Chapel at Raithby Hall facts for kids
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The Raithby Methodist Chapel is a very old and special building located in a village called Raithby by Spilsby in Lincolnshire, England. It's known for being the oldest Methodist chapel in Lincolnshire and one of the oldest in all of England. What makes it even more unique is that it was opened by John Wesley himself, who was the main founder of the Methodist movement. This chapel is still used for services today!
What is a Chapel?
A chapel is a special building used for Christian worship, similar to a church but often smaller. Chapels can be part of a larger building, like a school or a hospital, or they can be stand-alone buildings like the one at Raithby.
Who was John Wesley?
John Wesley (1703–1791) was an important English clergyman who started the Methodist movement. He traveled all over England, preaching and teaching people about Christianity. He wanted to help people live a good life and connect with God in a personal way. His teachings led to the creation of the Methodist Church, which is now a worldwide Christian denomination.
Building the Chapel
The Raithby Chapel was built in 1779 by a wealthy Methodist minister named Robert Carr Brackenbury. He lived at Raithby Hall and decided to build the chapel right above an existing stable. This means the chapel is on the second floor! John Wesley officially opened and dedicated the chapel on July 5, 1779. The building, which includes both the stable and the chapel, is considered very important historically, so it has a special status called "Grade I listed". This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England.
Services at the Chapel
John Wesley himself visited the chapel again on July 3, 1788, and led a service there. Imagine being in the same room where such an important historical figure once preached! Today, the chapel is part of the Mid-Lincolnshire Methodist Circuit. Even though it's very old, occasional services are still held there, keeping its long history alive.
