Scope and arrangement
The Raphael Philemon Powell papers encompass personal and pastoral papers, professional and legal papers, manuscripts, songs, and poems. Drafts of his unpublished and published writings form the bulk of this collection. Included are manuscripts for three of Powell's books Human Side of a People and the Right Name... (ca. 1937), The Invisible Image Uprooted (ca. 1979), and The Prayer for Freedom: A Memorial of the Prayer Pilgrimage (1957). Among the titles of his unpublished manuscripts in the collection are "The Dry Years Addict"; "Biography of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr."; "The Neglected Remedy for Addicts"; and "Who Are You? The Misuse of the Word Black". There is also original music and lyrics for songs composed by Powell.
The pastoral related material includes sermons by Powell and other ministers, programs for churches in New York City, and Powell's notes about biblical subjects. Additionally, there are agendas and minutes for religious organizations for which he served, including the New York Council of Smaller Churches. There is correspondence and other material related to individuals Powell helped through his pastoral responsibilities.
The Raphael Philemon Powell papers are arranged in four series:
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ca. 1932-1988
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1948-1992
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1970-1988
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ca. 1946-1994