Barratt's Chapel Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Barratt's Chapel
U.S. National Register of Historic Places

Barratt's Chapel in 1982
Location in Delaware Show map of Delaware Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Nearest city	Frederica, Delaware
Built	1780
NRHP reference No.	72000281
Added to NRHP	October 10, 1972

Barratt's Chapel is a historic church building found near Frederica, Delaware. It was built in 1780 on land given by Philip Barratt. He was an important person in the area and had recently joined the Methodist faith. Barratt wanted to create a special place for the growing Methodist community in Delaware.

Why is Barratt's Chapel Important?
Barratt's Chapel Museum
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Why is Barratt's Chapel Important?

Barratt's Chapel is known as the "Cradle of Methodism" in America. This is because of a very important meeting that happened there in 1784. It is also the oldest church building still standing in the United States that was built by and for Methodists.

The Start of Methodism

Methodism began in England. It was a religious movement within the Church of England. Two brothers, John and Charles Wesley, led this movement. As people who followed Methodism moved to the American colonies, the Methodist faith started to grow there too.

Methodist Leaders Come to America

Between 1768 and 1774, John Wesley sent several Methodist preachers to the colonies. Their job was to help the growing Methodist groups. When the American Revolutionary War started, most of these preachers went back to England. Only Francis Asbury and James Dempster chose to stay in America. Asbury became the main leader for Methodists in America.

A Special Meeting in 1784

After the war ended, John Wesley sent his friend Thomas Coke to America. Coke's mission was to find Asbury and talk about the future of Methodism in America.

On Sunday, November 14, 1784, Coke arrived at Barratt's Chapel. He expected to meet Asbury there. Coke was invited to preach because he was sent by Wesley himself. While Coke was giving his sermon, Asbury arrived. Coke stepped down from the pulpit (the raised stand where a preacher speaks) and gave Asbury a hug. A special star on the floor of the Chapel marks this historic moment.

During this service, two important religious ceremonies happened for the first time by Methodist leaders who had been officially trained: baptism and Holy Communion.

The Christmas Conference

After the service, Coke and Asbury went to the home of Philip Barratt's widow. Her house was right across the field from the Chapel. That evening, they made plans to gather all the Methodist preachers together. This meeting was set for Christmas Day in Baltimore.

At this special meeting, called the Christmas Conference of 1784, the Methodist Episcopal Church was officially started. This was a big step for Methodism in America.

How the Chapel Looks Today

The outside of Barratt's Chapel still looks very much like it did when Coke and Asbury met there. The inside of the Chapel has been changed a few times over the years. Its current look dates back to 1842.

Today, Barratt's Chapel is an official Heritage Landmark of the United Methodist Church. A special group called the Commission on Archives and History takes care of it. Thousands of people visit the Chapel every year. The Commission holds two main services there each year:

The Anniversary Service in November, which remembers the meeting of Coke and Asbury.
A Christmas Carol Service in December.

The Chapel is also used for many other special events like weddings, baptisms, and funerals. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

Barratt's Chapel Museum

The Barratt's Chapel Museum is next to the Chapel. It has old furniture, religious books, and other items that tell the story of Methodism in the Delmarva Peninsula. Visitors can also watch a video about the Chapel's history. You can explore the original chapel and a recreated 18th-century vestry (a room where clergy prepare). The chapel and museum are open on Saturdays and Sundays.