Barratt's Chapel
N of Frederica on U.S. 113, Frederica, DEIn the summer of 1780 Philip Barratt gave the Methodist Society a plot of land, near the Murderkill River in Kent County, Delaware. The two-story brick meeting house, named in honor of Barratt, was begun immediately.
Barratt's Chapel was the first church in Kent County that was built especially for Methodist worship, and one of the first two erected in Delaware.
For two generations, the interior remained in an unfinished condition, with only dirt floors and no heat; in spite of these primitive conditions, Barratt's Chapel was the best meeting house in America belonging to the Methodists as a house of worship. St. George's in Philadelphia was, at this time, serving as a barracks and stable for the British army.
"Barratt's Chapel today is known as the "Cradle of American Methodism" because of its unique place in the development of the denomination/ It was here that Dr. Thomas Coke and the Reverend Francis Asbury, later the first two Methodist bishops, met to make the preliminary arrangements for the formation of the Methodist
Episcopal Church in America. Here the sacramental ordinances were first administered to Methodist communicants on American soil by duly authorized Methodist ministers, Dr. Coke and the Reverend Richard
Whatcoat.
According to Scharf's History of Delaware, "The edifice was forty two by forty-eight feet, two stories high, and had a vestry room connected with it.
There is a tradition that the brick of which it was built were imported from Holland, which is improbable, as the clay in the immediate vicinity is as good as any in the world for bricks and the art of making bricks was already well-known... The house was furnished with a pulpit and occupied as a place of worship... The old fashioned high pulpit which was reached by a flight of steps and which almost concealed the preacher from his congregation has been remodeled to suit modern ideas; but the seat or wooden bench, upon which Bishops Coke and Asbury, and other pioneers of the church, sat, is still preserved as a memento For the first sixty years of its existence the ground was the only flooring and the walls were left in an uncouth and primitive state."
Local significance of the building:
Barratt's Chapel was the first church in Kent County that was built especially for Methodist worship, and one of the first two erected in Delaware.
For two generations, the interior remained in an unfinished condition, with only dirt floors and no heat; in spite of these primitive conditions, Barratt's Chapel was the best meeting house in America belonging to the Methodists as a house of worship. St. George's in Philadelphia was, at this time, serving as a barracks and stable for the British army.
"Barratt's Chapel today is known as the "Cradle of American Methodism" because of its unique place in the development of the denomination/ It was here that Dr. Thomas Coke and the Reverend Francis Asbury, later the first two Methodist bishops, met to make the preliminary arrangements for the formation of the Methodist
Episcopal Church in America. Here the sacramental ordinances were first administered to Methodist communicants on American soil by duly authorized Methodist ministers, Dr. Coke and the Reverend Richard
Whatcoat.
According to Scharf's History of Delaware, "The edifice was forty two by forty-eight feet, two stories high, and had a vestry room connected with it.
There is a tradition that the brick of which it was built were imported from Holland, which is improbable, as the clay in the immediate vicinity is as good as any in the world for bricks and the art of making bricks was already well-known... The house was furnished with a pulpit and occupied as a place of worship... The old fashioned high pulpit which was reached by a flight of steps and which almost concealed the preacher from his congregation has been remodeled to suit modern ideas; but the seat or wooden bench, upon which Bishops Coke and Asbury, and other pioneers of the church, sat, is still preserved as a memento For the first sixty years of its existence the ground was the only flooring and the walls were left in an uncouth and primitive state."
Architecture; Religion
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The District of Delaware was established on September 24, 1789, as one of the original 13 federal judicial districts. It was the first district to be created after the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
About Kent County
Kent County Timeline
Kent County, located in the state of Delaware, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the colonial era. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlers arrived in the early 17th century. The first permanent European settlement in the county was established by the Dutch in 1631, but they were soon displaced by the English who took control of the region.
During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.
In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.
In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.
In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.
In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
Kent County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Kent County, Delaware.
- 1680: Kent County was established as one of three original counties in Delaware.
- 1682: The county's first courthouse was built in Duck Creek Crossroads, now known as Smyrna.
- 1701: Kent County became the new capital of Delaware, replacing New Castle.
- 1777: The Battle of Cooch's Bridge, the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Delaware, took place in the county.
- 1787: Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution at the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover.
- 1829: The Delaware Railroad was established, connecting Kent County to the growing transportation network.
- 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, was ratified by Delaware in Dover.
- 1978: The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village opened in Dover, showcasing the county's agricultural history.
- 2013: Kent County celebrated its 330th anniversary with various events and activities.