Archives move to First Southern, Phoenix

By Kay Harms

The Arizona Southern Baptist Historical Commission moved its office and archives to a room in the East Building of First Southern Baptist Church, Phoenix, in May. Previously the archives had been located in a building on Interstate 17 and Northern Avenue.

Archivist Marjorie Kuban said the new location will be safer for the archives as well as for herself and others who do research there. The archives consist of Arizona Southern Baptist Convention annuals, bound volumes of the Baptist Beacon and Portraits magazine, and church histories, as well as artifacts. For instance, the commission has a large display of objects from the Native American culture.

“At First Southern, I have a much larger area where I can set up additional displays,” said Kuban. “We also have a nice area where people can feel comfortable doing research.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted on Sunday, May 22, by First Southern. AZSBC Executive Director David Johnson joined Pastor Steve Hayes, Kuban and the congregation to open the new center.

Kuban encourages and welcomes Arizona Baptists to visit the new center and to use it for research. Although she is at the center Tuesday through Thursday each week, she encourages guests to email her at Marjorie.Kuban@cox.net for appointments.