Methodism in Wales

The Methodist revival began the same way as in England within the Church of England in Wales and at the start also remained as a group within it. However its success meant that Methodists gradually built up their own networks, structures, and even meeting houses (or chapels), which led eventually to the secession of 1811 and the formal establishment of the Calvinistic Methodist Presbyterian Church of Wales  in 1823. 

John Wesley had heard from George Whitefield in March 1739 about a great awakening that was already going on in Wales under the ministry of Howell Harris and others. Whitefield had just returned from his own first visit to Wales across the River Severn from Bristol, where he had met and developed an immediate strong friendship with Harris. John Wesley and George Whitefield were drawn into association with Howell Harris and Daniel Rowland, Welshmen inspired by similar values. Wesley first went to Wales in 1739 at Harris’ invitation and preached to a crowd of around 400 at Devauden, Monmouthshire, on 15 October, 1739.

In 2013 a Bust of Wesley was unveiled on the village Green at  Devauden marking  the anniversary of his first Welsh sermon he preached on the spot after being refused entry to the Parish church. The bust has been funded by donations from people in Devauden and local Methodist churches.

However, the Welsh Methodists at that time embraced the Calvinist doctrine of predestination, believing that Christ died only for the chosen elect. This doctrine was held by the Welsh Methodist leaders and by Whitefield but was energetically rejected by Wesley who preached the Arminian view that the offer of salvation was open to all. Although Harris and Wesley found it possible to work together at first, this basic difference in the interpretation of Scripture increasingly drove a wedge between the two sides of the early Methodist movement. Despite John Wesley’s 35 visits and other occasions when he passed through Wales on journeys to and from Ireland, Wesleyan Methodism had made only a small impact in Wales. Since Wesley did not speak Welsh this impact was almost exclusively on English speakers. His agreement with Harris leaving most of the responsibility for Wales to him meant that by the end of the 18th century Wesley’s followers in Wales numbered only around 600.

We journey to Brecon where Rev Thomas Coke, faher of Methodist World Mission was born.

in 1747 in a house in the High Street, just a stone's throw from the Parish Church of St Mary's Church where Thomas was baptized just a week later.

Little is known about his childhood, except that he was a pupil at Christ College during the headmastership of the Revd David Griffith. In 1764 he went up to Jesus College, Oxford. Thanks to the family prosperity, he went up as a Gentleman Commoner, and seems to have enjoyed the social life of the university. He graduated in 1768, became a Fellow Commoner the next day and his degree (MA) two years later. In 1775 he obtained his doctorate in Civil Law, with support from no less a person than Lord North, who was both Prime Minister and Chancellor of the University at that time.
Meanwhile, in line with his religious upbringing, he embarked on a clerical career. 

In 1770 he was ordained as deacon and in 1772 as priest and was sent as a curate to the parish of South Petherton, in Somerset. In 1770 the vicar of Kingston St Mary, near Taunton.brought together two of his friends, the young Coke and the veteran Methodist leader John Wesley. The meeting would change the direction of both men. Wesley advised Coke to return to his parish, 'doing all the good he could, visiting from house to house, omitting no part of his clerical duty' — in a nutshell, turning it into a Methodist stronghold. Coke did just this. The result a few months later was the ringing out of the church bells to celebrate his being driven from the parish.

Memorial to Thomas Coke

Brecon Cathedral

We continue to Brecon Catherdral to have lunch and view a memorial plaque to Thomas Coke. He had wished to be buried here but died aboard ship on one of his overseas travels and was burried at sea.

The Cathedral has a great cafe "Pilgrims" where we had our Sunday Roast.

