The B. L. Fisher Library at Asbury Theological Seminary is pleased to
announce it has recently acquired the Bennis Collection, an Irish
Methodist archive of original letters to and from Eliza Bennis. She was
actively involved in the growth and maintenance of Methodism in Ireland,
keeping John Wesley informed of developments there and encouraging many
dispirited missionaries by her sound and independent advice. One of the
"mothers" of Methodism, Bennis was among the first Methodist converts
in Limerick and was a regular correspondent of John Wesley, John
Stretton (apostle of Methodism in Newfoundland) and other important
figures in the early Methodist movement. "This is a significant
acquisition," declared Kenneth J. Collins, Professor of Wesley Studies
and Historical Theology and Director of the Wesleyan Studies Summer
Seminar. "It is indicative of Asbury Theological Seminary's increasing
leadership among Wesleyan-Evangelical institutions and demonstrates our
commitment to serious scholarship in the field of Wesleyan studies."
