Aldersgate Flame, London
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism.
John Wesley (1703-1791) was a minister in the Church of England and the founder of Methodism.
Theologically, Wesley emphasized free will along with predestination and faith along with works. Spiritually, he encouraged a life of prayer, Bible study, and charity work. Today, there are as many as 70 million Methodists worldwide.
On Aldersgate Street in London is a bronze memorial Methodist Flame and plaque (1981) commemorating John Wesley's conversion experience on this site on May 24, 1738. Wesley described his conversion in his journal:
In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while the leader was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.
Wesley's description of his experience is reproduced from the first edition of journal onto the memorial.
Quick Facts
| Name: | Aldersgate Flame |
| Address: | Nettleton Court, Aldersgate Street, London EC2 |
| Location: | On the first floor level of the Barbican complex, via stairways on either side of Aldersgate street, to the right of the entrance to the Museum of London in Nettleton Court. |
| Tube: | Barbican or Moorgate |
| Hours: | Outdoor site - always open |
| Cost: | Free |
Location Map
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More Information
- Map of Wesley Sites in London - Wesley's Chapel
- Methodist Heritage in Southern England - Methodist Heritage
