Fiji Wilson 1872 Wesleyan Spitalfields letter to Rev Priestley ordination ticket For Sale

WILLIAM WILSON (“FIJI WILSON”), WESLEYAN MINISTER — AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED, 7 AUGUST 1872, SPITALFIELDS, LONDON. Addressed to Rev. J. Priestley, fellow Wesleyan minister.

A warm and revealing ALS from Reverend William Wilson (1828–1910), the well‑known Wesleyan missionary popularly called “Fiji Wilson”, written from 8 Spital Square East, in the historic Spitalfields Wesleyan Circuit. Wilson apologises for failing to send tickets for the Wesleyan ordination service held that morning in his chapel, and humorously notes his wife’s comment that the local Anglican clergy “don’t believe in anything but Episcopal Ordination & won’t care for ours.” The letter offers a vivid glimpse into Nonconformist–Anglican relations, circuit etiquette, and the practical organisation of Wesleyan ordination services.

Wilson remarks that if the church had been open, “scores who were never in Spitalfields before” would have attended, being impressed by the architectural magnitude of the chapel — a reference to the imposing Spitalfields Wesleyan Chapel, one of the most significant Methodist buildings in East London. This places the letter firmly within a highly documented period of Wilson’s post‑missionary career, after his return from Fiji where he served in the 1850s–60s in places such as Bua alongside other early figures of Fijian Methodism.

The recipient, Rev. John Priestley, was a Wesleyan minister in the London circuits, and Wilson’s warm tone (“thanks for your readiness to oblige”) shows a close working relationship within the Spitalfields circuit.

A strong piece of Wesleyan missionary and London Nonconformist history, combining a named missionary, a London circuit address, ordination‑week logistics, and denominational humour.

Transcription:

8 Spital Sq EAugt. 7th. 1872.

My dear Mr PriestleyI feel quite reproved for not sending you some tickets for the Ordination service held in my Chapel this forenoon.I fully intended doing so to the Vicar as well, but my wife said “You know they dont believe in anything but Episcopal Ordination & wont care for ours”, so you must settle it with her when you call.If the church had been open I have no doubt but scores who were never in Spitalfields before would [ ] to come would have availed themselves of the opportunity as they were much impressed with the Architectural magnitude of the building.Excuse my omission & accept of my thanks for your readiness to oblige. Call soon.With kind regards in wh Mrs Wilson joins,I am.Yours very truly,William Wilson

Rev J. PriestleyWesleyan Ministerknown as Fiji W.

Historical Notes

• William Wilson (1828–1910): Scottish‑born Wesleyan missionary; served in Fiji (Bua district) in the mid‑19th century; widely known as “Fiji Wilson”.

• Returned to Britain and assigned to the London (Spitalfields) Circuit, a prestigious and historically significant Wesleyan posting.

• The Spitalfields Wesleyan Chapel was architecturally notable, explaining Wilson’s comment about visitors being impressed by its scale.

• The letter captures classic Wesleyan–Anglican tension over ordination practice.

• Rev. John Priestley: Wesleyan minister active in London circuits during the 1860s–70s.

Condition as photos. Guaranteed Original. All items can be returned for a full refund if found to be not as class="MsoNormal">One of c.2,500+ items once from the collection or dealer stock of Winifred A Myers (Autographs) Ltd, St Martins Lane, London, evidenced by the quantity of Myers pre-printed envelopes and paper folders and the general ‘presentation’ of the items, many having Myers identification notes in pencil.

Winifred Alice Myers (1909 - 1985) served as ABA (Antiquarian Booksellers Assoc) president, 1950-1952. See the ABA website for an extended article on Myers. Myers left her business, in 1985, to Ruth Shepherd, who traded from home until 2004.

Complete with digital .jpg CoA - as photo - for you to print if needed

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