THE WESLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The
Wesley Historical Society was formed in 1893 ‘to promote the history and literature of early Methodism’.At present there are 17 local Branches covering the greater part of the British Isles which promote opportunities for people to gather together to stimulate interest in Methodist history and its traditions in a particular area.
The North Lancashire District Branch was formed in 1984 with the aim of maintaining an interest in the life and work of John and Charles Wesley, in Methodist history in all its branches and in its chapels and the architecture set within the broader context of English history, with especial reference to the region covered by our District.
It has been our practice to have four meetings a year. Two have been outings to places of Methodist and historic interest within the District and further afield. Speakers of note and authority on Methodist history have been our invited lecturers at the other gatherings.
Non members are encouraged and invited to join us in our activities.
A Bulletin is published twice a year and it contains articles, brief notes of significant events relating to Chapels, Branch activities etc. and studies of interesting personalities related to our area. Members receive the Bulletin free of charge.
The Archivist holds a collection of books and artefacts and always welcomes additions.
Membership is open to all and full information about the Branch and its activities may be obtained from the Secretary or Editor.
The current annual subscription, due in September, is £3. New members are invited to send it immediately to the Treasurer.
Cheques should be made payable to WHS North Lancashire District Branch.
BRANCH OFFICERS
President
Revd. Stephen J Poxon B.Sc.
The Chairman of the District
Vice-President and Editor
Revd Eric W Dykes
24 Ring Dyke Way
Lytham St. Annes FY8 4PT
Tel. 01253 733310. E-mail: Eridy@aol.com
Web site: http://web.ukonline.co.uk/whsnl/
Chairman
Mr David S Elliston MA
19 Skipton Road
Lytham St Annes FY8 3PA
Tel. 01253 727482
Secretary
Miss Helen Spencer
77 Clifton Drive South
Lytham St. Annes FYS 1SZ
Tel. 01253 736383
Assistant Secretary
Mrs. Dorothy Wakes
11, Princes Court
256, Clifton Drive North
Lytham St. Annes FY8 2 PQ
Tel. 01253 727509
Treasurer
Miss Kathleen O. Makepeace
66 Smithy Lane
Lytham St Annes FY8 3PG
Tel. 01253 726392
Keeper of Accessions and District Archivist
Mr. Norman Cunliffe
21 Goodwood Avenue
Blackpool FY2 0TT
Tel. 01253 593258
If you are interested in joining the parent body, The Wesley Historical Society, please contact, The Registrar, Revd. Ronald H. Ryan M.Th. 15 Foxlands Drive, Llotds Hill, Penn, Wolverhampton, WV4 5NB
Current Annual Subscription is £9.00
Wesley Historical Society
"ASPECTS of Methodist Education" was the subject of the Wesley Historical Society conference held at Regent’s Park College, Oxford. Inspiring and informative papers were delivered by historians of Methodism. These ranged from the 18th century to the present and included histories of Southlands and Westminster Colleges; a long view, from 1800 to 2000, of Methodist- attitudes to education and youth in Halifax; Wesleyan day schools in the 19th century and the level of involvement (or lack of it) of the local ministers; and a case study based on a Smethwick school managers’ minute book. Sunday schools and some of the Methodist independent schools were addressed.
Present day concerns were also aired in a paper describing changes in education in the last half century. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Edward Royle of York University.
Members of the conference also visited the Westminster Institute for the dedication of a statue by the President of the Conference, the Rev. Dr. Christina Le Moignan, and to see the Wesley and Methodist Studies Centre. As Regent’s Park College is the home of the Baptist library and archives these were also seen.
The proceedings of the conference will be published in due course.
The next conference is planned for 2005 on the subject "Women in Methodism".
Sheila Himsworth
Methodist Recorder 9 May 2002