Methodist

Methodist

The Methodist Church originated under John Wesley (1703-91). Wesley stressed the importance of regular devotions, encouraging people to set aside time each day to read the Bible and pray. Mocked by others, the term 'Methodist' was applied to Wesley's followers for their rigorous discipline and serious approach. Methodist ministers became popular figures of the American frontier. They become renowned as travelling ministers, riding horseback between pioneer settlements baptising, preaching, marrying and burying. The growth of this church was swift. For a Century (1820-1920) the Methodist family was the largest Protestant family in the United States. This painting, "The First Methodist Episcopal Church", was created by American artist Joseph Smith. [BM] {VA}