John Street Methodist Church facts for kids
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John Street United Methodist Church
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(2013)
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 John Street Methodist Church
Location in Lower Manhattan
John Street Methodist Church
Location in New York
John Street Methodist Church
Location in the United States
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| Location | 44 John Street Manhattan, New York City |
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| Built | 1841 |
| Architect | Philip Embury |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001219 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 4, 1973 |
The John Street United Methodist Church is a very old and important church. It is located at 44 John Street in the Financial District of Manhattan, New York City. This church is also known as Old John Street Methodist Episcopal Church. It was built in 1841. The church has a special style called Georgian. The design is thought to be by William Hurry or Philip Embury.
This church is home to the oldest Methodist group in North America. This group started way back on October 12, 1766. It was first called the Wesleyan Society in America.
Contents
History of the Church
The Wesleyan Society was the first Methodist group in America. They built their first church on this spot in 1768. It was a blue building called the Wesley Chapel. Its design is said to be by Barbara Heck. Some wood from this first chapel was later used in other churches.
Building Changes Over Time
A second church was built on this same spot in 1817-1818. This building was very fancy. Because it was so grand, some members left the church. The third church, which is the one standing today, was needed because John Street was made wider.
Important Recognitions
The church was named a New York City Landmark in 1965. This means it is a special building protected by the city. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This is a list of important places in the United States. In 1984, the church sold its "air rights." This means they sold the right for someone else to build above their property.
Famous Members
A famous hymn writer named Fanny Crosby was a member of this church for many years. She wrote many well-known hymns.
Wesley Chapel Museum
Below the main church area, there is a special place called the Wesley Chapel Museum. This museum shows many old items from the 1700s and 1800s. These items tell the story of American Methodist history.
What You Can See at the Museum
- Church record books: These are old books that kept track of church events.
- The Wesley Clock: This clock was a gift from John Wesley in 1769.
- Love feast cups: These were used in special church gatherings.
- Circular benches: These were used for group meetings.
- The original altar rail from 1785.
- The original pulpit from 1767: This was made by Philip Embury himself.
- Philip Embury's Bible: You can see his signature in it.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia Metodista de la Calle John para niños
