Besieged by stones and brickbats. That’s how Francis Asbury stood his ground here at the Wesleyan Methodist Church. He stood as the mixed-race congregation was under attack. Let’s delve into the story of this church. It involves courage and faith in the face of adversity.
The history of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Charleston is deeply intertwined with themes of equality and social justice. It is also intertwined with the struggle against slavery. The church emerged from an 18th-century revival. It had strong roots which sustain a 21st-century vision for spiritual transformation.
The name honors John Wesley. His experience of God’s grace sparked a spiritual revival. It also sparked significant social reforms. This dual emphasis found expression among Wesley’s followers in America.
In 1843, a new denomination arose. It was an abolitionist denomination. Orange Scott led the Wesleyan Methodists. They called for an immediate end to slavery. Wesleyans even planted antislavery churches in the South before the Civil War. They were also active in the Underground Railroad. Laura Smith Haviland opened Michigan’s first station on the Underground Railroad in her home. She started the first racially integrated school in her state. She personally led groups of escaping slaves to freedom.
It is not surprising that Wesleyan Methodists also championed women’s rights. The first convention on women’s rights in American history was held in the Wesleyan Chapel at Seneca Falls. Luther Lee preached the ordination sermon for the first woman ordained to the Christian ministry. The second woman to be ordained was a Wesleyan, Mary A. Will of Illinois. Wesleyans have been ordaining women for more than 150 years.
Wesleyans were among the first to give the laity significant roles in church leadership. It was an extension of their commitment to the marginalized and undervalued. They had learned from Wesley that loving God and loving others is applied holiness.
Methodism’s early days in Charleston saw black worshipers present. In 1736, John and Charles Wesley visited the town. They held services in the Protestant Episcopal Church. John Wesley tried to explore their faith. He perceived only a need for religious tutelage of black congregants.
From the moment of the first Methodist presence in Charleston, black worshipers were present. Black Christians responded to white preachers who took risks. The memories of the dangers inherent to ministry became part of the collective memory of Charleston Methodists. Charleston Methodist churches provided one of the clearest examples of equality. Both blacks and whites contributed to revivals.
In 1785, Asbury arrived in the city. He procured an abandoned Baptist meeting house between Water and Tradd Streets. The Methodist Episcopal Church had just separated from the Episcopal Church.
In 1786, vandalism occurred due to the increase in numbers, which was almost all due to new black members. When the congregation assembled one Sabbath morning, they found the benches helter-skelter in the street. The doors and windows were barred against them.
In February 1788, a crowded church was greeted with the first open demonstration of hostility from the inhabitants. There was a riot raised at the door. Asbury stood his ground as the mixed-race congregation was besieged.
In 1968, the Wesleyan Methodist Church merged with the Pilgrim Holiness Church. The combined membership of the merged churches was 122000. Now almost 600000 gather for worship in Wesleyan churches around the world each Sunday.
As we stand here today, let us remember the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us. Let us continue to uphold the values of equality and social justice. Let us continue to make a difference in every ZIP code.