In 1778, a Methodist Society was organized in Dover by Reverend Freeborn Garrettson. Desiring a permanent place of worship, members purchased a one-half acre lot at this location from Vincent Loockerman in 1782. Future Delaware Governor Richard Bassett contributed toward the construction of a forty foot square structure, which was named Wesley Chapel. Bishop Francis Asbury preached the first sermon here in 1784. The building was used until 1850, when a larger Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church was constructed on State Street. Notable burials include those of Bishop Richard Whatcoat, Delaware Governors Cornelius P. Comegys and Gove Saulsbury, and Representative Nathaniel B. Smithers.
Originally installed in 2021.
The State of Delaware Historical Markers Program, 2001
255 S. Queen Street, Dover, DE 19904
Related Topics: Bishop Francis Asbury, Bishop Richard Whatcoat, Dover, Dover's First Methodist Church, Governor Cornelius P. Comegys, Governor Gove Saulsbury, Governor Richard Bassett, Historical Markers, House of Worship, Kent County, Methodist Society, Representative Nathaniel B. Smithers, Reverend Freeborn Garrettson, Vincent Loockerman, Wesley Chapel, Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church
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