Back Navigation Menu

Our Wesleyan Heritage

United Methodists trace our heritage back to a pair of brothers who started the Methodist movement in 1700s England. John and Charles Wesley, helped lead a movement to "spread Scriptural holiness over the land." 

Explore our United Methodist history and beliefs. 

Wesleys Take the Web
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.
none

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.

More
The sanctuary of Lovely Lane United Methodist Church reminds us our founding. Image courtesy Lovely Lane United Methodist Church.
none

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.

More

History

More

Theology

More

More notable names

More
  • 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
    More

  • 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
    More

Back to top