Research papers of Gordon Hewitt

This collection comprises the papers of Gordon Hewitt connected with writing The Problems of Success, a history of CMS 1910-1942 , published in two volumes by SCM Press for the CMS, Vol 1, 1971 and Vol 2, 1977. It includes drafts of some of his chapters, with readers' comments. It also includes answers from missionaries to a questionnaire on the significant facts in the countries where they worked, 1910-1942 (compiled by Max Warren, Secretary of the CMS). The collection also contains a range of Hewitt's correspondence, with publishers, with former members of CMS headquarters staff and others connected with the CMS, and relating to overseas visits he made in 1968 and 1969. It also includes printed material he acquired and various alphabetical lists of missionaries and home staff . In addition to his own papers there is also some material of M. E. (Mildred Eleanor) Gibbs relating to her research into the history of the Anglican Church in India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon which was not used in her book.

Administrative/Biographical History

George Henry Gordon Hewitt (1912-1998) was educated at Trent College, Brasenose College, Oxford and Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He was ordained deacon in 1936, and priest in 1937. He was Assistant Curate at St Clement, Leeds, 1936-39; Chaplain at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, 1939-41; and then Assistant Curate at Leeds Parish Church, 1941-43. He then became Religious Book Editor at Lutterworth Press from 1943 until 1952; He was appointed Diocesan Education Secretary, Sheffield in 1952 and was also made Residentiary Canon at Sheffield Cathedral the following year. He became Vicar of St Andrew, Oxford in 1958 where he remained until 1964, then becoming Residentiary Canon at Chelmsford Cathedral from 1964 until 1978, when he became an Emeritus Canon. He was also Chaplain to the Queen from 1969 until 1982. In addition to his history of the Church Missionary Society (CMS), his publications included Let the People Read. A short history of the United Society for Christian Literature, 1949

Reference: Who was who 1991-2000

This collection forms part of the Church Missionary Society Unofficial Papers. It is arranged into one series (and sub-series): Miscellaneous Papers.

Access Conditions

Open. Access to all registered researchers.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Deposited with the CMS July 1974 and 1977; transferred on permanent loan to the Special Collections Department by the CMS in the 1980s.

Please see full catalogue for more information.

Permission to make any published use of any material from the collection must be sought in advance in writing from the University Archivist, Special Collections. Identification of copyright holders of unpublished material is often difficult. Special Collections will assist where possible with identifying copyright owners, but responsibility for ensuring copyright clearance rests with the user of the material.

Research papers of M. E. Gibbs for use in the composition of her publication The History of the Anglican Church in India, 1600-1970 , are held at the Orchard Learning Resources Centre, University of Birmingham Information Services (GB 151 DA17).

The University of Birmingham, Special Collections Department and the Orchard Learning Resources Centre hold a rich collection of archives relating to missions, charities and other religious and ecclesiastical organisations and individuals.