Brecon Cathedral was originally founded as a Benedictine Priory in 1093 and become a parish church during the dissolution of the monasteries in 1537. The Priory Church of St John the Evangelist became Brecon Cathedral in 1923 (at the creation of the Diocese of Swansea & Brecon, when the Church in Wales became a separate Province of the Anglican Communion from the Church of England). Most of the Cathedral and the other buildings in the Close date from the 14th century. The Thomas Coke memorial is on the north wall

TEXT OF THE THOMAS COKE MEMORIAL, BRECON CATHEDRAL

Sacred to the memory of The Revd. Thomas Coke, LL.D.,

Of Jesus College, Oxford, who was born in this Borough the 9th day of September, A.D. 1747. Was one of the Common Council and in 1770 filled the office of Chief Magistrate with honour to himself and equal benefit to the public. After a zealous ministry of several years in the Established Church, in 1776 he united himself to the Revd. John Wesley, M.A, and preached the Gospel with success in various parts of Great Britain and Ireland. To him were confided the Foreign Missions of the Methodists, in support of which he expended a large part of his fortune, and with unremitting vigour encountered toils and self-denial, which the Christian world beheld with admiration.

By the Blessing of God on the Missions to the Negroes in the West Indies, commenced by him 1786, a foundation was laid for the civilization and salvation of the degraded class of human beings. To the Negro race upon their native continent, as well as in the islands of their bondage, his compassions were extended, and he set the first example in modern days of efforts for the spiritual emancipation of Western Africa.

After crossing the Atlantic eighteen times on his visits to the American Continent and the West Indian Colonies in the service of the souls of men, his unwearied spirit was stirred within him to take part in the noble enterprise of evangelizing British India. He sailed in 1813 as the leader of the first Wesleyan Missionaries to Ceylon. But this "burning and shining light" which in the Western World had guided thousands into the paths of peace, had now fulfilled its course, and suddenly, yet rich in evening splendour, sunk into the shadows of mortality.

He died on the voyage the 3rd of May, 1814, and his remains were committed to the great deep, until the sea shall give up her dead. His days were past, but his purposes were not broken off, for the Mission which he had planned was made abundantly to prosper. The same love of Christ which made him long advocate and the pattern of exertions in behalf of foreign lands, constrained him also to works of pious charity at home. Into many neglected districts of England, Wales and Ireland, the means of grace were carried by his private bounty or through his public influence, and his praise is in the Gospel throughout all the Churches.

This monument was erected A.D. 1829, at the expense of the ministers and missionaries with whom he was united, as a record of their respectful gratitude for the disinterested services, the eminent usefulness, and the long, tried, and faithful attachment of their now glorified friend, by the appointment and under direction of

the Revd. T. Roberts, M.A. and the Revd. J. Buckley.

The first Wesleyan preaching housebuilt in North Wales in 1798  was originally built by the Revd James Buckley, itinerant preacher and founder of Buckley's Brewery of Llanelly, South Wales. Buckley's helper at Pentre Llifior was James Gill, an early missionary to Gibraltar. Buckley preached the sermon at a rally prior to the inception of the first Methodist missionary society in 1813.

Tolpuddle

AUGUST 26, 2018 ~ CHIRPY METHODIST ~ EDIT

During the summer we visited the village of Tolpuddle, famous for its  iconic Martyers in the history of trade unionism in west Dorset and beyond. This year Topuddle Methodists celebrate the bicentenary of their orginal chapel which still stands today, with its cobbled floor.

• Following the Enclosures Acts the working and living conditions of agricultural labourers deteriorated, and wages in Dorset were only 9/- (45p) a week. In 1832, George Loveless, and others, tried to get the wages increased, but instead wages were progressively lowered to 6/- (30p).
• The men of Tolpuddle were desperate; alternative sources of work were few, especially in the winter months, and in October 1833 they formed a Friendly Society of Agricultural Workers.
• Although this was a perfectly legal “union”, members were obliged to swear a secret oath of allegiance and this proved to be their downfall. By using laws originally intended for use in the Navy, the local magistrates first posted a caution, and then, on 24th February 1834, the six leading men were arrested and marched to the gaol in Dorchester.
• The outcome of their trial at the Lent Assizes, was predictable, and all were sentenced to seven years transportation. Five were taken to New South Wales, while George Loveless, who had become ill, was later taken to Van Dieman’s Land (Tasmania).
• Eventually, after much lobbying, pardons were obtained, but the six men were not immediately informed. However George Loveless saw an old paper carrying the news of the pardons, and he set about getting a passage home.
• George Loveless, his brother James, Thomas and John Standfield and James Brine, returned to England at various times during 1837, but James Hammett did not return until 1839.

