Wesley Methodist Church
Chester, Cheshire
Wesley is a Grade II listed church, built to a Thomas Harrison design in 1812, accessible via steps from the City Walls and sited close to the city centre, Eastgate Clock and Roman Amphitheatre.
The 1930s and 40s residential building boom encourages and enlightened the membership to consider moving to a new site in order to serve the expanding population of Hoole. So began an act of faith and much hard work, raising funds and negotiating a site against some local opposition.
A site was dedicated in 1953 and an architect (Kenneth Patterson) was appointed. Building commenced in 1957, the builders being Henery Jones of Holt. The design was considered unusual but leaves no doubt in the mind of the passer by that it is a Christian place of worship.
A cross is the central feature of the large stained glass windows at front and rear. The three diamonds framed in dark brick on the wall behind the pulpit symbolise the trinity and the door handles depict a fish. On 30 May 1958 the first service was held. Wooden halls were ereceted for use by youth groups and other organisations. Membership stood at 55 and numbers grew so rapidly that it became necessary to fundraise further for the permanent halls here today.
The church became a United Reformed Church in 1972.
