Seeking Untold Stories
Religious communities exist over time and faith is embraced, lived and shared over generations. Methodism is no exception in this regard. We tell stories that have been handed down to us. Many are familiar and have shaped our common life. But there are stories that parts of our community have not heard.
The Wesley Historical Society (WHS) publishes an annual Journal usually printed in January. The mandate of the WHS is to encourage research about the history of Methodism in Aotearoa New Zealand and our mission in the Pacific. Since 1930, the WHS has attracted enthusiasts who have worked to preserve our history and promote the writing of stories.
History is a dynamic discipline. It is not simply about preserving stories. The historian ponders the way in which stories have been received, considers the perspective from which they have been told and critiques received orthodoxies. Because what we see depends on where we stand, there will always be a political dimension to the analysis of our history.
This is why it is so important for the historian and the reader to be self-aware. The historian is conscious that our agendas infiltrate in the way in which we tell stories. Writing is seldom free from self-interest. Elements of justification cling to the stories we tell about ourselves. Just as there is a need to critique the claims of others, so there may be an even more important imperative for self-critique in the enterprise of history.
History written by those who enjoy power and privilege will interpret events and incidents, episodes, and eras from that standpoint. It will not dwell on dislocations or lament exploitations. History written by those who have been impoverished or dispossessed will read very differently. The two approaches may not cohere. The challenge is to hear the stories of others and to have a wider, more open and comprehensive appreciation of what happened.
Letting go of one interpretation in the light of the critique another offers can be a painful experience. We will resist revising our viewpoint. Old justifications can be questioned. New readings introduce us to the experience of others. But the reading of other histories can engage us in disrupting our mental framework. This is what makes history such an exciting adventure.
Can we bring a spirit of openness to divergent interpretations?
The current 2023 Journal of the WHS features a number of untold stories. Eric Laurenson uncovers riches in the diary of Deaconess Marion Hunter from Edwardian days in Christchurch. Rob Finlay reflects as a secondary school history teacher on the new history curriculum. Carol Barron traces the story of the establishment of the Methodist Alliance. David Bell and Susan Thompson assess Dr Laws’ contribution to theological education. John Roberts writes about the old Rawene Methodist Church, now serving as a residence for artists.
In addition, there is an important and favourable review of Rowan Tautari’s book Maea Te Kupu: Kaeo, He Whenua Kurahuna – Emerging stories of Methodism: Kaeo, land of hidden knowledge. Norman Brookes reviews Donald Phillipps’ book, Methodism Toward the Future.
We encourage you and your parish to subscribe to the Journal of the Wesley Historical Society.
The subscription is $35.00. The treasurer Peter Lane can arrange subscriptions for you or your parish. Email: treasurer.whs@methodist.nz. Now is a good time to take out a subscription, as in addition to the Journal you will receive the book, soon to be published, provisionally entitled, Weteriana Methodism – origins and challenges, which collects the papers presented at the WHS Conference held in 2019 to mark the bicentenary of Methodism in Aotearoa.