West Street Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Street Chapel |
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| Location | 26 West Street, London WC2 |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Previous denomination | Methodist |
| History | |
| Status | closed |
| Architecture | |
| Years built | 1700 |
The West Street Chapel is an old church building located at 24 West Street in London. It was the very first Methodist church in London's West End that John Wesley used.
Contents
History of West Street Chapel
The building was first used as a church in 1700. It was built for a group of French Protestants called Huguenots. These people had to leave France because of their religious beliefs. They used the chapel until 1743.
John Wesley's Time at the Chapel
In 1743, John Wesley, a famous religious leader, started using the chapel. He signed a special agreement to use the building for seven years. Wesley wrote in his Journal about his first day there:
I started leading services at the chapel in West Street. We got the lease for seven years in a surprising way. I preached about the Gospel and then gave communion to hundreds of people. I was a bit worried I wouldn't have enough energy because the service lasted five hours! But God helped me.
Wesley often had help from another important religious leader, George Whitfield. Also, John William Fletcher gave his first sermon (a religious talk) at this chapel in 1751.
Later Years and Legacy
After the early 1800s, the chapel began to be used for Anglican worship. Today, it is no longer used as a church. However, there is a special sign, called a plaque, on the building. This plaque reminds everyone of John Wesley's connection to the chapel.
The pulpit, which is the raised stand where the preacher speaks, was used by John and Charles Wesley from 1741 to 1793. This historic pulpit is now in a nearby church called St Giles in the Fields.
The former West Street Chapel is considered an important historical building. It has been officially listed as a Grade II building since 1951. This means it is protected because of its special history and architecture.
Images for kids
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The West Street Chapel building today.
