Formed in 1830 as the result of a difference on several issues by a sizable group in The Methodist Episcopal Church. The key issues at dispute were the role of bishops, the desire to elect the presiding elders (district superintendents), and the desire to have lay persons represented in the voting membership of the Annual Conference. The new denomination soon established its constitution and discipline and held its first General Conference in 1834. In 1939 it united with The Methodist Episcopal Church and The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, to form The Methodist Church.
Source: A Dictionary for United Methodists, Alan K. Waltz, Copyright 1991, Abingdon Press. Used by Permission.
