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Children during reading time
Reader in the Reading Room 2022

Marion E. Wade Center

A living literary center of scholarly, artistic,
and ongoing spiritual renewal

Wade Center logo - green

The Marion E. Wade Center promotes cultural engagement and spiritual formation by offering a collection of resources available nowhere else in the world. We emphasize the ongoing relevance of seven British Christian authors who provide a distinctive blend of intellect, imagination, and faith: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Dorothy L. Sayers, George MacDonald, G.K. Chesterton, Owen Barfield, and Charles Williams. The Wade Center implements these goals by 

  • Assisting scholars in their study of unique materials by and about these seven authors in order to generate new understandings;
  • Sharing insights with a broader audience through our numerous programs and publications;
  • Supporting artistic works inspired by our authors;
  • Welcoming visitors to our museum.

No image or text from this website may be used without the written consent of the Wade Center.
All rights reserved.


VII Volume 39

VII Volume 39 Released

Volume 39 of VII is now available, featuring previously unpublished letters from C.S. Lewis and articles exploring Lewis's childhood, Dorothy L. Sayers's playwriting, Lewis's thoughts on war, and more. Read it online or purchase a print copy today!

Co-Directors of the Wade Center, Dr. Crystal Downing and Dr. David C. Downing

Retirement of David and Crystal Downing

Drs. Crystal and David Downing recently announced their retirement as Co-Directors of the Wade Center and co-holders of the Marion E. Wade Chair of Christian Thought. Dr. James Beitler, currently Professor of English at Wheaton College, will become the Wade Center’s fifth Director.

George MacDonald

George MacDonald and the Prophetic Imagination: A Bicentenary Conference, May 29-31, 2024

In partnership with the George MacDonald Society, the Wade Center is excited to announce a George MacDonald conference at Wheaton College in celebration of the bicentenary of MacDonald's birth (1824-1905). This three-day gathering will include an evening lecture event with Malcolm Guite, panel discussions, papers on various aspects of MacDonald's life and works, displays of MacDonald memorabilia and books, and artistic events.

Learn More & Register

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