Robert Strawbridge House-New Windsor, MD
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 39° 31.628 W 077° 05.301
18S E 320507 N 4377358
Here Robert Strawbridge formed the first Methodist class in America about 1763. Named national historic Methodist Shrine, 1940. Acquired by Strawbridge Shrine Association, 1973.
Waymark Code: WM17G8C
Location: Maryland, United States
Date Posted: 02/16/2023
Views: 1
THE PLACE:
"The Strawbridge house passed into other hands and was forgotten until 1915, when a Maryland Methodist historian, Mrs. Arthur Bibbins, identified it. The Strawbridge Shrine Association was organized in 1934 and acquired the property in 1973.
Points of interest at this Heritage Landmark: Strawbridge's log cabin home was later enlarged and clapboarded; it is this home that visitors can tour."
THE PERSON:
"Robert Strawbridge emigrated from Ireland to Frederick County, Maryland sometime between 1760 and 1766. A Methodist preacher in Ireland, he began preaching in Maryland soon after his arrival, making him the pioneer of Methodism on the American continent.
He preached in his log cabin home and began organizing Methodist societies as early as 1763 or 1764. The first class met in his home and soon a second met at a nearby home. John Evans (1734-1827), one of Strawbridge's converts, led the first class from 1768-1804. These were perhaps the earliest Methodist organizations in American history. During these early years, Strawbridge also built log meeting houses at Sam's Creek and Bush near Aberdeen.
Strawbridge soon began itinerating in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, often preaching the first Methodist sermons heard in a settlement. He established a number of societies, prompted the construction of several Methodist chapels, possibly including the Old Stone Church in Leesburg, Virginia. He was tremendously popular and had a major influence on many young preachers."
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