Methodists were up to the challenge which could be shown by an objective 'way back in 1836 when we were but a wilderness. The "Maryland Colony" had arrived in Ogle County that year. They were led by several influential, public-spirited "Easteners," one of whom was Rev. Thomas Hitt and who with the revered circuit rider, Rev. Barton Cartwright, organized the first Methodist class among the Marylanders.