Entities commit to being custodians of invaluable Adventist historical records.
Published on: 03-25-2024
The Archives and Records Center of the East Indonesia Union Conference (EIUC) and the West Indonesia Union Mission (WIUM) have recently received “Recognized” accreditation (Level 2), marking a significant milestone in the archives and records-keeping of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in those regions. This accreditation by the General Conference (GC) and the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) is a commendable acknowledgment of the center’s commitment to protecting historical documents, regional leaders said.
David Trim, director of the GC Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research, and the accreditation team, which included SSD secretary Wendell Mandolang and assistant secretary Nazaida Tabelisma, conducted an evaluation of the WIUM and EIUC’s archives and records centers. This thorough procedure reviewed numerous facets of the centers’ operations to ensure compliance with worldwide archival management standards.
The accrediting team’s visit to both organizations’ archives and records centers resulted in certification at the second of four levels. It is proof of their strong infrastructure, precise record-keeping processes, and commitment to preserving the church’s rich history across the region, leaders said.
Mandolang congratulated local leaders for the achievement, highlighting the collaborative effort that led to it. “This accreditation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our colleagues from both offices,” Mandolang said. “Their commitment to maintaining exemplary archival standards is commendable and reflects positively on the entire archival community.”
EIUC and WIUM Archives and Records Center leaders reaffirmed their pledge to continue serving as “custodians of invaluable historical records, ensuring their preservation for future generations to cherish and learn from.”
About the Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research
The Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research (ASTR) is located in the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists building in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States. ASTR has its origins in 1904, in the appointment of a GC statistical secretary. That office took over production of the Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook, as well as the Annual Statistical Report, and until the 1950s also provided part of the recording staff for General Conference Sessions.
In 1973, the General Conference Archives was founded, and in 1975 the Archives and Record Center was combined with the department of the Statistical Secretary to form the Office of Archives and Statistics. In 2011, the department was renamed the Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research; it was given part of the function of the discontinued Office of Assessment and Program Effectiveness as well as a new responsibility for analysis.
ASTR serves as the official records center and archives of the world headquarters and the North American Division. ASTR also conducts research projects for the GC administration; evaluates General Conference departments and agencies; produces the denomination’s Yearbook and Annual Statistical Report; and provides other information on the suite of websites accessible from their website.
The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.
Edward Rodriguez, Southern Asia-Pacific Division, and Adventist Review
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