History of the Original "Battling Bishops" phrase
What is a Battling Bishop?
During medieval Europe (18th and 19th century), a “Battling Bishop” was a Methodist preacher/clergy member, appointed by a King, who actively participated in military campaigns and led the church. He traveled throughout a territory, called a “circuit,” carrying little more than a Bible and a few belongings in order to minister as a missionary.
John Wesley, the father of Methodism, enlisted these circuit riders to help lay the foundation for the Methodist Church, especially in the South. The circuit riders accepted a difficult and dangerous task, riding on horseback and laboring against the forces of nature.
Francis Asbury (1745-1816), the founding bishop of American Methodism, was himself a circuit rider. During his 45 years in the colonies and the newly independent United States, he devoted his life to ministry, traveling on horseback and by carriage thousands of miles (average of 6,000 miles each year), and preached over 16,000 sermons to those living on the frontier. Under his direction, the church grew from 1,200 to 214,000 members and 700 ordained preachers.
Like him, the circuit rider that represents Wesleyan can be considered a “Battling Bishop.”
Bishops were known for being well educated, using their vast talents and experience to teach and provide humanitarian aid.
What does it mean to be a modern-day "Battling Bishop" at NC Wesleyan?
As a NC Wesleyan University Battling Bishop, our students are part of a fiercely connected community. They are prepared for a life of purpose to make a difference through service to their community. Being a part of Bishop Nation equips you with personal mentorship, practical learning, and purpose-driven career experiences to build the metaphorical armor you need to prevail in life.
Meet some of our successful real-life Battling Bishops
Jeana Parrish ’11
Career:
Financial Intelligence Officer at PNC Bank
Degree:
BA in Political Science
Tiffany Brown ’15
Career:
Senior Quality Control Specialist at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
Degree:
BS in Computer Information Systems
Navod McNeil ’14
Career:
Senior Product Support Specialist at Linedata
Degree:
BA in Accounting
Madison Gill Barbour ’21
Career:
Consumer Loan Documentation Specialist at First Carolina Bank
Degree:
BA in Psychology
Jacob Strickland ’11
Career:
Officer at the Rocky Mount Police Department
Degree:
BA in Justice Studies & Political Science
The NC Wesleyan Athletics "Battling Bishops" Concept
In one of our athletic logos, the man riding the horse is namely called “Wes” and his horse goes by “Charger.” They both have strong ties to the history of the Methodist Church and thus to NC Wesleyan’s heritage.
Wes represents a circuit rider, an 18th and 19th century Methodist preacher who traveled throughout a territory, called a “circuit,” carrying little more than a Bible and a few belongings in order to minister as a missionary.
Like Francis Asbury (1745-1816), the founding bishop of American Methodism, the circuit rider on horseback represents Wesleyan and can be considered a “Battling Bishop.”
Where did the NC Wesleyan College phrase “Battling Bishop” originally come from?
Paul Massey, ’64, of Norfolk, a member of Wesleyan’s first graduating class and student body president, actually named the Battling Bishops back in the second semester of 1960. He wanted to tie in NC Wesleyan’s religious affiliation with a fighting word. So, he chose a Bishop and wanted him in action as portrayed in the original logo. Bishops fought like all of us. So, that’s how the team name became the “Battling Bishops.”
