This concise history was originally published in a handsomely printed limited edition, richly illustrated from the holdings of the Archives and History Center of The United Methodist Church, which had officially opened its new quarters on the Drew University campus in October, 1982. It has been a pleasure to bring the book to the Internet, knowing that it will now reach the wider audience it deserves.
In preparing the electronic version I have tried to keep the page formatting quite simple, and yet retain as much as I could of the artful, warm and uncrowded layout which makes the printed book such a pleasure to read. Apart from two short sections--an account of the history and mission of the Center by Charles Yrigoyen, Jr., General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, and a list acknowledging the many generous donors whose gifts helped to make the new Center possible--the 1984 edition is republished here with only a few minor changes and corrections. Those who wish to learn more about the Center are invited to turn to its very attractive and interesting Website.
Readers of John G. McEllhenney's perceptive and superbly crafted text will quickly recognize a gifted teacher. They will be glad to know that he is currently preparing a course on United Methodist History, Doctrine and Polity to be offered on the Internet next year. Charles Yrigoyen, Jr., and Kenneth E. Rowe, Professor of Church History and Methodist Librarian at Drew University, are serving as consultants.
In closing I gratefully acknowledge the help and encouragement I have received from all three colleagues--John McEllhenney, Charles Yrigoyen and Kenneth Rowe--as well as the able support of the staff of the University Academic Computing Center and its director, Neil Clarke.
Paul Riemann
Drew University
November, 1997