A History Of The Rise Of Methodism In America - Media Sabda Org

A HISTORY
OF THE
RISE OF METHODISM IN AMERICA
by
John Lednum
CHAPTER 4
Mr. Webb, having introduced Methodism on Long Island, and assisted in building it up in New
York, his zeal led him to seek new fields where he might proclaim the riches of redeeming grace.
It is possible that Captain Webb first visited Philadelphia in 1767; if not in that year, it is certain
that he preached in it in 1768. Mr. John Hood joined the first class which Captain Webb formed in
this city, -- it consisted of seven persons; and was formed as early as 1768, if not earlier. Brother
Hood died in 1829, having been a model Methodist for more than sixty-one years. His intimate
friend, Dr. Thomas F. Sargent, who had often conversed with him on the introduction of Methodism
into Philadelphia by Mr. Webb, and had a particular knowledge of every circumstance relating to it,
published a biographical sketch of John Hood in the Christian Advocate and Journal, giving the
particulars, as he had received them again and again, from this primitive Methodist. From Dr.
Sargent's account, we are able to give the particulars as to the first place where Webb preached, and
the names he enrolled as the first who united together in Philadelphia as Methodists.
The place where Webb opened his commission in this city was near the drawbridge, which then
spanned Dock Creek, at Front Street, on the Delaware river, -- in a sail loft, the use of which he had
obtained from a sail maker, whose name was Croft. After the most diligent inquiry, we have
ascertained that Mr. Croft's sail loft was on the southeast corner of Dock Creek and the Delaware
River, where the building numbered 248 and 250, which is still a sail loft, stands. Here the first class
in Philadelphia was formed and met. Can there be found any persons in Philadelphia who will raise
a Captain Webb Sunday School on this spot, as a memento to the old soldier who preached here in
1768?
He continued to preach in this city, and the adjacent regions, until the arrival of Messrs. Boardman
and Pilmoor in 1769, who found him in town when they landed. It is said, that a part of this time he
made Philadelphia his home.
The ministry of Dr. Wrangle, who was a missionary from the government of Sweden to the
Swedish Churches of Pennsylvania, had somewhat prepared the way for the introduction of
Methodism into Philadelphia. Under his ministry Mr. John Hood received his first religious
impressions; who, on opening his mind to the Doctor, was advised to form an acquaintance with Mr.
Lambert Wilmer, at that time a member of St. Paul's Church, who was a pious young man, and on
that account a suitable companion for Mr. Hood. An acquaintance at once commenced between
them, two young men that ripened into the warmest friendship; such was their love for each other
that they mutually requested to be buried in the same grave, which request was fulfilled. Mr. Wilmer
died in 1824 or in 1825, and in 1829 his grave was, opened to receive the remains of Brother Hood,
-- they repose under, the Union Church.