The Methodist Church

John and Charles Wesley started a movement in Oxford, England, in 1729, among ordained clergymen of the Church of England. They emphasised the conduct of life and religion by rule and method. From this practice they were designated as "Methodists", a name that was first used by way of derision.

The Wesley brothers remained members of the Church of England throughout their lives and had no intention of starting a new denomination. They intended Methodism to be merely a movement. Methodist societies were organised for Christian fellowship and the development of a deeper spiritual life. Wesley's itinerant lay preachers ministered to these groups. These lay preachers were not ordained, so the early Methodists depended on the Church of England to baptise, officiate at Communion, and perform marriages.

Formally separated from the Church of England. The Methodist Church retained the Episcopal form of church government. There was disagreement between George Whitefield and the Wesley brothers, who taught that salvation was offered to everyone. Those who followed Whitefield in the belief that only those predestined for salvation could be saved were known as the Calvinistic Methodists.

From the beginning, the basis of Methodism has been the Society, a gathering together of believers for fellowship and instruction. Societies were grouped into circuits, and circuits into districts, the various districts forming the Connexion.

MORE CHAPELS FROM OUR CIRCUIT

The present Chapel at Aysgarth was erected in 1900 at a cost of £1,000.	Barden has had a cosy little Chapel since 1877 which has always been well used.	Bainbridge appears on the earliest plan we have (1815). In 1906 the gallery was boarded across, the upper floor being made into the Chapel and the lower floor into the schoolroom.	Members of the Bellerby society are amongst the most loyal and generous in the Circuit.

The first Methodist Society in Wensleydale was formed here in Castle Bolton, by Mr Nicholas Manners. The present chapel was opened in 1901 .