Gadfield Elm Chapel facts for kids
The Gadfield Elm Chapel is a very old church building in England. It is near the village of Pendock in Worcestershire. This chapel is special because it is the oldest one still standing that belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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The Chapel's Early Days
This chapel was built in 1836. It was first used by a religious group called the United Brethren. They were a group that had separated from the Primitive Methodists. Their leader was Thomas Knighton.
How the Chapel Became a Latter-day Saint Building
In 1840, a missionary named Wilford Woodruff visited the United Brethren. He was an important leader, called an Apostle, in the early Latter Day Saint movement. He taught the United Brethren about his faith. Almost all 600 members decided to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
After this, Thomas Knighton and John Benbow gave the chapel to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This made it an important place for the new church members in the Malvern Hills area.
Important Meetings at the Chapel
Several important church meetings were held at the Gadfield Elm Chapel. Even Brigham Young, who was a top leader in the church at that time, spoke there at least once.
Why the Chapel Was Sold
In 1842, the church sold the chapel. The money from the sale helped British members of the church move to America.
The Chapel's Journey Back
After being sold, the building was owned by private individuals for many years.
Saving the Chapel
In 1994, a group of church members bought the chapel. They formed a group called the Gadfield Elm Trust. They wanted to save and restore this important historical building.
The Trust worked hard to fix up the chapel. It was made to look like it did when it was first built. On April 23, 2000, a church leader named Jeffrey R. Holland dedicated the restored chapel. This means it was formally set apart for its purpose again.
The Chapel Today
In 2004, the Gadfield Elm Trust gave the chapel to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On May 26, 2004, the church president, Gordon B. Hinckley, rededicated it.
Today, the chapel is a historical site. It is open to the public for free. People can visit to learn about its history and the early days of the church in England.
