West End Methodism: The Story of Hinde Street

Throughout its 200 year history, Hinde Street Church in London has been one of Britain's best-known Methodist churches, with a long tradition of great preaching and local community service. In the early years crowds flocked there to hear the foremost orators of the day. And thousands of children in the church's Sunday School were taught reading and writing skills before universal education was introduced. Hinde Street has always reflected its Marylebone locality: from the early days when poverty and disease were rife, to the turn of the twentieth century when shop-girls and young workers from the new West End stores were an important part of the local population. Alan Brooks' book tells of episodes of tragic internal strife, of personal sacrifice and of the devastation of war. But he also recalls a high tradition of worship and music over two centuries, the excitement of building a magnificent new chapel, and the church's constantly developing efforts to support its inner-city constituency. Fascinating details of Hinde Street's connections with many of Methodism's great leaders over two centuries are revealed, including its long-term relationship with Donald Soper and with the West London Mission whose ambitious social welfare outreach continues to this day.

Table of Contents:
Foreword by the Revd Professor Frances Young. Introduction. Chapter 1: The First Chapel at Hinde Street. Chapter 2: The Church and Marylebone. Chapter 3: Evangelism and Agitation 1810-52. Chapter 4: Revival and Challenges 1853-1913. Chapter 5: The New Chapel of 1887. Chapter 6: The Nature of the Church Community. Chapter 7: Two Wars and Consolidation 1914-45. Chapter 8: Hinde Street in the Modern Era. Chapter 9: Discipline and Devotion in the Class Meeting. Chapter 10: Ministering to Children. Chapter 11: The Worship Tradition. Chapter 12: The University of London Methodist Society. Chapter 13: Sunday Night Group. Conclusion. Notes. Bibliography. Appendix 1: Ministers. Appendix 2: Summary of Property Works. Appendix 3: The Organ, Organists and Musical Directors. Appendix 4: Contributors to the Memories Project. Appendix 5: Presidents of Methsoc and SNG. Appendix 6: Societies Associated with Hinde Street to 1920. Index.

About the Author :
Alan Brooks has been a member at Hinde Street church for over 40 years and has filled various roles, including chairing the Church Property Committee. He had a career in Local Government with three London Councils and was a qualified Town Planner, though for most of that time he specialized in research. He is very grateful to Gillian, Rachel and Stephen for allowing him to retire early so that he could write the present book.

Review :
'social historians will find a treasure trove of insights', Methodist Recorder. 'a fine example of local history... Alan Brooks is to be congratulated for producing a model account of the 'cathedral of Methodism in the West End'.' Wesley and Methodist Studies. 'a definitive church history... I am sure you will not be disappointed by your purchase!' The Chapel Society Newsletter. 'a superbly researched, delightfully written and exciting account of the 200 years of this very important church... well illustrated... a pleasure to handle, but its greatest rewards come from its reading.' Methodist Newsletter.