Our objects help us to tell and share our story, history would be very flat if we didn't have these objects as portals to our past. Just about anything can be a heritage object but you might like some guidance on how to care for your objects.
This guidance is about the moveable objects in your church and not fixed memorials, organs or stained glass windows - these are all part of the fabric of the building. For matters relating to conservation and listed buildings please consult these pages.
We hope to add additional documents to this suite on the implications of managing war memorials.
Adding to your collection of objects
Questions to think about before you say 'yes' to a new object acquisition, and how to say 'no' to an object you don't want and can't look after and/or use for mission.
Caring for your objects
Advice on ensuring you know what you have through making an inventory and how to keep any historic artefacts safe through careful handling, conservation etc.
Assessing significance & next steps
Advice to help you determine the 'value' of objects and a tool to help you decide on the importance of an historic object to the Methodist Church locally or Connexionally.
Disposing of objects
The overriding principle for keeping things is that they have use in mission, or may have in the future, so what should be the process for getting rid of anything you do not want? Key steps to take in getting rid of things.
Features in Listed Buildings
Please be aware that you should seek additional guidance from the Connexional Conservation Office in any case involving a listed building, and particular care is needed where the building retains many original features and or a near complete period interior.
The Historic Artefact Collections Management Policy
Approved by the Methodist Council in April 2014. It was presented in the context of the achievements and future aspirations of the Heritage Committee against its first three-year development strategy, 2011-14. This policy was the final major piece of work to be completed in that initial strategy. The full report can be read below.