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ARTICLE I (Cont.)
Francis Asbury (1745-1816) is by far the most important figure in early American Methodism. His energetic devotion to the principles of Wesleyan theology, ministry and organization shaped American Methodism in a way matched by no other individual.
He set the pace for the itinerant ministry by riding more than 250,000 miles preaching, establishing Methodist societies and superintending the American work as directed by Wesley.
Only ten Methodist preachers attended the first conference, but several important actions were taken.
Allegiance to Wesley's leadership was pledged.
It was agreed that the preachers would not administer the sacraments but would encourage the people to receive baptism and the Lord's Supper in the local Anglican parish of which they were a part.
They also inaugurated a system of regular meetings of preachers similar to those Wesley had instituted in England, to conduct the business of the American movement.
The Revolutionary War caused profound changes. Dr. Coke, who had been ordained by John Wesley, was to travel to America with the two elders, Vasey and Whatcoat, and ordain Francis Asbury who had been giving leadership since 1766.
On Coke's arrival, he conferred with Asbury and was shown over the territory from New York through Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
After conferring they decided to call the preachers together in conference in Baltimore. Freeborn Garretson and others carried the call and on Christmas Eve of 1784, the 60 preachers came together at Lovely Lane Chapel in Baltimore.
It was here that the movement became organized as the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Asbury refused to serve as superintendent unless the preachers elected him, which was done, with Coke and Asbury taking the title of Bishop, contrary to the desires of Wesley.
As Methodists in America are celebrating their bicentennial, they are recognizing their beginnings and how far the church has come.
The United Methodist Church represents the confluence of three streams of Wesleyan tradition:	Methodism, the Evangelical Association, and the
United Brethren in Christ. It is a world church with 23 annual conferences ministering in other nations and 73 conferences in the United States.
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