Commission on Archives and History of The UMC

A little more than 250 years ago, John Wesley wrote “A Calm Address to Our American Colonies” in an attempt to persuade the restless colonists not to rebel against Great Britain. In this new commentary written when America is only days away from celebrating the nation's 250th birthday, Dr. Ashley Boggan and the Rev. Andy Oliver examine what Wesley’s warnings against false liberty, propaganda, rupture and moral decay mean for United Methodists today.

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GCAH has a stellar team of staff, including full-time, part-time and interns, that protects and preserves The UMC's Ministry of Memory. Today, we proudly share about the work of one of GCAH's interns, Rae Guthrie, with this story from the Great Plains Conference. Learn more about Rae's journey that led to their calling!

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One this day in history 62 years ago:
From our friends at General Board of Church and Society, we share about a historical moment that occurred at the Methodist Building on June 22, 1964. Learn more about the day the U.S. Senate passed the landmark Civil Rights Act was passed by the Senate.

ON THIS DAY... Senate Passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Prompted Service at The United Methodist Building On June 22, 1964 a service of “Prayers and Thanksgiving” was held on the front lawn of the United Methodist Building in recognition of the U.S. Senate’s passage of the bill for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Many countries celebrate Father's Day this weekend. In honor of the day, let's take a look at this video to learn more about the Rev. Samuel Wesley, father to John and Charles Wesley and their siblings.

Samuel Wesley: Father of the Fathers of Methodism | UMC.org Learn the story of John and Charles Wesley's dad, a beleaguered clergyman who couldn’t have imagined how his sons would impact the church.

Today is Juneteenth, a federal holiday in the United States. Juneteenth marks the end of chattel slavery in America. This occurred on June 19th, 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation and reconstruction in Galveston, Texas. The American Civil War had ended 71 days before with the Confederate surrender at Appomattox, and the Emancipation Proclamation had been declared over 2 years prior in 1863. The day now stands as a testament to the beauty and importance of freedom for all.

We at The General Commission on Archives and History mark this occasion and advocate for the right and just telling of the history that leads to freedom and liberation for all of God’s children.

There are many notable persons in Methodism history with some names more common than others. It's possible you haven't heard of Jabez Bunting, but he was a lifelong Methodist and dominant leader of Wesleyan Methodism in Great Britain during much of the early 19th century. On this date (June 16) in 1858, Jabez Bunting, who was called the "Pope of Methodism," died.

He was born in Manchester, to Methodist parents, on May 13, 1779. As a child he heard John Wesley preach on a number of occasions, and throughout his childhood there was little doubt that he would become a Methodist preacher. He preached his first sermon in a cottage near Manchester in August of 1798. In 1799 Bunting entered the Wesleyan Methodist Ministry. During his four years of probation he preached 1328 times, averaging more than six times a week. He soon established a reputation as a considerable orator and drew large crowds.

From 1805 onwards, Bunting held a series of increasingly influential appointments within the Wesleyan Connexion, including Secretary to the Secretary (as successor to Dr. Thomas Coke), and President of the Conference in 1820, 1828, 1836, and 1844. During this time, Bunting was instrumental in the formation of the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society in 1818 and the Theological Institution (of which he was appointed president) in 1835. This was the period when his influence within Methodism was at its greatest, and he was labelled by some “the Pope of Methodism.”

Bunting saw his role as the guardian of John Wesley’s system. He sought to maintain the absolute authority of the Conference within the Connexion and of the pastoral authority of the Itinerants amoung the Societies. Methodism in Britain during this period was marked by a series of splits, for which Bunting is often held responsible. However, at the end of his period of influence, membership of the Wesleyan Methodist Connexion stood at a level which has never been surpassed. The great achievement of Wesleyan Methodism in this period was to establish itself as a national denomination. Bunting’s energy, ambition, and genius as an administrator must receive much of the credit for this.

On this date one year ago, the Rev. Dr. Rick Huskey passed away (June 15, 2025). His death came one day after he was ordained in The UMC. We continue to lift up Huskey's life, ministry and enduring witness to love and grace. The remembrance is an especially poignant recognition of .

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/lgbtq-activist-ordained-on-deathbed
We invite you to also read this commentary by Ophelia Hu Kinney: https://www.umnews.org/en/news/affirmation-at-last-remembering-the-rev-dr-rick-huskey

LGBTQ activist ordained on deathbed | UMNews.org In a climatic and emotional finish worthy of Hollywood, the Rev. Dr. Rick Huskey was ordained on his deathbed after waiting since the 1970s for The United Methodist Church to allow the ordination of openly gay people.

In less than a month, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, signaling the formation of a new nation.

If you're interested in how the history of Methodism informed and was informed by the new republic, check out our latest video curriculum. The videos and discussion questions are available at no cost at UMHistoryHub and YouTube.

Check out the YouTube playlist below:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1kUwUg2JPcMJRakNtaLIz9gTyCNBx7eu&si=ZYkV4fAkHrVO1c0a

Find the videos at the UM History Hub at this link: https://umhistoryhub.teachable.com/l/pdp/from-crown-to-conferencing