[ The Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Canterbury, Kent. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Saml. Webb.') from Samuel Webb to Manchester philanthropist John Fernley

The Chapel was erected in 1811 and still stands, albeit with unsympathetic internal alterations dating from the 1990s. Kelly's Directory of 1889 describes it thus: 'The Wesleyan Methodist Chapel (situated in St. Peter's Street) is a handsome building, with portico, erected in 1811, and provides accommodation for 960 persons. Ministers are elected at the Annual Wesleyan Conference.' 2pp., 4to. Bifolium. Addressed, with two postmarks, on reverse of second leaf, 'To J. Fernley | Manchester | Care of the Rev. J.: Rigg, | Wesleyan Minister, | Oldham St. | Manchester'. He informs Fernley that he has 'consulted with the Trustees of our Chapel' on the subject of Fernley's letter, and that they anticipate 'seeing a Deputation from the Chapel Town Fund Committee'. He adds: 'As we are expecting to re-open a Chapel in this circuit on the 24th. Inst., we think the 25th. will be the best day.' He feels that 'the debt on the Chapel' should be 'reduced to a manageable amount', and 'a new Trust' formed, and asks Fernley, as he has 'more practice in these things than I have', whether 'to invite those friends on the circuit who are likely to become Trustees, in the event of a new Trust being formed, to meet the Deputation'. He continues with a related question, before expressing a hope that 'one of the Gentlemen' might come, and that 'Mr. Taylor could accompany him'.