United Methodist History: Lecture 5 - Beginning of American Methodism (1760-1790)

Introduction

• Methodism established in England but absent in British North American colonies initially.
• Lecture covers 1760-1790, focusing on the rise of Methodism in America.

Background of Christianity in the Colonies

• Dominated by established European churches: Anglicans, Catholics, Dutch Reformed, etc.
• Sect churches like Baptists and Quakers also present.
• Only about 20% of the population was churched.

John Wesley’s Initial "Hands-Off" Policy

• Wesley delayed including North America in his missionary strategy.
• Factors for delay:
  1. George Whitefield's Role: Wesley delegated the American mission to Whitefield.
  2. Financial Constraints: Rapid growth and debts in England.
  3. Seven Years War: Distracted focus from North America.
• Migration after the war led to Methodist growth in colonies.

Early Methodist Societies in America

Baltimore

• Founded by Irish immigrant Robert Strawbridge in early 1760s.
• Strawbridge's unofficial ministry expanded Methodist influence.
• Opened Lovely Lane Meeting House in 1774, site for the birth of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1784.

New York

• Began in 1766 by Philip Embury and Paul Heck, German-Irish immigrants.
• Captain Thomas Webb, a British officer, joined as preacher.
• Built Wesley Chapel (later John Street Methodist Church) in 1768.

Philadelphia

• First preached by George Whitefield in 1739.
• Methodist society officially formed by Captain Thomas Webb in 1767.
• Acquired St. George’s German Reformed Church in 1769.

Wesley’s Response to American Methodist Societies

• Methodists lacked regular preachers; New York and Strawbridge followers requested aid.
• Wesley sent Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmore in 1769.
• Introduced Methodist discipline: class meetings, love feasts, etc.
• Francis Asbury and Richard Wright volunteered in 1771.

Challenges and Adjustments

• Boardman and Pilmore’s leniency on sacraments led to conflict with Wesley’s rules.
• Wesley sent Thomas Rankin to enforce discipline in 1773.
• First American Methodist Conference held at St. George’s in 1773.
• Tensions rose with Rankin due to his strictness and attitude towards colonial independence.

Conclusion

• Rankin returned to England in 1778 due to strained relations.
• Lecture sets the stage for Methodists during the American War of Independence.