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The Methodist Movement was founded by John Wesley (1703-1791) and he had influential skills and talents as a preacher and orator. Wesley travelled the countryside, preaching to the poor and labouring folk out in the fields where they worked. He came to North Devon on many occasions, noting each visit in his journal. Wesley’s sermons would pull huge crowds from the surrounding towns and villages. Local people were eager to take part in this new form of worship. The first North Devon circuit was established in 1750, five years after his first visit here. Methodism quickly flourished across the region and became core to our local religious identity His influence certainly impacted on life in East Worlington resulting in having its own chapel, known as Sharon Methodist Chapel, built at Thornham Chapel Cross. There were two phases of building, firstly the chapel in 1849, followed by an attached school room in 1908. |