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 in New York City. It is also known as the Old John Street Methodist Episcopal Church. You can find it at 44 John Street in the Financial District of Manhattan.
This church was built in 1841. It was designed in the Georgian style. The people who designed it were likely William Hurry or Philip Embury. This church is special because its group of worshippers is the oldest Methodist group in North America. They started way back on October 12, 1766. Back then, they were called the Wesleyan Society in America.
Contents
History of the Church Building
The first church building on this spot was called the Wesley Chapel. It was a blue stucco barn built in 1768. Its design is thought to be by Barbara Heck. Some wood from this first chapel was later used to build other churches.
New Buildings Over Time
A second church building was put up on this same spot in 1817-1818. This building was quite fancy. It was so grand that one pastor, Rev. William Stillwell, even left the group because of it.
The third church building is the one you see today. It was needed because John Street was made wider. So, the current church was built in 1841.
Special Recognition
The John Street United Methodist Church was named a New York City Landmark in 1965. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it is a very important historical place.
A famous hymnist 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 history of Methodism in America. These items are from the 1700s and 1800s.
What You Can See at the Museum
- Church record books
- The Wesley Clock, which was a gift from John Wesley in 1769
- Special cups used for "love feast" gatherings
- Circular benches used for "class meetings"
- The original altar rail from 1785
- The original pulpit from 1767, made by Philip Embury
- Philip Embury's Bible, with his signature
See Also
In Spanish: Iglesia Metodista de la Calle John para niños
