Abstract:
This paper surveys the development of Methodist frontier societies in Caswell County, North Carolina, into modern institutional churches during their first 125 years.Caswell Methodism proves to be a useful microcosm of American Methodism in which some broad historical trends can be demonstrated in local practice:
1. The planting of frontier Methodism.
2. The slow erosion of Wesleyan hallmarks like societies and classes,
conversion-oriented preaching, and the model deed.
3. And, the incremental shift to nurture-oriented Sunday Schools and an
institutional emphasis on buildings and bureaucracies. Some of the Methodist churches or class meetings mentioned in the paper include: Baxter's, Bethany, Camp Springs, Concord, Hebron, Lea's Chapel, New Hope, Parrish's, Piney Grove, Purley/Harrison's, Salem, Sergent's Schoolhouse, Shady Grove, Union, and Yanceyville. An extensive bibliography lists the locations of many primary sources.
