Connecting With Our Legacy of Methodism
The Legacy of Methodism
Forming an accountability group, the Wesley’s, John and Charles, and others determined to meet regularly not only to encourage one another in their academic pursuits, but also to hold one another accountable in their spiritual development. Known for their devotion to their disciplines, others outside the group derided the group and referred to them as the “Holy Club.” Later their methodical approach in their relationship with God, the Holy Club gave way to the pejorative nickname, “Methodist,” which became a badge of honor.
While Aldersgate proved pivotal in John Wesley’s life, brother Charles had a similar experience three days prior on the Feast of Pentecost, May 21, 1738. He had also had an encounter with Böhler which left him questioning his faith. Convalescing from illness, Charles’ friend shared with him Luther’s commentary on Galatians, and convinced justification is by grace through faith, he gave himself to Christ and joyfully recognized through His aid he could overcome temptation.
John and Charles, joined by others, had been prepared to enter new phase in their spiritual journey, one that would eventually result in the transformation not only of England but far beyond the shores of the British Isles.
Perhaps catching the evangelist fervor of the Moravians and joined by others sharing the same vision of evangelism, Methodism became synonymous with revival. With the message of the assurance of personal salvation and holiness and energized by the passion of evangelism, the Methodist message preached with fervency, and in the most uncommon manner – open-air preaching in fields and marketplaces, and other unconventional venues repulsed the established church.
They found England ripe for revival. The Church of England had become institutionalized, wielding influence both politically and socially, but had also become deplorable. “Most sermons lacked warmth and enthusiasm. They were dry, cold, colorless talks on morality.” Clergy abandoned their role as shepherds of the flock and “hobnobbed with the landowning gentry and were companions of the squires in their fox hunting, drinking, and card playing.” A spiritual darkness enveloped the people who preoccupied themselves with amusements, drinking, etc.[1] There was no concerted effort to reach the masses who moved from the country to find jobs in the mines and factories. Many of the social needs went lacking.
Into this harvest Methodism marched. Preaching in open fields and marketplaces, John Wesley traveled by horse upwards to 20,000 miles per year, preaching eight hundred sermons to crowds as large as 20,000. His preaching without script was as novel as his open aired meetings. He developed a small publishing industry producing books and pamphlets explaining doctrine and practice. The successes gained through the salvation of multitudes were cemented by the forming of small groups designed as support groups offering prayer and Bible study. To accommodate the need for clergy, he took it upon himself to ordain “lay preachers,” authorizing them to serve communion.
Methodism in America
Methodism reached the shores of the Colonies in the late 1760s and the oldest established church is the John Street Methodist Church in New York City (10/21/1766). The Methodist movement took form under the leadership of Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury and by the nineteenth century the Methodist Church became the largest denomination in America.
Methodism in Alabama
In 1803 when Lorenso Dow introduced Methodism to Alabama preaching the first Protestant sermon in an area north of Mobile. The formal introduction of Methodism came in 1808 as two circuit riders, Matthew Sturdevant and James Gwinn, with a Bible and hymnal in their saddlebags, took the Gospel to settlements along the Tombigbee and Tennessee rivers.
With the training of clergy becoming a priority, Alabama Methodist’s first established (1830) institution of higher was Lagrange College, which became the University of North Alabama, followed by founding Athens State University, Huntington College, and Auburn University. [2] Established In 1856, Southern University later became known as Birmingham-Southern College.
Methodism in Sylacauga, Alabama
Organized two years prior to the establishment of Sylacauga, and six years before incorporation, in 1832 Methodist Episcopal Church is the first of any denomination within city limits. Constructing a building in 1833, both the congregation and Masonic lodge shared the facilities, and found near the city cemetery on Fort Williams Street (across from the present location of First Baptist Church). In 1880, construction on the property where First Methodist Church now stands began and completed six years later. In 1910 the congregation met under a tent and until the completion of a new building in 1914. Planted during this period were two mission churches, Sycamore and Mignon. While repairs to the Church resulting from a 1932 tornado severely damaging the Church building, the congregation met at Sylacauga High School.
Under the leadership of then Pastor Dan Whitsett May 24, 1951, Wesley Chapel was organized at “about a quarter to nine.”
Continued Legacy
Wesley Chapel's legacy reaches prior to the 18th century Methodist movement, finding its foundation upon Jesus Christ, the foundation of the Church, and Cornerstone of the Household of God. We may look back to our legacy of John Wesly and others for inspiration of dedication to the cause of Christ, but it is Christ Jesus Himself and the Commission He laid at the feet of His Disciples that motivates us to continue the mission, and will continue to engage people in worship, discipleship, and community outreach in an effort to reach the lost, the broken, the displaced, the disillusioned. This is our invitation to the community: Come, join us as we continue a legacy of God’s Love and Compassion extended by Jesus’ death, resurrection, and promised return, and through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Help us to continue the story of God’s amazing grace.
