Wesley Historical Society Prepare 2024 Journal

The 2024 Journal, published as a Proceedings of the Society, number 113, includes reflections on:

i. The Methodist Church Bicultural Journey (marking 40 years since the Conference decision to embark on this journey), submitted by Norman Brookes;

ii. The impact of Harold Williams, a gifted linguist, and foreign editor of The Times during a tumultuous period in history. Williams is listed in The Guinness Book of Records as the world's great linguist, speaking 58 languages. He was the only man to attend the League of Nations and talk to every delegate in their own language, submitted by Garth Cant;

iii. The personal experience of a Methodist Military Chaplain in Vietnam, submitted by Mervyn Dine;

iv. The Nelson Action Committee on International Affairs, submitted by Oliver Sutherland; and

v. The PhD thesis submitted by the current Gilmore-Smith Scholar Josh Reid, based on the Taranaki Flax Workers’ Union, championed by those in the Maori peace movements and several prominent Methodist leaders within the Christian Pacifist tradition.

In addition to the articles listed above, Terry Wall’s eulogy for Rev William (Bill) Livingstone Wallace (noted hymn writer) spoken at The Transitional Cathedral, Christchurch, is included as an obituary, along with two book reviews. 

The first is Donald Phillip’s review of Trish Rossiter’s 2023 Finding Thomas, the story of Thomas Skinner, remarkable catechist and teacher.  The second is Gary Clover’s review of Ned Fletcher’s 2022 The English Text of the Treaty of Waitangi. The current discussion surrounding the Treaty Principles Bill makes these comments very relevant.

This edition of the Journal is the second recent Wesley Historical Society publication.  It accompanies Weteriana Methodism:  Bicentennial Reflections from Aotearoa New Zealand, edited by Emeritus Professor Dr Peter Lineham, which was launched at Conference 2024. 

Weteriana Methodism examines with fresh eyes aspects of Methodism’s journey in Aotearoa prior to and following  the establishment of the Wesleyan Mission Station at Kaeo in 1822. In the words of Dr Lineham, “This book challenges traditional narratives, and shows the complexity of Māori society and its engagement with the Mission.  It shows the broad context of the Wesleyan mission’s English supporters and its Māori defenders and proponents.”

Copies of both the Journal and Weteriana Methodism:  Bicentennial Reflections from Aotearoa New Zealand are available from Rev Ian Faulkner. ian.faulkner2017@gmail.com.