In 1860’s the 1818 Methodist Chapel was replaqced by a new building and over the decades the old Chaple became derelict, until purchased in 2015 by the The Tolpuddle Old Chaple Trust to tell the story of the Maryters and Methodism in the village.

The Methodist Church today

The whole sequence of events was only partly about money. The wealthy land owners and political leaders were afraid that the revolutionary spirit that had led to bloody change in France would spread to Britain.  The result was a clamp down on anyone who seemed to be showing signs of dissent, or was questioning the status quo.

Early Union members, such as the Tolpuddle Six, were frequently subject to discrimination and violence. Non-conformist religious groups, such as the local Methodists, were also targeted because they were critical of the Church of England, and were concerned for the needs of the poorest members of society.

When a Methodist Society was first formed in Tolpuddle the members probably met in one of their homes, and in 1810 the house of Thomas Loveless (George and James’ father) was licensed as a “Dissenters’ meeting house”. While it is not certain, it is thought that the Loveless family, and others in the village, first came to the new Non-Conformist church through the Wesleyan society in Wareham. This is thought to be the cottage that the Loveless family lived in.

In 1816 there was a great spiritual revival in Salisbury, and two young men went from the Wesleyan meeting in nearby Wareham. This gathering of enthusiasts and the curious featured large public meetings, lectures and more intimate study and the locals returned home with “their hearts glowing with sacred fire”. Around the same time the Methodist Church in Weymouth sent preachers to work as missioners in Puddletown and Milborne. In Tolpuddle, according to the historian Rev John Simon, that “success crowned the zeal of their endeavours”.

Every July thousands of people come to Tolpuddle to mark the witness and sacrifice of the Martyrs. The TUC organises a festival in the grounds of the cottages and museum, and a commemorative rally through the village. Wreaths are laid on the grave of William Hammet, and the weekend concludes with the annual Martyrs Service in our Methodist Chapel.

George Loveless

Self-educated and self-reliant, George Loveless was 37 when arrested. He married Elizabeth (Betsy) and by 1834 they had three children, all supported on a ploughman’s wage of nine shillings a week.

After George returned to England, the couple had two further children but Sina aged just four, died during the rough sailing to Canada and was buried at sea.

Loveless was a Methodist lay preacher. He was articulate and wrote eloquently about the Martyrs’ experiences in ‘The Victims of Whiggery’ and ‘The Church Shown Up’. Loveless and four of his fellow Martyrs emigrated to Canada, where he helped to build a Methodist Church at Siloam.

He died in 1874 at the age of 77.

 James Brine

Born in 1813, James was arrested before his 21st birthday. Reputed to have a bright personality, he produced a dramatic account of his experiences as a Martyr.

In Australia he was robbed of all the bedding and clothes allocated by the authorities on his way to his assigned master. On his return to England he married Elizabeth Standfield, daughter of Thomas and sister of John, further strengthening the family bonds, at Greensted Church, Essex. They had 11 children, four born in England, the others in Canada. Brine lived to 90, dying in 1902.

 James Hammett

Born at the end of 1811, he was an outsider: unlike the others, he never wrote about his experiences, had a criminal record and was not a Methodist. He alone returned toTolpuddle as a builder’s labourer. He was not at the fateful initiation, and may have accepted arrest on behalf of his brother, John, who was present. Hammett had been imprisoned in 1829 for allegedly stealing some pieces of iron.

In 1875 the Agricultural Workers Union presented James with an illuminated address and a fine engraved watch. He married three times and had seven children. Before his death in 1891 he moved into Dorchester Workhouse so as not to be a burden on his family. It is said that when he was buried in the Parish Church in Tolpuddle, orders were given that they should be no speeches over the grave. Talk of unions was still feared by those in power.

James Loveless

Five years younger than George, James was born in 1808. Married with two children, he too was a Methodist preacher.

A founder member of the Tolpuddle Union, he was singled out by Squire Frampton as a firebrand as early as 1830 during local riots in Piddletown. Of all the emigrants to Canada he alone did not buy land, opting instead to become sexton of the North Street Methodist Church in London Township, Ontario. He remained so until his death at 65 in February 1873.

