As Director of Archives and Research, I hope to…
- Use my family history as a way of connecting with people in the IPHC. As you can see below, both my mother and grandfather gave their entire working lives to the IPHC, and I care deeply about this denomination, its people, and its future.
- Use my doctorate in Rhetoric, Composition, and the Teaching of English to help shape our story as a denomination. Collecting, sharing, and contextualizing stories is a powerful way to help people understand the heritage they have inherited when becoming part of the IPHC.
- Use my knowledge of persuasion to help win grant funding to get us closer to fully digitizing our collection. We have hundreds of cassette tapes, vhs tapes, microfilm reels, and reel film to digitize. It is extremely expensive to do so. However, grant funding might help us with that goal as well as with sharing our story.
- Use my background in archival research to help those using the archives. Three of my four books, along with several journal articles and the dissertation for my doctorate, required archival research.
- Use my growing knowledge in Archival Studies, which I am obtaining through a master’s level program at Louisiana State University, to help organize and sort the three vaults down to the item level. The courses in this degree have also taught me about participatory archives, outreach activities, and museum management (helpful for the public side of our archives).
- Use my growing knowledge of IPHC history to help guide those looking for materials in the archives collection.
- Use my background in researching IPHC women preachers in helping to identify and to share materials to make that history clear and accessible.
I have a wonderful family who has long been a part of the IPHC!
I am the daughter of LaDonna Scott, the granddaughter of Robert Laverne and Lennie Cordie Rex, and the niece of Lonnie and Betty Rex. All have made significant contributions to the IPHC, as many of you also have.
Here’s a news article posted on mom’s retirement:
After decades of service, LaDonna Scott is retiring from the Global Ministry Center. Her tenure has been extensive: serving five IPHC General Superintendents throughout nearly 60 years.
LaDonna Scott
LaDonna’s service began in the 1950s when her father, R.L. Rex, who served IPHC from 1945-1973, started the Loan Fund, and he needed a secretary. LaDonna was taking a typing class at Taft Junior High, so she worked for him part-time for the next nine years.
She took a break until 1974 when she began working in the World Missions office. She was hired on a temporary basis by Bishop Williams, and she was only able to take the job because her mother agreed to watch her young daughters. However, she stuck around and worked as a research secretary and administrative assistant as well.
In 1976 though, LaDonna had to step away after one of her girls went missing. Although her young daughter was found safely the same day, LaDonna’s mother encouraged her to return home, and she did so until the 1981 General Conference. At that time, she began working for Bishop Leon Stewart as his executive assistant for 8 years, then followed him to Southwestern Christian University. In 1990, she returned to the GMC to serve as Jesse Simmons’ and then Donald Duncan’s executive assistant in World Missions where she stayed until 2005. From there, she became administrative assistant to the late Mike Gray and then executive assistant to Bishop James Leggett.
Beginning in 2010, LaDonna volunteered with the GMC, helped Bishop Carpenter for a short time, and helped close out department files as needed. Then, in 2013, Terry Fowler (former Chief of Staff) asked her to fill in yet again. Since that time, she has helped all departments with paperwork and archiving earning the nickname “headquarters’ cleaning lady.” She has also been executive assistant to Talmadge Gardner, World Missions Executive Director, for the last year.
“Serving alongside Mrs. LaDonna has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I do not know if I have ever met anyone that loves the IPHC or World Missions Ministries more than this Godly lady. The imprint that she leaves behind as she relocates from Oklahoma City to South Carolina is indelible. Words are inadequate at times like this to express the love, admiration, respect, and appreciation that I/we feel individually and collectively for this remarkable lady. The Priestly Blessing found in Numbers 6: 24-26 is a wonderful blessing that we declare over Mrs. LaDonna as she transitions into this new season of life and ministry:
‘The Lord bless you and protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!’
Mrs. LaDonna, ‘until we see you again, may God be with you,” shared Bishop Gardner.
Because her family travelled many months throughout the year, LaDonna always felt that the church was her family, so it is important to her to preserve the church’s history. This reverence towards history is shared by her daughter, Dr. Kristen Welch, who recently became the part-time Director of Archives and Research for IPHC, so even though LaDonna is leaving Oklahoma, she still plans to help at the GMC when visiting. She is also interested in doing more volunteer work after she moves to South Carolina, especially for the Daughters of the American Revolution.
We thank you, LaDonna, for all you have contributed over the years. God bless you in your future endeavors.
She also won alumni of the year from Southwestern Christian University in 2019.
By the way, I’m the daughter that went missing in 1976. So, it was because of me she stepped away for a few years. Sorry, mom!
Even though I have a wonderful family heritage in the IPHC, I was not hired for this position solely for that reason.
Please read through the information below to learn about my education, publications, presentations, training, and the graduate level courses I’m currently taking for a certificate in Archival Studies.
