The OG Circuit-Riding Bishop

What’s Old Is New Again 
by Anne Packard
 
There are 103 historical markers that mention Bishop Francis Asbury along the east coast of the United States. The northernmost marker can be found in upper New York state near Lyons where Bishop Francis Asbury presided over the first session of the Genesee Conference Methodist Church on July 20, 1810. William McKendree was also present at this meeting. The southernmost historical marker can be found in our very own South Georgia Conference. It commemorates the creation of Wesley Chapel Trinity in downtown Savannah in 1812 which Bishop Francis Asbury dedicated in 1813. The westernmost historical marker is located in Brentwood, Tennessee, along what was known as the western frontier. Bishop Francis Asbury and the newly elected Bishop William McKendree attended the Western Conference meeting of 1808 in Green Hill’s home at this location. A traveling bishop with too many miles and too many churches…what’s old is new again!
 
Saturday, April 22, 1794 – Francis Asbury’s Journal: “My soul enjoys peace; but Oh! for more of God! This campaign has made me “groan, being burthened.” But news on my coming to the mountains; neither preachers nor elders have visited Swapino since last October; poor people – poor preachers that are not more stable; but all flesh is grass, and I am grass. I have provided brother G and L for the westward. I wrote a plan for stationing; and desired the dear preachers to be as I am in the work; I have no interest, no passions, in their appointments; my only aim is to care and provide for the flock of Christ. I see I must not leave Charleston till the third or fourth week in March; then the rains will subside, and the creeks and rivers be passable; and so shall we escape the danger of drowning ourselves and horses. I feel that my sufferings have been good preaching to me – especially in crossing the waters. I am solemnly moved, in not visiting my Holstein and Kentucky brethren. It may be their interest to desire the preservation of my life: while living I may supply them with preachers, and with men and money. I feel resolved to be wholly the Lord’s; wear as I am, I have done nothing. I am nothing, only for Christ! or I had long since been cut off as an unfaithful servant; Christ is all, and in all I do, or it had not been done; or when done, had, by no means, been acceptable.
 
Monday, December 4, 1797 – Francis Asbury’s Journal: “We stopped one night at Matthew Davis’s; and the next at Ira Ellie’s. Our time was taken up in journalizing; I came off twenty-five miles to Edward Drumgold’s: once or twice I felt on my way thither as if the blood would rise into my mouth. I resolved to give up traveling this winter. Dr. Sims bled me; and there appeared an inflammatory buff on the top. Oh! to rest – to be idle and dependent – is painful: but if this is to make me perfect, the will of the Lord be done. I sent my papers to brother Lee, who proceeds to Charleston; also my plan and directions how to station the preachers, to brother Jackson. I believed that my going to Charleston this season, would end my life; yet, could I be persuaded it was the will of the Lord, I would go and preach. I cannot bear the fatigue of riding thirty miles a day. I am much pressed to make my will, lest I should be surprised by death my mind is greatly calmed and centered in God. I have well considered all the solemnities of death.”
 
Thursday, October 6, 1800 – Francis Asbury’s Journal: “Crossed Nolachucky at Querton’s ferry and came to Major Cragg’s, eighteen miles. I next day pursued my journey and arrived at the Warm Spring, not however without an ugly accident. After we crossed the Small and Great Paint mountain, and had passed about thirty yards, beyond the paint rock, my roan horse, led by Mr. O’Haven, reeled and fell over, taking the chaise with him; I was called back, when I beheld the poor beast and the carriage, bottom up, lodged and wedged against a sapling, which alone prevented them both being precipitated into the river. After a pretty heavy lift all was righted again, and we were pleased to find there was little damage done. Our feelings were excited more for others than ourselves. Not far off we saw clothing spread out, part of the loading of household furniture of a wagon which had overset and was thrown into the stream, and bedcloths, bedding, etc. were so wet that the poor people found it necessary to dry them on the spot. We passed the side fords of French Break and came to Mr. Nelson’s; our mountain march of twelve miles calmed us down for this day. My company was not agreeable here – there were many subjects of the two great potentates of this western world – whisky-brandy. My mind was greatly distressed.”
 
Too many miles. Too many rivers. Too many mountains. Too much weather. Too much need. Too many worldly sins. But, oh, what a difference one man made. Bishop Francis Asbury made history every day with every stop and every interaction. And the only way he could accomplish these tasks can be found with his faith in God, his hope of God, and his love for God.
 
As the South Georgia Conference approaches the western frontier between what is known and what is unknown, may we remember that others have been in this place and have left paths for us to follow and lights to lead. Like Bishop Francis Asbury, let us be less concerned with appointments and quarterly meetings and wholly consumed with the desire “to care and provide for the flock of Christ.” Thanks be to God.
 
Anne Packard serves as Conference Historian and director of the Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum on St. Simons Island. Contact her at apackard@epworthbythesea.org.