Our History

From a small group of students at Oxford to a global denomination of millions — the story of Methodism spans nearly 300 years.

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A Movement Born of Method and Heart

The United Methodist Church was formally founded in 1968, but our roots reach back to the 1730s when John and Charles Wesley gathered a small group of students at Oxford University. Their methodical approach to faith — combining rigorous Bible study with compassionate service — earned them the name “Methodists.”

Parallel movements emerged in America through leaders like Philip William Otterbein and Martin Boehm, who founded the United Brethren in Christ. These streams of Wesleyan heritage eventually merged in 1968 to form The United Methodist Church.

Key Milestones

1730s

The Holy Club at Oxford

John and Charles Wesley form a small group at Oxford University dedicated to methodical Bible study, prayer, and service to the poor — earning the nickname "Methodists."

1738

Wesley's Heart "Strangely Warmed"

At a meeting on Aldersgate Street in London, John Wesley experiences an assurance of faith, describing his heart as "strangely warmed." This moment energizes the Methodist revival.

1766

Methodism Comes to America

Philip Embury and Barbara Heck establish the first Methodist society in New York. Robert Strawbridge begins organizing classes in Maryland around the same time.

1784

The Methodist Episcopal Church

At the Christmas Conference in Baltimore, the Methodist Episcopal Church is formally organized as an independent denomination in America. Francis Asbury is elected as its first bishop.

1800s

Growth and Division

Methodism spreads rapidly across the American frontier through circuit riders. The church also faces painful divisions over slavery and race, leading to the formation of separate denominations including the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

1946

The Evangelical United Brethren Church

The Church of the United Brethren in Christ and the Evangelical Church merge to form the Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) Church, a denomination with deep Wesleyan roots and German-speaking heritage.

1968

The United Methodist Church Is Born

The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church unite in Dallas, Texas, forming The United Methodist Church — bringing together streams of Wesleyan heritage into one global denomination.

Today

A Global Connection

The United Methodist Church connects more than 12 million members across four continents, speaking dozens of languages and united in the mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Notable Figures

1703–1791

John Wesley

Founder of the Methodist Movement

Anglican priest whose emphasis on grace, personal faith, and social holiness launched a movement that changed the world.

1669–1742

Susanna Wesley

Mother of Methodism

Mother of John and Charles Wesley, whose dedication to faith education and spiritual discipline shaped the leaders of Methodism.

1745–1816

Francis Asbury

First American Methodist Bishop

Tireless circuit rider who traveled over 270,000 miles on horseback to organize and grow Methodism across America.

1807–1874

Phoebe Palmer

Evangelist & Theologian

Influential holiness movement leader, author, and advocate for women in ministry who advanced Wesley's vision of sanctification.

c. 1750–1806

Harry Hosier

Pioneer Black Preacher

One of the greatest orators of his era, "Black Harry" was among the first African American Methodist preachers and traveled with Francis Asbury.

1783–1864

Jarena Lee

First Black Female Preacher

Recognized as the first Black woman authorized to preach in the AME Church, she traveled thousands of miles sharing the gospel.

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