Methodist Resources

Bridwell Library's circulating, reference, and special collections include a full range of materials that are particularly valuable for the study of the background, rise, development, and present state of Methodism.

Publications

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

Methodist Studies Archive -- Sixty-five named collections (approximately 575 linear feet) of personal and professional papers from bishops, pastors, missionaries, historians and Methodist-related organizations and institutions. These items relate closely to the other Archives at Bridwell Library: The Perkins School of Theology Archive, Bridwell Library Archive, North Texas Annual Conference Archive, Rio Grande Annual Conference Archive, and South Central Jurisdiction Archive. 

Manuscript Letters and Documents -- 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.