In February I had a most interesting, if cold, visit to Bristol to visit my granddaughter who is now studying there. A priority on the sightseeing list was to visit the “New Room”. I knew it had been an important site in the development of Methodism but had never studied its history. Our visit there was fascinating as the New Room has been beautifully renovated and is used for services and courses as well as being a most informative museum giving a great insight into the early days of Methodism.
In February 1739 George Whitfield, one of Britain’s greatest preachers, began preaching in the open air in Bristol and drew immense crowds. Whitfield had committed himself to working in America, so he asked his friend, John Wesley, to continue his work in Bristol. At first Wesley was reluctant to preach outdoors because the church – Anglican – disapproved of such behaviour, but he then became convinced of its value by seeing the impact on people that Whitfield was having. He also recalled that Jesus Christ preached in the open. On Monday 2nd April 1739 John Wesley preached to a crowd of about 3,000
“At four in the afternoon I submitted to be more ‘vile’ and proclaimed in the highways the glad tidings of salvation”.
Members of 2 religious societies asked Wesley to help them build a ” New Room” where there could be meetings and also run a school to educate the poor. The original New Room was probably an extension to an existing building and would be used as Wesley’s home when he was in the city as well as offering accommodation to other visiting preachers and philanthropists. The first meeting was held there on June 3rd 1739.
“In the evening, we met in the shell of our new society Room. We sang ” Arm of the Lord awake, awake…and God gave us his blessing!”
As well as the meeting room and chapel there are a number of smaller rooms used for lodgings and for a housekeeper, and a kitchen.
The Christians who met there were very aware of the very poor living conditions in which the poor of Bristol lived at the time.
So, as well as preaching the gospel they ran a school and lending library there, dispensed free medicines, and appointed visitors to the sick and dying. In times of extreme need they acted as a food bank and offered recycled clothing to the needy. Wesley encouraged regular visits to the nearby Newgate prison to help support prisoners and he encouraged Methodists to campaign for better prison conditions. The New Room was certainly a space for everyone.
Prayer – Dear Lord. We thank you for the example of John Wesley and other preachers and philanthropists who were truly salt and light people in the 18th century in Bristol, and had the vision to build and use the New Room in your service. We remember that John Wesley had to change his mind about outdoor preaching and we thank you for all the lives he touched through that. May we be willing work in a relevant way to the society we live in, in our work and witness for you. Amen