Rodney Romney Collection

10 linear feet

This collection contains Rodney Romney’s personal memorabilia from his time at Linfield which includes a yearbook, paddle, coffee mug, photos, and various pamphlets. A majority of the Rodney Romney collection consist of both recorded and paper copies of his sermons from 1980 to 2001. There also is documentation of both Rodney Romney and Bernie Turner’s sermons through personal journals of unknown churchgoers.

Arranged in one series primarily in chronological order.

Access is by appointment only. Please contact the archivist to make an appointment.

See https://www.linfield.edu/linfield-libraries/copyright-policy.html

• English

• Latin

https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1045&context=lca_findingaids

Ellen Bowman donated Rodney Romney Collection to the Linfield University Archives on May 11, 2021.

Jereld R. Nicholson Library, Linfield University

Dr. Rodney Romney papers, 1980-2001 at University of Washington Special Collections: https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv53521

Summary: The Rodney Romney Collection contains sermons, personal memorabilia, and personal journals that give insight on his career and contribution to the Baptist community.

Biographical Note: Rodney (Rod) R. Romney dedicated almost 40 years of his life preaching the word of God and welcoming all with open arms. He is most notable for his time in Oakland, California where he preached at the Lakeshore Avenue Church for 20 years. During his leadership, the church integrated in the mid 1960’s during the height of racial tensions in this country. The next 20 years he was senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Seattle, a large downtown church with around a thousand members. He enjoyed 20 years at the church before retiring to Idaho Falls, Idaho.

The third of three sons, Rod was born in Arco, Idaho on January 17, 1931. He would stay in Arco until he graduated from Butte High School in 1947. Afterward he would attend Linfield University and have a very successful collegiate career. He participated in choir where he was song leader and drama. He also was the respected president of both Theta Chi fraternity and other organizations. While excelling at activities he was also active in the classroom by making honor roll multiple times during his tenure with Linfield. He graduated in 1954 with a Bachelors degree. In later years he would be the
recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Linfield on May 31, 1987 and join the board of trustees where he would be an active member from 1990 to 2008.

After a successful, academic, and spiritual life, Rodney Romney would pass away at the age of 81 in his home of Idaho Falls, Idaho on June 30, 2012. He was survived and remembered by the large community of friends, students, and co-workers who he helped, mentored or inspired along the way.

Processed by archives technician Juston Rogers, with the assistance of archivist Rich Schmidt.