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Description

Photocopies of circular letters (1932-72) from Norman and Joan Sargant who began their life in India as Wesleyan missionaries in Mysore State. In 1948, at the formation of the Church of South India, they became part of that Church. In 1951 Norman was consecrated a bishop.

The letters, written to church people in England who supported their work, describe their varied life and duties. To name a few: evangelistic methods used amongst workers and their families on coffee estates; the reopening of a hospital at Mandagadde; the construction of church buildings; the continual travelling to visit and preach to scattered Christian communities. After his consecration as Bishop of Mysore Diocese, a vast area later divided into three dioceses, Norman’s responsibilities were greatly increased and much more of his time was of necessity spent in travelling.

Interesting glimpses are given of the response of the Christian community to national events such as Gandhi’s death. Of this he says ‘The death of Gandhi created a new sort of environment for the Christian preacher.’

In writing of the Church of South India he says that two of its fruits were: a reinforcement of their work and an enrichment of fellowship.

The letters speak admiringly of the forward-looking policies of the Maharaja of Mysore before independence and with delight when, in 1956, the ‘greatly beloved Maharaja’ became the Governor of the new Mysore State. 257pp.