Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1882-03-29
Early MethOdism IN Vernon

Now that tho moving season Is at hand
with the ministers OF the Methodist church,
it is OF interest to recall tho Instances OF
early Methodism In New England and to
contrast tho former DAYS with the present.
The Vershire circuit. established as the
hrst Methodist appointment in Vermont In
1896, was extended during tho following
i've or six years SO as TO include some
twenty-five towns in the eastern part Of the
state. and involving some four hundred
miles of travel to complete the entire cir
cult. In 1893 the Vergennes circuit was
established, being the second circuit in
Vermont. This circuit grew so rapidly In
the first year that the Essex circuit was
added to the list Of appointments in 1899,
and these two circuits extended throughout
tho western part of the state, except the
islands in Lake Champlain. In 1902
William Arson was appointed to Grand
Isle, and SO far as any record Is known
was tho first Methodist preacher 10 visit
that territory. at least in an official capaci-
". Il was with great difficulty that he
reached the isle, the water being very high
so as to render the fording OF the bar an
impoSsibility. Twice he attempted to make
the passage for himself and bis horse upon
q raft but was driven by the force of the
wind back to the main land. Then he Of.
fertd prayer for guidance and resolved TO
make one moro attempt, and let that de-
eide whether he should 20 on or give up
the appointment. This effort was snccsss.
full, and he at length reached the isle. Tie
was, however, an entire stranger, and
knew OF no one upon tho isle who was
likely to welcome him or his effort to in
troduce Methodism to that locality. Night
was approaching when he reached the
land, and acoosting the first man whom he
/ met, he inquired for tavern. lie was
informed that one could be found about
two miles distant, but his informant was
careful to state, as though in apology for
directing him to so shabby place Of en-
tertainment but they are all out of rum" !"
Not regarding this, rs did the general
public, as essential to daily comfort and
subtenance, ho drove to the tavern, intro
duced himself as a Methodist preacher,
obtained permission to preach in the tavern
on the following day. which was Sunday,
arranged to have tho notice extended
among the people, and then retired. Early
! on the following morning he was awak-
cncd by the firing Of cannon before his
window, for it was the Fourth Of July, land
the people Of Grand Islo were celebrating
the day with little or no regard for the
proprietics OF the Sabbath, and notwith-
standing the depression consequent upon
the corner in rum. The novelty of seeing
and hearing Methodist preacher secured
for him good congregation in point of
numbers, and tho manner and matter OF
his discourses afforded abundant food for
discussion among tho people. They re-
ceivcd with coldness, however. his propos-
al to organize Il circuit but with the ener.
gy aud faith characteristic of his class and
his generation hc continued his work,
extending tho circuit over the islands and
into Canada. In short time deep
religious interest began TO prevail, l,rovivals
| followed, classes wcro formed and the
circuit was permanently established, so
that he WAS ablo 10 report as the result OF
his work for the year membership of 102
upon tho circuit Since that time Metho.
dsm has maintained healthy growth
upon this territory, aud now reports a
church membership Of some 800 on that
portion of tho circuit established by Mr..
Arson, which is within the state Of Ver-
mont. This was probably but a small
proportion of the original circuit, as the
pioneer Methodist preachers made their
appointments for seven days in tho week,
and two or more services daily. 1t is re-
corded Of Joseph Mitchell, who organized
the " Vergenues circuit" that his yearly
travel was some COCO miles, and from the
energy Of character recorded of Mr.. Anson
it may be presumed that his work was oi
n like extensive description. Many Incl
dents and attending circumstances o.
thrilling interest are related of the Difficult
ties, the dangers and the successes of the
work on this circuit.