FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Oct 1, 2009

McKenzie to Discuss Failure of Methodism in the Far West

Community Luncheon Series presentation scheduled Oct. 15

KEUKA PARK, N.Y.—The Community Luncheon Series at Keuka College will continue Thursday, Oct. 15 with a presentation by Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion Mike McKenzie.

McKenzie will discuss "The Anvil that Broke the Hammer: How the Far West Resisted the Methodist Invasion" at noon in the Gannett Room.

According to McKenzie, the growth of the Methodist Church in 19th century America was "mind-boggling."

"Methodism went from a minor sect at the time of the Revolutionary War to the fastest- growing religious group, all in less than a century," he said. "Naturally, it wished to expand as the country expanded and it sent hundreds of missionaries and church planters west before and with the pioneers. But the Methodist church never caught on in the Far West like it had in Upstate New York and, by the time of World War I, its strength was spent and its expansion halted."

McKenzie will examine one crucial factor that contributed to the failure of Methodism in the Far West-a factor he said has been largely ignored-via a multi-media presentation that will compare what happened on the Far West with what transpired in Yates County.

McKenzie has researched the connections and regional comparisons that affect the growth of religious movements for more than a decade. Currently at work on a book that examines the growth and decline of the Methodist denomination, he was written three books and numerous articles on religious and historical topics.

Tickets are $11.50 in advance; $12 at the door ($2.50 of the ticket price will go to the Penn Yan Keuka Club Scholarship Fund, which provides an annual scholarship to a local student attending Keuka College). To make reservations, contact the Office of Alumni and Family Relations at 279-5238 or e-mail spevents@keuka.edu.

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Office of Communications, Keuka College, Keuka Park, New York 14478

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