You probably remember the day well — driving into Wilmore for the first time. Coming to a stop at the corner of North Lexington Avenue and College Street, you may have noticed the larger-than-life statue of Bishop Francis Asbury perched atop his horse. The namesake for both Asbury Seminary and Asbury University, Bishop Asbury symbolically faces north, an indication that he was continuously taking the Gospel “out” into the world. Having ridden approximately 300,000 miles on horseback and delivering some 16,500 sermons, Bishop Asbury made an impact not only on American Methodism, but also on early leaders of the United States, including President George Washington.
In 1924 (just one year after the inception of Asbury Theological Seminary), President Calvin Coolidge memorialized Bishop Asbury with an equestrian statue (which still stands today) a little more than two miles north of the White House. Some 71 years later, Asbury Park was created, led by President David McKenna, featuring the bronze sculpture of the Bishop and welcoming all visitors to Wilmore to this very day.
To honor his legacy, the Asbury Seminary Campus Store is proud to release our fourth “Uniquely Asbury Seminary” product — the Francis Asbury Statuette Keepsake. Every detail from the original has been painstakingly re-created in this collector’s piece that will make a smart addition to your office or study. The Francis Asbury Statuette Keepsake retails for $34.99. For a limited-time, ATS Alums can save $5.00 by using coupon code “FRANCIS.” Shipping is $6.95 for orders less than $49.00, or you can purchase both the Francis Asbury and John Wesley Keepsakes together for a special price of $49.99 (a $10 savings) and get free shipping.
A riddle for next month: What do John Wesley and coffee have in common?