Fetter Lane Society facts for kids
51°29′1.03″N 0°10′34.41″W / 51.4836194°N 0.1762250°WThe Fetter Lane Society was a very important group for the Moravian Church in Britain. It also helped prepare the way for Methodism. The society started in 1738. Even though its first meeting place was destroyed, the group still meets in London today. It is part of the British Province of the Moravian Church.
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How the Society Began
Before the Methodist movement became big in England, Moravians were already active in London. A German leader named Peter Boehler and his followers created the Fetter Lane Society in May 1738. Their goal was to help people grow in their faith and support each other.
They planned to meet once a week for prayer and friendship. Many members were Anglicans, including famous figures like John Wesley, Charles Wesley, and George Whitefield. John Wesley wrote in his journal about a special meeting on January 1, 1739:
"About three in the morning, as we were continuing instant in prayer, the power of God came mightily upon us insomuch that many cried out for exceeding joy and many fell to the ground. As soon as we were recovered a little from that awe and amazement at the presence of His majesty, we broke out with one voice, 'We praise Thee, O God, we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.'".
The Moravians in London believed that true faith meant having complete certainty. They thought that fear or doubt showed a lack of faith. They felt that true belief should be strong and free from worries.
John Wesley's Journey
John Wesley had a life-changing experience on May 24, 1738, at a meeting house on Aldersgate Street. This happened after he heard a reading from Martin Luther's introduction to the book of Romans. However, Wesley later disagreed with the London Moravians on some points.
The Moravians believed that a person had to feel completely sure of their salvation right away. They also thought that people without this full certainty should not take part in religious practices like communion.
Wesley had disagreements with Philip Henry Molther and other Moravians at the Fetter Lane Society in 1739–1740. Molther told people they should stop doing good deeds and taking communion until they felt completely sure of their faith. He believed that faith came only from waiting on God, not from religious practices or good works.
After challenging these ideas in June 1740, John Wesley was no longer welcome at the Fetter Lane Society. He and about 50 others then started their own group called the Foundery Society. This new group met in a former cannon factory that Wesley had rented. Even with these disagreements, the Fetter Lane Society had been an important example for the future Methodist Church.
Important People and Visitors
Many notable people were connected to the Fetter Lane Society. Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf was a key leader of worship in the mid-1700s. The parents of the famous poet and artist William Blake also attended meetings there. Some people think that Moravian hymns might have influenced Blake's book Songs of Innocence and Experience.
The Swedish scientist and mystic Emanuel Swedenborg also visited the society in the 1740s.
Where They Worshiped
The original historic building of the Fetter Lane Society was destroyed during World War II due to bombing. However, the Fetter Lane Moravian Congregation still meets and worships in London today.
While Lindsey House was sold a long time ago, the Congregation still owns and uses the old carriage house. This building now has homes and a chapel. The chapel is located at the edge of the special Moravian Burial Ground, which is called God's Acre.
