Room 7 Object Highlights

Membership Books, 1783-6

These books written in Wesley's handwriting, list addresses and occupations for all but a hundred members.

John Wesley insisted on personally checking whether a person’s beliefs and behaviour were appropriate to justify their continued membership. Records of membership were therefore updated regularly.

John Wesley stated that "the distinguishing marks of a Methodist are not his opinions of any sort... his embracing any particular set of notions... A Methodist is... one who loves the Lord his God with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his mind, and with all his strength".

In the preachers' common room you will learn more about the Methodist class and band systems, be introduced to John Wesley's bestselling book of herbal remedies, 'Primitive Physick' and discover the less well-known stories of those who gathered for prayer and Bible study in the common room.