Harper papers

Papers of Michael Claude Harper including material relating to the charismatic movement and ordination of women.

Born 1931, died 2010. Attended Emmanuel College and Ridley Hall, Cambridge. Curate to John Stott at All Souls, Langham Place, and chaplain to Oxford Street stores.

The archive reflects the main events in Michael Harper's life, from his Pentecostal experience in 1962, foundation of the Fountain Trust in 1964 (of which he was director to 1975), and pivotal role within the charismatic renewal through involvement in SOMA (Sharing of Ministries Abroad) and ICCOWE (International Charismatic Consultation on World Evangelisation). He entered the Orthodox Church in 1995.

Further information about Michael Harper can be seen at www.harperfoundation.com

See also: Jeanne Harper, 'Visited by God: the story of Michael Harper's 48 year-long ministry' (Cambridge: Aquila, 2013) [Lambeth Palace Library Pamphlets Folio H5199.H27 [P] ]

Some biographical information is found in issues of 'Renewal' magazine e.g. silver wedding, October/November 1981.

Largely arranged chronologically by year, and within each year alphabetically by correspondent.

Bishops are ordered alphabetically under the name of their see, rather than by their personal name.

Open

Given to the Library by Michael Harper in 2009.

Catalogued by Jon Shepherd in 2016 with funding from the Library Trustees.

LAMBETH PALACE LIBRARY

The acquisition of the archive also included 'Renewal' magazine, nos. 1-55 (bound: 1966-1975), 56-114 (unbound: 1976-Jan 1985); also two issues from 1988 (July and August) containing articles by or relating to Harper [accession ref: L-2012-13]. Michael Harper edited 'Renewal' from inception until 1975 and again 1979-1984.

See also printed books catalogue, including:

Ho Yan Au, 'Grassroots Unity and the Fountain Trust International Conferences: A Study of Ecumenism in the Charismatic Renewal', Ph.D., University of Birmingham, 2008

Ian J. J. Dewar, 'Renewal and culture in the English tradition. An exploration of the writings and influence of the 14th Century English mystic Richard Rolle and Michael Harper, a former leader of the Charismatic Movement in England, in the latter half of the 20th Century', Post-Graduate Diploma in Leadership, Renewal and Mission Studies, University of Sheffield at Cliff College, 1997

Martin Robinson, 'A Comparison of the Life and Work of Alexander Boddy (1854-1930) and Michael C. Harper'', M.Litt., University of Birmingham, 1976

MATERIAL ELSEWHERE

The Donald Gee Centre (http://www.matterseyhall.com/resources/donaldgeearchives) has some Harper material (e.g. Fountain Trust). Some papers are available online via the University of South California’s online digital archives (http://digitallibrary.usc.edu).

Related bodies (SOMA, ICCOWE) hold photographs.

For material covering the final fifteeen years of Fr. Michael Harper's ministry, please contact the Dean of the Antiochian Orthodox Deanery: Father Gregory Hallam, orthodox@clara.net or 2, Willis Rd., Stockport, Cheshire, SK3 8HQ.