Road Trip to Epworth

There is something profoundly valuable about visiting the places where our faith story unfolded. Reading about John and Charles Wesley is one thing; standing where they lived, worshipped, preached and served brings their story to life in a completely different way.

You can find a list of the wonderful Methodist locations to explore, on your own or as a group, here.

The Revd Jenny Pathmarajah visited Epworth Old Rectory in North Lincolnshire, the childhood home of John and Charles Wesley, along with her church members from Castle Street Methodist, Cambridge.

Blessed with good company, plenty of laughter and beautiful weather, we enjoyed a fascinating journey into the life and legacy of John and Charles Wesley.

Our day began with a private tour of the Old Rectory, where we learnt so much about the Wesley family and what daily life would have been like in the eighteenth century. The house is full of stories, none more dramatic than the famous fire in 1709, which destroyed the original rectory. We stood at an upstairs bedroom window in the current house and heard how a young John Wesley was rescued. This event shaped his understanding of God's calling on his life. John would later describe himself as "a brand plucked from the burning", believing that God had spared him for a purpose.

We also explored the fascinating Physick Garden, where medicinal plants were grown based on remedies recommended by John Wesley in his book Primitive Physick. Some of the suggestions seemed surprisingly sensible, while others were rather more unusual. One remedy for an upset stomach involved lying with a puppy on your tummy. Sadly, there were no puppies available for us to test the effectiveness of this particular treatment, much to everyone's disappointment!

In the afternoon we explored the village itself on a guided walking tour. We stood on the steps outside the Red Lion, where John Wesley preached regularly and where he stayed. Eventually, John Wesley was refused permission to preach inside the parish church where his father, Samuel Wesley, had served faithfully as rector for almost forty years. The new rector declared that there was nowhere in Epworth under his authority he permitted Wesley to preach. The reaction? The family owned the grave of his father so, standing on his father's grave, John declared that he was taking his father's pulpit, and from there preached to the crowds who gathered in the churchyard. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes God opens unexpected doors when others close them.

Reuben Baldwin, on trial as a Local Preacher, said, “The staff at Epworth Old Rectory have done a great deal of work to turn the building into a living museum, vividly illustrating daily life for the Wesley family. Above all, they have highlighted Susanna Wesley, her personality, her ethic, and her historic contribution to the Methodist movement, along with the turbulent lives of her children. It presents a fuller portrait of John and Charles Wesley than the somewhat heroic stories we are often told on a Sunday morning. Well worth visiting!"

Days like this also strengthen the life of our churches. Away from committee meetings and Sunday routines, we have the opportunity to talk, laugh, learn and pray together, building friendships that enrich our fellowship long after the coach has brought us home. As we continue to explore our Methodist heritage, we are reminded that we are part of a much bigger story, one that inspires us to carry the same spirit of faith, courage and service into our own communities today.

We learnt so much about our Methodist heritage, but perhaps even more importantly, we spent precious time together in fellowship, conversation and laughter. I was reminded that our shared story is not just about history but about the people we journey alongside today.

If you would like to visit The Old Rectory with your own church community, please contact vcm@epwortholdrectory.org.uk. Or, for a uniquely designed visit, including activities for children in your group, contact Lois Albans at olem@epwotholdrectory.org.uk. www.epwortholdrectory.org.uk