End Notes
[1] B.K. Kuiper (1951, 1964) The Church in History William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company: Grand Rapids, Michigan, p. 288.
[2] 1842, Athens Female College; 1854, Tuskegee Female College; 1859, East Alabama Male College, respectively.
While Aldersgate proved pivotal in John Wesley’s life, brother Charles had a similar experience three days prior on the Feast of Pentecost, May 21, 1738. He had also had an encounter with Böhler which left him questioning his faith. Convalescing from illness, Charles’ friend shared with him Luther’s commentary on Galatians, and convinced justification is by grace through faith, he gave himself to Christ and joyfully recognized through His aid he could overcome temptation.
John and Charles, joined by others, had been prepared to enter new phase in their spiritual journey, one that would eventually result in the transformation not only of England but far beyond the shores of the British Isles.
Perhaps catching the evangelist fervor of the Moravians and joined by others sharing the same vision of evangelism, Methodism became synonymous with revival. With the message of the assurance of personal salvation and holiness and energized by the passion of evangelism, the Methodist message preached with fervency, and in the most uncommon manner – open-air preaching in fields and marketplaces, and other unconventional venues repulsed the established church.
They found England ripe for revival. The Church of England had become institutionalized, wielding influence both politically and socially, but had also become deplorable. “Most sermons lacked warmth and enthusiasm. They were dry, cold, colorless talks on morality.” Clergy abandoned their role as shepherds of the flock and “hobnobbed with the landowning gentry and were companions of the squires in their fox hunting, drinking, and card playing.” A spiritual darkness enveloped the people who preoccupied themselves with amusements, drinking, etc.[1] There was no concerted effort to reach the masses who moved from the country to find jobs in the mines and factories. Many of the social needs went lacking.
Into this harvest Methodism marched. Preaching in open fields and marketplaces, John Wesley traveled by horse upwards to 20,000 miles per year, preaching eight hundred sermons to crowds as large as 20,000. His preaching without script was as novel as his open aired meetings. He developed a small publishing industry producing books and pamphlets explaining doctrine and practice. The successes gained through the salvation of multitudes were cemented by the forming of small groups designed as support groups offering prayer and Bible study. To accommodate the need for clergy, he took it upon himself to ordain “lay preachers,” authorizing them to serve communion.
Methodism in America
Methodism reached the shores of the Colonies in the late 1760s and the oldest established church is the John Street Methodist Church in New York City (10/21/1766). The Methodist movement took form under the leadership of Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury and by the nineteenth century the Methodist Church became the largest denomination in America.
Methodism in Alabama
In 1803 when Lorenso Dow introduced Methodism to Alabama preaching the first Protestant sermon in an area north of Mobile. The formal introduction of Methodism came in 1808 as two circuit riders, Matthew Sturdevant and James Gwinn, with a Bible and hymnal in their saddlebags, took the Gospel to settlements along the Tombigbee and Tennessee rivers.
With the training of clergy becoming a priority, Alabama Methodist’s first established (1830) institution of higher was Lagrange College, which became the University of North Alabama, followed by founding Athens State University, Huntington College, and Auburn University. [2] Established In 1856, Southern University later became known as Birmingham-Southern College.
Methodism in Sylacauga, Alabama
Organized two years prior to the establishment of Sylacauga, and six years before incorporation, in 1832 Methodist Episcopal Church is the first of any denomination within city limits. Constructing a building in 1833, both the congregation and Masonic lodge shared the facilities, and found near the city cemetery on Fort Williams Street (across from the present location of First Baptist Church). In 1880, construction on the property where First Methodist Church now stands began and completed six years later. In 1910 the congregation met under a tent and until the completion of a new building in 1914. Planted during this period were two mission churches, Sycamore and Mignon. While repairs to the Church resulting from a 1932 tornado severely damaging the Church building, the congregation met at Sylacauga High School.
Under the leadership of then Pastor Dan Whitsett May 24, 1951, Wesley Chapel was organized at “about a quarter to nine.”
Continued Legacy
Wesley Chapel's legacy reaches prior to the 18th century Methodist movement, finding its foundation upon Jesus Christ, the foundation of the Church, and Cornerstone of the Household of God. We may look back to our legacy of John Wesly and others for inspiration of dedication to the cause of Christ, but it is Christ Jesus Himself and the Commission He laid at the feet of His Disciples that motivates us to continue the mission, and will continue to engage people in worship, discipleship, and community outreach in an effort to reach the lost, the broken, the displaced, the disillusioned. This is our invitation to the community: Come, join us as we continue a legacy of God’s Love and Compassion extended by Jesus’ death, resurrection, and promised return, and through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Help us to continue the story of God’s amazing grace.
End Notes
[1] B.K. Kuiper (1951, 1964) The Church in History William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company: Grand Rapids, Michigan, p. 288.
[2] 1842, Athens Female College; 1854, Tuskegee Female College; 1859, East Alabama Male College, respectively.
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