By The Wheaton College Archives & Special Collections Staff
Title: Colleen Townsend Evans Papers, 1948-1987
Predominant Dates:1959-1987
ID: SC/039
Primary Creator: Evans, Colleen Townsend
Extent: 5.0 boxes. More info below.
Arrangement: The collection is arranged by series with folder level control.
Date Acquired: 00/00/1989
Subjects: Actresses - United States, Christian life -- Presbyterian authors, Christian women -- Religious life, Motion picture actors and actresses -- United States
Forms of Material: Articles, Audiotapes, Correspondence, Lectures, Memorabilia, Photographs, Sermons, Speeches
Languages: English
The papers of the noted Christian author and churchwoman, Colleen Townsend Evans consist primarily of book manuscripts and published articles. Other materials include awards, biographical materials, photographs, and memorabilia. The collection occupies 16 linear inches.
The manuscript series contains not only typescripts of books and articles, but also galley proofs and notes. They are arranged alphabetically by the title. Published articles, dating from 1948 to 1987 are also arranged alphabetically.
The other series are less comprehensive. A few folders of biographical material, awards, photographs, announcements of speaking engagements and memorabilia round out the collection. It is particularly weak in the area of personal information; the collection almost exclusively covers Evans' public career.
Born and reared in Los Angeles, California, Mrs. Evans attended Hollywood High School and Brigham Young University (Utah). As a teenager, she was under contract for several years as an actress with Twentieth Century Fox Studios. During those years, she met a group of young people who both lived and spoke their faith. Sensing a spiritual need in her own life and impacted by the credible witness of her friends, she made a commitment to Jesus Christ.
In 1950, she married Louis H. Evans, Jr. The first years of their married life were spent at San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, California, followed by two years at New College, University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Rev. and Mrs. Evans first served the Bel Air Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles (Louis was founding pastor), the LaJolla Presbyterian Church, LaJolla, California, followed by 18 years at the National Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. The Evans returned to California where Louis served as part-time pastor-at-large at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. Dr. and Mrs. Evans have four children.
Colleen served as a Corporator of Covenant Life Insurance Company (formerly known as Presbyterian Ministers Fund). She was a member of the Board of Directors of World Vision, U.S., a former board member of Presbyterians for Renewal, and has served as Renewal Associate of PFR. In addition, she has served on the Advisory Boards of the Christian College Coalition (now Coalition of Christian College and Universities), Evangelicals for Social Action and International Justice Mission.
In 1987, she was chair of the Greater Washington Billy Graham Crusade. In that same year, The Religious Heritage of America named her Churchwoman of the Year.
Colleen is the author of nine books, including A Deeper Joy, Vine Life, and most recently, Make Me Like You, Lord. With her husband, she is coauthor of a book on marriage entitled, Bold Commitment.
Actresses - United States
Christian life -- Presbyterian authors
Christian women -- Religious life
Motion picture actors and actresses -- United States
Repository: Wheaton College Archives & Special Collections
Alternate Extent Statement: 5 linear feet
Access Restrictions: There are no restrictions on this collection.
Use Restrictions: Duplication may be restricted if copying could cause damage to items.
Acquisition Source: Gift
Acquisition Method: Colleen Townsend Evans donated her papers to the Wheaton College Special Collections in 1989.
Preferred Citation: Colleen Townsend Evans Papers (SC-39), Wheaton College Special Collections, Wheaton, Illinois.
Other Note: The papers of the noted Christian author and churchwoman, Colleen Townsend Evans consist primarily of book manuscripts and published articles. Other materials include awards, biographical materials, photographs, and memorabilia highlighting Evans
Other URL: http://library.wheaton.edu
