METHODIST CHURCH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 187, 21 May 1938, Page 6

METHODIST CHURCH.

JQIHN WiESLEY 81-CENTENARY. SPECIAL SERVICES TO-MORROW. The bi-centenary of Methodism will be celebrated in all Methodist churches throughout the Avorld to-morrow. It was on May 24, .1738, that what is known as the evangelical conversion of John Wesley took jilace, in a little room in Aldersgate Street, London; and to that event world-wide Methodism ascribes its origin. Lecky, in his “History of England in the Eighteenth Century” says: “It is scarcely an exaggeration to say that the scene which took place in that humble meeting in ATtlersgate Street forms an epoch in English history. The conviction which then flashed upon one of the most poAverful and active intellects in England is the true source of English Methodism.” It is also the source of the Methodism Avhich is noAv to be found in practically every country in the Avorld, and which numbers among its adherents more than 40,600,000 people. The bi-centenary is to be fittingly observed! in the Baring Square Church to-morroAV Avhen special services will be held, commencing with a communion service at 8 a.m. On Tuesday evening a AVesley celebration is to be held AA r hen several brief addresses will be given on various phases of John A\ r esley’s life and Avork. For the Sunday evening service and the Tuesday evening meeting printed forms of service (issued by the British Methodist Church) avill be used.