Permanent congregational records document many aspects of the historic development of those middle governing bodies and the commitment to the community of faith. In addition, they are value in understanding legal and financial developments and have ongoing administrative uses within the synod and presbytery. It is therefore, crucial to preserve these records indefinitely. The nature of records themselves can be one of the biggest preservation challenges. Whether the records are paper or computer disks, the components of these materials are not permanent and are susceptible to various environmental problems.
Acid is the major cause of the internal destruction of paper based records.
Most paper is composed of acidic materials that break down the paper fibers. Sunlight is the most damaging of all. High or fluctuating temperatures can damage all record formats. Temperature fluctuation is more damaging than a constantly high temperature. Extremely dry or extremely humid environments damage all record formats.