Barratt's Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Barratt's Chapel
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Barratt's Chapel in 1982
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 Location in Delaware
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Frederica, Delaware |
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| Built | 1780 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000281 |
| Added to NRHP | October 10, 1972 |
Barratt's Chapel is a special church building. It is located north of Frederica in Kent County, Delaware. Philip Barratt, a local landowner, built it in 1780. He had recently become a Methodist. Barratt wanted to create a central place for the new Methodist faith in Delaware.
Contents
The Cradle of Methodism
Barratt's Chapel is the oldest church building still standing in the United States. It was built by and for Methodists. It is known as the "Cradle of Methodism" because of an important event in 1784.
How Methodism Began
Methodism started in England. It was a movement within the Church of England. John Wesley and his brother Charles Wesley led this movement. As Methodists moved to the American colonies, their faith grew in the New World.
Important Leaders Arrive
Between 1768 and 1774, John Wesley sent preachers to the colonies. Francis Asbury was one of these preachers. When the American Revolutionary War began, only Asbury and James Dempster stayed in America. Asbury became the main leader for American Methodists.
A Historic Meeting in 1784
In 1784, after the war ended, John Wesley sent his friend Thomas Coke to America. Coke's job was to find Asbury. He was to discuss the future of Methodism in America. Coke arrived at Barratt's Chapel on Sunday, November 14, 1784. He expected to meet Asbury there.
Coke was invited to preach. During his sermon, Asbury arrived. Coke stepped down from the pulpit and greeted him warmly. A special star in the Chapel floor marks this historic meeting. During this service, important Methodist ceremonies happened for the first time. These included baptism and Holy Communion.
The Church is Formed
After the service, Coke and Asbury went to Philip Barratt's widow's home. It was right across the field from the Chapel. That evening, they made plans for all Methodist preachers to meet. This meeting happened in Baltimore on Christmas Day of 1784. At this Christmas Conference, the Methodist Episcopal Church was officially started.
The Chapel Today
The outside of Barratt's Chapel looks much like it did in 1784. The inside of the Chapel has been updated several times. Its current look is from 1842.
Barratt's Chapel is a special Heritage Landmark. It is owned and cared for by the United Methodist Church. Thousands of people visit the Chapel every year. The church holds two main services there each year. One is in November, remembering the meeting of Coke and Asbury. The other is a Christmas Carol Service in December. The Chapel is also used for weddings, baptisms, and other special events.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Barratt's Chapel Museum
The Barratt's Chapel Museum shows old furniture and religious books. It also has items about the history of Methodism. You can watch a video about the Chapel's story. Visitors can tour the original chapel. They can also see a rebuilt 18th-century vestry. The chapel and museum are open on Saturdays and Sundays.
See also
- List of the oldest buildings in Delaware
- Oldest churches in the United States
Images for kids
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Barratt's Chapel in winter
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Nineteenth Century Methodist Hymnal
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Nineteenth Century Saddlebags
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Sunday School Organ
