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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 sanctuary of Lovely Lane United Methodist Church reminds us our founding. Image courtesy Lovely Lane United Methodist Church.
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Who We Are

Roots of the UM family tree: Digging deeper

United Methodism began in 1968, but our roots go back to the 1700s. Explore this brief outline of our story.

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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

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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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  • The Boehms were contemporaries of the early Methodist movement. Images courtesy United Methodist Archives and History.

    Who We Are

    Martin and Henry Boehm: Founding Brethren of the UMC
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Heritage Landmarks

More Heritage Landmarks
  • A map of historic sites on the Wesley Pilgrimage.

    Who We Are

    United Methodist History: A Map of the Wesley Pilgrimage
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  • Exterior view of Barratt's Chapel, a United Methodist Heritage Landmark in Delaware.

    Who We Are

    Barratt's Chapel: Independence Hall of American Methodism
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Circuit Riders & Clergy

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