Canadian Methodist group on visit as part of religious trail
A GROUP of 12 Canadian Methodists visited the island as part of a religious trail around the British Isles.
They have been touring as part of the ‘Down Ancient Paths’ travel study programme, which provides its students with the opportunity to learn about various aspects of Christianity.
Charles Nienkirchen, Professor of Christian History and Spirituality at Ambrose University, Calgary, and programme leader on the trip, said that the programme’s focus on this occasion was centred around the life and work of John Wesley, the famous 18th century Methodist who spent some time in Guernsey in 1787.
There is a stone dedicated to him at the bottom of Courtil St Jacques.
‘Wesley was a pivotal figure in transforming the Methodist movement, and was a fervent preacher.
‘About a third of all Methodist churches descend from him,’ Mr Nienkirchen said.
The group was not initially meant to come to Guernsey. It was only after Mr Nienkirchen had read some of Wesley’s journals about his experiences on the island that he felt compelled to visit.
‘We came from all over Canada, namely Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and Saskatchewan.
‘We met up in London at the start of May, and have been travelling around the UK for the past few weeks.
‘Coming to Guernsey was only an optional part of the trip, so nearly half of the initial 22-strong group have already gone back to Canada.’
Local tour guide Eric Grimsley said that he had given the group a comprehensive tour of the island.
‘On Thursday we went to the Priaulx Library and Guernsey Museum, and that evening we listened to two lectures about the development of Methodism in Guernsey.’
‘Today we’ve been on a coach trail, and where we are now in the sunken gardens was the location of Guernsey’s first ever Methodist church, St Paul’s.’
He added that there used to be more than 30 Methodist churches in Guernsey, but that number had reduced to about 10 active churches.
‘Tomorrow we are going to be doing a tour of St Peter Port. There is so much history on the island,’ he said.
Mr Nienkirchen said that not many people in Calgary were familiar with Guernsey, but he would be sure to spread the word when he returned next week.
‘We have more links with Guernsey than we realise, through people like Isaac Brock and John Colborne.’
He was delighted to have extended the trip, and said he was impressed with the island’s culture.
‘I love Guernsey.
‘I need to find out more about it and would love to come back one day.’
