Bishop Wesley R. Toomis

Elmer Gantry

Bishop Toomis is Elmer's superior in the Methodist church, who tolerates Elmer's scandals for the sake of church growth.

Elmer Gantry

Bishop Toomis is Elmer's superior in the Methodist church, who tolerates Elmer's scandals for the sake of church growth.

Elmer Gantry

Bishop Toomis is Elmer's superior in the Methodist church, who tolerates Elmer's scandals for the sake of church growth.

Chapter XVIII

Methodist bishop of the Zenith area; invites Elmer to dinner and considers bringing him into the Methodist fold.

I

Methodist bishop who praises Elmer's talk, invites him to a Chamber of Commerce luncheon and to supper, and is receptive to Elmer's interest in joining the Methodist ministry.

II

Bishop of the Methodist area of Zenith; lives in a chubby modern house in Devon Woods with a collection of travel souvenirs and books.

III

Hosts Elmer, shows photographs from his travels, discusses Elmer's title and marital status, and appreciates Elmer's joke.

IV

Bishop Toomis hosts Elmer, discusses his own literary ambitions, and actively recruits Elmer into the Methodist Church, offering him a church at Banjo Crossing.

V

Bishop Toomis negotiates with Elmer, expressing disappointment that Elmer prioritizes flock size over opportunities for good, but ultimately guides him to Banjo Crossing.

Chapter XX

Suggests Elmer read philosophy, specifically Josiah Royce.

I

Bishop Toomis is quoted as wittily calling Elmer's library 'God's artillery in black and white.'

Chapter VIII

Mentioned as Elmer's old and true friend who advised him to take a year in a smaller parish to rest.

Chapter XI

Recommended Royce's philosophy to Elmer.

Chapter XXI

Favors Elmer, promises a larger church, calls him by first name.

Chapter VI

Bishop Toomis sends Elmer a note hinting at a promotion to a larger church at the Annual Conference, based on favorable reports from the district superintendent.

IX

Presides over the Conference, keeps himself hidden from most ministers but sends for Elmer, promising him a larger church and future advancement.

XI

The bishop reads the list of appointments in a snappy voice, assigning Elmer to Rudd Center.

Chapter XXII

Sends for Elmer after the Sparta campaign and offers him the pastorate of Wellspring Church in Zenith.

III

Bishop Toomis sends for Elmer after the election, indicating church interest in his activities.

IV

Bishop Toomis offers Elmer the Wellspring Church, praising his success in Sparta and hinting at future rewards.

VII

Elmer confers with Bishop Toomis early on about which Zenith clergymen to cultivate.

Chapter II

Mentioned as the former employer of Sidney Webster.

Chapter XXVIII

Dismissed by Frank as a 'gasbag' in his critique of prominent Methodist figures.

I

Dismissed by Frank as a 'gasbag' and lumped with other ineffective clergymen.

VI

Writes to Wesleyan colleagues to help Elmer secure a London preaching invitation.