Browse Exhibits (6 total)
Early Methodists and Their Books
Originally exhibited August 20–December 14, 2012
The Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Galleries
Introduction
Among John Wesley’s most enduring gifts to the early Methodist movement was his constant encouragement to make use of a great variety of beneficial reading materials. Through his published advertisements for newly available Methodist titles and specific reading recommendations made in his personal letters, Wesley created a community that shared a common bond in affordable, easily-read, and useful books intended for education and worship.
The fifty items in this exhibition reveal how readers in the first century of the Methodist tradition (c. 1739–1839) acquired, read, inscribed, annotated, and treasured their books. Selected from Bridwell Library’s Special Collections, these volumes include several owned by John Wesley or his brother Charles Wesley, original manuscripts used by early Methodist ministers, and numerous books and hymnals inscribed with the names of everyday Methodist pioneers, male and female, in England and America.
Early Texas Methodism, 1815–1860
Originally exhibited August 28–December 11, 2015
Entry Hall
Introduction
The earliest Protestant preaching in Texas is credited to Methodist Episcopal Church circuit rider Rev. William Stevenson (1768–1857). In 1815 he crossed the Red River into Texas from the Territory of Arkansas (now part of Oklahoma) and formed a society near Pecan Point. During the antebellum era, ministers and lay persons evangelized a significant number of Texans, organizing them into Methodist societies and Sunday Schools. Despite their success, early Texas Methodists left behind few records. This exhibition presents fifteen items from the Special Collections at Bridwell Library that document the Methodist movement during its formative years in Texas.
To accompany this exhibition honoring the bicentennial of Methodism in Texas, Bridwell Library has reprinted The Autobiography of the Rev. William Stevenson, recently edited by Dr. Ted A. Campbell, Professor of Church History at Perkins School of Theology. Free copies are available at Bridwell Library. A PDF of the book is available here.
Francis Asbury (1745–1816)
Originally exhibited December 18, 2015 – May 14, 2016
Entry Hall
Introduction
“Dust, fever, and too much company, these are my trials: peace, and perfect love, these are my consolations.” Francis Asbury, April 13, 1815
Francis Asbury, the “Father of American Methodism,” was born in Staffordshire, England in 1745. At the age of twenty-one, Asbury became an itinerant lay preacher in the Methodist movement. Five years later, in 1771, he accepted John Wesley’s call for volunteers to cross the Atlantic and minister in British North America.
Highly regarded for his piety, perseverance, and administrative leadership, Asbury was ordained a Deacon, an Elder, and a General Superintendent (Bishop) during the 1784 founding “Christmas Conference” of the Methodist Episcopal Church. During his forty-five year ministry in North America, Asbury rode an estimated one hundred thirty thousand miles, preaching more than ten thousand sermons and ordaining an estimated seven hundred clergy. Under Bishop Asbury’s leadership, Methodism in North America grew from less than one thousand members in 1771 to over two hundred thousand in 1816.
This exhibition honors the memory of Bishop Francis Asbury by presenting fifteen documents and publications that detail Asbury’s ministry.
Highlights from Bridwell Library Special Collections: Wesleyana and Methodistica
Originally exhibited June 7–July 30, 2010
The Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Galleries
Introduction
This exhibition comprises a selection of highlights from Bridwell Library Special Collections. Representing various strengths of the library’s rare book collections, the materials document the role of books in religious practice in selected eras and locales. These materials reflect the uncommonly strong foundation for teaching and advanced research that Bridwell Library provides for students and faculty of Perkins School of Theology and Southern Methodist University as well as the broader community.
Numerous items within Bridwell Library’s expansive collection of Methodist books, manuscripts, and archives have direct historical connections to the founders of Methodism. Complementing the more than 130 signed letters from the hand of John Wesley, the Library has collected several printed books with manuscript inscriptions or annotations by Wesley, members of his family, or his closest associates. Unique materials highlighted here also include annotated proof sheets and printer’s copy used in the production of important Methodist publications.
The Kate Warnick Awards
Originally exhibited December 12, 2014 – April 24, 2015
Entry Hall
Introduction
The Texas United Methodist Historical Society established the Kate Warnick Awards in 1978 to honor Marion Katherine (“Kate”) Warnick’s long career of dedicated service to Southern Methodist University and her keen interest in documenting United Methodist history. This annual awards competition encourages the publication of exemplary local church histories within the eight Annual Conferences of the United Methodist Church that constitute the Texas United Methodist Historical Society: Central Texas, New Mexico, North Texas, Northwest Texas, Oklahoma Indian Mission, Rio Grande, Southwest Texas, and Texas. On exhibition are fourteen winning entries representing the competition’s five decades.
Welcome Additions
Origially exhibited September 9 – December 12, 2014
The Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Galleries
Introduction
This exhibition highlights fifty rare books, manuscripts, broadsides, prints, and letters that were acquired by Bridwell Library Special Collections between 2008 and 2014. Produced in Europe and the Americas from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century, these works include late-medieval manuscripts, early printing, devotional manuals, books for worship, biblical translations, illustrated religious texts, Methodist writings, and printed ephemera. Each selected item is an authentic witness both to the history of written or printed communication and to important aspects of religious life in the past. Exhibited here for the first time, these recent acquisitions enhance the research potential of Bridwell Library’s holdings in a variety of important collecting areas.