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History

Methodism in the U.S. dates back to 1736, when John and Charles Wesley came to the New World to spread the movement they began as students in England. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News.

The United Methodist Church was created in 1968, but Methodism dates back to John and Charles Wesley who sought to spread the Methodist movement they began as student small group at Oxford. At about the same time, people like Philip Otterbein and Martin Boehm were leading similar movements that helped people grow in their faith. Those two strands of Christianity came together decades later to form The United Methodist Church. 

In this section, you will find stories and useful links to help you learn more about the roots of our denomination and trace developments that led us to today.

Image from video documentary, "Making the World Their Parish: The Story of Korean United Methodists." Produced by United Methodist Communications.
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Who We Are

History of Korean United Methodists

Documentary traces the path of Korean Methodists, from their immigration to Hawaii to the mainland of America, through rare footage and photos.

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Take our United Methodist History Quiz. Photo illustration by Cindy Caldwell, United Methodist Communications.
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Who We Are

United Methodist Church History Quiz

The United Methodist Church has existed in various forms for more than 200 years. Test your knowledge of its history with these questions.

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Wesleyan Heritage

People

  • Methodist deaconess Kathryn Maurer is seen in a 1935 photograph. Courtesy of California State Library.

    Who We Are

    Kathryn Maurer: Methodist Angel Welcomed Immigrants
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  • 1800's photo portrays Belle Harris Bennett, co-founder of Scarritt-Bennett College in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo courtesy of the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History.

    Who We Are

    Notable Methodist Women: Scarritt-Bennett's Outspoken Founder
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Places

  • The Local Church Historian's School is offered by the General Commission on Archives and History to teach local congregations how to preserve their churches' stories.

    Who We Are

    Online local church historian school set for fall 2020
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  • Houston's Trinity United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church, once separated by slavery, share an historic worship service. Photo courtesy of Texas Annual Conference.

    Who We Are

    Houston churches separated by slavery join for worship
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