This Week in Texas Methodist History June 14

Andrew J. Weeks Reports on Travel to Aldersgate Bicentennial, June 16, 1938

One of the great historic observances in Methodist history was the celebration of the bicentennial of John Wesley’s Aldersgate experience.  The observance included about a week of services, hymns, and excursions to Wesleyan sites such as Epworth. 

Southwestern Christian Advocate Editor, A. J. Weeks, attended, leaving Dallas on May 7.  Upon his return he published an account of his experiences in the June 16, 1938 issue of the Advocate.

In addition to the events of the observance, Weeks also included a marvelous account of his travel.

Dallas is well known as one of the most important air transportations hubs in the world.  DFW is well known as a gateway not just to other US cities, but also to Latin America, Asia, and Europe.  The story of how Weeks got back home is illustrative of the way things have changed. 

Upon his return to New York in an ocean liner, Weeks preached at John Street Methodist Church then began his journey home in one of the 21 airplanes American Airlines then owned..  From New York he flew to Buffalo, Chicago, St. Louis, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, then to Dallas.  The longest layover was 3 ½ hours. 

We are accustomed to flying nothing but non-stops.  A scan of the American Airlines site shows there are 11 per day between Dallas and New York.  Weeks marveled at how effortless his travel by rail, liner, and air plane were—how times have changed!