Arnold Kenseth Collection
Table of Contents
Rev. Arnold Kenseth
(from the South Congregational Church Collection)
(from the South Congregational Church Collection)
Biographical Note
Born in Milton, Massachusetts, in 1915, the youngest of a family of eight children, Kenseth graduated from Milton High School in 1933. He continued his education at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine (graduated 1937), then matriculated in a graduate program in English and American Studies at Harvard College (now University), where he spent four years (1938-1941) as the Curator of the Harvard College Library Poetry Room.In January 1941, Kenseth enrolled in Harvard Divinity School and was ordained in June 1944. His first posting was at the Union Congregational Church in the Andover, Massachusetts village of Ballardvale. Three years later he took the post of Protestant Chaplain at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst (1947-1951). In 1949 Kenseth accepted the pastorate at the South Congregational Church in South Amherst, a position he retained until his retirement in March 1989.
Along with his religious work and poetry and prayer writing, Kenseth spent time as an instructor of American Studies at Amherst College (1959-1961), a part-time lecturer in English at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (1961-1972), and the Acting Director of the Writers’ Workshop at the Chantauqua Institution (1970-1971).
Kenseth married Betty J. Amey in 1940. Children Elaine (b. 1943), Geoffrey (b. 1946), and Evan (b. 1950) completed their family. Betty Amey Kenseth died in Amherst in 2001 and Arnold Kenseth died in Amherst in 2003.
Scope and Contents
Publications, correspondence, galley proofs, manuscript poems, audio and video recordings and other materials related to Kenseth's career as a Congregational minister, published poet, teacher and activist in local affairs of Amherst, MA. The collection includes biographical materials and correspondence, poetry worksheets, galley proofs and other materials related to his published and unpublished poetry.Another major part of the collection comprises papers related to Kenseth's position as pastor of the South Congregational Church of Amherst (1949-1989), including correspondence and audiotapes of selected Sunday services (1969-1989).
Other collection items include literary magazines, a yearbook, alumni publications and reunion materials from Bates College (where Kenseth received his Bachelor's degree in 1937) and a small series of files on documenting his involvement with Cambridge Junior College, Union Congregational Church (Ballard Vale, MA) and the Amherst area chapters of the Civil Liberties Union and United Nations.
Related Materials
Amherst Cable Television – Amherst Anthology (VHS tapes)Books of poetry and other writings by Kenseth are located in the Amherst Authors section and in the circulating collection, findable through the library’s online catalog.
Ministers-Kenseth, Rev. Arnold folder in the South Congregational Church Collection in Special Collections
Arrangement
This collection is organized into eight series:Series 1: Writings, circa 1938-1998
Series 2: Correspondence
Series 3: South Congregational Church, Amherst, MA, 1951-1996
Series 4: University of Massachusetts, 1947-1969
Series 5: Bates College, 1934-1999
Series 6: Subject Files, circa 1940-1982
Series 7: Crepusculario Project, circa 1970-1976
Series 8: A/V
For Series 1, folders are arranged first by material type (Books, Poetry, etc.), with the Poetry section being further separated as needed, then alphabetically by title or item type, and finally chronologically if necessary. Within Series 2-7, folders are arranged then alphabetically by folder title. In Series 8 all items are housed in one file box, along with the binder from Series 7.
Collection Inventory
Series 1: Writings, circa 1938-1998
| Box | Folder | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Books – Announcements of | |
| 1 | 2 | Books – Cycle of Praise | 1952 |
| 1 | 3 | Books – Fiddler’s Green | 1998 |
| 1 | 4 | Books – Holy Merriment – Manuscript | |
| 1 | 5 | Books – Holy Merriment – Proof sheets | 1963 Fall |
| 1 | 6 | Books – Holy Merriment – Proofs | |
| 1 | 7 | Books – Poems of Protest… - Correspondence, contract, etc. | 1966-1967 |
| 1 | 8 | Books – Poems of Protest… - Typescript I | |
| 1 | 9 | Books – Poems of Protest… - Typescript II | |
| 1 | 10 | Books – Prayers for Worship Leaders – Preliminary draft 1 | 1977 |
