History of The Foundry
Though The Foundry might be new, we are also old. Our vision draws its inspiration and strength from the witness of Scripture, the traditions of the Church, and the memories of forerunner organizations who sought to bring young adults together in the name of Jesus Christ.
“This is not just our history. These are our memories.”
We are particularly grateful for the efforts and witness of The Epworth League, which was an organization of 18-35 year old men and women who sought to “promote intelligent and vital piety in the young members and friends of the Church, to aid them in the attainment of purity of heart and constant growth in grace, and to train them in works of mercy and help.” The Epworth League had a significant impact upon young people in The Lone Star State - four years after its arrival, the Texas chapter had gained 10,000 members. By 1925, the chapter included 40,000 people. The Epworth League sought to bless the society in which it existed, raising literacy rates in Appalachia, challenging the terrorism of the Ku Klux Klan in the South, and holding worship services at local prisons. One historian believes that “Perhaps no other similar movement in Methodism influenced so many at such a formative period of life as [the Epworth League] did.”
The Epworth League’s presence extends into the present. A couple of years ago, a modern version of The Epworth League was launched among a partnership of 10 United Methodist churches in Houston. Their vision is to transform their city by creating intentional spaces of community and discipleship for 18-35 year olds. This group inspired San Antonio churches to wonder what it would like for this kind of a movement to begin in The Alamo City. From this inspiration and curiosity, The Foundry emerged.
“As we prepare to begin, our prayer is that the future might be different because of how God is working in us and with us today.”
This is not just our history. These are our memories. The Epworth League of old lives in and through us, informing us on how to connect with each other and our city. The example of Houston’s Epworth League encourages us to dream of a future where every young adult might experience the grace of Jesus Christ within a community that sees, hears, knows, and loves them. We stand on the shoulders of these giants so that we might reach out toward a heavenly vision and become it for our churches and our city. As The Foundry prepares to begin, our prayer is that the future might be different because of how God is working in us and with us today. We hope you will become part of this family tree, blessed by our roots and participating as we bear fruit for the glory of God and the sake of God’s Kingdom.