OUR HISTORY
From humble beginnings in a small room in Thomas Street, Armagh, the first Methodist Chapel was established in 1786 in Abbey Street, on the site where John Wesley first preached in the city in 1767. This church was succeeded by another on the site in 1835 to accommodate growing numbers. Further improvements and remodelling created a church with 500 seats, the largest at that time in the Portadown District. The church remains generally the same but with modern additions of heat and light, a carpark and a suite of halls.
The Mall, Armagh
Historical source: 250 Years of Methodism in Armagh, written by Dessie Mitchell.
445AD
Saint Patrick builds the first stone church in Armagh
1703
Birth of John Wesley, founder of Methodism
1738
24th May, John Wesley's conversion
1767
15th April, John Wesley's first visit to Armagh where he preached near Abbey Street
1767
Establishment of the first Methodist Society in the city in a small room (14ftx12ft) in a house in Thomas Street.
1786
First Methodist church built in Abbey Street near to where John Wesley preached.
1789
John Wesley's 8th and last visit to Armagh city, aged 86.
1791
2nd March John Wesley dies
1835
14th September the first stone of the new church in Abbey Street was laid by Captain W W Alego
1859
Methodist Day and Sabbath School built, known as Lynn Halls after Surgeon-Major Lynn who laid the first stones
1862
Church improvements to accommodate the growing congregation
1882
Additional church improvements for the growing congregation
1888
Church remodelled with elegant facade
1889
12th June Armagh Railway Disaster - Methodist Sunday School Excursion by train to Warrenpoint ends in 89 deaths and many serious injuries
1908
Organ installed
2005
Provision of car park, disability access and renovation of Old Manse
'I felt I did trust in Christ, 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.'
John Wesley 24 May 1738
History of Armagh
This was the city that Rev John Wesley visited in 1767, it was no 'mean place'; it had a unique history, it was a place of national and international distinction; it was the Christian Capital of Ireland.
The City that the Rev John Wesley visited on 15th April 1767 had a unique history resulting in it being afforded the prestigious title 'Ecclesiastical Capital of Ireland', the seat of the Archbishops of Armagh, the Primates of All Ireland for both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland.
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It was always a place of political power and spiritual influence. In ancient times nearby Navan Fort (Emain Macha) was a pagan ceremonial site and one of the great Royal Capitals of Gaelic Ireland. Navan was regarded as a sacred space and the seat of the Kings and Queens of Ulster. It features prominently in Irish mythology, especially in the tales of the Ulster Cycle. It is believed that there has been activity on this ancient site which dates from the 8th century BC.
It was to this place of spiritual and political power that legend and tradition tells us that St Patrick visited and founded Christianity in Ireland 445 AD.
It was in Armagh that the first stone church was built and Patrick's influence is proudly manifested today by the two majestic Cathedrals in his name towering over the city skyline.
In medieval times, Armagh was a great centre of learning and monasticism with Abbeys (notably, St Peter and St Paul) educating and sending missionaries in travels all over Europe - it was in essence a City of Saints and Scholars.
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Over the centuries, Armagh was also shaped by Viking raids, battles between the native Irish and English, and the influence of the Plantation of Ulster. Modern Armagh reflects the vision of Archbiship Richard Robinson (1708-1794), which saw the beautification and development of the city with Georgian terraces, The Mall, Courthouse, Gaol, Royal School, Observatory, Archbishop's Palace and Chapel etc.
Rev John Wesley's first visit to Armagh
Read about who invited John Wesley to visit Armagh and what happened then!
John Wesley’s visits to Armagh are not without controversy and surprise - he was evicted from the Market House by the Sovereign; Preached in the open air, often in bad weather; was granted the use of the Seceders (Presbyterians) Meeting House; visited Archbishop Robinson, paying tribute to his work in improving the City. But for Wesley’s his visits were all about preaching the Gospel of repentance and scriptural holiness without fear or favour.
ARMAGH RAILWAY DISASTER
Wednesday 12th June 1889, the day of the annual Armagh Methodist Church Sunday School Excursion began with anticipation of a train trip to Warrenpoint but the railway disaster that day proved to be the highest railway death toll in the world up to that date.