kansas methodism  
Family Album, Vol. I (Circuit Riders) 
Circuit Rider Illustration originally appeared in The Illustrated History of Methodism, by W. H. Daniels. It was reproduced in Bicentennial Moments, Copyright, 1983, by the Upper Room and is reproduced here by permission
 
 
The heroes of early Methodism in America were the circuit rider preachers. They were literally "on the go," moving from home to home, community to community. They lived on their horses, furnished to them by the members on their circuit. Some were known to wear out eight horses in a year's time. Poverty and traveling made marriage impractical. Most were poorly clad and nearly penniless, but "happy in God."  Notice in this illustration the prominence of the saddle bag. This was not only the place for what few belongings they possessed, but held their supplies of books and pamphlets which they freely distributed, as well as, for those who were ordained, their Communion Chalice and Paten.