Tent Methodists (1814-1832)

This short lived group exhibited two of the main characteristics of those who broke away, or were expelled, from Wesleyan Methodism: local autonomy, but more importantly a belief that Methodism was losing its evangelical fervour. They also seem to have been very pragmatic. Whilst believing that open air evangelism was called for, they took account of the English climate and set up a big tent. The tent also allowed them to be mobile, and not having to worry about buying, building, or maintaining a chapel.

John Lander has made a particular study of this movement. His Ph D thesis “Tent Methodism, 1814-1832 : ‘one soweth, and another reapeth’ ” (Open University, 2000) may be downloaded from The British Library or the Open University

He has also written a shorter account  Lander, John “Tent Methodism, 1814-1832 ” Proceedings of the Wesley Historical Society Vol. 53, 2002, pp 141-156

which may be downloaded here