Apostolic Archives International Inc
By Susan Thomas
The Apostolic Archives International Inc. is a historical repository and research center for 20th century Pentecostal history. Founded in 1999, two additional ministries are the Heritage Museum and the Ministerial Hall of Fame. All three ministries are located in historic, Joplin, MO. Dr. Gary W. Garrett is the founder of all three ministries.
“Our motto reveals our mission, Preserving History – Honoring Excellence – Connecting Generations,” explains Dr. Gary Garrett. There are several divisions that contain historical data such as: photographs, periodicals, an extensive library containing, biographies, yearbooks, church history, organizational history, theology, a collection of hand written sermons, a catalog of 500,000 audio and video sermons, a large collection of Apostolic music on LP’s. They also transfer old recorded materials from reel-to-reel tapes, cassettes, LP’s, wire recordings, and more to digital format. Also, they preserve old 8mm and 16mm film footage to digital format.
The Heritage Museum is an outstanding collection of personal mementos belonging to Apostolic ministers, dating back to the time of the late Bishop G.T. Haywood. Presently, Heritage Museum represents over one hundred ministers in its endeavor to preserve the legacies of legendary men and women of God, who dedicated their lives to the ministry. Showcases include, suits, shoes, briefcases, Bibles, sermon notes, eyeglasses, hats, walking canes, Clergy robes, pulpits, and much more. “The Heritage Museum is a place where memories never die,” states Dr. Garrett.
The Ministerial Hall of Fame is a part of the museum where Apostolic ministers are rewarded double honor through induction into the prestigious Hall of Fame. “It is our way of connecting generations,” states Dr. Garrett. “Presently, sixty-six ministers have been honored with induction. Each minister has a plaque with his/her picture transposed onto a brass plate, mounted on the plaque along with their name and the year of the class they represent.”
If you want to access the museum for research, you can do so by going to the website (www.apostolicarchives.com) which contains many of the projects including access to purchase materials from the audio and video catalogs. There is also a Facebook page for each of the three divisions, which can be accessed for further information and virtual tours. Theses pages are named: Apostolic Archives International, Apostolic Ministerial Hall of Fame, and Apostolic Heritage Museum.
Dr. Garrett is continually looking for materials to expand the museum. “We are looking for materials such as, historical documents, photographs, recordings, periodicals, minister’s diaries, yearbooks, biographies, newspaper articles, ministerial credentials, and personal belongings of Apostolic ministers,” informs Dr. Garrett.
For the past 21 years Dr. Garrett and his wife Deborah have self-funded the entire project. But with mounting expenses and a need for expansion outside help has become inevitable. They do receive financial donations which can be easily made on the website.
Normally there are posted hours of operation, but during the Covid 19 pandemic, they ask that tours be made by appointment only. To schedule a tour please call (417) 291-1667.
The Apostolic Archives International Inc. has a board of directors, including, ambassadors and representatives that serve the organization. For more information you may contact them through the website at: www.apostolicarchives.com or by email at: drgarywgarrett@yahoo.com or by calling/texting our office at: (417) 291-1667.