Mary Eliza Moxcey papers, 1901 -- 1920
Collection context
- Creator:
- Moxcey, Mary E. (Mary Eliza), 1875-1970
- Abstract:
- Mary Eliza Moxcey (1875-1970) studied at Union Theological Seminary, Teachers College, and Columbia University, and was a leader in the field of religious education. The collection contains research materials and data resulting from Moxcey's intensive study of the academic and work environment at theological institutions in the United States, toward her dissertation titled "Some Qualities Associated with Success in the Christian Ministry."
- Extent:
- 1.5 linear feet (1.5 linear feet; 3 boxes)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
This collection contains research materials and data resulting from Moxcey's intensive study of the academic and work environment at theological institutions in the United States, toward her dissertation titled "Some Qualities Associated with Success in the Christian Ministry." Materials include spreadsheets and charts; salary, transcript, and personal information for individuals employed by or undertaking religious studies at Boston area seminaries, Drew Theological Seminary, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, and others; raw statistical matter; correspondence; questionnaires distributed to research participants; and pamphlets and minutes of ministries that Moxcey investigated.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Mary Eliza Moxcey was an influential leader of religious education in the early to mid-twentieth century. She was born in Atchison, Kansas, on February 2, 1875. She earned her Ph.B. from Syracuse University in 1897, and completed additional graduate work at a number of institutions, first an M.A. from Oberlin College in 1907, then additional studies at Teachers College, Columbia University from 1913 to 1915, and again in 1917. In the interim, she briefly attended Union Theological Seminary from 1914 to 1915. She returned to Columbia to complete her PhD. in Philosophy. There, she committed to a rigorous, years-long study of careers in the Christian ministry using several American seminaries and conferences as her subjects. She earned her doctorate from Columbia in 1922. Moxcey spent the majority of her academic and professional career devoted to the study and improvement of religious education in primary school education (with a focus on education for young girls), analyzing the Christian ministry as a professional field, and assessing student experience in American seminaries. In her research and work, she strove to assess and improve the relationship between student's actual lives and the vocational work that religious leaders and teachers strive to animate in their students. She developed a number of Sunday school primers, teaching manuals and related curricular materials for use in YWCA and public school settings. She was a religious education teacher at the New York Trade School for Christian Workers from 1916 to 1917, and taught as a Professor of Religious Education at Boston University from 1917 to 1918. She eventually worked as an assistant educator in Cincinnati, Ohio, remaining there from 1918 to 1940. Moxcey was the author of a number of leadership manuals relating to religious education, Sunday school lesson materials, and general education. Her publications include Good Times for Girls (1922), Parents and their Children: An Introductory Manual for Parents' Classes (1922), Physical Health and Recreation for Girls (1920), Some Qualities Associated with Success in the Christian Ministry (1922); Moxcey's doctoral dissertation toward a Doctorate of Philosophy at Columbia University), and Finding My Place: A Girl's Outlook on Life and Vocation (1927). In addition to her extensive research and teaching, Moxcey was a long-time editor of The Methodist Book Concern. She retired in 1940, and passed away in Claremont, California in 1970.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is open for research.
The following boxes are located offsite: Box 1-3. 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: Mary Eliza Moxcey Papers, 1901-1920, box #, 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