May 20, 1789 — to Thomas Morrell
ASB_VOL3.PDF, PDF page 93
Seeing the need for a new church in New York, Asbury and Coke wrote the following orders to Thomas Morrell. In the Minutes, Morrell is listed as elder along with Freeborn Garrettson as presiding elder. Morrell for a while traveled with Asbury and was with him and Coke when, together with John Dickins, they called on President Washington in 1789. (See introductions to letters of May 29, 1789.)
NEW YORK, N.Y.
May 20, 17891
[TO THOMAS MORRELL]
Thomas Morrell is appointed and ordered by the Bishops and conference to raise a subscription in the city of New York, in order to erect a new church2 on a convenient spot at the north or northeast part of the city; and shall call to his assistance any person or persons recommended by the bishops or conference, or, in their absence, any person he shall judge proper for his assistance. The bishops and conference do also order, that all the subscriptions and collections that shall be raised from time to time in the new church, when erected shall be applied for the benefit, support, and interests of the new church; and they do also give Thomas Morrell authority to appoint trustees for the said new church. THOMAS COKE,
FRANCIS ASBURY
J.B. Wakeley, Lost Chapters Recovered from the Early History of American Methodism, 346
Notes (2)
- Though the letter is dated May 20, Asbury did not get to New York until later. (See Journal.) ↩
- The conference approved the purchase of the land and the construction of the new church “at the north or north-east part of the city.” Seven lots were purchased on Forsythe Street near Division Street from George Workheart (deed dated August 17, 1799). Building began promptly. The structure was enclosed, floored, and ceiled by November 8, the date of its dedication. It met Asbury’s hope that it could be finished by December. It was generally called Forsythe Street Church, though Asbury sometimes calls it Bowery Church. Usually John Street is called “Old Church” and Forsythe Street “the New Church.” There was one board of trustees for both churches. Morrell remained in charge until the conference of 1790. (Arthur Bruce Moss.) ↩