Calvinistic Methodist Church

Calvinistic Methodist Church Protestant Christian denomination, closely allied to Presbyterianism . It originated in Wales (1735-36) with the evangelistic preaching of Howell Harris, Daniel Rowlands, and others. In Wales it is considered to be the only denomination distinctly Welsh in origin, and it has developed into the most important of the Welsh nonconformist churches. The Methodist societies that evolved under the Welsh revivalists were so organized as to prevent any break with the Established (i.e., Anglican) Church. They were for a time associated with the Methodists of England; for some six years, from c.1742, George Whitefield was the leader of the Welsh Calvinists. Those in England who accepted his views, as opposed to the Arminian doctrines taught by John Wesley , either remained within the Church of England, joined the Connexion of the countess of Huntingdon , or in time became affiliated with the Congregationalists or Independents. The Welsh Calvinistic Methodists, however, held their own vigorously and grew in numbers. Thomas Charles of Bala, who joined them in 1784, was a leader of wide influence in religious and educational work. In 1811 they separated from the Established Church and set up a new church, Presbyterian in polity. In 1823 a confession of faith was adopted. Later, theological schools were founded at Bala and at Trevecca. The church was formally guaranteed autonomy in 1933. The Calvinistic Methodist Church was introduced (c.1826) into the United States by Welsh settlers in central New York state. In 1920 it united with the Presbyterian Church in the United States.

Calvinistic Methodists. Those members of the Church in Wales who responded to the revivalistic preaching of Griffith Jones (1684–1761), Howel Harris (1714–73), and Daniel Rowland (1713–90). Now known as the Presbyterian Church of Wales, the denomination has a membership of about 80,000.

Calvinistic Methodism. The Church which emerged in Wales through the revivalist preaching of Howel Harris and others. They had contacts with English Methodists, but among the leaders of the movement there was no wish to separate from the C of E. The English Calvinistic Methodists, led by G. Whitefield, were eventually absorbed into Congregationalism. Separation of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists from the Established Church began in 1795 as a result of persecution. They were obliged to seek the protection of the Toleration Act, and their meeting houses were registered as Dissenting Chapels. The first ordination of ministers took place in 1811. The Confession of Faith (based on the Westminster Confession) was drawn up in 1823 and the Constitutional Deed formally completed in 1826. An Act of Parliament in 1933 secured the autonomy in things spiritual of the Calvinistic Methodist Church (also known as the Presbyterian Church of Wales) and a Property Board was established. The Church is Presbyterian in government and mainly Welsh-speaking.