This Week in Christian History: Methodist Bishop, 'Gregorian Chant' Pope, Billy Sunday

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, September 02, 2018

'Father of Methodist Missions' Made Bishop - September 2, 1784

This week marks the anniversary of when Thomas Coke, considered by many to be the "Father of Methodist Missions" was appointed bishop over the nascent Methodist movement in America.

Methodism founder John Wesley appointed Coke to the position of superintendent, which by 1787 came to be known by the term "bishop."

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During his time as a leader in the Methodist church, Coke traveled extensively, serving as first chairman for the 1782 Irish Conference and making several trips to the United States.

"Coke was rightly called Father of the Methodist Mis­sions. His pamphlet An Address to the Pious and Benevolent Proposing an Annual Subscription for the Support of Missionaries (1786) was the first Methodist missionary tract," explained Boston University's School of Theology.

"Beginning in 1792, he led in sending pioneer missionaries to most islands in the West Indies, as well as to new missions in Sierra Leone, Nova Scotia, Ireland, and France."