Fellowships In Reformed Church History Offered

The Reformed Church Center at New Brunswick Theological Seminary of New Brunswick, NJ and Queens, NY invites proposals for three scholarly research fellowships during the 2015-16 academic year.

The three fellowships offer an opportunity for research in Reformed Church history, research and/or presentation in Reformed Church worship and liturgy, and research in Reformed Church in America women’s studies.

Applications and proposals for all three fellowships (described briefly below) are due by April 30, 2015. Information and applications can be found online and by contacting James Hart Brumm, Director of the Reformed Church Center, at jbrumm@nbts.edu.

The Albert A. Smith Fellowship
An opportunity for research in Reformed Church History

The Smith Fellowship provides a stipend of $500.00 and the possibility of a two-week residency at New Brunswick Theological Seminary to support research into the history of the Reformed tradition, particularly as it pertains to the Reformed Church in America (RCA). It was established in memory of the Rev. Albert A Smith, late pastor of the First Reformed Church in Schenectady, New York, and author of a history of the Preakness Reformed Church in Wayne, New Jersey. The resources of the seminary and the RCA Archives are at the Fellow’s disposal, including advice and assistance of the faculty, the RCA Archivist, and the library staff. The Fellow will present a lecture to the seminary community. Previous fellows have included pastors and lay persons with historical interests as well as professional scholars. Projects have focused on a variety of topics, such as the evolution of particular congregations or classes, the ideas of leading Reformed figures, and the trajectories of church growth and decline. The selection committee looks for applications that show careful planning; a good grasp of the project’s purpose, scope, and significance; and clarity about how the results of the project will be disseminated. Preference will be given to applicants who have already begun research in a project and will thus able to share preliminary results in the Smith Lecture.

The Alvin J. Poppen And John R. Young Fellowship
An opportunity for research and/or presentation in Reformed Worship and Liturgy

The Alvin J. Poppen and John R. Young Fellowship provides a $500.00 stipend, travel expenses, and the possibility a two-week residency at New Brunswick Theological Seminary to support research in Reformed Worship, particularly as it pertains to the RCA. It has been established by gifts from friends of Alvin J. Poppen and the late John R. Young. The resources of the Seminary, as well as the wide variety of worship resources and experiences in the New York metropolitan area, are at the Fellow’s disposal. The Fellow will provide an experience of the results of the work, through a lecture, a convocation on the theme chosen, or some other public expression shared with the Seminary community. Anyone with an interest in Reformed Worship is encouraged to apply. This is an opportunity for personal study that can improve the vitality of the worshipping church. The selection committee looks for applications that show careful planning and a good grasp of the project’s purpose, scope, and significance. Preference will be given to applicants who have already begun research in a project and will thus able to share preliminary results in the presentation.

The Hazel B. Gnade Fellowship
An opportunity for research in RCA Women’s Studies.
The Hazel B. Gnade Fellowship provides a $500.00 stipend and the possibility of a two-week residency at New Brunswick Theological Seminary to support research in the history of women’s involvement in the RCA. The resources of the seminary and the RCA Archives are at the Fellow’s disposal, including advice and assistance of the faculty, the RCA Archivist, and the library staff. The Fellow will present a lecture to the seminary community. This fellowship has been established in memory of Hazel B. Gnade, a long-time member of the RCA Women’s Board of Foreign Missions. Anyone with an interest in the history of women in the RCA is encouraged to apply. The selection committee looks for applications that show careful planning; a good grasp of the project’s purpose, scope, and significance; and clarity about how the results of the project will be disseminated. Preference will be given to applicants who have already begun research in a project and will thus able to share preliminary results in the Gnade Lecture.