Blog
Barratt’s Chapel and Museum: a historic hidden gem
As travelers drive along route 1 in Delaware, they often wonder what is the significance of this iconic brick structure. Built in 1780, Barratt’s Chapel is the oldest surviving Methodist church building in the United States built by and for Methodists. Its rich history and heritage is well preserved not only in its simple yet, stately architecture but, within the museum artifacts including journals, sermons and primary documents offering a glimpse into the history of Methodism in the United States.
On November 14, 1784, Methodist pioneers Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury met at Barratt’s Chapel. On this day baptism and communion were celebrated for the first time by ordained Methodist preachers. This was a symbolic declaration that the Methodists were going to become a church independent of the Church of England. Coke and Asbury made plans for a meeting on Christmas Day in Baltimore at which the Methodist Episcopal Church was officially organized. Barratt’s Chapel thus earned the title of “Independence Hall of American Methodism.” A star is placed in the floor of the Chapel commemorates the historic meeting of Coke and Asbury.
The late Dr. William H. Williams of the University of Delaware stated, “Today Barratt’s Chapel stands as both the most important Methodist historical structure in the nation, and in terms of national history, the most insignificant historical building, secular or religious, on the entire Delmarva Peninsula.” As one of the featured locations on the Delaware History Trail, this site is a hidden gem filled with historical significance.
There are three special services held at Barratt’s Chapel each year. The anniversary of the meeting of Coke and Asbury is celebrated with a worship service the afternoon of the second Sunday of November. Every December Barratt’s Chapel and Museum offers a Christmas Carol Service usually on the first Sunday afternoon of December. On Christmas Eve a candlelight communion service is celebrated at 5:00.
Throughout the year, the location is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. The Chapel is also available for weddings and other special services. To schedule tours or to make an appointment with the curator, please call (302) 335-5544 or e-mail barratts@aol.com.
posted on: Friday, Sep 28, 2012 4:10 PM
by: Delaware Tourism Office
Air Mobility Command Museum – The Nation’s History in Flight (Video)
As a featured location on the Delaware History Trail, the Air Mobility Command Museum in Central Delaware will take you to new heights. Visitors can see, touch and feel pieces of history that are brought to life by volunteer curators who have a personal history with operating these masterful pieces of engineering science and American history.
From the moment you arrive at the Air Mobility Command Museum, you’re whisked away into a world of historical treasures. Visitors can discover an aircraft that fought during the Berlin Airlift or just a few feet away they can experience the recently retired Air Force Two that carried world dignitaries. It’s the nation’s history in flight at your fingertips.
As you travel the Delaware History Trail, you will embark on a journey through significant historical sites that helped form our nation and the State of Delaware. Just download the passport, obtain codes from 6 sites in each county, submit your completed passport and you will be qualified to receive a limited-edition book entitled, “Landmark’s and Legacies,” featuring engaging content on the history of Delaware, the locations featured along the trail and outstanding photography by Kevin Fleming.
For a sneak peek at the exhibits at the Air Mobility Command Museum and a few words from their Director, Michael Leister, please view the video below. For more information, about the Delaware History Trail, go to www.visitdelaware.history.
posted on: Tuesday, Mar 6, 2012 2:13 PM
by: Delaware Tourism Office
Translate