Olivet Nazarene University’s Holiness Collection began in 2011 as a collaborative initiative between Benner Library and the School of Theology and Christian Ministry. The collection was originally housed within the University Archives. However, in 2023 a unique room was specifically designated for the materials in the lower level of Benner Library. While this collection continues to be developed and curated, Benner Library has currently cataloged over 1,400 items pertaining to the Wesleyan Holiness movement in the United States and Canada, including formal theological texts and popular tracts. Collection development decisions are primarily guided by, although not limited by, Charles Edwin Jones’ 2005 bibliography, The Wesleyan Holiness Movement: A Comprehensive Guide.

The goal of the Holiness Collection is to gather as many Wesleyan-Holiness resources as possible and make them available to students and researchers who will value access to this rich range of holiness materials. In order to not risk having certain materials lost to future readers and researchers some items in the collection will be kept in a locked bookshelf; in-house use for these items can be coordinated with the University Archivist.

For more information about the Holiness Collection, please contact Kyle Olney.

We recognize that families who have inherited holiness materials may want to see them preserved in this special collection. In fact, much of the Holiness Collection has been built through personal donations. For information about making a gift donation to this collection, or Benner Library in general, please visit our donations page.

We can only remember who we are if we remember where we have come from.