GARY M BEST
METHODISM AND IT’S SOCIAL IMPACT
ON 18th CENTURY BRISTOL
Wednesday 28th January 2026 7.30pm
FRESHFORD VILLAGE MEMORIAL HALL
‘The Cradle of Methodism’, written by Gary Best, is the first-ever full-scale history of the New Room, also known as John Wesley’s Chapel, which was built in Bristol by the founder of the Methodist movement in 1739.
Much of what developed into the movement known as Methodism was initiated at the New Room. Among other things, the building acted as a food bank, as a school for the poor, and as one of the first free medical dispensaries, and its early members championed prison reform in Bristol. Two-thirds of the early Methodists were women because John Wesley offered them leadership roles and championed a wider role for women. For a number of years Gary Best has been the volunteer Warden of John Wesley’s New Room, Bristol, the oldest surviving Methodist building in the world. He now lives in Bath and has written eight books on aspects of Methodism, including a recent children’s book: ‘Gospel’s Story’ about the adventures of John Wesley and his horse. He has also been Headteacher at Kingswood School, Bath.
Members free Visitors £3.00 Everyone welcome