Robert W. Hovda Papers

Collection

Identifier: Mss 1054

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Hovda collection consists of extensive correspondence and subject files. The correspondence covers from 1936 to 1959 and is arranged in three parts following Father Hovda's original order: Chronological, individuals, and speaking engagements. The Correspondence Series, arranged chronologically, is the largest and consists almost exclusively of incoming correspondence from 1940 to 1959. The file is very complete covering all aspects of Father Hovda's personal and professional life. The Individual's correspondence files are arranged alphabetically and chronologically therein and again, consist mostly of incoming letters. The Speaking engagements correspondence file is arranged chronologically and also contains some programs, brochures and newspaper clippings relating to speeches given by Father Hovda. The Subject Files are arranged alphabetically and cover a variety of topics. The files include some of Father Hovda's sermons, masses, novenas, and articles written by him. They also include materials concerning his involvement in politics and labor problems; specifically, the Northern Transit Bus Strike and the laundry strike in Fargo, North Dakota.

Dates

1936-1959.

Creator

Hovda, Robert Walker, 1920-1992. (Person)

Access

The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.

Copyrights

The Institute does not own the copyrights.

Biography

Robert Walker Hovda was born in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, on April 10, 1920, the son of Leslie Raymond and Helma Regina (Lohn) Hovda. Robert attended Hamlin University at St. Paul, Minnesota, from 1938 to 1941, and graduated from St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota, in 1945. From 1945 to 1949, Robert was a seminarian at St. John's Seminary and was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest in 1949. Father Hovda served as Associate Pastor at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fargo, North Dakota, from 1949 to 1954, later becoming a parish priest at St. John's Church at Berlin, North Dakota, where he served until 1959. In 1959, Father Hovda became instructor of theology at Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. While there, Father Hovda completed advanced studies and was awarded the Degree Licentiate in Sacred Theology. From 1963 to 1965, Father served as Chaplain of St. Paul's Student Center at North Dakota State University. Father Hovda later became a member of the Board of Directors of the National Catholic Liturgical Conference in 1963, and in 1965, was named the editor-in-charge of publications. During World War II, Father Hovda was a conscientious objector serving in the Civilian Public Service Camp. He has been active with groups sponsoring social justice and is now a member of the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored people and the Congress of Racial Equality. Father Hovda is also a versatile religious speaker and the author of many books, including Sunday Morning Crisis: Renewal in Catholic Worship; Jesus Christ Reforms His Church; There's No Place Like People: Planning Small Group Liturgies; and Dry Bones: Living Worship Guides to Good Liturgy. He has also contributed essays and book reviews to religious and educational periodicals, and since 1963, has been editor of Liturgy.