The Old Plan 

The Primitive Methodist Society in the UECNA-West (aka. United Episcopal Methodist Society) is an example of how a consistent Methodism would operate if keeping with Mr. John Wesley's 'Old Plan'. The Wesleyan Old Plan expected "the people called Methodists" to remain within the Anglican Church, which was "nearer the scriptural and primitive plan than any other national Church upon earth". Consequently, it was Mr. Wesley's wish for his people be 'societal'-- not forming a new sect but remaining "Church of Englandmen still"'. This purpose Wesley called the "peculiar glory of the Methodists".

Arguably, methodistical Anglicanism began with the Oxford Holy Club in 1726, but a more particular form of it, known as Wesleyite methodism, with the Foundry Society in 1739. Respecting the latter, Wesley said if his people ever abandoned "the doctrine, spirit, and discipline they first set out",  they would subsist only "as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power." So, we imitate the first scheme of Mr. Wesley and his associates as closely as possible.  

We also offer the older form of religious society known as "Woodwardian" started by Bishop W. Beveridge in the 1680's. However, by the middle of the 18th c., many of the extant Woodwardian societies joined Whitefieldian and Wesleyite methodism.  

If you are resident anywhere the Western states, you may join this Society, filling out the fields given at our Contact page. There is no denominational test-- the only requirement being a sincere wish “to flee the coming wrath, and be saved from sin". We will reply in a speedy manner, further discussing the nature of our Society, its membership, connexion to UECNA, and arrange a personal visit by a fellow-laborer. Societal grades and offices include hearer, probationer, exhorter, leader, and helper. Our greatest wish is to prepare Christians for '"God’s Kingdom here on earth". Our religious community is listed at the UECNA's national website. 

​*The term "Primitive" indicates a strong commitment to be 'societal'-- deferring vestments, titles, hours, and sacraments to the established Church. Such was the example of the Irish Primitives, (see Irish Minutes Q. 3,4,5, 20, 21, and 22). But, in America "primitive" often meant greater lay-involvement, as with Bailey's Reformed or O'Kelly's Republican Methodists.

Since we keep the above pattern, there are two special helps we share, namely, the Class Meetings and the American Prayer Book.  See sections below. ​ ​ 

Class Meetings 

Today, historic class meetings are nigh extinct among Anglicans and similarly among Methodists . However, although only a private service, during the 18th-century such meetings were fairly common with pious Churchmen, even adopted by evangelical Church of England vicars and rectors.

​In order to make "our calling and election sure",  we follow the plan of societal gatherings known by evangelical Anglican clergy like the Revs. Vincent Perronet, John Fletcher, William Grimshaw, Thomas Charles, and (on our side of the 'water') Laurence Coughlan & Thomas Vasey. Class meetings are a category of private worship, so they are held outside Public Services.    

The key part of the class meeting is the General Rule. Class members pledge to abide by it, observing three parts: First, to avoid evil of every kind; second, doing good of every possible sort to all men; and, third, attending upon all the Ordinances of God. The general rule is a convenient way of monitoring our improvement in the Christian walk. The class meetings are inter-denominational in character, only asking attendees “to flee the coming wrath, and be saved from their sin".  Given right opportunity & season, we gently encourage others to consider Class Meetings. ​​​Again, see our society page about mid-way for the historic General Rule. ​

Prayer Book

 Mr. John Wesley, minister of the Church of England, said of the Prayer Book, ""I believe there is no liturgy in the world, either in ancient or modern language, which breathes more of a solid, scriptural, rational piety, than the Common Prayer of the Church of England". 

Interestingly, Wesley's abridged Book of Prayer, even that given to the methodistic people in America, anticipated many of the alterations by later colonial Episcopalians. Such revisers were especially concerned about 'American circumstance', namely, the large Dissenting population in the states of our early Republic, thus, amending the liturgy to meet long-standing scruple. In this sense, the American book sought to extend bonds of unity. 
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Indeed, Bishop Robinson described the making of the American Prayer Book (from the Episcopalian revisions of 1785/89), "What resulted was an abbreviated and slightly more Protestant version of the 1662 that left out many of the customs that had offended moderate Puritans" (Glad Tidings 8/2019, p. 10). Hence, we believe the American Book is best suited to wide Protestant acquisition, and, keeping this purpose in mind, we use our 1928 BCP in a plain and universal manner as possible, connecting all sorts & conditions of men to it. ​

​"Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." Phil. 2:2-3 (KJV) 

Visits

We're also willing to schedule long-distance visits with inquiring, or otherwise desirous, people. South Bay householders are ideal since we belong to the same 'abode', but if you live anywhere in northern California, or the Far West (we are currently visiting Nevada & Arizona states), we'd be happy to arrange (an unofficial & informal) private meeting-- encouraging others with possible Protestant lay-mission (Anglican or not). Free books and tracts are available, including our newsletter. We are interested in creating bonds of unity with anyone, especially those using or curious about  the 1928 BCP (without Missal) and/or Class Meetings (with historical General Rule). 

​Mr. Bartlett can be contacted by email: ​ueprochapel@gmail.com as well as through social media links (at this site). For more information call 408-564-2435. Please join us!
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"Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly union and concord"​ p. 37, 1928 BCP​