Methodism in Microcosm: Methodist History in Caswell County, North Carolina, 1780-1905

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.