WORLD METHODISM

US Presidents

with

Methodist

ties

NASHVILLE – United Methodists have a long history of ties with US Presidencies. In fact, Methodism began its relationship with the Presidency through the general who would become the nation’s first elected leader.

After the Revolutionary War, Methodist Bishop Francis Asbury approached George Washington (1789-97) twice, first presenting an anti-slavery petition from Methodist bishops, and later to assure the new President of Methodist support for the new republic.

It would be more than a century after the nation’s birth, however, before a Methodist would be in the White House as President. Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-81) attended Methodist schools and, as President, attended Foundry Church, a Methodist church in Washington, DC, with his wife, Lucy. One of the founders and the first President of the Home Missionary Society (a precursor of United Methodist Women), Lucy was known affectionately by White House guests as “Lemonade Lucy” because she did not serve alcohol at White House functions, following Methodism’s commitment to temperance.

Less than two decades later, another Methodist, William McKinley (1897-1901), was elected President. Early in life, he had considered the Methodist ministry, but later became a lawyer. He remained active at the Methodist Church of the Saviour in Canton, Ohio. He served as Sunday School superintendent and trustee.

A century later, George W. Bush (2001-09) entered the office as the nation’s first United Methodist President. Raised in Presbyterian and Episcopal churches, he became a United Methodist after marrying his wife, Laura, a lifelong Methodist, in 1977. Both attended and taught Sunday School at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas.

Other Presidents who had Methodist connections included James K. Polk (1845-49), Andrew Johnson (1865-69), and Ulysses S. Grant (1869-77). – United Methodist News Service.