Edward Hartley Dewart
Edward Hartley Dewart was an Irish-born Canadian minister and writer, known for his influential role in the Wesleyan Methodist Church and his contributions to Canadian literature. Born in 1828, he immigrated to Canada at the age of six and was largely self-educated. Dewart began his preaching career at the age of twenty-three and was ordained four years later. Throughout his ministry, he served various circuits, including those along the Ottawa River and in Montreal, while advocating for unity within Methodism.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Dewart was a prolific writer and editor, becoming the editor of the Christian Guardian in 1869 and contributing to it for 25 years. He published a collection of poetry titled *Songs of Life* and is particularly noted for his essay in *Selections from Canadian Poets*, which emphasized the significance of poetry in shaping national identity. Dewart's efforts in promoting lay participation in church governance and his advocacy for unifying principles within Methodism highlight his commitment to fostering community and dialogue. He was also recognized with an honorary degree in divinity from Victoria University, reflecting his impact on both religious and literary spheres in Canada.
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Edward Hartley Dewart
Writer
- Born: March 30, 1828
- Birthplace: Stradone, County Cavan, Ireland
- Died: June 17, 1903
Biography
Edward Hartley Dewart was born in Ireland in 1828. At the age of six, he immigrated with his family to Canada, settling in Ontario. Dewart was almost entirely self-educated and began preaching at the age of twenty-three at the Wesleyan Methodist Church in the County of Peterborough. Four years later, Dewart was officially ordained as a minister. He married his wife, Matilda Hunt, in 1856, with whom he had three sons. After his ordination, Dewart became superintendent of the Saint Andrew’s circuit, which lay along the Ottawa River; he later was appointed superintendent of the Oldtown circuit. In 1856, Dewart was assigned a post in western Montreal, Quebec. He relinquished this position when he was stricken with illness, but again took up more circuits, serving St. John’s, Collingwood, Toronto, and Ingersoll.
In an effort to foster unity among the divergent branches of Methodism, Dewart became an advocate for lay delegations and the use of union principles. To this end, Dewart traveled to London in 1873, where he and another minister were elected to represent the united church. Dewart was awarded an honorary degree in divinity from Victoria University.
In 1869, Dewart became an editor of the important Canadian Methodist publication, the Christian Guardian. He would write columns for the publication for the next twenty-five years. That same year, Dewart published a poetry collection, Songs of Life.
Dewart’s best-known work is his introductory essay to the 1864 book, Selections from Canadian Poets. The essay argues the importance of poetry and the value native literature holds for national identity and culture. Other notable works of Dewart’s include Living Epistles: Or, Christ’s Witnesses in the World and Essays for the Times: Studies of Eminent Men and Important Living Questions.