Methodism
- Year
- 1739
- Kind
- Tradition
What it was
A renewal movement within the Church of England that took off in 1739, when John Wesley began field preaching in Bristol after his Aldersgate experience (1738). In 1784 the Christmas Conference in Baltimore organized the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States.
Little known
Wesley remained an Anglican priest until his death and urged Methodists not to leave the Church of England. He also urged "constant communion" and wanted the Supper celebrated every Lord’s Day in America.
Key figures
- John Wesley1703–1791
- Charles Wesley1707–1788
- Thomas Coke1747–1814
- Francis Asbury1745–1816
Key documents
- Sermons on Several Occasions1746
- Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament1755
- Articles of Religion and "Sunday Service"1784