James O'Kelly's "Christians" (1792 - Unkown) - Religious Group
Religious Family: RestorationistsReligious Tradition: Unclassified
Description: James O'Kelly (1738-1826) was a preacher in the American Methodist Church at the time when John Wesley sent a letter to the American (Methodist) churches that gave them their independence from the English churches. However, with this notice came the appointment of Francis Asbury to the head of the American church, which eventually proved problematic for O'Kelly. After disagreement between O'Kelly and Asbury over the preaching autonomy of "Circuit Riders," O'Kelly left the Methodist conference (this was in 1792) and took a number of members with him. This new group operated as "The Republican Methodists" for several years before removing the denominational name and simply choosing to be called "Christians." This was per the advice of Rice Haggard, another preacher in the area, who would later give the same advice to Barton Stone.
Official Site: Not available
Connections: James O'Kelly's "Christians"
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