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Our 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 1730 when John and Charles Wesley, who sought to spread the Methodist movement, began as a student small group at Oxford University. 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.

The United States Mint has included Jovita Idár, an early 20th century Mexican American journalist and activist — and a Methodist — in the American Women Quarters series. In 2023, she’ll have her image on a special-issue coin, joining Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, Sally Ride and others. Image courtesy of the United States Mint; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.
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Our History

Spotlight shines on Jovita Idar, Methodist reformer

Jovita Idár, a Mexican American journalist, activist and Methodist working in South Texas in the early 20th century, continues to gain recognition from historians and others. The United States Mint is including her in its American Women Quarters series.

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Explore the roots of The United Methodist Church (and predecessor denominations) to understand why The UMC is the way that it is...and where it might be going.
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Podcasts

Un-tied Methodism: History podcast

Explore the roots of The United Methodist Church (and predecessor denominations) to understand why The UMC is the way that it is... and where it might be going.

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Wesleyan Heritage

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People

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