Testimonials from Graduated MWRC Junior Fellows

Joel Houston, Ph.D., University of Manchester/Nazarene Theological College (2017):

'It would not be a stretch to say that the MWRC is not only an indispensable feature of study at Nazarene Theological College, but also, to the University of Manchester and students of Methodism generally. Featuring an extensive collection of scholarly monographs, unpublished theses, and an impressive cache of journals, the MWRC can easily sustain the demanding, fine-grain research necessary for post-graduate studies and beyond. This is not all, however; there exists an added charm to the MWRC that is difficult to put into words. From the warm hospitality of the library staff, to the oversight and vision of its directors, the MWRC fosters precisely what can, at times, be missing from the academic enterprise—a community of scholars that are not only interested in each other’s work, but share convictions about the necessity of careful, joyful, critical, and congenial thinking about God and His world. My experience as a student would have been sorely lacking without the resources, people, and spirit of the MWRC.'

Steve Johnson, Ph.D., University of Manchester/Nazarene Theological College (2016):

'The Manchester Wesley Research Centre proved to play an invaluable role in my own research in my time at Nazarene Theological College. In the course of  developing of my own writing, the wealth of resources on John Wesley and his theology was of great encouragement to me. Through the MWRC, in conjunction with the John Rylands Library, I was always able to find everything I needed for my research into John Wesley’s liturgical practices – a topic in Wesleyan studies that proved elusive in other library collections. The knowledgeable MWRC staff were extremely helpful, courteous, and accessible. If you are looking for a place to conduct research in the Wesleyan-Methodist tradition, look no further than the Manchester Wesley Research Centre!'

Stephen Brian Yeich, Ph.D., University of Manchester/Cliff College (2015):

‘The Manchester Wesley Research Centre is an invaluable resource for scholars researching in the area of Wesley or Methodist studies. I found the staff to be both knowledgeable and willing to assist in the selection of relevant materials, whether from the collection of theses, journals or rare historical documents. The additional connection with the John Rylands Library makes the MWRC an essential resource for the serious Wesleyan scholar. The experience is further enhanced by the wonderful environment on the Nazarene Theological College campus.'

Christine Johnson, Ph.D., University of Manchester/Nazarene Theological College (2014): 

'The Manchester Wesley Research Centre houses a collection of material that encompasses rare works and the latest research in the field of Wesley and Methodist studies. The extensive selection of doctoral theses were especially valuable to my research. The MWRC staff were also very knowledgeable and helpful in identifying material that was specific to my area of study, and the Centre’s partnership with the John Rylands Library provided invaluable opportunities for further scholarly investigation and dialogue. I highly recommend the MWRC for anyone who would like to delve deeper into the Wesleyan–Methodist tradition.' 

Kiyeong Chang, Ph.D., University of Manchester/Nazarene Theological College (2012):

'When I first came to the MWRC at Nazarene Theological College for my doctoral study after finishing MA degree at Asbury Theological Seminary in the USA, everything there was like a fairy tale: tiny houses, old books, and a community of scholars enjoying having tea together. During my study and even more after finishing my PhD degree, I am thankful for how the great environment, resources, and networks of the MWRC has positively shaped my research in Wesley Studies. I appreciate the support I received from MWRC scholars (Dr Hammond, the director of the MWRC and my wonderful supervisor, among others), the family atmosphere, and the living holiness tradition that gave me much peace of mind, seeing that God and His people are always ready to assist me and my family. During my PhD study, I felt surrounded by God’s presence in a scholarly community committed to Him. Although I still participate in the MWRC from afar, I miss being more embedded in the life of the MWRC.'

David Wilson, Ph.D., University of Manchester (2010):

'The MWRC has been an invaluable resource for my research. The book collection includes many hard-to-find printed works, including the increasingly rare Works of John Fletcher. In addition, there are numerous journals related to ecclesiastical history and Wesleyan studies, including a nearly complete set of the Proceedings of the Wesleyan Historical Society, available on open shelves. Also very useful to me has been the collection of theses (which continues to grow), providing access to unpublished scholarly work otherwise unavailable in the UK in a single location. As an important complement to the Methodist Archives at the John Rylands University Library of Manchester, I am glad to see the MWRC active in building its reference collection and hosting scholarly conferences.'

J. Gregory Crofford, Ph.D, University of Manchester/Nazarene Theological College (2008):

'If "great things have small beginnings", then the Manchester Wesley Research Centre is a prime example. By gathering together in one place a treasure trove of materials on Wesley studies and early Methodism, the MWRC has saved me much time and effort. Of particular value is the broad collection of master’s and doctoral level theses useful in identifying a research topic and its parameters. I heartily commend to others the MWRC and its helpful staff.'