JOHN WESLEY

The story of Methodism in Salisbury began some 250 years ago when John Wesley first visited the city in February 1738, to see his mother, who, at that time was living with her daughter, who had married Westley Hall, an Anglican Curate at Fisherton Anger.

John Wesley, again visited Salisbury in June 1738 to see his mother.
He came to tell her about the momentous religious experience he had undergone on 24th May in Aldersgate, London.
According to his Journal John Wesley visited Salisbury over 40 times.

In 1748 and during the next two years a small group met for worship above a shop in Greencroft Street, just behind the present church.

In 1750 the first society of Methodists was founded in Salisbury.

In 1759 the first chapel was built on the present site and the deeds clearly show the signature of John Wesley.
He described the then new church as " the most complete in England".
Concerning the congregation in the 1770's his comment was that it "was alive".

Church Growth

The church grew rapidly, and by the end of the 18th century, congregations of over 600 were very common.
In 1810 the old chapel was demolished and a new classical style building was erected.
This building formed the basis of the church as we know it today.
In 1835 the church was enlarged and further altered in 1870 and 1889.
In 1991 major renovation was undertaken of the church, and all the adjacent rooms and hall were completely rebuilt.