Barratt's Chapel: Cradle of American Methodism
Discover the roots of American Methodism at Barratt's Chapel, the oldest surviving Methodist church in the U.S., where a nation's faith was shaped.
Barratt's Chapel, located in Frederica, Delaware, holds a significant place in American religious history as the oldest surviving church building in the United States constructed specifically for Methodists. Built in 1780 on land donated by Philip Barratt, a prominent local politician and recent convert to Methodism, the chapel served as a center for the burgeoning Methodist movement in Delaware. The chapel earned its moniker, the 'Cradle of Methodism,' due to a pivotal event in 1784. It was here that Thomas Coke, sent by John Wesley, met Francis Asbury to discuss the future of American Methodism. This meeting led to the planning of a conference in Baltimore where the Methodist Episcopal Church was officially established on Christmas Day of the same year. The chapel's exterior retains much of its original 1784 appearance, while the interior reflects renovations from around 1842. Today, Barratt's Chapel is owned and maintained by the Commission on Archives and History of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Thousands of visitors come to the Chapel each year. Visitors can explore the chapel and an adjacent museum with exhibits about the history of Methodism. The site also includes a cemetery, with headstones that reflect over 240 years of history.
Local tips
- Check the opening hours before visiting, as they are limited to Wednesdays and Saturdays, or by appointment.
- Groups of six or more should contact the curator in advance to arrange a tour.
- Consider visiting during the Anniversary Service in November or the Christmas Carol Service in December.
A brief summary to Barratt's Chapel & Museum
- 6362 Bay Rd, Frederica, Delaware, 19946, US
- +1302-335-5544
- Wednesday 10 am-2 pm
- Saturday 10 am-2 pm
Getting There
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Driving
Barratt's Chapel is located on Bay Road (Route 1) in Frederica, Delaware. From the north, it's best to go past the chapel and take Exit 86 (N. Frederica), then take the first left to Route 1 North. The chapel is on the right. From the south, the entrance is just past the cemetery wall. There is a parking lot on site. Parking is free.
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Public Transport
The DART First State bus route 303 stops near Barratt's Chapel. From the Dover Transit Center, the 303 bus will take you to Frederica Rd @ Front St/De12, which is a short walk to the Chapel. A one-way fare on DART First State buses is $2.00.
