volume. It is my hope that this book will contribute both to
immigrant history and Methodist church history.

This preface provides an opportunity to acknowledge and
express appreciation to those to whom I am deeply indebted.
Kenneth E. Rowe, professor of church history at Drew Uni-
versity and also Librarian, Methodist Archives and History
Center, made research materials available to me. In addition,
he read my manuscript and offered useful suggestions. Phil-
ip J. Anderson, professor of church history at North Park
College and Seminary in Chicago and current president of
the Swedish American Historical Society, has been suppor-
tive and encouraging in the latter stages of the project lead-
ing to publication. Associate director James D. Simmons and
managing editor Susan H. Wilson at Southern Illinois Uni-
versity Press have both been extremely helpful. A final read-
ing of the manuscript was done by H. Arnold Barton, pro-
fessor of history, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale;
by Arlow W. Andersen, professor emeritus at the University
of Wisconsin-Oshkosh; and by an anonymous reviewer. Their
knowledge and editorial comments are appreciated. I am
deeply grateful to Carol Wearstler, who prepared the final
manuscript with efficiency, accuracy, and always a gracious
spirit.

-xvi-