Showing 798 results

Archival description
Victoria University Archives Nathanael Burwash fonds
Print preview View:

Records

Series consists of pamphlets, programmes, invitations and other printed material, notes and notebooks, lectures, resolutions, sermons, Victoria College minutes, examinations and other records, memoranda, annotated family bible, and financial records, 1845-1927.

Notes and manuscripts

Series consists of notes and manuscripts, including notes for "Inductive Theology", manuscripts for "Annual of Christian Theology" and research material and drafts for Burwash's autobiography and biography, and the history of Victoria College, published 1927.

Writing

Series consists of manuscripts - some in notebooks - of sermons, addresses, lectures, essays, articles, reviews and reports, 1860-1917, on various subjects, including education, religion, social issues, mission work, university federation, the founding of the University of Toronto, and ethics. Also included are addresses/lectures to Victoria College students, various graduating classes, academic conferences and religious institutions, as well as Victoria College reports.

Nathanael Burwash fonds

  • CA ON00357 2042
  • Fonds
  • 1845-1927; predominant 1865-1915

In his capacities as a minister, teacher and administrator, Nathanael Burwash exerted tremendous influence on both the course of the Methodist Church in Canada and the development of the educational system in Ontario for over half a century. In view of this dual role, Burwash's papers are of cardinal interest to religious and educational historians; nevertheless, they also contain valuable insights into the political, social and economic conditions in Canada between 1860 and the end of the First World War. The collection held by the Archives includes a large selection of Burwash's correspondence, diaries, sermons, addresses, essays, lectures, manuscripts, and biographical material.

Burwash's correspondence has been organized chronologically and thematically. The bulk of the material has been classified as general correspondence, but, where the volume or importance of correspondence on a particular subject warranted, a separate file was created. When ever possible, Burwash's replies were placed with the letters in response to which they were written. The major portion of the correspondence relates to the administration of Victoria College: included are letters from students seeking advice, requests for academic recommendations and honourary degrees, applications for staff openings and salary increases, questions concerning curriculum and examinations and debates over the relationship between the university and the government. The close ties between Victoria and other Methodist institutions such as Albert College, Columbian Methodist College and Wesley College in Winnipeg are clearly illustrated. Information concerning the university's financial arrangements and endowments has largely been segregated, but the researcher should also scan the general correspondence and the Massey family correspondence for a more complete picture. The family correspondence provides insights into Burwash's private opinions and reflects many values of Canadian family life. Although there are occasional questions regarding spiritual matters, the problems of training young men for the ministry or mission work, there are not as many as might be expected from the nature of Burwash's involvements. The bulk of the religious correspondence deals with the issue of Higher Criticism (particularly the Workman and Jackson controversies). Because Burwash was generally perceived to be a moderate liberal in theological matters, he received solicitations for support from both conservatives and radicals within the Methodist Church.

Although a number of the diaries are little more than listings of appointments and meetings, others are detailed accounts of Burwash's daily activities as a young preacher and professor and outline the nature of his spiritual concerns. The division of the remainder of the material into sermons, addresses, lectures, articles, essays, and manuscripts was often difficult and, of necessity, occasionally arbitrary. Within each category, the material was arranged chronologically. Generally, any piece containing a text (unless a title indicated otherwise) was classified as a sermon; pieces addressed to an audience (usually without a text) were labelled as addresses or lectures. The lecture notes contain examples of Burwash's work both as a student and as a teacher. Compositions which seem to have been written strictly for publication rather than for an audience were considered to be essays, articles, or manuscripts. The collection includes the complete manuscript for A Manual of Christian Theology in the Inductive Method and the manuscript and several drafts of The History of Victoria College.

Burwash's writings reflect an emphasis on the inner spiritual life of the individual and the importance of such Wesleyan traditions as Christian perfection. His work was an interesting example of a nineteenth century struggle to reconcile spiritual and scientific truths, although like most Methodists he was confident that all modes of truth were ultimately harmonious. Burwash's articulation of Wesleyan doctrine was designed to separate superficial and fundamental concepts in order to prepare a doctrinal basis for church union. The biographical and autobiographical material,initially prepared by Burwash and subsequently by his eldest son Edward,is incomplete in that it deals only with the period of Burwash's life prior to the 1890's. However, it contains interesting information on the nature of the educational system in Ontario, the lifestyle of a young preacher in both rural and urban stations, and the problems facing Victoria College immediately prior to federation.

The fonds is arranged in five series: Correspondence, 1965-1925; Diaries and journal, 1859-1914; Writing, 1860-1917; Notes and manuscripts, 1862-1923; and Records, 1863-1927.

Burwash, Nathanael

Diaries and journals

Series consists of diaries and journals, 1859-1914 containing entries regarding ethical and religious thoughts, personal finances, travel, and daily activities.

Correspondence re George Workman.

Controversy at Wesleyan Theological College, Montreal and libel case Workman vs. Shaw, Burwash's reaction to Workman's 1908 statement, Rev. C.T. Scott's reaction to statement, Burwash on Methodist standards, contributions to fund for Workman, Burwash's opinion of Workman's book, objections to Carman's role, John Burwash's opinion of Workman

Correspondence re George Workman.

Workman's statement of beliefs concerning Messianic Prophecy, drafts of appeal to Bay of Quinte Conference on behalf of Workman, copy of ruling of General Superintendent re Committee on Workman's case, Ross' attack on Workman, Burwash's belief re atonement

Correspondence.

Between S.H. Blake and N. Burwash re Religious Teaching at the University of Toronto. Typewritten and printed copies, report of special committee to Board of Governors of University re religious knowledge

Committee Reports.

Financial status of University, federation with Trinity College, college library, faculty, superannuation, women's advisor, new University of Toronto calendar, Bible study at the university, opening of Annesley Hall, Currelly's work in archeology

Committee Reports.

University federation, construction of new buildings in Toronto, staff estimates, scholarships

Results 1 to 50 of 798