Eitel Frederick Proelss papers, 1951 -- 1984

Collection context

Creator:
Proelss, Eitel Frederick, 1906-1996
Abstract:
Eitel Frederick George Proelss (1906-1996), born in Germany, Union Theological Seminary class of 1953, Episcopal priest in the Diocese of New York, and senior chaplain of Riker's Island Prison in New York. The collection contains writings by Proelss and others in the form of note cards, jottings, clippings, and one annotated manuscript, used to help Proelss gain an understanding of criminality so as to better assist the incarcerated people whom he served.
Extent:
1 box 1 box; 0.5 linear feet
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This collection contains writings by Proelss and others in the form of note cards, jottings, clippings, and one annotated manuscript, used to help Proelss gain an understanding of criminality so as to better assist the incarcerated people whom he served.

Biographical / historical:

Reverend Dr. Eitel Frederick Proelss was born in Posen, Germany on May 27, 1906. Educated as a lawyer, he received his degree from the Friedrich Wilhem University in Breslau in 1933. While in Germany, he joined the WWII-era Confessing Church, whose best known member was Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and which resisted the Nazi regime. Because of his views, Proelss was sentenced to hard labor by the Nazi regime. After the war, Proelss left Germany and attended Union Theological Seminary, where he received his Bachelor of Divinity in 1953. He was ordained in the Episcopal Diocese of New York in 1955. He became a member of the Episcopal Missionary Society in New York City, and was senior chaplain of Rikers Island during this period. As a clinical associate of Union Theological Seminary from 1951 to 1971, Proelss helped to develop academic programs in psychiatry and religion. Proelss's interests were centered on pastoral counseling. Proelss retired from Union Theological Seminary in 1971 and died on February 16, 1997.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

The following boxes are located offsite: Box 1. Please note that requests for use of boxes held in offsite storage must be made three business days in advance.

Terms of access:

Some material in this collection may be protected by copyright and other rights. Information concerning copyright, fair use, and reproduction requests can be consulted at Columbia's Copyright Advisory Office.

Preferred citation:

Item description, UTS1: Eitel Frederick Proelss papers, 1951-1984, series #, box #, and folder #, The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University in the City of New York.

Location of this collection:
Before you visit:
Researchers must book an appointment at least 5 business days in advance to view special collections material in the reading room. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to one item per hour of appointment time.
Contact:
burke@library.columbia.edu