Center for Methodist Studies Collections

Bridwell Library includes a full range of theological, biblical, and historical materials relating to the development of Christianity. In addition to the material available in the basic lending collection of the library, which is strong in Methodist materials, Bridwell Library contains a number of special collections that are particularly valuable for the study of topics related specifically to the background, rise, development, and present state of Methodism. Contact Information

Wesleyana -- One of the largest collections of Wesley publications and artifacts in this country, comprised largely of the personal collections of Frederick D. Leete, E. L. Shettles, Umphrey Lee, Albert C. Outler, and Frederick E. Maser, includes many editions of nearly four hundred Wesley publications, a significant number of which are first editions.

Methodistica -- Works reflecting the various nineteenth-century disputes and developments within British and American Methodism.

Bishops' Collection -- Books by and about Methodist bishops, collected by Frederick D. Leete and William C. Martin.

Hymnal Collection -- A representative collection of hymnbooks published by various Methodist denominations.

Denominational Records -- General Minutes; Annual, Jurisdictional, and General Conference Journals, Disciplines; Daily Christian Advocates; published reports of regional and national boards, commissions, and agencies.

Periodicals -- Extensive holdings in historical and current periodical literature from various Methodist groups, including the most complete collection available of the Texas Christian Advocate, donated by the Blalock family.

Archives and Manuscripts

Archives -- Manuscript records from various individual and denominational sources, the personal papers of many bishops and other leaders with ties to SMU, including Albert C. Outler, William Warren Sweet, Bishops Atkins, Selecman, Boaz, Moore, Mouzon, A. Frank Smith, Paul and W. C. Martin, Galloway, Vincent, Copeland, Webb, and Slater; and papers from historic institutions such as McKenzie College. Bridwell Library is also the designated archival depository of the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church, the North Texas Conference, and the Rio Grande Conference.

Manuscript Letters and Documents -- Bridwell holds more than 4,000 holograph letters and documents by significant historical leaders such as John and Charles Wesley; Selina Hastings, the Countess of Huntingdon; Thomas Haweis; Francis Asbury; Thomas Coke; Littleton Fowler; Martin Ruter; and a collections of manuscripts and portraits of presidents of the (British) Wesleyan Methodist Conference.

Letters of John Wesley (descriptive listing)
Letters of John Wesley (images in searchable database)
Letters of Charles Wesley and the Charles Wesley Family (descriptive listing)
Letters of Charles Wesley and the Charles Wesley Family (images in searchable database)
Letters of Selina Hastings, the Countess of Huntingdon
Thomas Haweis Collection
Letters of Mary Cooke Clarke, Eliza Cooke, and Frances Cooke
Other British Manuscript Letters and Documents
Methodism in North America
Elias Bowen Collection of Letters
Ministerial Orders and Ordination Certificates
Class Tickets
Other North American Manuscript Letters and Documents
Littleton Fowler Papers
Andrew Longacre Archives

Other Resources

The Thomas J. Harrison Bible Collection
The Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Bible Collection
Reformed Theology
English and American Religion and Life
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Walker Elston, III, Collection

All of these special collections provide resources not only for the study of Methodism, but also for research in a variety of areas, from Puritanism and Pietism to romanticism and empirical philosophy. These collections are supplemented by the general and microform collections of Bridwell Library.

Online Exhibit: Albert Cook Outler (1908-1989): A Centenary Exhibit

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