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Our Roots

Bishops from The Methodist Church and Evangelical United Brethren Church join hands as The United Methodist Church is formed. Photo courtesy of United Methodist Commission on Archives and History.

On April 23, 1968, with the words, "Lord of the Church, we are united in Thee, in Thy Church and now in The United Methodist Church," a new denomination was born.

The United Methodist Church was created by the joining of The Evangelical United Brethren Church, and The Methodist Church, two major Christian traditions with distinguished histories and influential ministries in various parts of the world.

Explore our history. Learn about our heritage. Find out about the people and issues that have shaped us.

The Rev. Andrea Beyer (left) and the Rev. Cathryn Love stand near a church sign in Beaver Crossing, Nebraska. Image courtesy of Great Plains Conference/creative commons.
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Who We Are

Do you know why we are called United Methodists?

The United Methodist Church was born in April. Learn more about how our denomination got its name and why it matters how you say it.

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An image of the Wesleys' "Holy Club" meeting at Oxford, based on a 19th century lithograph. Used with permission from the Methodist Collection of Drew University.
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Who We Are

Why the Wesleys, and others, came to be called Methodists

Early members of the movement had nicknames like Holy Club, Bible Moths, Sacramentarians, and Enthusiasts. Learn why one name stuck.

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Early Leaders

  • Statue of Methodist Bishop Francis Asbury stands on grounds of Drew University in New Jersey. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

    Who We Are

    Methodism's American Saint: Bishop Francis Asbury
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  • Otterbein is an important figure in United Methodist history. Otterbein image courtesy United Brethren Historical Center. Isaac Long's Barn, courtesy United Methodist Archives and History.

    Who We Are

    A Founding Brethren: Facts for United Methodists about Otterbein
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Heritage Landmarks

Movement Continues

  • John Wesley expanded his work of gathering Methodists into societies and classes at the New Room in Bristol, England. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

    Who We Are

    The method of Methodism expands: Societies and the New Room
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  • A room at Lincoln College, Oxford, is decorated as John Wesley would have had it. Wesley served as a fellow at Lincoln College from 1726 until his marriage in 1751. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications

    Who We Are

    The method of early Methodism: The Oxford Holy Club
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Circuit Riders

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