Saddlebags were important for early Methodist circuit riders who rode from town to town to spread the Word. Circuit riders traveled continuously, carrying supplies of clothing, food, books and paper in their saddlebags. They preached morning and evening, resting only a few days per month.
Travel was extremely difficult, crossing mountains and rivers, wading swamps and facing wild animals. Of the first 700 American Methodist preachers, half died before the age of 30.
The saddlebags pictured here were owned by Rev. Freeborn Garrettson, the “Father of Methodism in New York State.” Rev. Garrettson was a prominent early circuit rider who traveled extensively in NY and beyond before making Rhinebeck, New York home base for his travels in the last 35 years of his life.
Today, these historic leather saddlebags are back with us, serving as a wonderful reminder of the importance of preserving church history. #GotUMCHistory #TBT #UMNYAC
Learn more about how NYAC is preserving our history: www.nyac.com/aboutthearchives
