Calvinistic Methodist Church definition of Calvinistic Methodist Church in the Free Online Encyclopedia.

Calvinistic Methodist Church, Protestant Christian denomination, closely allied to Presbyterianism Presbyterianism, form of Christian church organization based on administration by a hierarchy of courts composed of clerical and lay presbyters. Holding a position between episcopacy (government by bishops) and Congregationalism (government by local congregation),
..... Click the link for more information. . 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 Whitefield, George, 1714–70, English evangelistic preacher, leader of the Calvinistic Methodist Church . At Oxford, which he entered in 1732, he joined the Methodist group led by John Wesley and Charles Wesley .
..... Click the link for more information. was the leader of the Welsh Calvinists. Those in England who accepted his views, as opposed to the Arminian doctrines taught by John Wesley Wesley, John, 1703–91, English evangelical preacher, founder of Methodism , b. Epworth, Lincolnshire.

Early Life

Wesley was ordained a deacon in the Church of England in 1725, elected a fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford, in 1726, and ordained a
..... Click the link for more information. , either remained within the Church of England, joined the Connexion of the countess of Huntingdon Huntingdon, Selina Hastings, countess of, 1707–91, English religious leader, patron of the Calvinistic Methodists. She was closely associated with the Wesleys and George Whitefield .
..... Click the link for more information. , 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 Charles, Thomas, 1755–1814, Welsh nonconformist clergyman. He was brought up under Methodist influence, attended Oxford (1775–78), and was ordained in the Church of England.
..... Click the link for more information. 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.