Handwritten Sermons

[eleanorw28]

"COMPLETED"              My grandfather was a Wesleyan Methodist minister. Over the years (betreen 1901 & 1935) he accumulated many handwritten sermons, and as our family historian I have been keeping them. I now have to make space for other stuff. Does anyone know of a place which would accept them?  They weigh about 3 kg, and his handwriting is not particularly easy to read.
I haven't been able to bring myself to throw them away.

[Plummiegirl]

I can think of 2 places where they may be of use:

1:  Your local county Archives

2:  Your local family history society

Donated items are always accepted by both.  But if your county archives accept them, they will be able to look after them & preserve them correctly and probably more people would have access.

[BumbleB]

If the Archives or FHS don't want them, try the Wesley College in Bristol.  They have an extensive library.

BumbleB

[eleanorw28]

Thanks for the suggestions. As my grandfather moved every 4 years and worked all over the country, it's difficult to know which of many fhs or county archives would take them. Years ago I tried the John Rylands University (Methodist Archives) but no joy. I have contacted Bristol, so watch this space! By the way, I live in Scotland so it's not a case of popping down the road!

[Plummiegirl]

The fact that he moved around should not be a problem & I think the Bristol FHS will be more than happy to take these documents.

I live in London and am a member of this excellent FHS.  I regularly trawl through the Oxfam Bookshop & buy old books about Bristol & send them off to them (after I have read them & photocopied any bits I want to keep).  All donations are gratefully received by them.

In fact I often wish I lived in the Bristol area so I could attend meetings etc.  this is a lively FHS unlike some whose membership is dwindling.

[BumbleB]

Another possibility for a home for your grandfather's sermons is The Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church History at the Brookes University in Oxford, which houses the Wesley Historical Society Library.

BumbleB

[eleanorw28]

Thanks to those who replied to my post. I have sent the sermons to the Librarian at Wesley College, Bristol. This request is therefore completed.
Eleanor