Mar 10

Mar 10 Francis Asbury and the Christmas Conference

Francis Asbury was the leading Methodist preacher in the post-Revolutionary United States.

Asbury was appointed as one of the first two Methodist Bishops in America, but understanding the prevailing attitude that the people should choose their leaders, he organized the Christmas Conference where other preachers were given the opportunity to vote for their Bishop.

Also, I don’t discuss it in this article, but Asbury travelled extensively on the frontier and his journals are a valuable resource for historians to study everyday life in various small towns of the time.

Francis Asbury

At just 22 years old, Francis Asbury was ordained as a Preacher by Methodist Founder John Wesley.

In 1771, still in his 20’s, Asbury was sent to give sermons in the British Colonies.

Upon his arrival, Francis began a hectic touring schedule that he would continue through the remainder of his life.

Underground Preacher

Just a few years after his arrival the Revolutionary War broke out, with Francis Asbury acting as one of two preachers who remained in North America.

A man of faith who wanted to stay out of politics, Asbury declared that he would not take a side in the war.

This caused him a bit of trouble. Francis had been spending a great deal of his time in Maryland who suddenly required a loyalty oath be taken by all residents.

Refusing this demand, Asbury left the State and returned only to preach underground throughout the hostilities.

A Religious Crisis

After the war, the United States had lost its affiliation with the Church of England.

Relying heavily on itinerant (travelling) preachers, the new nation was in a situation that left some major openings in citizens’ abilities to receive sacraments.

Though controversial, John Wesley appointed a man named Thomas Coke as a Bishop for the United States. Coke was further instructed to bestow the same honor on Asbury.