About the Collection
The Perkins School of Theology collection presents a variety of documents, images, and publications produced by, on behalf of, or about the school. The School of Theology has been part of Southern Methodist University since its founding, growing out of the work of a commission led by Bishop James Atkins to establish a theological school west of the Mississippi River. Dr. E.D. Mouzon, dean of the Theological Department of Southwestern University and later bishop, became the first dean in 1914. With the opening of the university in the following year, the School of Theology began its work as the church’s official theological school for the western half of the United States. When ownership of the University was vested in the South Central Jurisdiction of The Methodist Church at the Uniting Conference of 1939, the school of theology became the theological school of that jurisdiction.
In 1945, the School of Theology was named Perkins School of Theology in honor of benefactors Joe J. Perkins and Lois Craddock Perkins of Wichita Falls, Texas. Today, Perkins School of Theology is one of the thirteen seminaries of The United Methodist Church and one of only five university-related United Methodist theological schools.
The Perkins School of Theology collection draws upon a related archival collection on the History of the Perkins School of Theology and additional historical resources owned by Bridwell Library.
