Hi - at one time there was the Methodist Episcopal (ME) Church --- I forget exactly what year - think in mid-1950's/early 1960's perhaps - the name was changed to United Methodist Church when the ME no longer was in association with the [regular] Episcopal church group --- and the regular Methodist Church united with the United Brethren Church. I think I am correct on this. John Wesley is and was 'back then', the founder of Methodism. Maybe there is a UM minister 'out there' who can give exact dates. Shirley: bobert@i-1.net