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L. Harold DeWolf Papers, 1931-1981

 

Summary

Creator:
DeWolf, L. Harold
Extent:
1.67 Linear Feet 4 standard archival containers
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

These materials have been arranged in as logical order as possible. There was no discernable order prior to processing as the materials had been housed and rehoused several times since they were donated. The series reflect the subject's involvement in academia, the Methodist Church, the American Civil Rights Movement, and criminal justice reform. Although there are materials in this collection from as early as 1931 and as late as 1981, the bulk of the materials cover a time period of the 1940s through the 1970s. The Africa series contains notes, photographs, postcards, correspondence and other documents related to the subject's involvement in Methodist missionary work and education efforts in Africa, specifically Southern Rhodesia/Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The Criminal Justice Reform series contains documents related to the subject's interest and work in criminal justice reform, specifically social restoration and rehabilitation. The Lecture Notes series contains notes and lecture materials used in the subject's work as a university professor. The Publications and Papers series contains book and article reviews published by the subject; academic papers and articles authored by the subject; and manuscript notes. The Sermons and Speeches series contains religious and secular addresses made by the subject over the course of his career.

Biographical / historical:

L. (Lotan) Harold Dewolf (1905-1986) was a native of Columbus, Nebraska. He received his A.B. from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1924 and his S.T.B. in 1926. He earned a Ph.D. from Boston University in 1935. From 1926 through 1936, DeWolf served as a Methodist minister in Nebraska and Massachusetts, respectively. From 1934-1944 he was a professor in the Department of Philosophy at Boston University before becoming a professor of Systematic Theology at Boston University. Dr. DeWolf was the author of several books, including The Religious Revolt against Reason; Eternal Life: Why We Believe; What Americans should do about Crime; and Crime and Justice in America: A Paradox of Conscience. He is also the author of several other publications, including "The Case for Theology in Liberal Perspective" and "Responsible Freedom: Guidelines for Christian Action." While at Boston University, L. Harold DeWolf was the dissertation advisor to Martin Luther King, Jr. The two remained in contact in the following years and Dr. DeWolf supported King's efforts in the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. DeWolf was invited by Martin Luther King to help with his desegregation campaign in St. Augustine, FL. Dr. DeWolf and three colleagues from Boston University were part of the tense civil rights discussions in St. Augustine. They were forced to move to the 4th floor of the Jacksonville Courthouse due to tension between the black and white neighborhoods in St. Augustine. However, despite these tensions, an agreement was reached. In 1964 DeWolf facilitated the donation of Martin Luther King's papers to Boston University. DeWolf spoke at King's funeral on April 9, 1968, calling him "an exemplar of faith, hope, and love." L. Harold DeWolf later testified before congress during the efforts to set aside a national holiday honoring Dr. King. In 1965, DeWolf became dean and professor of Systematic Theology at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. He retired in 1972. His teaching of Christian Ethics led him to study the problems of justice as an ethical problem. He received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to travel abroad to study criminal justice systems. He believed that correctional institutions should not be given over to "social revenge" but rather to human redemption. In the 1970s he relocated to Lakeland, Florida, where he lectured periodically at Florida Southern College. He also worked with prisoners at the Polk Correctional Institute. L. Harold DeWolf passed away in 1986.

Acquisition information:
The materials were donated by the subject in 1986
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research. Researchers must contact McKay Archives in advance for access to unprocessed born digital materials in this collection. Collection restrictions, copyright limitations, or technical complications may hinder the SPCUA's ability to provide access to unprocessed born digital materials.

Terms of access:

The L. Harold DeWolf Papers are owned by Florida Southern College. This collection is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). Please inquire if you have questions - archives@flsouthern.edu

Location of this collection:
Florida Southern College
111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr.
Lakeland
FL
33801
USA