Fonds consists of records documenting the life, ministry, scholarship, and professional service of Rev. William Henry Irwin, C.S.B. (1932–2024), as a Basilian priest, professor of biblical studies, researcher, and participant in theological and ecclesiastical governance. Dates range from the 1960s to the 2000s, with some earlier genealogical material.
Records reflect Fr. Irwin’s academic appointments and teaching at the University of St. Michael’s College (USMC), the Toronto School of Theology (TST), Wycliffe College, and other affiliated institutions; research and publication in Old Testament theology, Hebrew poetry, prophetic literature (especially Isaiah), psalmody, wisdom literature, and biblical interpretation; participation in professional bodies such as the Society of Biblical Literature; and service on committees responsible for theological education policy, accreditation, and institutional mission within the Congregation of St. Basil and partner colleges in Canada and the United States.
Materials include handwritten research notebooks; annotated typescripts and drafts of lectures, homilies, retreat talks, and scholarly articles; working bibliographies; course syllabi, lecture notes, handouts, and student evaluation forms; correspondence with colleagues, scholars, clergy, and institutional representatives; conference programs, papers, and planning files; editorial and peer review reports; minutes, memoranda, and reports of the Basilian Standing Committee on Theological Education and related bodies; accreditation self-studies, site-visit files, and related correspondence with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC); published offprints, clippings, and collected excerpts—many with marginalia; maps, graphic materials, and photographs; genealogical research files on the Irwin, Hunsaker, and related families; and a bound personal journal documenting travel, parish work, and academic activities.