 John Standfield

John and his father Thomas along with George and James Loveless worked on the same farm in Tolpuddle. All the families were very close.

After their return from transportation in Australia, John moved with the others to Essex and then to Canada. There he became mayor of East London, where he kept a hotel, ran a shop and founded a choir.

Thomas Standfield

The oldest, Thomas Standfield was 44 in 1834 and married to the Loveless brothers’ sister, Dinniah. By February, 1834 they had five children (with one on the way) of whom John, a fellow Martyr, was the oldest. Thomas was also a Methodist and co-founder of the Tolpuddle Union. Many of their meetings were held in the upstairs room in his cottage.

On moving to Essex, Thomas and his son John went to Fenner’s farm, five miles from the Lovelesses, which had been leased for them by the London Dorchester Committee.They emigrated to Canada two years after the Lovelesses. He died aged 74 in February, 1864. Diana soon followed him. Their graves are next to George and Betsy Loveless in Siloam cemetery.

©- http://www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/meet-martyrs

After the transportation of their husbands, the wives of the Tolpuddle men had to apply for parochial relief to Squire Frampton and the Justices who had organised their arrest and punishment. In refusing any assistance, Frampton considered that no person should be entitled if they could afford to join a union. “They meant us to suffer for the offences of our husbands” said the women in a letter to supporters. “Tolpuddle have for many years been noticed for tyranny and oppression and cruelty and now the union is broke up here.” 

Asbury 200 - Pill

On the small landing place near the mouth of the river Avon, a stone memorial marks the place where Francis Asbury set sail for America on the 4th September 1771, his journal records that he arrived  in Philadelphia on Sunday October 27, 1771. When Asbury landed there were only 600 Methodists in America Within days, he hit the road preaching but pushed himself so hard that he fell ill that winter. This was the beginning of a pattern: over the next 45 years, he suffered from colds, coughs, fevers, severe headaches, ulcers, and eventually chronic rheumatism, which forced him off his horse and into a carriage. Yet he continued to preach.As other clergy returned to England during the American War of independence, Asbury remained, remaining politically neutral. To avoid signing an oath disclaiming his allegiance to England and to dodge the American draft, he went into hiding for several months. "I am considered by some as an enemy," he wrote, "liable to be seized by violence and abused." By war's end, he had retained his credibility with the victorious Americans and was able to continue his ministry among them.Thomas Coke followed a few years later in 1784

When John Wesley ordained Thomas Coke as Wesley's American superintendent. Coke, in turn, ordained Asbury at the famous Baltimore "Christmas Conference" of 1784, which gave birth to the American Methodist Episcopal Church. On Christmas Day, Asbury was ordained a deacon, the following day, an elder, and on December 27, a superintendent (against Wesley's advice, Asbury later used the term "bishop"). As Coke put it, "We were in great haste and did much business in a little time." Within six months, Coke returned to England, and thereafter, Asbury held the reins of American Methodism.

Celebrations to mark Asbury 200 were held over the weekend 3 & 4th September. Including a pilgramage from the New Room on Sunday 4th September.

Asbury 200

Today marks the Connexional celebration of the death of Francis Asbury at the Black Country Living Museum. Special events are planed throughout the day with both the President and Vice President in attendance.

Francis Asbury was born in August 1745 in Newton in the Black Country. When he was three his sister aged 5 died from diphtheria. His mother was heartbroken and for a long time suffered depression. Although not a God fearing family Elizabeth sought answers from the church (Francis recalls in his diary: that the local Priest was "a blind Priest to his mothers needs). It was when she encountered the Methodists some of her questions were answered and she became a passionate advocate for the Methodist cause.

I have already recorded that Francis became an apprentice Nail maker to a local blacksmith at Forge Mill (farm), during this time Elizabeth opened her home for prayer meetings in her front room. Today I was able to tour the inside of the cottage as part of the celebrations, travelling by vintage bus.

Francis at the age of 13 heard Alxelander Mather, a Methodist circuit rider preach about how a person could be freed from sin, his heart was moved to undertake a life of holiness. By the age of 15 Francis was attending church morning, afternoon and evening.

