Methodism in Mamaroneck – An Historical Overview
francisasburyTo write the history of the Mamaroneck United Methodist Church, one can only begin with the story of the Methodist itinerant preacher, Francis Asbury, whose sermons in December of 1771 inspired the beginning of eight churches in southern Westchester County. Although we claim our beginning date to be December 17, 1771, Francis Asbury’s writings at the time claim little about conversion or acceptance of his message in Mamaroneck until two subsequent visits, January 10 and 15, 1772.  He wrote:
“I preached at two in the afternoon at Mamaroneck with some power, and
in the evening returned, preached at Rye, to a large company, and
felt my Master near.”
There is no doubt that something happened in Mamaroneck that original December day.  Since then, Mamaroneck United Methodist Church has remained a beacon in our local community, welcoming all peoples of different heritage and cultures to our congregation and granted National Historic status in 1992.
A Denomination is Born
Looking backward a few decades, the Methodists movement began in England in a dorm room at Oxford University by two brothers John and Charles Wesley and others:
  • The movement eventually spreads throughout the British colonies around the world, including America.
  • In 1771, at a gathering of Methodist ministers, John Wesley asked, “Our brethren in America call aloud for help. Who are willing to go over and help them?” Francis Asbury volunteered.
  • He rode tirelessly on horseback across the country preaching and the result of all this labor and fame? He put American Methodism on the denominational map.
  • After The American Revolution, Francis Asbury was ordained and eventually became one of the first two bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States.
Timeline
To learn more about the history of Mamaroneck United Methodist Church through the centuries, please visit the Timeline page.  Also, remember to check out the Graphical Timeline.
Pathfinders

On the Pathfinders page you will find a list of all pastors that served since the beginning of the church.