How did a failed mission in America lead to the establishment of Aldersgate United Methodist Church? This church’s story starts with John Wesley. In 1730, John Wesley journeyed to America. His mission was to preach in the new colony of Georgia. During the voyage, he encountered Moravian Christians from Germany. A storm struck. Fear gripped many including Wesley. The Moravians remained calm. They worshipped God amidst the tempest. Wesley asked if they were not afraid. They responded that they weren’t afraid to die. Their peace rested in Jesus.
This event exposed Wesley’s lack of faith. He possessed knowledge but lacked something vital. Wesley’s time in America proved unsuccessful. He felt overwhelmed and questioned his faith. He wrote about converting others. Yet he wondered who would convert him. He felt his religion was only for fair weather. Death stirred trouble in his spirit.
Upon returning to England, Wesley was troubled. He doubted his ministry calling. Peter Boehler a friend encouraged him. Wesley wondered how he could preach without faith. Boehler advised him to preach faith until he had it. Then, he would preach it because he had it. Wesley followed this advice preaching faith despite his struggles. Yet his heart was not fully in it. That was about to change.
Then came May 24, 1738. Wesley reluctantly attended a society meeting in Aldersgate Street, London. Someone read Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. Around a quarter to nine, Wesley felt his heart strangely warmed. He trusted in Christ alone for salvation. He gained assurance that his sins were forgiven. He was saved from sin and death.
This Aldersgate experience transformed Wesley. It made his knowledge of God real in his heart. He felt God’s grace. He felt compelled to share the good news of salvation through faith. This message transformed England and the United States. It ultimately impacted the world. This experience of grace marked the beginning of Methodism.
Aldersgate represents the Wesleyan roots. It honors the history heritage and legacy. Aldersgate marks a moment when God transformed Wesley’s heart. This started a movement. Aldersgate United Methodist Church proclaims the gospel message: saved by grace.
In 1938, the General Missionary Council of the Methodist Episcopal Church met in Savannah. It was named the Aldersgate Session. Savannah was the only city in America where the Wesleys had worked. The commemoration of Wesley’s heart warming experience on ground he walked held significance for this gathering. It is the reason why Aldersgate United Methodist Church stands as a beacon today.