Primitive Methodism in Shropshire, 1820-1900
This thesis extends our understanding of the history of the Primitive Methodist Connexion by examining the denomination in a part of the country - Shropshire - in which it enjoyed considerable success during the nineteenth century, but on which there has been very little research. It takes as its starting point the relative lack of historical research on the Methodist circuit, a crucial innovation in religious provision, which gave Wesleyan Methodism and its subsequent offshoots considerable flexibility to coordinate their work in a highly effective way. To expand our understanding of Primitive Methodism in Shropshire, the structure and organisation of the Primitive Methodist circuit is outlined, and the nature of the experience provided for its followers is examined. The socio-economic profile of Primitive Methodist followers is explored and a close correlation between the social background of the preachers and their congregations is established. The factors underlying the denomination's success in the county are examined, and its progress in relation to other religious bodies is analysed. The effects of changing missionary tactics, internal dissension, sub-division and chapel building are investigated. Particular
Garratt, Delia
Methodist Church History
Primitive Methodism in Shropshire, 1820-1900. This thesis extends our understanding of the history of the Primitive Methodist Connexion by examining the denomination in a part of the country - Shropshire - in which it enjoyed considerable success during the nineteenth century, but on which there has been very little research. It takes as its starting point the relative lack of historical research on the Methodist circuit, a crucial innovation in religious provision, which gave Wesleyan Methodism and its subsequent offshoots considerable flexibility to coordinate their work in a highly effective way. To expand our understanding of Primitive Methodism in Shropshire, the structure and organisation of the Primitive Methodist circuit is outlined, and the nature of the experience provided for its followers is examined. The socio-economic profile of Primitive Methodist followers is explored and a close correlation between the social background of the preachers and their congregations is established. The factors underlying the denomination's success in the county are examined, and its progress in relation to other religious bodies is analysed. The effects of changing missionary tactics, internal dissension, sub-division and chapel building are investigated. Particular
primitive methodism shropshire extends history primitive methodist connexion examine denomination part_country shropshire enjoy considerable success little research take_start_point relative lack historical methodist circuit crucial innovation religious provision give wesleyan_methodism subsequent offshoot considerable flexibility coordinate work highly effective_way expand primitive methodism shropshire structure organisation primitive methodist circuit outline nature experience provide follower examine socio_economic profile primitive methodist follower explore close correlation social_background preacher congregation establish factor underlie denomination success county examine progress relation religious body analyse effect_change missionary tactic internal sub division chapel building investigate particular