Today in Methodist History

“My desire is to live more to God today than yesterday, and to be more holy this hour than the last.”

Francis Asbury, appointed to America by John Wesley, arrives at Philadelphia on this date in 1771. Asbury initiates the circuit-riding ministry amongst Methodist preachers in Colonial America and establishes the itineracy system in American Methodism (pastors are obligated to serve where they are appointed).

Photo: Statue of Francis Asbury (between 16th St NW and Mt Pleasant St NW), one of two non-military equestrian statues in Washington, DC; the other being of John Wesley on the campus of Wesley Theological Seminary.