Whitefield's Tabernacle, Moorfields facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Whitefield's Tabernacle, Moorfields
Whitefield's Tabernacle (photographed 2025)
Location	Tabernacle Street and Leonard Street, London
Country	United Kingdom
Denomination	Church of England, Methodist, Congregationalist, United Reformed Church
History
Dedicated	1741

Whitefield's Tabernacle, Moorfields was once a very important church in London, England. It stood at the corner of Tabernacle Street and Leonard Street in an area called Moorfields. This building is no longer a church today. It has a long history, starting way back in the 1700s.

A Historic London Church

Whitefield's Tabernacle was named after a famous preacher named George Whitefield. He was a key figure in a religious movement called Methodism. Many people came to hear him speak.

The First Buildings

The very first church on this spot was built in 1741. It was a simple wooden building put up by people who followed George Whitefield. Just twelve years later, in 1753, a stronger brick building replaced the wooden one. This new church continued to be a place for many to gather and listen to sermons.

When George Whitefield passed away in 1770, another well-known religious leader, John Wesley, gave a special sermon. He spoke about Whitefield's life and work at this church. He also gave the same sermon at another of Whitefield's churches in Tottenham Court Road.

A New Look: The 1868 Stone Church

Over a hundred years later, the church building was rebuilt again. In 1868, a new church made of stone was constructed. It was designed in a strong and impressive style called Gothic Revival architecture. The architects were C. G. Searle & Son.

Right next to the church, on Leonard Street, a Sunday School building was also added. A special stone was placed in the 1868 building. It said: "Near this spot stood the Tabernacle built by the Rev. George Whitefield in 1753: 115 years afterward it was taken down and in its place this building was erected." This stone helped people remember the church's long history.

Passing the Torch: A New Church and New Use

In 1907, a new church opened in north London, near Alexandra Park. This new church was first called Whitefield Tabernacle. Later, in 1922, it became known as Alexandra Park Congregational Church.

Many people who used to go to the Moorfields Tabernacle decided to move to this new church. A lot of the money and gifts that supported the old church were also moved to the new one. Because of this, the Moorfields Tabernacle building was no longer needed as a church. It was taken over by the nearby Central Foundation Boys' Grammar School. This school used the building for its own purposes.

What Happened Next?

The Alexandra Park church, which had taken over from the Moorfields Tabernacle, also changed over time. In 2004, it was converted into apartments. This means that both buildings that carried the name "Whitefield's Tabernacle" eventually stopped being churches.

External links

• Location map