The Jenks Memorial Collection of Adventual Materials collects, preserves, makes accessible, and interprets materials concerning the Millerite Movement (which preached the imminent return of Jesus Christ to earth [especially his return in 1843-44], based on the biblical interpretation of William Miller [1782-1849]), as well as materials concerning early Adventism and the Advent Christian denomination (one of six denominations to come out of the Millerite movement).
This collection of primary materials was assembled over many years by Dr. Orrin Roe Jenks, the seventh president of what is today Aurora University. On January 5, 1956, in recognition of his many years of labor collecting, preserving, and arranging these materials, the collection was named in his honor as a memorial to him — the Jenks Memorial Collection of Adventual Materials.
Building the Jenks Collection
There are certain materials that the Jenks Collection is always interested in acquiring: original Millerite newspapers and charts; charts created and used by early Adventists and Advent Christian ministers; photographs documenting the history of early Adventism as well as Advent Christian churches, campmeetings, and individuals; and the official records of Advent Christian churches, campmeeting associations, regional organizations, and the Advent Christian General Conference.
Funds to support this collection are also needed. The Jenks Collection is almost completely supported by contributions and bequests. If you would like to contribute monetarily to support our mission of preserving these important records, you may donate online (using our secure site) or send a check to the Development Office, Aurora University, 347 S. Gladstone Ave., Aurora, IL 60506. (Be sure to write on the check's memo line that the contribution is for the Jenks Collection.)