The Methodist society meetings had an indelible impact on Asbury as he grew through his teenage years. He attended the society at Hilltop where he loved the hymns, but was impressed by the freedom with which the preachers prayed and spoke. In 1761 Francis was asked by Mather to form a group and class in Paradise St West Bromwich, then later a "Band" within two years Francis was appointed leader of the whole West Bromwich Class.

By the time Francis was 22 he had been appointed by John Wesley to become a "Methodist Itinerant" - known as one of Mr Wesley's preachers.

A service of celebration was held in Providence Chapel in the Museum built in 1837 at Derby Hand in Netherton, Dudley. Originally part of the New Connexion which broke away from Wesleyan Methodism in 1797. 

Rev Steve Wild, President of the Methodist Conference preached at the 2pm service. As usual Steve used charm, whit and passion to remind us that the mission of the church must go forward. He and Asbury in many respects come out of the same mould. 

I met Asbury (aka Ken Luxon) next to the "Gospel Car" . Such Cars were used between 1880 - 1960, mainly by the Wesleyan and Primitives to go to places of need and where "marginalised" people were to be found. including slums, markets, fairgrounds, and travelers camps. This Car is a replica of Ebenezer, No11 - a Wesleyan Gospel Car, and is spending a year at the museum.

Former Chair of the Bristol Methodist District,Ward Jones, led a session about how Methodism came to the Black Country. 

Flash Mob - Choir

A great day was had by all. keep posted for more celebrations in

September from Pill, near Bristol where Asbury being commissioned by Wesley set sail to USA, and later became the first Bishop of the Methodist Church. he was to become known as "the Prophet of the Long Road" For 45 years he led all the American Methodists, the church grew from a few hundred to over 200,000 members. Today there are over 10 million Methodists in USA.

Asbury Celebrations 200

After visiting the Methodist Heritage stand at WDYTYA Live at the NEC yesterday, today we make the most of being in the "Black Country" with visits to Wednesbury, Forge Mill Farm and Queens College.Charles Wesley came to Wednesbury in 1742 and preached at Holloway Bank, making several converts who met regularly, and Charles encouraged his brother John to come and preach. John's first visit to Wednesbury took place on Friday 7th January, 1743, during the evening he gave a sermon at the Market Cross building.

John returned in May that year to find that hostility fuelled by the Parish Church vicar, Edward Egginton and the first of several riots began by mobs funded by Eggington, Methodist houses were targeted. A plea for help to the local magistrate fell on deaf ears.

Wednesbury Riots

John returned on 20th October, 1743 and preached from the now famous “horse block” at the High Bullen (in reality a flight of steps leading to the upper floor of a malt house) without incident. He stayed at Francis Ward, a local Methodist leader but while he was there the mob arrived, but soon moved on. He now felt it was time to leave, but was persuaded not to do so.

By 5 o’clock the mob returned and surrounded the cottage with cries of “Bring out the minister!” The mob’s leader entered the cottage to see Wesley and soon quietened down. Wesley then went out to talk to the crowd who asked him to go with them to see the magistrate at Bentley Hall. He consented to do so and along with some of his colleagues and the crowd of 300 or so they proceeded to see Mr. Lane at Bentley Hall. Mr. Lane told them to go home and be quiet, but this was not good enough for the crowd who then escorted Wesley to see another magistrate, Mr. Persehouse in Walsall.

Mr. Persehouse had retired for the night and so the crowd decided to go home. At this point they were attacked by a mob from Walsall, into whose hands Wesley fell. His captors were very hostile and while they were deciding what to do next, Wesley began to pray aloud. The leader of the mob was so moved by his words that he had a change of heart and they let Wesley and his friends go. That night they returned to Wednesbury after having a lucky escape!

St Barts church - Church Hill

On the morning of Monday 6th February Wesley was once again in the town accompanied  by James Jones a fellow Methodist preacher.  He found his fellow Methodists in prayer, having heard that a mob would arrive the next day from Darlaston and elsewhere to plunder the house of every Methodist in the town.At 8 o’clock the next morning Jones addressed his fellow Methodists, and as he was doing so the news came that the mob had already entered the town and had began to break into the houses. James Jones hid and left for Birmingham early the next day. The mob entered each of the leading Methodist’s houses, breaking windows and window frames, smashing everything inside and generally wrecking the place. Anything of value was taken away. No resistance was offered and most people fled.

