Welcome to the history of Osmotherley Methodist Church. Built in 1754 this is one of the oldest Methodist Chapels in existence, it stands in a passage between North End and Back Lane.
John Wesley preached in and around Osmotherley on several occasions. Records show that he first visited Osmotherley in 1745. On this occasion he was invited to the village by Peter Adams who had been one of the Franciscan Friars living in the Franciscan’s residence in Osmotherley. Adams had been expelled from the Franciscan order in 1737 but had been allowed to continue living in the house. Peter Adams (later called Watson) and John Wesley became friends - this friendship continued more than 30 years until Watson's death. This could have been one of the reasons why John Wesley visited. He made a total of eighteen visits over a period of forty years.
At first John Wesley was warmly received by the rector of St. Peter’s church and preached from the pulpit there. However this led to the rector being vehemently attacked by the neighbouring clergy and gentry. To save further difficulty Wesley preached from the stone table still visible by the market cross. Wesley's preaching won many converts.
In Wesley's journal one recording in 1748 reads "About seven, I preached in the street at Osmotherley. It rained all the time, but none went away."
By 1750, a Methodist society had been formed in the village. When John Wesley visited Osmotherley, after the Chapel was built in 1754, he would preach in the Chapel and did so on many of his later visits. He was short in stature and would use a stool to stand on. This is a treasured item of interest to be found in the chapel today.
By 1865, the population of the village had grown due to a thriving linen industry and the chapel congregation had grown as well. A larger church was needed and so one was built in North End. Today this has become a private dwelling and no longer belongs to the Methodist denomination, although its origins remain clear. The smaller chapel building fell into disrepair until 1935, when it was restored for use as a schoolroom by the Methodist congregation.
During the Second World War a search light station was set up locally, and the military made use of the chapel premises together with the village hall.
In 1970 it was decided with a reduced attendance, it was uneconomic to maintain two properties. After extensive renovation to the historic chapel it was rededicated as the centre for Methodist worship. This Chapel is the one in use today and although we are few in number we aim to keep this little chapel open for worship, having a service once a quarter on a Sunday.
We are a part of the churches ecumenical partnership and join together in special services during the year. We study for lent and advent together. There are five churches in the partnership, Anglicans, Methodists, Catholics, Friends Meeting House and The Lady Chapel on the Hill. We are able to offer to others a sacred space in this beautiful and historic location, and we trust all who enter will be blessed and enjoy the peace and tranquility; and communicate with our God.