Wesley Methodist Church, Chester

The Wesley Methodist Church is an active Methodist church located on Saint John Street in Chester. It belongs to the Chester Methodist circuit and holds historical significance as a Grade II listed building on the National Heritage List for England.

The church was initially constructed in 1811 with a design plan by renowned architect Thomas Harrison. However, his original plan proved insufficient for the full project, and the design was completed by William Cole II, who also served as the main contractor. The original layout featured an entrance on the west side and an apsidal east end facing Saint John Street.

Significant changes occurred in 1906 when the church was re-ordered and extended by P. H. and W. T. Lockwood. This renovation re-oriented the church, transforming the apse into a new entrance front, while the west end was altered to create a chancel, possibly adapted from the original porch. The Lockwoods' modifications included the addition of a striking "show front" in the Chester style, which the Buildings of England series commends.

Architecturally, the original portion of the building features brown brick, while the extensions showcase red Ruabon brick with slate roofs. The symmetrical entrance front is marked by a central gable with a prominent nine-light round-arched window, flanked by two-story pavilions at the corners. The church’s sides feature three tall windows with accompanying lunettes, creating an elegant exterior appearance.

The church features galleries with four-bay arcades on Ionic piers and a prominent round chancel arch. Notable elements include a large stained glass window by Gamon and Humphrey, a 1926 war memorial window by H. G. Hillier, and an organ built by J. J. Binns in 1926, expanded in 1948, and renovated by David Wells in 2000.

With its blend of historical architecture, artistic stained glass, and significant renovations, the Wesley Methodist Church remains a prominent place of worship and a distinguished landmark in Chester.