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Location: AC.2.B.2.3.2 - AC.2.B.2.3.5

Reverend Dr. James L. Hudson, Sr. (1904–1980) was a minister, educator, and civil rights leader. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, he graduated from Morehouse College in 1926 and later earned a divinity degree from Colgate-Rochester School of Religion in 1931. He served as a chaplain at Leland College until 1946 before completing doctoral studies at Boston College. Dr. Hudson later joined Florida A&M University as a chaplain and professor, where he founded the Department of Religion and Philosophy and served as its first chair. A close associate of Rev. Charles K. Steele, he played a key role in civil rights efforts, including the 1956 Tallahassee Bus Boycott, and was active in organizations such as the Tallahassee Ministerial Alliance and the Inter-Civic Council.

The Reverend Dr. James Hudson, Sr. Collection documents Hudson’s career in ministry, education, and civil rights activism. The collection contains materials related to his work at Florida A&M University, including records associated with the establishment of the Department of Religion and Philosophy, as well as documents reflecting his role as a chaplain and educator.

Additional materials highlight his involvement in civil rights initiatives in Tallahassee, including his collaboration with local religious and community leaders. The collection may include correspondence, sermons, speeches, and organizational records that illustrate his leadership in religious and civic life. Collectively, these materials provide insight into Hudson’s lasting contributions to higher education, faith leadership, and the advancement of social justice.

Location: AC.3.A.3.5.6

The Reverend Elvis W. Spearman Collection consists of one box of materials documenting the professional and spiritual life of Rev. Elvis W. Spearman. Spearman served as postmaster at Florida A&M University until his retirement in 1964 and also held the role of hospital chaplain from 1955 to 1964. He earned an A.B. degree from Legal College and pursued additional studies at Florida A&M University, the University of Chicago, and Deering Community Center.

The collection primarily contains speeches and sermons delivered by Rev. Spearman, reflecting his work in ministry and his engagement with religious and community life. Most of the materials are undated, though they provide valuable insight into his theological perspectives, public speaking, and role as a spiritual leader.

In addition to sermons, the collection includes a small number of documents related to his administrative duties at Florida A&M University. Collectively, these materials offer a glimpse into Spearman’s dual roles in institutional service and religious leadership, highlighting his contributions to the university and its broader community.

The Reverend Thomas B. Carr Collection documents the life and work of Reverend Thomas B. Carr, an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) minister and landowner in Leon County, Florida, with materials dating from 1912 to 1954, and concentrated between 1924 and 1946. This collection highlights Carr’s religious leadership, agricultural involvement, and community engagement within both ecclesiastical and civic spheres.

The materials consist primarily of textual records, including correspondence, deeds, programs, reports, sermons, financial and legal documents, advertisements, and other printed matter. These records provide insight into Carr’s role within the AME Church, as well as his participation in agricultural and landownership activities. The collection reflects his involvement with organizations such as the Florida State Dairymen’s Association, the Cooperative Extension Office, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Credit Administration.

Significant topics represented in the collection include African American land ownership, agricultural education, and federal, state, and municipal agricultural programs during the early to mid-twentieth century, including the World War II era. The records also document the organization and activities of the Black church in supporting farmers and rural communities. Additionally, the collection contains several of Reverend Carr’s sermons, which address religious observances such as Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Psalm 91, offering further perspective on his spiritual leadership.

Overall, the Reverend Thomas B. Carr Collection provides valuable documentation of the intersection of religion, agriculture, and community development among African Americans in Florida during the first half of the twentieth century.