Page 146, The Other Side of the Alleghenies
"Although there was no master plan for the westward expansion of Methodism, there
seemed to be, because of the peculiar polity of the church. The effective
combination of local preachers and traveling preachers was perfectly suited to
the environment of the frontier. It was the combination of the two that
worked the wonders. The famous circuit rider would have been severely limited
without the able service of the local preacher, who was his compliment.
Frequently, the circuit rider penetrated a scattered wilderness community only
to discover that a local preacher--or exhorter--or class leader--had already
begun to organize a society. Nevertheless, the adaptability of the traveling
form of minister made possible the systematic pursuit of the frontier following
the westward movement of the people."
Page 147:
"John Smith and Thomas Ware were among the early circuit riders. ...Ware's
autobiography is full of poignant descriptions of the rigors of circuit rider
life. In 1787 on the Nolichucky Circuit, he remarked on the problems of
overnight accommodations which forced him ' to lodge in open log-cabins, with
light bed-clothing, and frequently with several children in the same bed.' "
Early Methodist circuit riders are also mentioned on page 153,
On to the Mississippi.
About the Methodist Circuit Rider
statue next to the Narthex door
This is about the beautiful Circuit Rider statue or
sculpture in a large glass box mounted on a large black pedestal next to main
Narthex door. The dedication plate says this:
Dedicated to the congregation of Arvada UMC
Past, Present and Future
by
Flora West Hardy
1917 - 2004
The sculptor's name and date is found on the right
front edge of the statue:
John Harper
© 2/10 2004
What a wonderful bequest by Flora West Hardy,
created by such a talented sculptor, John Harper.
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