| Level | Sub-series |
| Finding Number (Click this to view full catalogue structure) | CMS/G/C 1A |
| Title | Contemporary indexes to the principal minute book series |
| Extent | 69 volumes |
| Date | 1799-1966 |
| Description | The indexes fall into three broad categories: mission indexes to references in the minutes concerning specific missions 1799-1898 (CMS/G/C 1A/1, CMS/G/C 1A/4 and CMS/G/C 1A/13-14); general name and subject indexes identifying a comprehensive range of topics concerning the Society's work at home and overseas 1799-1966, including references to individual missions (CMS/G/C 1A/2-7, CMS/G/C 1A/16) and precis indexes 1863-1935 including general precis indexes 1863-1897 (CMS/G/C 1A/8-9) and precis indexes for mission business 1863-1935 (CMS/G/C 1A/8; CMS/G/C 1A/10-12).
The precis volumes served as a working record of incoming correspondence and other items raised for discussion at committee meetings and the action that subsequently was taken to address any resolutions made at the meetings. For example, the mission precis volumes include summaries of selected incoming correspondence received from, or concerning, the Society's missions and a record of related action. There is also an index to the Group 2 precis index 1898-1935 (CMS/G/C 1A/15).
The date range of the volumes extends beyond the minute books currently available for research so they not only facilitate searching of the minute books but serve as an additional source of information in their own right, for example, providing brief but easily accessible biographical information on missionaries offering for service or serving up to 1966.
There is some overlap between the volumes and researchers interested in individual missions or missionaries should consider both the general and mission indexes. |
| Access Status | Open |
| Physical Description | Written in note form with some contemporary abbreviations, including: C[ommittee of ] C[orrespondence]; Nat[ive] Ch[urch]; 'G. C.' General Committee; 'C. C.' [overseas] Corresponding Committee; 'P. C.' Parent Committee; 'E. C.' Executive Committee; 'H. & F. C.' Home and Foreign Committee and 'F. C.' Finance Committee. In several instances the spine and front cover labels giving the date range for the volumes do not match the contents. |
| Copies | Several of the indexes are available on microfilm and online This is indicated at file level in the online catalogue (eg CMS/G/C/1A/1) |
| Related Material | For minutes to which the indexes relate see CMS/G C 1/1-107. |