The last Saturday in September was like a summer's day and it was the day F and I went on a coach tour to Bristol. The tour had been organised through REBOPS, a group of amateur actors associated with the local Methodist circuit, and the purpose was to visit places associated with John Wesley, who established Methodism in the UK during the eighteenth century.
The first stop was at the riverside village of Pill, situated on the southern bank of the River Avon in Somerset, and close to Bristol.
This was the first point of embarkation on the journey to the US where Methodist missionaries set off in small rowing boats to be taken to the transatlantic vessels moored in Bristol, which that would cross them to the US.
Francis Asbury was recognised for the work he did in spreading Methodism across the US and a statue was erected in memory of him in Washington DC. I wonder if it is still there? I didn't realise that he had had such an influence in the US - I didn't spot the statue when I visited Washington DC, but then I wasn't expecting to see such a statue.
Although John Wesley spent a little time in the US his main missionary work was in the UK.
We travelled on to Bristol Town Centre where we visited John Wesley's 'New Room', - a meeting room where he preached and the oldest Methodist church in the UK. The building having survived the bombing raids that took place over Bristol during WWII, it has been transformed into a museum as well as a place of worship and a tourist attraction.
This statue of John Wesley on horseback, is in the forecourt of the site. John Wesley travelled around the UK on horseback, usually reading a book, while his horse picked the safest route to their destination, I expect the horse did get some guidance from the rider!
As Methodism expanded its influence it aroused hostility from the established churches and much was done to malign the reputation of the newly growing denomination. There were hostile mobs and unflattering posters to intimidate the new church.
Frightening though it must have been to be on the receiving end of such treatment it was not successful in its campaign to destroy the growing influence.
I think that the eighteenth century principles that John Wesley voiced 300 years ago, seem remarkably modern.
It was an enjoyable day out and with so much to see we feel we need another visit to take it all in.
