John Wesley Appoints American Bishops
Calling John Wesley an American Founder is certainly a stretch.
The only time he was in North America was 40 years before the Revolutionary War. Furthermore, most of his major contributions were toward the development of Methodism and not politics.
However, when a religious void emerged after the war, Wesley instructed the organization of a major sect of Christianity from overseas.
This article focuses on Wesley’s contribution to the Early Republic and therefore omits a significant portion of his life in Europe.
John Wesley
By the age of 30, John Wesley had established himself as a religious leader in the First Great Awakening.
Wesley had already formed several societies which are considered the foundation of modern Methodism.
It was in this situation that he was recruited to travel from his home in England to Georgia and preach.
Georgia
When Wesley arrived in Georgia in early 1736, the colony was less than three years old.
John anticipated spending his time converting Native Americans to Christianity, but realized he was needed to lead the colonists themselves.
During this time he published the first book of hymns in North America...Collection of Songs and Hymns.
John happened to fall in love with a young woman but was still considering remaining celibate. Unwilling to wait for Wesley to make up his mind, the girl married another. John decided to stop her communion on a technicality and the whole situation led to his returning to England after just a two year stay in North America.
The American Religious Crisis
John Wesley would have a long and important career developing Methodism in Europe, but our goal here is to discuss his effect on the American Revolution.
John himself would not return to the United States but, after the Revolutionary War, he played an essential role in the theology of the young nation.
After the United States separated from Great Britain, the people were too separated from the Church of England. However, they still believed in the same God.
Organizing the American Church
Wesley made the controversial move of appointing Bishops (or Superintendents, as they were called) to head for the United States.
These men also ordained Americans as Methodist preachers, helping the country establish its own, non-state religion.
Although he was not in the United States for its Founding, John Wesley was the one giving orders for a large section of churchgoers while the nation realized it political and spiritual beliefs.
Here are some other articles about RELIGION DURING THE REVOLUTION:
Pierpont Edwards Organizes the Toleration Party
The Other James Madison - President of the College of William and Mary
William Williams Supports a Religious Test
As I stated in the introduction, John Wesley had a gigantic impact on religious thought in the 18th century.
To learn more about this fascinating life, check out his biography.
Pick up a copy through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
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