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History

Ask The UMC: History of The United Methodist Church. Ask The UMC is a service of United Methodist Communications. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

The United Methodist Church was created over 50 years ago when The Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church united to form a new denomination. 

But the early beginnings of Methodism date back to 1736 when John and Charles Wesley came to the New World to spread the movement they began as students in England.

Learn more about the roots of our denomination and the developments that led to the church of today.

An artist's rendering of Newbury Seminary in Newbury, Vermont, in 1839. The seminary would evolve into Boston University School of Theology. Betsey Dow Twombly became a teacher and head of "women's work" at the school in 1837 at the age of 19. Original image courtesy of Boston University School of Theology; graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.
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Pioneers in Methodism: Betsey Dow Twombly

Betsey Dow Twombly was a pioneer in education for women and men and a leader in supporting women in mission.

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A view of Kingswood School in England. Neil Phillips Photography, courtesy of Kingswood School.
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What was the first school started by Methodists?

Methodists in Bristol, England started Kingswood School in 1748.

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Pioneers in Methodism

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Early Methodism

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