The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1891-03-26
John Wesley, the Apostle of Meth
odism.

OOIShn
Last week on Thursday was made
an important period for review OF
the remarkable progress in the
Methodist Episcopal church in mem
bership the last one hundred years,
and for paying just tribute to the
life and services of John Wesley,
who.died a hundred years ago. a
large number Of prominent clergy
men. and members Of the den0mina-
ton met in Chicago and convened in
the Auditorium, filing that great
edifce. Eloquent addresses were
made by distinguished members of
that denomination and statistics of
Methodism we're presented, showing
the wonderful growth Of the church
in past years. From small begin
nings TIE -Methodists have become
the largest denomination of Protest
ant Christians in America or any
country in Europe ItsS rapid
growth in membership is no more
remarkable than it's changed condi-
ton from extreme simplicity and
modes of worship until it has
become assimilated and in accord
with leading denominatioas. It is
within the memory when Methodists
were distinct in their ideas Of
church propriety, forms Of worship,
style of church architecture Their
church edifces were invariably
without steeples, or any but plain
architecture nerer having a
stained glass window or external
ornament; nothing for show. No
cushioned seats on which worship
pers were privileged to sit. Such
Injuries were held to be incompati-
BILE with the simplicity OF the Cos
pei. Many changes were Introduced
during the period under view, tend
ing to lessen church distinctions
and toli0eralize den0minational feel
ing A stranger who now enters a
city church without inquiry, often
finds it difficult to determine
whether he is in Methodist, Pres
bvterian or some other denomina-
ton house of worship, unless it be
where the service book is used by
the congregation. There has come
a remarkable change within the last
half century, to which too much
Importance cannot be attached It
lis no disparagement to the Metho-
dist church to state that during the
first half century Of its history there
were many illiterate men in it's min
istry this was not strange; it
could not have been otherwise.
There was hardly a theological in
stitution in all the country under
control of the denomination. For
many years Cazenovia Academy,
near Utica, N Y, an institution
without college rank, at which
young men DESTROYS to enter the
ministry, occasionally found it a
privilege to spend a few months.
But few Of those who sought the oc-
cupation Of preaching were favored
with the brief advantages it offered.
The establishment of educational
institutions of various grades in
different parts Of the Union under
Methodist auspices gave an impetus
to the advancement Of the denomin-
alton. The founder of Methodism,
John Wesley the Tooth anniversary
of whose death was observed
throughout this country last week,
was a highly educated man. His
biographers say he. was the author
Of three grammars, Latin, Greek
and French, besides other works,
giving evidence of his interest in
matters of education. His relig
ious followers in this country dur
ing the last half century have shown
commemorate zeal in the cause of
general education. Schools Of the
higher grades where courses of
study may be pursued not provided
for in the public schools, are found
in most Of the principal cities.
However it may have been in times
past. no one denomination can
claim leadership in the current lit
erature Of this country, religious or
secular.