| 2 | 1 | Books – Prayers for Worship Leaders – Preliminary draft 2 | |
| 2 | 2 | Books – Prayers for Worship Leaders – Proofs | |
| 2 | 3 | Books – Reviews of | |
| 2 | 4 | Books – Ritual Year – Proofs | |
| 2 | 5 | Books – Ritual Year – Proofs (Including an Advance Uncorrected Proof) | |
| 2 | 6 | Books – Ritual Year – Comments by Pat Schneider | |
| 2 | 7 | Books – Sabbaths, Sacraments & Seasons – Proof | 1969 |
| 2 | 8 | Books – Sabbaths, Sacraments & Seasons – Proof | 1982 |
| 2 | 9 | Books – Sabbaths, Sacraments & Seasons – “Prayers and Collects” [Reprinting of poems adapted from the book.] | |
| 3 | 1 | Books – Sabbaths, Sacraments & Seasons – Business | |
| 3 | 2 | Books – Sabbaths, Sacraments & Seasons – Letters about | |
| 3 | 3 | Poetry – Chantauqua Institution [Kenseth was the Acting Director of the Writers’ Workshop.] | 1971 |
| 3 | 4 | Poetry – Christmas | Various |
| 3 | 5 | Poetry – Gahm, Philip Done Editing | |
| 3 | 6 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Misc. | |
| 3 | 7 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Occasional poems | |
| 3 | 8 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Poems sent to Betty | 1938-1940 |
| 3 | 9 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Unfinished poems | |
| 3 | 10 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Unpublished | Circa 1999 |
| 3 | 11 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Unpublished – “Seasons & Sceneries” | |
| 3 | 12 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Worksheets – “A Cry of Fathers” | |
| 3 | 13 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Worksheets – “Cycle of Praise” | |
| 3 | 14 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Worksheets – “Fall Asters” | |
| 3 | 15 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Worksheets – “Neighborhood Poems” | |
| 3 | 16 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Worksheets – “Reflections of an Unprofitable Servant” | |
| 3 | 17 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Worksheets – “Variations on a Theme” | |
| 4 | 1 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Worksheets – Misc. – “Air for Autumn” to “Autumn 1942” | |
| 4 | 2 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Worksheets – Misc. – “Bird” to “Elbowed” | |
| 4 | 3 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Worksheets – Misc. – “Elegy” to “Office” | |
| 4 | 4 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Worksheets – Misc. – “Oracle” to “Words” | |
| 4 | 5 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Worksheets – Misc. – Unsorted #1 | |
| 4 | 6 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Worksheets – Misc. – Unsorted #2 | |
| 5 | 1 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Worksheets – Misc. – Unsorted #3 | |
| 5 | 2 | Poetry – Manuscripts – Worksheets – Misc. – Unsorted #4 | |
| 5 | 3 | Poetry – Poems published in newspapers | 1970, 1980, 1995 |
| 5 | 4 | Poetry – Programs for church services that used Kenseth’s poetry | |
| 5 | 5 | Poetry – Publications – B to I (except C) | 1960, 1965, 1970, 1981 |
| 5 | 6 | Poetry – Publications – C (General) | 1941, 1951, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1970, 1972 |
| 5 | 7 | Poetry – Publications – The Minister’s Quarterly | 1955 November – 1959-60 Winter (Missing Fall 1959) |
| 6 | 1 | Poetry – Publications – The Minister’s Quarterly entries [Entries sent to Kenseth when he was Poetry Editor of the magazine.] | Circa 1957-1959 |
| 6 | 2 | Poetry – Publications – N to S | 1959, 1960, 1971, 1972, 1977, 1979, 1996 |
| 6 | 3 | Poetry – Publications – United Church Herald [Kenseth was Poetry Editor for a little while.] | 1966-1969 |
| 6 | 4 | Poetry – Publications – United Church Herald [Kenseth was Poetry Editor for a little while.] | 1970-1971 |
| 6 | 5 | Reviews by Kenseth | 1977, Undated |
| 6 | 6 | Miscellaneous |
Series 2: Correspondence
| Box | Folder | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | Correspondence – A-B | |
| 6 | 8 | Correspondence – C-G | |
| 7 | 1 | Correspondence – Harvard | 1936-1943, undated |
| 7 | 2 | Correspondence – H-O | |
| 7 | 3 | Correspondence – Publishers | |
| 7 | 4 | Correspondence – Post, Avery & Putney, Clifford | |
| 7 | 5 | Correspondence – P-Z | |
| 7 | 6 | Correspondence – Miscellaneous | |
| 7 | 7 | Correspondence – Letters of recommendation | Circa 1967-1972, 1990 |
| 7 | 8 | Correspondence – Letters from readers | Circa 1971-1990 |
| 7 | 9 | Correspondence – Outgoing | 1987-1990 |
