When you visit Barratt’s Chapel, Museum and Cemetery, you will be visiting the oldest surviving church building in the United States built by and for Methodists. Methodism began as a movement within the Church of England led by John and Charles Wesley. As members of the Methodist Societies emigrated to the American colonies, Methodism took root in the New World.

The Chapel as it appears from the outside today looks very much the way it did when founding fathers Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury met there in 1984. Inside the Chapel has undergone several renovations. The present appearance dates from 1842.

Barratt’s Chapel is an officially designated Heritage Landmark of the United Methodist Church. Today it is owned and maintained by the Commission on Archives and History of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Several thousand people visit the Chapel each year.

The Commission sponsors occasional worship services and other events throughout the year. The Chapel is also used for many weddings, baptisms, funerals, and other special services.

When you visit Barratt’s Chapel, you should take a few moments to visit the attached Museum of Methodism which provides access to multiple documents and archives of the United Methodist Church, dating as far back as 1784. It also displays authentic antiques, old books of sermons and other memorabilia.

If you enjoy exploring historic cemeteries, the attached Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery is a lovely, quiet spot and is still in use today. Notables buried here include Delaware politicians John Wood Hall, George Truitt, and Jonathan Spencer Willis.

If you’re following the Delaware History Trail, this is one of the locations on it! 

Logistics:
Parking is available

Tour Hours:
Wednesdays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Admission:
When open to the public, admission is free.

Getting Here:
Address: 6362 Bay Road, Frederica, DE 19946
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