Collection 211 Oral History Interview with Maxwell A. Kerr

Collection

Identifier: CN 211

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Oral history interview with Maxwell A. Kerr (1912-1997) in which he discusses his early life, conversion, C. O. Baptista (his work, personality, and family), technical problem-solving and innovations, his career after Baptista Films, and his assessment of the Christian film industry. Other topics discussed include Kerr's conversion, impressions of Carl McIntire, and expriences while a professor at Wheaton College. The time period covered by the interviews is roughly 1935 to 1982.

Maxwell Kerr was interviewed by Galen R. Wilson at the Billy Graham Center Archives at Wheaton College on April 7, 1982.

Dates

Created: 1982

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on the use of this collection.

Biographical Information

Maxwell A. Kerr was born on January 1, 1912, in Lenawee County, Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State University in East Lansing. In 1937, Kerr began work for the Radio Corporation of America in Collingwood, New Jersey, where he and his wife became Christians under the ministry of Carl McIntire.

Kerr's interest in films led to his initial contact and work with C. O. Baptista Films of Chicago in 1940. In 1946, he went to work for them in Wheaton, Illinois. From 1950 to 1952, Kerr taught physics at Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, after which he worked for the Navy Department Bureau of Ships and for General Electric. He and his wife then began their own business, Ada-Max Audio Visual, which they ran from their home in Jackson, Michigan. The Kerrs retired in the 1980s. Maxwell Kerr died November 30, 1997.

Extent

1.00 Audio Tape

150 Minutes

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Accruals and Additions

The materials in this collection were given to the Billy Graham Center Archives from Maxwell A. Kerr in April 1982.

Accession 82-47

October 27, 1982

Galen R. Wilson

G. Lynch

Revised February 9, 1989

J. Nasgowitz