The mob’s ring leaders threatened to sack any of their employees who did not join them in the riot and offered to cease rioting if the members of the Methodist Society would sign an undertaking to never invite or receive Methodist preachers again. They did not receive a single signature.

 Eventually things began to quiet down, and  Wesley visited and preached peacefully in the town on several later occasions. On 15th March, 1761 he preached before a crowd of between 8,000 and 10,000 people in Monway Field.

Wesley Centre

A Stone memorial and plaque now mark the spot on which John Wesley preached at High Bullen, and in "Wesley Centre which is part of Spring Head Methodist Church stands the old “horse block” from on which Wesley used to preach.

Forge Mill Farm

We journey from Wednesbury to Forge Mill Farm, set in the Sandwell valley. The farm is the site of a former Old Forge,  During the 17th century the Forge was one of several such forges along the valley. It was here that a young Francis Asbury started his apprenticeship as a nailer at the age of 13. The mill was thought to be around for centuries, quite possibly the Priory Mill  for the nearby Catholic monastery. During the time of Francis Asbury, the  Forge was one of the largest in the area and was heavily involved with the ironworking industry.

Forge Mill Farm

However it was at  the age of fifteen, Francis Asbury became involved and joined the Methodist Society. By the age of seventeen, Francis Asbury began as a local preacher at the West Bromwich Methodist Meeting house. The year following, 1763, Francis Asbury became the leader of the Society Class at West Bromwich Heath. He held this position until he was an official itinerant Methodist preacher in 1767. It was the friend of Francis Asbury, James Mayo, who started at the old Forge at the same time, who was going to be appointed to succeed the leadership of this class when Francis Asbury was admitted to the traveling circuits.

Site of the old waterwheel

A visit to Queen's College (Now Queen's Foundation), where I studied for Ministry back in the late 1980's rounded off the day. 

My Study was the far, end wall window in the furthest building (over the library) which I shared for three years with Phil Summers, of Applecart fame.

Asbury Celebrations 2016

Asbury 200 Celebrations

Today set off to Birmingham as part of Francis Asbury's Celebrations, marking 200 years of his death. Anne and I lived in Selly Oak for three years whilst I trained at Queens College for ministry. Two of our boys were born in Birmingham, and  whilst we worked at the Overseas Division of The Methodist Church. (Methodist Missionary Society) at Church House in London we were frequent visitors of Selly Oak federation of colleges where the Methodist Church trained Missionaries as they were called at that time for overseas service. Asbury was one of the first missionaries commissioned with Thomas Coke by John Wesley to go to America when the Bishop of London recalled most of the CE clergy during the war of independence. Asbury became the first Methodist Bishop and joint Superintendent with Coke..

Whilst the main event is on Saturday we decided to make a couple of visits to various sites around the

Oak House Museum

Black Country this afternoon. First stop was Oak house Museum, at Sandwell. A hidden gem, this Tudor house was the home to the Turton Family 400 years ago. now owed by Sandwell Council it is a hands on museum with a great children's playground. John Wesley preached twice in the courtyard which today is marked by a blue plaque.

We traveled down the road  to Wesley Memorial Church in West Bromwich to see the 'Hand and cross' sculpture by Chris Dunseath, commemorating the preaching of John Wesley. Unveiled in 1989 in Duchess Parade St but moved to the present site outside the Methodist church in 2013.

Our final visit of the afternoon was to Asbury's Cottage at Great Barr. We will revisit this on Saturday and travel by vintage bus! But as we were so close and who knows what the weather will be like on Saturday a quick photo shoot was in order. The cottage was Asbury's childhood home where he lived with his parents until he was in his mid 20's, at the age of 26 he left for America.

Tomorrow we attend the "Who do you think you are...live" at the NEC, where the Methodist has a stand, hopefully a chance to find out and discover more about Black Country Methodism.