The History Behind the 19th Century Circuit Rider Style

19th Century Circuit Rider Bible

Legendary in nineteenth century American history, the circuit rider played a vital role in bringing the Gospel to the people of the ever-shifting frontier lands. Also known as the saddle bag preacher, the circuit rider would travel by horseback from town to town, holding meetings wherever he could find shelter. For the circuit rider, a cabin, barn, or even the shade of a wide oak tree became the House of God as he fulfilled the great commission of our Lord and Savior. Following in the footsteps of Francis Asbury, the circuit riders brought stability to many settlements offering regular though infrequent spiritual guidance as he visited from house to house.

His Sunday morning services were usually well-attended by those eager to hear the Scriptures taught, and equally eager to hear news of his travels and to fellowship with distant neighbors.

The circuit rider was a man of strength and determination, filled with the love of God and the spirit of adventure.

“How shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” ~Romans 10:14.