Francis Asbury

Francis Asbury (1745-1816) was a prominent figure in the early history of Methodism in America, and is often referred to as the "Father of American Methodism." Born in England, he became a preacher at a young age and was ordained as a Methodist minister in 1771. Asbury was one of the first Methodist missionaries to come to America, arriving in 1771. He quickly became a leader in the Methodist movement in America, serving as a circuit rider and preaching in areas that had not yet been reached by other ministers. Asbury traveled extensively, preaching and establishing new congregations throughout the colonies, often on horseback and enduring difficult living conditions. In 1784, Asbury was appointed by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, as one of the first two superintendents of the Methodist Church in America. As a superintendent, Asbury played a key role in shaping the organizational structure of the church and overseeing its growth. He was known for his tireless work eth...