Education: I earned my Ph.D. in Rhetoric, Composition, and the Teaching of English from the University of Arizona in 2007 with a 4.0 g.p.a, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Dr. Vinson Synan served as a fourth member of my dissertation committee because I desperately needed an expert in IPHC history to review my work on IPHC women preachers in Oklahoma. Dr. Harold Hunter, the former Director of Archives and Research, played a huge role in my studies, sending me a bibliography of over one hundred books (it turns out I did not really know anything I thought I knew about Pentecostals), and connecting me with materials included in my dissertation and first book, as well as directing me towards those I could interview. I owe him a great deal.
I am earning a Certificate in Archival Studies from Louisiana State University in their online program. While I am paying my own tuition, I am grateful for the time afforded to me to learn.
Three of the four books I’ve published draw on archival research:
The Role of Female Seminaries on the Road to Social Justice for Women, with Abraham Ruelas; Wipf & Stock, 2015.
Deep Roots: Defining the Sacred Through the Voices of Pentecostal Holiness Women Preachers, Kindle Publishing, 2013.
“Women with the Good News”: The Rhetorical Heritage of Pentecostal Holiness Women Preachers. Centre for Pentecostal Theology Press, 2010.
- Nominated for the 2011 Oklahoma Book Award for Best Book in Non-Fiction through the Oklahoma Center for the Book
- Required reading for the New Horizons Oklahoma Conference for women ministers with the International Pentecostal Holiness denomination (I’m not sure this is still the case!)
- Reviewed in Pneuma 34 (2012): 146-7 by Angela Tarango, Assistant Professor of Religion at Trinity University
My most recent book is on the intersection of feminism and Christianity, and the first chapter focuses on women preachers and how they inadvertently advanced a woman’s right to speak publicly:
“This Present Darkness:” Meet Me on the Battlefield, foreword by Abraham Ruelas, Wipf & Stock, 2021. This book was reviewed in Pneuma in 2023.
Journal publications related to IPHC women and history include:
“Rhetoric, Religion, and Authority: Pentecostal Holiness Women Preachers Speaking Truth.” Priscilla Papers. 24.4 (Autumn 2010): 11-16.
Preaching in the “Open Air”: The Ministries of Early Women Preachers in Oklahoma.” The Chronicles of Oklahoma. LXXXVIII.3 (Fall 2010): 316-333.
“Post 1960s Pentecostalism and the Promise of a Future for Pentecostal Holiness Women Preachers.” Cyberjournal for Pentecostal-Charismatic Research #16. January 2007. <http://www.pctii.org/cyberj/table.html>. This was published in the journal Dr. Hunter edited and produced, giving me my first peer-reviewed publication.
Because of Dr. Hunter, I joined the Society of Pentecostal Studies (which was started by Dr. Synan) and had three papers published in the Conference Proceedings:
“The Female Seminary and the Rise of Social Justice for Women,” Annual Papers for the Society of Pentecostal Studies, 2012.
“Legacy as Techne in the Rhetorics of Women Preachers.” Annual Papers for the Society of Pentecostal Studies, 2011.
“The Holy Spirit and Corderian Ethos.” Annual Papers for the Society for Pentecostal Studies, 2008.
I currently serve as the co-leader of the Theology and Education Interest Group for SPS, along with Dr. Frederick Ware.
In 2010, I published this magazine article:
“Our Spiritual Heritage: IPHC Women Called to Preach.” IPHC Experience. March 2010.
Because of Dr. Hunter, I was a speaker at these two events:
- “IPHC Women Preachers.” IPHC Centennial Celebration: Looking to the Future. Falcon, North Carolina. January 31, 2011. The audience was around 2300 denominational pastors and leaders and families.
- “The Changing Faces of Women’s Leadership in the International Pentecostal Holiness Church.” Archives Luncheon, July 29, 2009, International Pentecostal Holiness General Convention. The audience was 85 pastors, leaders, and members of the IPHC.
Recently, I gave this presentation:
“IPHC’s Early History,” Chaplain’s Retreat, Skirvin Hotel, OKC, July 2024
I’ve also given these presentations related to my IPHC research:
“Undercurrents: Feminist Pentecostal Theologians,” Rhetoric and Religion Conference, University of Memphis, October 2023
“The Female Seminary and the Rise of Social Justice for Women: The Rhetorics of Power,” Rhetoric Society of America, Philadelphia, PA, May 2012.
“The Female Seminary and the Rise of Social Justice for Women,” Society for Pentecostal Studies, Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA, March 2012.
“Legacy as Techne in the Rhetorics of Women Preachers,” Society for Pentecostal Studies, Memphis, TN, March 2011.
“The Holy Spirit and Corderian Ethos,” Society for Pentecostal Studies, Duke University, March 2008.
“Generative Ethos as Epistemic Rhetoric and the Instantiations of Identity for Three Pentecostal Holiness Women Preachers,” Conference on College Composition and Communication, New York, March 2007.
“Pioneers and Pentecostalism in Oklahoma: How Place Creates Spiritual Identities,” New Directions Conference, University of Arizona, April 2006
“Intersections between Rhetoric, 21st Century Pentecostal Holiness Women Preachers, and Feminism,” Conference on College Composition and Communication, Chicago, March 2006.
