| Order number: |
MMS/Special Series/Biographical/West Africa/FBN 8 (fiche 327-328)
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| Summary: |
Notebook recording a deputation tour to West Africa and specifically Sierra Leone.
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| Main author: |
Thompson; Edgar Wesley (1857-1919); ordained missionary, general secretary of the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society |
| Extent: |
1 volume
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| Admin history: |
Thompson was born in Glastonbury, Somerset, to Wesleyan Methodist parents (the Rev & Mrs Thomas Thompson) on 8th May 1871. After being educated at Woodhouse Grove and Kingswood he graduated from Aberystwyth. He attended Richmond College in 1893 but his training was cut sort in 1894 due to an urgent need for missionaries in India. For the next 25 years he worked in the Mysore District developing a reputation as an evangelist, debater and effective administrator as well as cultivating a keen interest in Indian history and Hinduism. He was superintendent of the Mysore Press for a number of years as well as editing 'The Harvest Field' (c1900-1904) and Dr Haigh's weekly newspaper, 'Vrittanta Patrike' (contributing regularly to both of these in addition to other mainly missionary publications). Knowledgeable in both Canarese and Sanskrit his evangelical work included being involved with the mass movements in Hyderabad and Trichinopoly as well as a period of residency at the United Theological College in Bangalore [Bengaluru]. He was also an ardent opponent of Theosophy and in particular the form espoused by Mrs Annie Besant.
In 1911, whilst on furlough in England, he suggested changes to the constitution and administration of the missionary society which were accepted and remained in place up to and beyond Methodist Union. In 1919 he became one of the general secretaries of the WMMS, initially having responsibility for Home Organisation but later being responsible for India, West Africa and the West Indies districts. Whilst at the Mission House he served for four years as Chairman of the Officers' meetings. In 1934 Thompson became a supernumerary but remained active in Church affairs, most notably playing a key part in the creation of the Methodist Church's conference declaration on racial policy in 1950. He died in London on 28th January 1963.
Further Reading (selective):
Thompson, E W, The Methodist Mission House: its history and its treasures
Thompson, E W, A history of India for high schools and colleges (1908);
Thompson, E W, The call of India: a study in conditions, methods and opportunities of missionary work among Hindus (1912);
Thompson, E W, The theosophy of Mrs. Besant: being a statement upon the teaching of Mrs. Besant and Mr. Leadbeater with an account of the recent law-suits and a foreword by the Bishop of Madras and others (1913);
Thompson, E W, The word of the Cross to Hindus (1933);
Thompson, E W, The Methodist doctrine of the Church (1939). |
Thompson was born in Glastonbury, Somerset, to Wesleyan Methodist parents (the Rev & Mrs Thomas Thompson) on 8th May 1871. After being educated at Woodhouse Grove and Kingswood he graduated from Aberystwyth. He attended Richmond College in 1893 but his training was cut sort in 1894 due to an urgent need for missionaries in India. For the next 25 years he worked in the Mysore District developing a reputation as an evangelist, debater and effective administrator as well as cultivating a keen interest in Indian history and Hinduism. He was ... View more |
| Access status: |
Open
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| Access conditions: |
Only to be viewed on microfiche.
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| Copyright: |
Copyright mostly held by Methodist Missionary Society. |
| User restrictions: |
For permission to publish, please contact Archives & Special Collections, SOAS Library in the first instance |
| Language: |
English
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| Related material: |
A few of Rev Edgar Thompson's deputation or visitation reports were published including a 'Report of West African Visitation by Rev. Edgar W. Thompson, and Dr A.W. Hooker. January 18th to April 7th 1928' (MMSL AF-WE1425) & 'The West Indies, 1929-1930: the report of two tours by the Rev. E.W. Thompson' (MMSL AM-CR19). Further works by him can be found within the Methodist Missionary Society Library.
Also within the records of the (Wesleyan) Methodist Missionary Society is the official correspondence for Edgar Wesley Thompson whilst stationed in India (MMS/India/Correspondence/Mysore/FBN 34-36). Furthermore, the synod minutes will detail his work, and that of his colleagues, in the Mysore District (MMS/India/Synod Minutes/FBN 4-8 & MMS/India/Synod Minutes/South India/FBN 12-13). Correspondence written by Thompson whilst a General Secretary of the WMMS can be found within outgoing correspondence.
Finally, there is also an article on Governor MacLean and Thomas Birch Freeman by Thompson available (MMS/Special Series/Notes and Transcripts/FBN 1, item 22) and a memorandum on the name 'Methodist Missionary Society' (MMS/Special Series/Notes and Transcripts/FBN 5, item 51). |
A few of Rev Edgar Thompson's deputation or visitation reports were published including a 'Report of West African Visitation by Rev. Edgar W. Thompson, and Dr A.W. Hooker. January 18th to April 7th 1928' (MMSL AF-WE1425) & 'The West Indies, 1929-1930: the report of two tours by the Rev. E.W. Thompson' (MMSL AM-CR19). Further works by him can be found within the Methodist Missionary Society Library.
Also within the records of the (Wesleyan) Methodist Missionary Society is the official correspondence for Edgar Wes ... View more |
| Format: |
Archive
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