Lots of Historical Background on Kansas Methodism

kansas methodism
Kansas United Methodists Online

Some Historical Background on Kansas Methodism

To fully understand the history of more than 100 years of Methodism in Kansas, you need to know something about the over 200 years of American Methodism. But of course, Methodism began in England with John Wesley, before it was introducted into the Early American experience.

Timeline Graphic
Timeline (on Methodist Archives and History Site)

The resources for exploring Methodist History online just keeps expanding! For one of the most comprehensive lists anywhere be sure to bookmark this page. (updated 8/2000)

Methodist History Bookmarks

From its beginnings, American Methodism has had a number of strong leaders with strong ideas and beliefs. Many times as a result of that type of leadership there was a split or a faction that formed its own denomination.

All the Divisions in Methodism

One of the ways The Methodist Church came to Kansas was with the westward expansion of white settlers. All the political factors that created the State played a role in the formation of Kansas Methodism in all it's various expressions.

Methodism in Kansas (from 1830 until the Civil War)

The very first Methodists in Kansas were Methodist missionaries, their wives and families, who worked in co-operation with the United States Government to "civilize," "Christianize," or "colonize" the Native Americans who were forced to relocate in the Eastern part of Kansas and live in assigned areas known as Indian Territory.

The First Methodists in Kansas

Methodists were not the first, and certainly not the only church, to work with the Native Peoples.
Indian Missions in Kansas (not just Methodist)

The politics of slavery is well documented in Kansas history. To study it further, use the links found here.

Civil War in Kansas

Julia Louisa Lovejoy (1812-1882) moved to Kansas in 1855 with her children and her husband, a Methodist minister. They were members of the New England Emigrant Aid Company. Julia contributed to the cause of making Kansas a free state by serving as a correspondent for several Methodist newspapers back East. Her first-hand accounts of life during the days of "Bleeding Kansas" are available online.

Julia Louisa Lovejoy

History of the State of Kansas by William G. Cutler. This excellent online resource gives detailed information on variety of topics including short descriptive paragraphs on churches (not just Methodist) in existence by 1883, along with lists of clergy for each. Churches are described in the various city and county descriptions searched via the index.. This work also includes biographies of leading citizens. See Links to the word "Methodist" for links to every occurrence of "Methodist" in this online resource.

Following the War Between the States, Kansas Methodism was as divided as the nation. By the 1920's the three main branches of Methodism were very active. Here's an account of one of those branches, the Methodist Episcopal (ME) Church, experiencing tremendous growth while influencing and being influenced by Kansas life at the turn of the century..

Kansas Methodism in the 1920's

German Methodism in Kansas

The Methodist Church in Kansas has been divided into several Conferences (administrative areas) since the first Conference was organized in 1856. In order to find Churches' or ministers' records it helps to know which Conference was involved. A Tale of Many Conferences

Some Historical Background

Methodist Family Albums

How to Research Methodist History and Records

Kansas United Methodist Links

Kansas and Other Church Links