I look upon all the world as my parish -- John Wesley
Today was a very productive day in London. This morning Taylor and I went to church at Wesley's Chapel with a group of British Studies students and professors. The picture above is of the stained glass inside this gorgeous church. If you are not familiar with Wesley's Chapel, it is a Methodist church located in London that was built by John Wesley himself (John Wesley was the founder of Methodism). Although this church has had some renovations, it is still the original church. Having grown up in a Methodist church I found it very exciting to partake in a church service at one of Wesley's original chapels. The church itself is absolutely gorgeous. The congregation is also extremely diverse and both preachers were fantastic. It was such an interesting experience to attend service at a church that is so important to the growth and spread of Methodism.
At the church there is also a Museum of Methodism and John Wesley's House. John Wesley's home was not open after the church service but I was able to visit the museum. In 2013 the new museum was opened at the church. According to the website, which seems to not be quite up to date, there are to be six permanent displays. The last time that the website was updated it mentions only three of these displays being open. While I was visiting the museum, there looked to only be one more display that needed funding.
The museum was easy to navigate and all of the volunteers were helpful and knowledgable. The displays were set up in a very simple and efficient manner. It was easy to walk through the displays and follow the flow of the displays. Many of the items on to display were about Wesley's life and how Methodism has grown. In the very center of the room there as a video running. I think it would be cool to go back and visit this museum I wonder if there are other materials in their archive or if the only materials that they have are on display. Something else I was wondering was how they acquired these items. Hopefully I can make it back to find the answers to some of these questions. I was surprised to learn that John Wesley's tomb is also on the premises. Some of his other family members are also buried here. As a librarian, I find it fascinating that they have been able to gather so many materials on such an influential man. Taylor and I are looking forward to going back to receive a further tour as well as sharing this with our home church in Columbia (Taylor and I attend the same church at home).
Across from the church there is also a cemetery and we found William Blake's grave there.
At the church there is also a Museum of Methodism and John Wesley's House. John Wesley's home was not open after the church service but I was able to visit the museum. In 2013 the new museum was opened at the church. According to the website, which seems to not be quite up to date, there are to be six permanent displays. The last time that the website was updated it mentions only three of these displays being open. While I was visiting the museum, there looked to only be one more display that needed funding.
The museum was easy to navigate and all of the volunteers were helpful and knowledgable. The displays were set up in a very simple and efficient manner. It was easy to walk through the displays and follow the flow of the displays. Many of the items on to display were about Wesley's life and how Methodism has grown. In the very center of the room there as a video running. I think it would be cool to go back and visit this museum I wonder if there are other materials in their archive or if the only materials that they have are on display. Something else I was wondering was how they acquired these items. Hopefully I can make it back to find the answers to some of these questions. I was surprised to learn that John Wesley's tomb is also on the premises. Some of his other family members are also buried here. As a librarian, I find it fascinating that they have been able to gather so many materials on such an influential man. Taylor and I are looking forward to going back to receive a further tour as well as sharing this with our home church in Columbia (Taylor and I attend the same church at home).
Across from the church there is also a cemetery and we found William Blake's grave there.
John Wesley's home
Taylor and I after the church service
Where John Wesley is buried
The cemetery across the street
William Blake's headstone
After church, Taylor and I had lunch at EAT, another restaurant chain in London that celebrates cooking with natural foods. I love that REAL food is not only easy accessible in London but also affordable. I have not spent more than 5 pound on a sandwich, chips, and a drink yet!
Later that afternoon we ran errands around London. We got our British phones, YES I HAVE A BRITISH PHONE NUMBER! ahhhh!. American phone companies are such a rip off. For 99 pence, think 99 cents, I was able to buy a Samsung phone. For 20 pounds I received a SIM card and a pay as you go plan. Cray huh? I originally was not going to get a British phone but it is a good way to communicate with others in the program while we are here. We are all relying on wifi with our American phones, which can be spotty, so a cheap British phone a great option to be able to talk locally. To talk loved ones at home, I am relying on Facebook messenger, Skype, and Skype International.
We finished off the evening with grocery shopping and dinner. Tonight will not be a late night. We are leaving for Oxford at 7:00am tomorrow. I cannot wait to visit Oxford again and see the Bodleian Library for the first time!
I did hear some sad news from home today, of a very dear person passing away. Please keep in your prayers the Dean family as sweet Momma Dean has passed away. I hate that I will not be home to celebrate her life with you all. She was such an incredible woman!
Later that afternoon we ran errands around London. We got our British phones, YES I HAVE A BRITISH PHONE NUMBER! ahhhh!. American phone companies are such a rip off. For 99 pence, think 99 cents, I was able to buy a Samsung phone. For 20 pounds I received a SIM card and a pay as you go plan. Cray huh? I originally was not going to get a British phone but it is a good way to communicate with others in the program while we are here. We are all relying on wifi with our American phones, which can be spotty, so a cheap British phone a great option to be able to talk locally. To talk loved ones at home, I am relying on Facebook messenger, Skype, and Skype International.
We finished off the evening with grocery shopping and dinner. Tonight will not be a late night. We are leaving for Oxford at 7:00am tomorrow. I cannot wait to visit Oxford again and see the Bodleian Library for the first time!
I did hear some sad news from home today, of a very dear person passing away. Please keep in your prayers the Dean family as sweet Momma Dean has passed away. I hate that I will not be home to celebrate her life with you all. She was such an incredible woman!