A Brief History of Methodism
JOHN WESLEY - (1703 - 1791) the founder of Methodism; an ordained priest in the Church of England; began a renewal movement with brother Charles - derisively called "Method-ists" - sent missionaries to America in 1771 including:
FRANCIS ASBURY - (1745 - 1816) only missionary to stay through Revolutionary War; implemented the itinerant system; became first American bishop. By the time of his death he had recruited over 700 clergy, over 2,000 local preachers and 212,000 members - not bad for 21 years. His funeral was attended by 20,000 people.
Important Dates:
| 1771 |
First Methodist missionaries sent to America |
| 1784 |
December 24 - Baltimore "Christmas Conference" - first organizing conference. Asbury ordained bishop: Church named the "Methodist Episcopal Church." |
| 1830 |
Reform minded group left MEC and started the Methodist Protestant Church. |
| 1845 |
Slavery issue caused another split resulting in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. |
| 1939 |
MEC, MEC South, and MPC reunited to form the Methodist Church. |
| 1968 |
April - the Evangelical United Brethren merged with the Methodist Church to form the United Methodist Church. |
