Yarm Methodist Church can be found on the riverside along Chapel Yard in Yarm and has visitors from all over the world who come to see the founder of Methodism, John Wesley’s, “favourite church”.
A Grade 2 listed building and one of the few octagonal churches in the country, Yarm Methodist Church was originally built between 1763 and 1764 - and during 2023/24 it has been celebrating its 260th anniversary.
Wesley first preached to a large congregation in the completed building on April 24, 1764, after which he described it as "by far the most elegant in England".
In fact, Wesley had a great influence on the design of the building.
The plot of land on which the church stands was conveyed to George Merryweather, a prominent local businessman and leader of the Methodists in Yarm, on June 18, 1763.
Correspondence between Merryweather, Wesley and others suggest that the building was used at Christmas 1763 and officially opened soon afterwards. The opening service was lead by Peter Jaco - "one of Wesley's preachers" - and not by the great man himself.
Wesley was delighted with the new octagonal-shaped "House" - non conformists were not allowed to call their places of worship churches. Altogether 14 octagonal chapels were built by Wesley - but Yarm seems to have been his favourite.
Wesley explained his preference for this particular shape because "it is better for the voice and on many accounts more commodious than any other". He is also said to have added: "There are no corners for the devil to hide in."
Wesley's links to Yarm Methodist Church have been celebrated in a series of special monthly Sunday services, with invited preachers. The final celebration was held on Wednesday (April 24), the 260th anniversary of Wesley first preaching in the newly built church at Yarm.
Rev Dr Roger Walton preached at the 260th anniversary service, which attracted about 200 people, plus invited ministers from the local Methodist Circuit and District with Rev David Vonberg, a former minister of the church, taking readings from the Bible.
Extracts from John Wesley’s Journal - a working biography of his life and preaching - during his multiple visits to Yarm and the surrounding area in the 18th century were read and some Charles Wesley hymns were sung. A joint Yarm Methodist and Yarm Wellness Choirs sang “The Rose” as part of the celebration.
At the celebration items showing the structural changes to the building were on display in the Wesley Hall, tracing the church’s heritage all the way through from 1763 to the present day.
Originally a single-storey octagonal brick building, the church has had several external and internal changes over the years. Choir stalls, an organ loft and a large schoolroom were all added during the 19th century, a new meeting room and Wesley Hall were added during the 20th century and now.
Church leaders are now working to ensure the building continues to be an inclusive space to welcome the community into the church family.
- Yarm Methodist Church has a regular programme of activities in the attached church hall.
- Sunday services are held each week at 10.30am and all are welcome. The church hall is used by the Babies and Toddlers Group, Brownies, Junior Church and those a little older, who enjoy several activities.
- The church family works closely with Teesside Dementia Link Services who, as part of the regular Saturday church coffee mornings between 10am and noon, hold a coffee morning once a month.
- This year the church has also been working with Yarm Wellness, raising money to support their wellbeing outreach into the community.
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