Architecture:

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Hinde Street is one of the more lavish Methodist chapels in the city, and possibly in the country. Built to the designs of James Weir (previously an assistant of Norman Shaw), it is regarded as his most accomplished work.

 

The recent redecoration and relighting of the chapel have revealed its true elegance. The chapel has a classical frontage - the Historic England Listing referring to it as having "English Baroque references" - especially in the 2-storeyed, pedimented entrance portico which is "reminiscent of St. Paul's Cathedral". Rising over the western corner is a 3-stage octagonal tower and spire. The interior remains largely unaltered save for removal of the original downstairs pews in the 1979 and the construction of a new entrance foyer in 2014. The semi-circular gallery (with its original pews) and high central pulpit are typical of Methodist preaching chapels of its time. 

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The entrance lobby was altered in 2014 to enable the original panelled wooden doors to be left open throughout the day, with new glass doors giving passers by a view into the chapel, The new foyer is more spacious but retains the timber framed glazed panels of the original lobby at high level.

 

The east window of three lights (1929) was created by Francis Spear. The organ is the original 1864 instrument by Bishop and Son, rebuilt in 1910 and 1983. 

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Local History:

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Methodists have had a presence in London's West End from the earliest days of the Methodist movement. A leased chapel in West Street (which can still be seen just off Cambridge Circus) was in use from 1743, and John and Charles Wesley themselves preached there. 

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In 1808, land close by in Marylebone was acquired to build a chapel, on part of the site now occupied by the present Hinde Street building. The Church opened its doors in 1810 with the capacity of approximately 900 worshippers. Shortly after opening, Hinde Street's West End location  attracted the foremost preachers in Methodism, and its pulpit gained a formidable reputation. As Charles Wesley had lived nearby in Chesterfield Street, Marylebone (now Wheatley Street), a son and daughter of his became members of the new Church.  Overall membership at Hinde Street peaked at 1,100 in 1844

 

Hinde Street Methodist Church is also part of West London Mission Circuit, a group of Methodist churches and charities. The original West London Mission Circuit was founded in 1887 by Hugh Price Hughes, a minister and social pioneer, who believed it was a scandal that wealthy churchgoers had no contact at all with people who lived in poverty on their doorstep. The mission aimed to mix lively and relevant worship with outreach to those who most needed help to transform their lives. 

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For the past five decades or so, Hinde Street has been host to Wednesday & Thursday Club, a meal service and social space for those affected by homelessness. We also have a long tradition of hosting various 12 Step Groups.