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Methodist / Wesleyan Autograph Book
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Methodist / Wesleyan Autograph Book

  • MG 628
  • Fonds
  • 1836-1844, 1938-1939 (inclusive); 1836-1844 (predominant)

This autograph / memory album contains writings from important Methodist/Wesleyan ministers, preachers and missionaries from both sides of the Atlantic. It starts: "Albums are Mansions - at the Door, A Page to bid you welcome stands, And they who never met before May join with pleasure friendly hands…" While the specific ownership is unknown there is little doubt given the many famous autographs and initials adorn the entries that this book resided with one of the senior Methodist ministers or their wife. Perhaps the best-known person in the album is the Canadian educator, politician, and Methodist minister, Egerton Ryerson, for whom Ryerson University is named, wrote "Canadians regard the civil and religious institutions of England as the standard of excellence, and invariably speak of her as their Mother country and their home. Egerton Ryerson Halifax April 3rd 1837." This autograph appears to be a mere four years after Ryerson lobbied effectively to merge the Canadian and English Wesleyan Churches in 1833. In addition to the textual entries, there are two good watercolors (by J Hinks) & a fine drawing of a mother & child (which has not been glued into the album).