Smyrna times., 1902-10-08
EARLY METHODISM IN
SMYRNA, DELAWARE
PAPER READ BY REV. G. A. PHOEBUS,
AT ASBURY VETERANS MEETING.
Historical Review From the Time of the Deer Creek Quar-
tery Meeting in November I777 When Francis As
bury Was Appointed Preacher in Charge.

solicitor for Boston chapel. Mr.. As
bury reads his text. 1t is as thinking
about class of halters like unto those
some preachers have elsewhere seen.
He reads: "But Hezekiah rendered
not again according to the benefit done
unto him; for his heart was lifted up;
therefore there was wrath upon him,
and upon Judah and Jerusalem. Not
withstanding Hezekiah humbled him
self for the pride of his heart, both he
and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so
that the wrath of the Lord fell not up
on them in the days of Hezekiah. The
eloquent, keen eyed, Pickering follow
ed In an address of beauty and power;
and Smyrna sent him home to Boston
with liberal collection for the chapel
he was building.
But there was another class of hal.
ters. During the same day Asbury is
moving with sanctity amid the mounds
of the graveyard. Here, said he,
''moulder my friends of thirty years
past!" Truly so; but they have taken
shares in the heaven combined trusts,
their dust is waiting to hear the voice
of the Son of God, saying, "Awake
thou that sleepeth, arise from the
dead, and Christ shall give thee light"
Yea, they will be partakers of the
First Resurrection; and glowing with
the light given by Christ they will
look upon the great harvest that has
been brought forth out of their origi-
nal planting, now one hundred and
twenty-five years old. o what delight!
And in the thousand years intervening
the first and second resurrection all
the faithful pastors that have served
this church in their course, wherever
they may fallen be in the dust of
! death, will make a visit here with the
light of Christ in their hand to salute
their risen brethren, and thus all to-
gether with heaven beaming counten-
ances will roam over this love crowned
Smyrna, she whose plants are without
thOrns, and whose trees are ever
greens, and then fly up to meet the
Lord in the air.
One reminiscence more, and I will
take my seat. In the year 1879, at the
Annual Conference held at Thomas
Whites. Kent county, Delaware, the
first circuit in this State, officially
bounded was organized. 1t was named
Delaware. The preachers appointed
to service therein were Francis As
bury, Caleb B. Pedicord, Freeborn
Garrettson, Louis Alfrey and Micaiiah
DeBruler. There were 795 members
of Society" in the State. Smyrna was
one of the preaching places. To Rev.
Henry Boehm we are indebted for the
historic sketch that is now rewritten
by me. He says:
4 "The Philadelphia Conference met
at Duck Greek Cross Roads, now
Smyrna, in May 1903, in the Meeting
house of the Friends, so that we could
have our own to preach in; this we did
several times a day."
''Methodism was introduced into
this place in 1879. Among the early
Methodists here was Joseph Wyatt,
who joined the Conference in 1881, and
located in 1888. His house was the
preaching-place until the church was
built. Also, Alexander M'LaDe, who
gave the site on which the church was
! built; he and his wife were excellent
members. He was an old Revolution
ary soldier under Washington, as
we'll as a valiant soldier under the
Captain of our Salvation. He was
} father of Hon. Louis M'Lane, men,
Der of General Jackson's Cabinet and
, a Minister to England; and of Robert
M'Lane, Minister to Mexico, both of
. whom were baptized by Bishop AS
bury. I was we'll acquainted with this
; family. Near their farm lived Sarah.
daughter of Thomas White, Bishop
: Asbury's early friend. She married
! DIR. Cook, who became a prominent
, Methodist George Kennard was also
) pillar in the infant church"
. Be it known to all men: Thai
5 whoever may aspire whether clergy.
. man or layman to prominence above
those who have undertaken or shall
i take in hand the moulding of Smyrns
Methodism, none will be greater in the
/. Resurrection than Asbury, Pedicord
4 Wyatt, M'Lane, Cook and Kennard
!. And now,
i when all the sky is pure,
: Ny soul takes fight,
Serene and sure.
Upward-till at the height
!. She weighs her wings
Z And sings"
The Gear has added to the war en-