The Story of American Methodism: Part One

Early American Methodism

1784: A Pivotal Year

American Revolution Research on the Episcopacy of the

Early Church by Wesley Continued adherence of the

Anglican Tradition and its ecclesiastic doctrine

Adherence to Ordaination

Itinerancy as Basic Principle

“As long as I am alive,” stated Wesley, “the Methodist itinerant will itinerate.”

American Methodism designed to reach people who were not being reached by other Christian movements and to win souls for Christ.

Other Fundamentals to Wesley

Priesthood of all believers Primacy of Scripture Christian Perfection Justification by Faith Catholic (universal) Church Communion of Saints (believers) Committed Discipleship through

commitment to works of piety

Concerning the American Situation

Wesley never an advocate for the American Revolution

Governments considered human-oriented models of community structured from the fabric of original sin

However, freedom from sin should translate into freedom from oppression

On Most Issues…

…Wesley sided with the Tories. Exception: The Evil of Slavery Thomas Coke (known as Dr. Coke to

most American Methodists) agreed with Wesley on this count.

Wesley not an advocate for free enterprise but did contend that individuals held some responsibility

Early American Beginnings

Date from 1760s All Protestant movements had roots

in Europe Diversity the key feature of colonial

religion; no single religious tradition held sway

Early Methodists encountered numerous religious beliefs and practices

Great Awakening

Begins in 1740s Characterized the Early American

Religious experience Heightened focus on individual

repentance from sin and death Religious enthusiasm and emotional

revivalism “Deep Moving” of Holy Spirit

Outcomes of the First Great Awakening

Enhancement of missionary spirit of American Protestant movements

Formation of Higher Education (perhaps as a corrective to the emotional revivalism and poor preparation of lay preachers)

Forged a political system that advocated tolerance of religious opinion and action

Early Lay Leadership

Robert Strawbridge of Maryland (1766)

Formed first Methodist Society in America (according to Asbury)

Taught, preached and administered the Sacraments without formal permission

1773, Strawbridge granted special dispensation for his ministry

Early Lay Leadership

William Watters and Freeborn Garrettson become lay preachers after encountering Strawberry

Barbara Heck at John Street Methodist Episcopal Church in New York recognized as first woman lay woman (1766)

Betty, a slave “girl”, takes on responsibility in same Class as Heck

Early Lay Leadership

Another lay leader, Thomas Taylor, writes to Wesley, encouraging more experienced leadership; somebody to train and direct the lay preachers.

1766: Wesley appoints a few missionary pastors to train lay leaders of American societies.

Early Lay Leadership

Peter Williams, one of the earliest slaves who provided leadership in a New York Methodist Society. After seven years, church “bought” Williams and set him free. Williams saw the purchase as a “loan” and paid the church back.

Early Lay Leadership

Thomas Webb preached in New York, Long Island and Philadelphia

Helped organize the Philadelphia Society (1767) and preached at St. George’s Church (1769), one of the oldest Methodist structures still in existence.

Missionary Preachers Arrive

1769, Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmore arrive in Philadelphia.

Sent in response to Thomas Taylor’s letter.

Pilmore makes significant contribution to development of Colonial Methodism (see pp. 71-72)

Missionary Preachers Arrive

1771, Francis Asbury and Richard Wright arrive

1773, Thomas Rankin and George Shadford

Asbury and Rankin at odds, Rankin returns to Great Britain in 1778

Contrariwise, Asbury and Shadford characterized as “David with Jonathan”

Missionary Preachers Arrive

1774, James Dempster and Martin Rodda arrive.

Rooda returns to England after three years, due in part to his position as a royalist.

Factors of Early Growth

Seen in conjunction with Church of England

Disrupted in some areas by the Revolution

Effectiveness of some lay preachers help movement to proper in Virginia and Maryland

Presence of Congregational and Presbyterian churches hurts

First Annual Conference

St. George’s Church in July, 1773 Lasted three days Attended by ten lay preachers Affirmed affiliation with Church of

England Affirmed prohibition of lay preachers

administering sacraments Since then, Annual Conference held

every year into the present

Issues Facing the Post-Revolution Methodists

Itinerancy Wesley’s Authority Methodist’s relationship with other

colonial churches The Question of slavery Discipline (polity) English vs. Native preachers Social Reform Issues