“Intersections between Oklahoma History, Women Preachers, and the Pentecostal Holiness Faith,” Rhetoric and Christian Tradition Conference, Chicago, May 2005.
“Women Preachers in the American Pentecostal Holiness Denomination,” at “The Rhetoric of Particular Christian Traditions,” SIG Roundtable, Conference on College Composition and Communication, San Francisco, 2005.
I was invited to speak these two times:
“Exhorters and Laborers in Christ: Early American Women Preachers and First Wave Feminism,” Center for Lifelong Learning, May 2020.
“The Measuring Stick.” Collinsville Pentecostal Holiness Church, July 17, 2011. For Women’s Ministry Emphasis Month. Collinsville, VA. Pastor Dan Woods.
I gave this interview:
“A Legacy of Women Preachers,” interviewed by Lee Grady for the IPHC Experience. (September 2010): 11.
Special training I’ve received related to women includes:
- Rhetoric Society of America’s Ninth Biennial Summer Institute, Summer 2021, hosted by Syracuse University, a workshop on “Religious Rhetorics of Resistance,” taught by Kristy Maddux and Andre E. Johnson.
- National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute, Early American Women’s History, July 2015, Providence, Rhode Island: Two weeks of lectures, historical tours, and archival work directed toward use in the classroom.
- Rhetoric Society of America’s Third Biennial Summer Institute, Summer 2009, Penn State University: Attended “Rhetoric and the Sacred in the 21st Century,” a workshop taught by Robert Glenn Howard and Susan Zaeske of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Applicants were competitively selected based on research and potential.
Also, this is a related professional development opportunity I participated in as a learner:
- “Spirit and Scripture: A Symposium on Renewal Biblical Hermeneutics.” Regent University School of Divinity, Virginia Beach, VA, October 2008.
The items listed above are a part of my c.v., but not the entirety of it. I also study visual rhetoric, technical writing, and composition. My whole c.v. is about 20 pages long. I am active in teaching, scholarship, and service in my field.
My training in archives is ongoing.
In 2021, I completed six workshops at the University of Arizona:
“The Roots of Knowledge: A Workshop Series on Teaching Through Archives.”
Description:
Curated by Matthew Mugmon, CUES Distinguished Fellow, and Associate Professor of Musicology, this workshop series addresses a significant pedagogical challenge in higher education: the lack of opportunities for undergraduate students to engage with primary sources. Each of the six sessions will feature a different aspect of using primary sources and archival materials in undergraduate teaching and research, and will offer introductions to some of the many archives available at the University of Arizona.
- Workshop 1: Introduction to Teaching with Primary Sources
Thursday, March 18, 2021 4:00-5:15 pm
The opening session of this Zoom series will feature an introduction from Matthew Mugmon, followed by a presentation by Mary Feeney, Lisa Duncan, and Niamh Wallace discussing their research on teaching with primary sources. This will be followed by a workshop led by Jennifer Jenkins on the use of archival audio-visual media in humanities general education.
- Workshop 2: Panel Discussion-Introduction to the UArizona’s Archives
Thursday, March 25, 2021 4:00-5:15 pm
The second session will feature a panel discussion with introductions to the wide range of archives available in and around the University of Arizona.
- Workshop 3: Working with Physical Archives
Thursday, April 1, 2021 4:00-5:15 pm
Featuring Rachel Castro and Lisa Duncan this session will introduce and discuss different search strategies for physical archives.
- Workshop 4: Newspapers and Digital Collections
Thursday, April 8, 2021 4:00-5:15 pm
Featuring Mary Feeney, this workshop will introduce the newspaper archives and digitized primary sources available through the University of Arizona Libraries, as well as other freely-available online resources.
- Workshop 5: Panel Discussion-Primary Sources in the Sciences, Social Sciences, and Design
Thursday, April 15, 2021 4:00-5:15 pm
Featuring a panel of subject area librarians, this session will offer strategies and suggestions for using primary sources and archival materials across multiple disciplines.
- Workshop 6: Exploring Archives at the Center for Creative Photography
April 22, 2021 4:00-5:15 pm
In this presentation, featuring Dr. Meg Jackson Fox and Emily Una Weirich, we will discuss how photographic collections at the Center for Creative Photography can help build excitement in the research process for undergraduates from any discipline.
In the Fall of 2023, I began taking graduate courses for a certificate in Archival Studies through the University of Louisiana in their online program.
So far, I have completed two courses with an A:
Advanced Seminar in Archives (On the Archival Multiverse)
Introduction to Archival Theory, Principles, and Practices
This spring of 2025, I am now taking:
Archival Arrangement and Description (first session)
Introduction to Museum Management (first session)
Preservation Management of Physical Records (second session)
This summer of 2025, I hope to sit for the exam to become a certified archivist.
If you have any questions about my scholarship or presentations, I welcome your questions. Just email me: kwelch@iphc.org.