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Papers of E. M. T. Epelle (d. 1973)

 Fonds
Identifier: CSWC 22

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of: correspondence (with Andrew Walls), papers and reports relating to Epelle's research (1966-1973); church histories (written by church history committees or Epelle) of Anglican churches in the Niger Delta Diocese (1966), unorthodox and Seventh Day Adventist churches in Aba and Opobo (1966, 1971), Methodist churches in Ikot Ekpene (1971), and Qua Iboe churches in East Central and South East states (1972); and some completed questionnaires on African tribal and traditional religions (1972).

Dates

  • Creation: 1965-1973

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Access

Contact the repository for details.

Conditions Governing Use

Contact the repository for details.

Biographical / Historical

E. M. T. Epelle was a research assistant in the Department of Religion, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He was involved in a project, initiated by Professor Andrew Walls and partially funded by the Theological Education Fund, to document church histories in Eastern Nigeria. His aim was to collect church histories and, where possible, acquire historical materials for all denominations in each district. The author of Writing a Local Church History (University of Nigeria, 1965), Epelle visited each area, gathered together church leaders and workers, and lectured them on the methods of writing the history of their church. He encouraged the formation of local History Committees who were charged with the responsibility of writing the histories which were then checked by Epelle. The final versions were deposited in the University and a copy was usually sent to Professor Andrew Walls at Aberdeen University. At the same time Epelle attempted to document African traditional religions by meeting with tribes and leaders in each area. The material that Epelle collected between 1965 and 1967, including early church records, was lost during the civil war but some of the copies in Aberdeen survived. Epelle resumed his gathering of information as soon as he could and also frequently lectured on church history and traditional religions. He continued his research until his sudden death on 10 May 1973.

Extent

2 boxes

Arrangement

Most of the material that was sent to Aberdeen by Epelle was in labelled files and the same arrangement has been kept. Some papers were loose and not identified, these have been added to the correct files where possible.

Custodial History

See biographical history.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The material was sent to Aberdeen by Epelle then moved to Edinburgh University with the Centre for the Study of Christianity in the Non-Western World.

Accruals

None expected.

Related Materials

Professor Andrew Walls worked in Nigeria and various collections in the Centre for the Study of Christianity in the Non-Western World archives and library are a result of his interest in and knowledge of missionary and church workers in the area. Epelle's Writing a Local Church History (University of Nigeria, 1965) is in Edinburgh University Central Library.

General

The biographical history was compiled using the collection itself.

Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository

Contact:
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379