Series 3: South Congregational Church
| Box | Folder | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 1 | Bicentennial Service | 1976 July 4 |
| 8 | 2 | Conferences – Deering [NH], Andover [MA] | 1966, 1976, 1986 |
| 8 | 3 | Conferences – Western Area Theological Colloquy | 1985 |
| 8 | 4 | Hampshire Association of Congregational Churches – Fall Meeting | 1976 |
| 8 | 5 | Hampshire Association of Congregational Churches – Task Force | 1975-1976 |
| 8 | 6 | Letters to AHS Seniors | 1975 June |
| 8 | 7 | Programs – Funerals | 1973-1997 (not inclusive) |
| 8 | 8 | Programs – Weddings | 1975-1989 |
| 8 | 9 | Sermon Notes | Circa 1983-1987 |
| 8 | 10 | Sermon Notes | Circa 1983-1990 |
| 8 | 11 | Sermon Outlines | |
| 8 | 12 | TV Script – “The Pastor’s Study” | 1954 |
| 8 | 13 | United Church of Christ – Inclusive Language Guidelines, Kenseth response to | 1980 June |
| 8 | 14 | United Ministry [a.k.a. Amherst Council of Churches, Amherst Ministers’ Association, Amherst Interfaith Fellowship] | 1951-1988 (not inclusive) |
Series 6: Subject Files
| Box | Folder | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | Amherst Record – Letter to the Editor [Letter written by Kenseth and response.] | 1977 August 10 |
| 9 | 10 | Arnold Kenseth Poetry Series | 1998-1999 |
| 9 | 11 | Biographical Information [Various papers, news clippings, etc.] | |
| 9 | 12 | Cambridge Junior College | 1942-1946 |
| 9 | 13 | Church Bulletins/Programs (not from South Congregational) [Items from services at which Kenseth presided or his poetry was used.] | Circa 1965-1995 |
| 10 | 1 | Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, Hampshire County Chapter | 1961-1970 |
| 10 | 2 | Collins, Dan | |
| 10 | 3 | Dittfach, John | |
| 10 | 4 | Douglas, William O. – Douglas for President Committee | 1952 |
| 10 | 5 | DuWors, Richard [Booklet inscribed to Kenseth including poetry written by DuWors.] | 1963 October |
| 10 | 6 | Dwight, Clara | 1978 |
| 10 | 7 | Francis, Robert | |
| 10 | 8 | Grants | 1974-1976 |
| 10 | 9 | Haddad, Abdo [Kenseth wrote the introductions for the booklets.] | 1943 |
| 10 | 10 | Hamilton, Steven – Calligraphy – B to J [Calligraphic copies of poems by various poets.] | |
| 10 | 11 | Hamilton, Steven – Calligraphy – Kenseth [Calligraphic copies of poems by Kenseth.] | |
| 10 | 12 | Hamilton, Steven – Calligraphy – K to Y [Calligraphic copies of poems by various poets.] | |
| 10 | 13 | Hampshire College – Invocation at Community Welcome | 1970 October |
| 10 | 14 | Interviews – New England Anthology | 1955 |
| 10 | 15 | James, Mary | |
| 10 | 16 | Kenseth, Geoffrey [Son of Arnold] | |
| 10 | 17 | Kenseth, Peter | |
| 10 | 18 | Kenseth-Abel, Elaine [Daughter of Arnold] | |
| 10 | 19 | Lorenz, Ellen Jane – “Oh That Our Tongues Were Bells” [Kenseth’s prayer put to music.] | |
| 11 | 1 | MacLeish, Archibald – News clipping | 1996 |
| 11 | 2 | McCord, David | 1945 |
| 11 | 3 | Mayo, E. L. & Family – Winter & Christmas Poems | Undated |
| 11 | 4 | New England Poetry Club | |
| 11 | 5 | Notes and prayers – Misc. | |
| 11 | 6 | Ordination Statement | Circa 1944 |
| 11 | 7 | Photographs | |
| 11 | 8 | Post, Avery | |
| 11 | 9 | Sarton, May | |
| 11 | 10 | Sermons | Circa 1940s |
| 11 | 11 | Shumway, Winifred | |
| 11 | 12 | UNICEF | 1968 |
| 11 | 13 | Union Congregational Church, Ballard Vale, Mass. | Circa 1943-1947 |
| 11 | 14 | United Nations | Circa 1945 |
| 11 | 15 | Wilder, Amos | 1974 May 27 |
| 11 | 16 | Woolman Hill (Quaker Center), Deerfield, Mass. | 1967-1969 |
| 11 | 17 | Worship and Poetry | Circa 1982 |
Series 8: A/V
| Box | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | Audiotapes – Concerts & Sermons | 1969 December 21 – 1976 April 18 |
| 12 | Audiotapes – Concerts & Sermons | 1976 May 16 – 1984 February 12 |
| 12 | Audiotapes – Concerts & Sermons | 1984 July 15 – 1989 April 2 |
| 12 | Audiotapes (3) – “Arnold @ PCTC 1980, Sessions 1, 2, 3 & Conclusion” | 1980 |
| 12 | Reel-to-reel – 3 unlabeled | Undated |
| 12 | Reel-to-reel – “Practice tape for Hockenheim Krippenspiel” | Undated |
| 12 | Reel-to-reel – Sermon | 1972 May 14 |
| 12 | Reel-to-reel – WFCR “The Bookworm’s Turn” | 1973 December 20 |
| 12 | Reel-to-reel – WHMP “Morning Devotions” | [no year] August 12-17 |
| 12 | VHS – “Age is the Rage” | 1995 February, 1996 August 3, 1999 April |
| 12 | VHS – “Amherst Anthology” | 1986 |
| 12 | VHS – Poetry reading at Unitarian Universalist Society of Northampton/Florence | 1995 October 22 |