The majority of these diaries date from the period during which Mary Andrews was the Principal of Deaconess House (viz 1951-1975), and from her retirement until her death in 1996.
The content varies considerably - from brief notes relating to speaking engagements and other appointments, and lists of those for whom she had prayed on particular days, to detailed descriptions of her thoughts, interviews, and experiences when travelling. Many of the diaries indicate a combination of professional and personal events. Most diaries include notes at the beginning which could have been Mary's devotional, notes for an address, or those made from a sermon heard.
Physically the series varies from pocket diaries to larger format diaries and includes notebooks. For some years Mary maintained a pocket diary that recorded appointments and a more complete diary with details of her activities, thoughts and prayers.
Some of the smaller diaries have been tied into bundles to facilitate ordering.
The following have been removed from this series as previously sorted:
- Official diaries/appointment books in regard to her roles as Principal of Deaconess House and Head Deaconess.
- Notebooks containing addresses prepared [now part of Writings of Mary Andrews, Series No. 3]
In a number of cases it has been clear that the diary has been used several years after its official dates. It is possible that there are instances of this that have not been clear to the registrar.
Letters, cards, business cards and loose notes have been left where found in the diaries for provenance purposes.
Related booklets containing lists of contacts follow at the end of this series
It is unclear whether Series 2 / Item 36 is a diary or a reminiscence.
This series should be used in conjunction with Series 12 Draft Autobiography and related papers possibly compiled during Mary Andrews' years at Deaconess House.