Dictionary.net

This sect arose soon after 1752 at Lancaster, Pa., through the labors of Rev. C.W. Otterbein, and afterward of Rev. Martin Boehm. Their purpose was to spread pure and earnest evangelical religion. Conferences began to be held annually, beginning at Baltimore in 1789. In 1800 the societies were united into one body with the above name and elected their two leaders as bishops. At first there was no formulated system of doctrine, but in 1815 a creed was adopted at the annual conference, which still remains unchanged. The body has always favored radical reforms, an active missionary spirit and democracy in church government. Its membership lies principally in rural districts and numbered in 1890, 225,000.