The first step was a visit to Ingham in Yorkshire, and the reception given him
was so cordial and the field so promising that he went again, and yet again.
Boehler and Spangenberg returned to England and traveled hither and thither
in response to the calls that came from every side, other members aided
as they could, and the societies under their direction grew apace.
Fetter Lane Society was organized into a congregation in November, 1742,
and the others followed in due time. The Moravian Church
was introduced into Ireland, and took a firm hold there.
In England its successes were paralleled with much opposition, and in 1749,
after several years of preparation, an appeal was made to Parliament
for recognition as a Protestant Episcopal Church, with full liberty
of conscience and worship throughout Great Britain and her colonies.
General Oglethorpe warmly championed their cause, and after
a thorough investigation of Moravian history and doctrine,
the bill was passed, May 12th, 1749, and the Moravian right
to liberty of worship, freedom from military service,
and exemption from oath-taking was unreservedly granted.
While not involved in these Parliamentary proceedings,
Toeltschig played an important part in the development of the Moravian Church
in England and Ireland.
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