Gadfield Elms Chapel- United Brethren Converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Gadfield Elm Chapel

Gadfield Elm Chapel, in Worcestershire, England, was of great significance in the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the British Isles, acting as the focal point of Church activity for thousands of Latter-day Saints until the majority emigrated to the USA to fulfil their dream of building a new Zion in the United States of America. In 1840 President Brigham Young preached at Gadfield Elm Chapel which, at the time, was the only Latter-day Saint chapel in the world.

Gadfield Elm Chapel was built in 1836 by a primitive Christian Methodist group, the United Brethren, and was deeded to Wilford Woodruff, who received it on behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1840 by John Benbow and Thomas Kington.

Almost the entire congregation of the United Brethren joined the church by baptism in 1840. As the new converts heeded the call to gather to Zion the Gadfield Elm Chapel became redundant and was sold, with the proceeds being used to assist with the emigration of the Saints.

Gadfield Elm Chapel, built of native stone and standing in the quiet countryside of Worcestershire, is the last surviving memorial to the United Brethren, a religious group who joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints en-masse upon hearing the 'restored gospel' message. It had a seating capacity of just 100 people.

The Gadfield Elm Chapel is located out in the countryside, down a narrow road, surrounded by farmland.  The majority of people who joined the church at the time of Wilford Woodruff were farmers living in the surrounding area.  The chapel is still in the middle of beautiful farmland today.

A sister from the local stake dropped by to prepare for an event to be held that evening.  There is a wonderful green-grass area, picnic tables, etc. surrounded by lovely fields in addition to the chapel and small visitors center itself.