Meet the ELCA Region 3 Archivist
Caleb Rollins serves as the Head of Archives and Arts (at Luther Seminary) for the nine synods of the ELCA Region 3. He started in this role in the summer of 2025, after apprenticing with the former archivist, Paul Daniels. He can be reached at 651-641-3238 and via email at crollins002@luthersem.edu.
The ELCA Region 3 Archives is the largest collection of the regional archives network throughout the United States. The materials date to the 1840s and include over 7,700 biographical files on clergy, lay, women, and men from 1840 to present. We also hold 6,650 files on both open and closed congregations throughout the 3 states of the region. This is a brief listing of collection highlights. There are many more areas, including the records of several predecessor church bodies, represented in the Archives and available for use.
These unique archival materials are heavily used by congregation members, Luther Seminary students, students of other schools, and independent researchers. Since we also hold the official records of each of the 9 synods in Region 3, synod staff members have ready access to their own organizational records.
Besides access to these valuable historical materials, the archivist can assist congregations and individuals with:
- Advice on writing an effective congregational history.
- Holding a gratitude-focused church anniversary celebration.
- Learning the basic skills of oral history interviewing.
- The critical questions around record keeping in the congregation, sometimes called the “what to keep, what to throw” process.
Many of these offerings are available through an online collection of articles entitled “Ask the Archivist.”
