WHAT IS THE ILLINOIS DISTRICT OF THE WESLEYAN
CHURCH?
We are an organization of 31 churches located within the borders of the
State of Illinois — USA. Our churches are evangelical churches affiliated with
The Wesleyan Church whose International Headquarters is located in Indianapolis,
Indiana. The name District
is used to identify our state organization. We are incorporated as a church
not-for-profit corporation with the registered name of The Illinois District of
The Wesleyan Church, Inc.
Our District Offices are located in Bloomington, Illinois.
Our District is led by the District Board of Administration elected annually by representatives from each of our churches. The administrator of the Illinois District is Reverend Ray Barnwell, District Superintendent
OUR HISTORY:
Our rich history in Illinois dates back to before the Civil War. We separated
from the Methodist Church over slavery and church government. We opposed
slavery. We supported a more representational and congregational form of
government. Prior and during the Civil War our churches in the Midwest grew as
many others shared our vision of freeing all men, women and children. Wheaton College in Wheaton Illinois was formed from
our alliance with others of similar heart and vision.
After the Civil War, we sold most of our properties to local congregations. Our national headquarters was in New York. The distance and expense made supervising a distant frontier difficult for a new organization.
In the 1940's we returned to Illinois to continue a heritage begun a century earlier. With a clear emphasis on the authority of the Bible, heart holiness, the Spirit-filled life, and discipleship that evangelizes we have sought to touch people with the same Gospel that has transformed our lives.
Our nearest university is Indiana Wesleyan University, the largest privately owned university in Indiana.
We are a part of a worldwide movement that is committed to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who would hear.
Dr. Ray E. Barnwell, Sr., District Superintendent
1305 Dianne Dr., P.O. Box 1244, Bloomington, Illinois 61702
Office: (309) 662-6606 -- Fax: (309) 664-5506 -- Email: District Office
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Illinois District of The Wesleyan Church © Monday, August 09, 2004