Tickets of Membership

Tickets of Membership (English Wesleyan). The possession of a "ticket" is one of the evidences of membership in the Methodist society. Wesley decided, in 1743, to meet and talk with every member once in three months. If considered fit and proper, every member received a ticket. This quarterly ticket, with the member's name written upon it, and signed by the minister, enables such a one to obtain everywhere the privilege of membership. When a member of the society removes from one circuit to another, a "note of removal," signed by the minister, introduces him or her to the minister of the circuit to which either goes. Ministers must not give tickets to those who have ceased to meet in class. All the financial questions are explained to those who are seeking to join the society, and notes of admission on trial, with a copy of the "rules," are given. If any member has walked disorderly, the minister has power to withhold his ticket until he has conversed privately with the offender; if not satisfied, he must inform the party that he may appeal to the leaders meeting. But he must report the case first the next weekly meeting of ministers in the circuit, and then to the leaders meeting. See Simpson, Cyclop. of Methodism,