Ralph W. Sockman papers, 1937 -- 1945

Collection context

Creator:
Sockman, Ralph W. (Ralph Washington), 1889-1970
Abstract:
Ralph W. Sockman was a professor at Union Theological Seminary, pastor emeritus of the Christ Church (Methodist) in New York City, a prolific author, and a featured speaker of the Sunday morning NBC radio network's program National Radio Pulpit. The collection contains transcripts of National Radio Pulpit addresses.
Extent:
0.25 linear feet 0.25 linear feet; 1 box
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This collection contains mimeograph transcripts of Ralph W. Sockman's addresses on the National Broadcasting Company's (NBC) Sunday morning radio program, National Radio Pulpit. Also included are addresses delivered by guest speakers in Sockman's absence, such as Dr. Fred Field Goodsell, Dr. William Thomson Hanzche, Dr. Alfred Grant Walton, Dr. Leslie Bates Moss, Dr. L. Wendell Fifield, and Dr. Samuel McCrea Cavert. Each folder includes a list of addresses itemized by date and title.

Biographical / historical:

Ralph W. Sockman was born on October 1st, 1889 in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. He studied at Ohio Wesleyan University and in 1913 received an M.A. from Columbia University. In 1916 he graduated from Union Theological Seminary, and married Zellah Endly that same year. He went on to receive his Ph.D. from Columbia University. Sockman completed 34 seasons as a featured speaker of the Sunday morning NBC radio network's program National Radio Pulpit, a post also held by Harry Emerson Fosdick. He was pastor emeritus of the Christ Church (Methodist) in New York City for 44 years and president of the Board of World Peace of the Methodist Church from 1928 to 1960. In 1948 he was elected as director, for his lifetime, of the Hall of Fame for Great Americans. Sockman also served as Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Union Theological Seminary from 1950 to 1957, and as Visiting Professor of Homiletics at Yale Divinity School. From 1963 to 1964, he filled the Harry Emerson Fosdick Visiting Professor position at Union Theological Seminary. Sockman was the author of over twenty books, including Live for Tomorrow, Higher Happiness, and Now to Live! (reprinted in 2007), and wrote a nationally syndicated column entitled Lift for Living. Sockman died in 1970.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This 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: Ralph W. Sockman Papers, 1937-1945, 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