[f. the surname Kilham: see -ITE1.] An appellation sometimes given to members of the ‘New Connexion’ of Methodists, after Alex. Kilham the founder of the body in 1797.
1807. Leeds Intelligencer, 4 May, 3/4. There are two descriptions of Methodists, the Methodists in the connection of the late J. Wesley, and the Kilhamites, who have differed from them.
1815. Williams, Dict. Relig., Kilhamites; thus the Methodists of the New connection are sometimes called, from Mr. Alex. Kilham, who was a considerable preacher among them.
1860. J. Gardner, Faiths World, II. 440/2. This decided refusal on the part of the Conference to allow the introduction of the lay element into their body, gave rise to the formation of a new society of Methodists, commonly known by the name of Kilhamites, or as they styled themselves the Methodist … New Connexion.
