You are here

Home

Early Methodism: Reflections on Community Formation, Equalitarian Marriage, and Attitudes and Relationships with People of African Descent

Submitted to Program Units
1: Manchester Wesley Research Centre

David Bundy, Manchester Wesley Research Centre, Presiding

Abstract for Online Program Book (maximum 150 words)

This session highlights the research of scholars associated with the Manchester Wesley Research Centre.
The first presentation will focus on Charles Wesley’s role in Methodist community formation in Bristol through his letters. The equalitarian marriage of eighteenth-century Methodists John and Mary (née Bosanquet) Fletcher is the subject of the second presentation. The final presentation will explore Thomas Coke’s attitudes and relationships with people of African descent.

Papers

  • Patrick Eby, Wesley Seminary

    Charles Wesley and the Formation of Community at Bristol (1749-1771)

    Abstract

    Charles Wesley moved to Bristol with his new bride, Sarah Gwynne, in 1749. They would live in Bristol until 1771, when they moved to London, although they continued to own their Bristol home. After the marriage, Charles initially resumed his itinerant ministry, but even after this ceased his presence in Bristol shaped the Methodist institutions nearby, including Kingswood School. This presentation will consider the years Charles spent at Bristol though an examination of his correspondence. It will concentrate on what can be learned about Charles Wesley’s formation of the community in and near Bristol through his letters.

  • Kelly Yates, Indiana Wesleyan University

    “Twin-souls”: The Roots of Equalitarianism in the Marriage of John and Mary Fletcher

    Abstract

    This paper examines the marriage of eighteenth-century Methodists John and Mary (née Bosanquet) Fletcher, arguing that it had roots of equalitarianism. John and Mary’s relationship showed a mutual respect that Charles Wesley noticed. Wesley wrote to Mary Fletcher, “Yours I believe is one of the few marriages that are made in heaven . . . I sincerely rejoice that he [John Fletcher] has at last found out his Twin-soul, and trust you will be happier, by your meeting thro’ all eternity.” This research, supported by the Manchester Wesley Research Centre and the John Rylands Library draws on the Fletcher Tooth Collection in Methodist Archives of the John Rylands Library (University of Manchester). The paper argues that John and Mary Fletcher’s marriage provides an example for future equalitarian marriages.

  • Philip Wingeier-Rayo, Wesley Theological Seminary

    The Apostle of Methodism: Thomas Coke’s Attitudes and Relationships with People of African Descent

    Abstract

    This paper explores Thomas Coke’s attitudes and relationships with people of African descent. During his lifetime Coke made eighteen voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, where he visited and preached in communities where Africans were enslaved in America and the West Indies. Utilizing primary sources, Coke’s letters and writings, and secondary sources, the paper will analyze the various experiences, relationships, and attitudes that Coke exhibited about Black people, including his advocacy on behalf of the rights of enslaved persons and the abolitionist cause. The paper makes the case that while Coke had a complex relationship with British colonialism, and worked within racist systems, his actions advanced the liberation of Black people.

Full Papers Available

No
Schedule Info

Sunday, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Session Identifier

M24-301