This Week in Christian History: Great Revival Meeting and the Architect of American Methodism
Francis Asbury's Mission in America
This week marks the anniversary of when one of Methodism's most famous leaders was appointed to go to the British American colonies.
On Aug. 7, 1771, at a Methodist conference held in Bristol, England, Francis Asbury volunteered to be part of the group of preachers who would evangelize North America.
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In his journal, Asbury wrote that before the conference, "I had felt for half a year strong imitations in my mind to visit America."
"At the conference it was proposed that some preachers should go over to the American continent. I spoke my mind, and made an offer of myself," recalled Asbury.
"From Bristol I went home to acquaint my parents with my great undertaking, which I opened in as gentle a manner as possible. Though it was grievous to flesh and blood, they consented to let me go."
And go he did to become one of the first two bishops for the American-based Methodist Episcopal Church. He traveled an estimated 265,000 miles on horseback over 45 years to spread the Good News and oversee the affairs of the Church.
"Under Bishop Asbury's direction, the Methodist Episcopal Church grew from 1,200 to 214,000 members and more than 700 ordained preachers," noted the United Methodist Church.
"Among the men he ordained was Richard Allen of Philadelphia, the first African-American minister in the United States."
Small wonder that he is known by many as the "architect" of American Methodism.
