The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-12-21
WESLEY'S "CATHEDRAL."
REPORT OF THE BURNING OF THE CITY ROAD
CHAPEL IN NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. OF JOHN
WESLEY

REPORT OF THE BURNING OF THE CITY ROAD
CHAPEL IN INSTRUMENTATION OF JOHN
WESLEY.
from the London Daily News, Dec. 81
One of the most widely known and most interest
ing places of worship In London almost wholly
destroyed by fire yesterday morning. The edihce
referred to is the City Road Wesleyan Methodist
Chapel. The building has been for more .han q
century q prominent object in the important
thoroughfare to which it owed its name. 1t stood
in the centre Of q large piece Of ground in which
have been inferred many who held names that
are vonerated in tho Methods. world. 1t was .
plain structure, both internally and externally, har
inonizing in its simplicity with the distin-
gushing characteristics of the founders of the great
religious society to which IL belonged. 1t con-
sisted of principal chapel and galleries capable Of
accommodating two thousand people. a smaller
structure known "John wesey's Morning
Chapel" and sundry class rooms and YES
tries The larger ~, chapel possessed fine
frcscocd ceiling. The entire building was
warmed by a hot air apparatus. and there
is little doubt that the fire originated in the hue.
II first observed little after six yesterday
morning by q policeman, who at once aroused the
Rev. John Baker, M. A., the resident minister. AL
ready the flames had strong hold upon the morning
chapel. Messengers were despatched for the fire
gncs and in brief period several steamers were on
the spot Captain shaw. q. b.. bengpresentto direct
operations Unfortunately. however. great difficulty
experienced IN obtaining water the intense frost
having fixed the plugs so hard that fully half an
hour occupied IN moving them. The confagra
ton spread rapidly. and by the time water was OBJ
tanned IL was evident that the morning chapel was
doomed. IL Is utterly destroyed. From the smaller
building the flames extended rapidly to the "City
Road Chapel" properly called, selling upon the
gallery running the whole lepsth of the lott side.
This has been entirely consumed. AID the back OF
the chapel-in form OF a semi-circle--has been
thoroughly Quilted. In this portion of the building
stood the communion table, surrounded by elaborate
monuments one recently erected ut cost 81. OO0 to
the memory Of the late DIR. Waldy, father of Mr.. s.
ID. Waddy, q. c., NJ L. Tho other monuments in-
clude tablets and meme rials in honor Of John Wes-
ley the founder of Methodism; Charles Wesley,
author of most of the hymns used by the commu-
nifty; Dr. Coke the celebrated missionary; the Rev.
John Fletcher. vicar of Madeloy; the Rev. John Wat
sou, author Of the 'Institute;" the late DIR.
Jabez Bunting; Adam Clarke, the commen-
tator. and many others. All these have seri-
ously suffered, butnot to the extent that
might have been expected. considering tho
great heat to which they were exposed The ceiling
is irreparably damaged; indeed, Captain Shaw is
doubtful whether the roof can be saved. The col
umns supporting the galleries are burnt a consider
able distance down ON one side. ana the whole In
terror very much injured. The pulpit, however.
from which John Wesley preached has fortunately
been preserved, and the vestriss vt The back have