A rural community in Monmouthshire is to mark the first sermon preached in Wales by the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. Wesley addressed a gathering 400 strong in Devauden near Chepstow in the autumn of 1739 and villagers will commemorate the occasion by unveiling a bust of the preacher at a ceremony to be held on Tuesday 15th October at 3.30pm.
The official unveiling of the bust by Rev. Linn Healy, the deputy chair of the Methodist Church’s Wales Synod will feature a sermon from historic re-enactor Mark Topping, followed by a reading from Wesley’s diary for 15th Oct 1739. Schoolchildren from Shirenewton Primary dressed in costume of the period will also attend.
The bronze resin bust, to be situated on the green outside Devauden’s Hood Memorial Hall, will be accompanied by an interpretation panel and audio commentary. The interpretation has been funded through the Rural Development Plan for Wales, in partnership with Monmouthshire County Council and the Village Alive Trust.
John Rowlands of the Hood Memorial Hall committee said: ” This is the culmination of over two years effort and it is extremely satisfying to see this historic occasion of John Wesley’s first sermon in Wales commemorated in such a tremendous way”
Monmouthshire’s cabinet member for tourism, County Councillor Bob Greenland added: “Wesley’s legacy has had a huge influence on life in Wales and it is fitting that we commemorate such an historic event today in the village where he first made his mark in the country.”
