History and religion merge at the Barratt?s Chapel in Frederica, Delaware. This simple structure is the oldest surviving Methodist church in the United States. Built in 1780, this chapel is described to be the ?Cradle of Methodism? in the nation. The chapel stands on a land donated by Phillip Barratt, a Delaware political figure, in his efforts to build a center for the growing Methodist movement in the state.

Today, the chapel is administered by the Commission on Archives and History of the Delaware chapter of the United Methodist Church. The commission sponsors two major services every year at the chapel: the commemoration of the meeting of Asbury and Coke; and a Christmas carol service. The chapel also houses a museum that features several artifacts related to the Methodism in the state of Delaware. The exhibits include furniture, books and religious artifacts.