President Lincoln & the Methodists

On this Presidents' Day, United Methodists might be interested to know of the connection between our denomination and Abraham Lincoln.

One of the most famous 18th century Methodist preachers was Peter Cartwright, who was appointed as a pastor of my present congregation, Lancaster First UMC in the early 1800's. Like Lincoln, Cartwright was a true child of the frontier who in his own words was able to "turn in and split rails, go to the harvest field, reap, cradle, mow, plow, or dig."

In 1846, Cartwright ran against Abraham Lincoln for a seat in the US House of Representatives. Lincoln was concerned that Cartwright would win, knowing that the large Methodist population would favor his opponent. The Methodist preacher used the Methodist support to his advantage by branding Lincoln a Deist, because of Lincoln's criticism of organized religion.

To counter this perception, Lincoln attended one of Cartwright's many evangelistic rallies and when he refused to respond to an invitation by Cartwright for conversion, Lincoln offered these words to the crowd:

"I came here as a respectful listener. I did not know that I was to be singled out by Brother Cartwright. I believe in treating religious matters with due solemnity. I admit that the questions propounded by Brother Cartwright are of great importance. I did not feel called upon to answer as the rest did. Brother Cartwright asks me directly where I am going. I desire to reply with equal directness: I am going to Congress."

Lincoln made good on his prediction and won the 1846 election serving in the US House for one term. Later, Cartwright publicly supported Abraham Lincoln in his political offices.

During his presidency, Lincoln shared his appreciation for the work and ministry of the Methodists:

"It is no fault in others that the Methodist Church sends more soldiers to the field, more nurses to the hospitals, and more prayers to heaven than any. God bless the Methodist Church! Bless all the churches! and blessed by God, who in this our great trial giveth us the churches."

There is so much more that can be shared about Abraham Lincoln and the Methodists. For more information, Matthew May, historian and archivist for the Detroit Conference of the UMC, has this excellent article, "Lincoln & the Methodists."