent our congregational memory.

Please feel free to contribute by donating your STM material and ensure that we leave a legacy for future parishioners and the community.

Our Mission

The mission of the Archives of the Church of St. Thomas More is the preservation, organization, and management of historical records and sacred objects of individuals, ministries, and organizations engaged in work reflecting the goals of the Parish.

Records and collections held in the Archives are significant for administrative and historical reasons. The Archives Committee has the responsibility of gathering and preserving historical material relating to the Parish and organizing the information so that it is easily and readily retrievable. Additionally, through efficient administration of this valuable information, the Archives Committee provides opportunities for education, research, and enjoyment to generate an appreciation of the past and to promote the future of the Parish.

Archives Collection Policy

The objective of the St. Thomas More Archives is to collect and preserve present and historical church records of individuals, ministries, and organizations engaged in work that reflects the goals of St. Thomas More Catholic Church (STM). Additionally, it is the goal of the Archives to make records accessible to the general public unless access is restricted by legal requirements or written instructions of the donor. The Archives places major emphasis on acquiring archival records documenting significant Parish activity or its impact, and personal records made by organizations and private individuals showing their participation in or observation of significant Parish activities. The Archives also exists to:

  • Provide adquate and appropriate conditions for the storage, protection, and preservation of its materials.
  • Provide reference services to individuals interested in the holdings of the Archives.
  • Provide outreach programs to increase public awareness and appreciation of the history and development of St. Thomas More Catholic Church.

Material acquired by the St. Thomas More Archives shall be appraised according to archival principles and practices to maintain an adequate storage facility now and in the foreseeable future. The acquired materials will also become the permanent property of St. Thomas More and the archives until the Archivist deems it no longer relevant, and thus, may be deaccessioned. All informaiton pertaining to the deaccessioning or disposal of material will be retained in the Archives’ records.

The Archives will accept material in these formats:

Official Church Records

  • Constitution and by-laws in original and revised forms
  • Committee and ministry minutes
  • Annual reports
  • Records of baptisms, first Eucharists, confirmations, marriages, deaths
  • Legal records–deeds, trust agreements
  • Financial records
  • Records that protect the rights of employees
  • Church correspondences
  • Church events

Publications

  • Bulletins
  • Homilies (on website)
  • Newsletters
  • Membership directories, yearbooks
  • Newspaper clippings
  • Ephemeral material from ministries–pamphlets, brochures, fliers, programs
  • Conference reports

Audio and Visual

  • Church videos and films
  • Photographs
  • Recordings
  • Music records
  • Oral histories

Miscellaneous Material

  • Records created by ministries
  • Biographical material on priests (past and present) and any other leaders
  • Memorabilia and artifacts
  • Histories of the local community
  • Architectural drawings, blueprints of church buildings

The Archives retains the right to create surrogates of material for preservation, research, or security reasons.

No person shall be prevented from using the Archives unless it is determined that the materials will be physically abused or used in a libelous or illegal manner.