Barratt’s Chapel, known as the “Cradle of Methodism,” was built in 1780 by Phillip Barratt and his father-in-law, Waitman Sipple. It is the oldest surviving church built by and for Methodists in the United States.

In 1784, the Chapel was the site of a historic meeting between Thomas Coke, a Methodist preacher, and Francis Asbury, a follower of Methodist Church founder John Wesley. In November of that year, the two men met here to plan a Christmas Eve conference in Baltimore of all Methodist preachers. At this conference, plans were made to separate from the Church of England, and the Methodist Episcopal Church in America was born.

Barratt’s Chapel Museum and Archives were opened in 1964. It contains artifacts dating from the late 1700’s owned by Methodists from Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Public restroom facilities are available at the museum.

Hours: Weekends - 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To visit at other times, please call and make an appointment at (302) 335-5544.

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