Wesley's Chapel was built in 1778 by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, a Christian movement that focused on Bible study and a methodical approach to scriptures and Christian living, whose preachers were notoriously evangelical.
Wesley helped to organize and form societies of Christians throughout England, Scotland, Wales, North America and Ireland as small groups that developed intensive, personal accountability, discipleship and religious instruction among members. His great contribution was to appoint itinerant, unordained preachers who travelled widely to evangelise and care for people in the societies.
Wesley described his Chapel as 'perfectly neat but not fine'. It is one of London's undiscovered architectural jewels. It is a fine example of Georgian architecture and a Grade I listed building.
In 1891 the Chapel was transformed to commemorate the centenary of Wesley’s death. Marble pillars were donated from Methodist Churches around the world to replace the original pillars made from wooden ships’ masts donated by George III. New pews were also added and the stained glass was installed around this period.
In 1972 the Chapel was found to be structurally unsafe and had to be closed. Between 1972 and 1978 nearly £1 million was raised to save the Chapel from demolition and restore it to its former glory. On 1st November 1978, exactly 200 years after Wesley opened the Chapel, the restored building was re-opened in the presence of HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Wesley's House next to the chapel is one of London’s finest surviving examples of a small Georgian house. Built by Wesley in 1779, he lived there the last twelve winters of his life, in the summer months he would visit and preach to his Methodist societies round the country. He died in the house on 2 March 1791 and was buried at the chapel a week later. His tomb is in the garden to the rear of the chapel.
Text and photos comes from: https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC43VR2
