Open-air service remembers Methodist founder John Wesley Day

The Bishop of Truro preached in the open air at this year's John Wesley Day service, held to commemorate the founder of the Methodist movement.

The Right Reverend Tim Thornton was the special preacher at the annual event held yesterday at Wesley Cottage, Trewint, near Launceston in North Cornwall.

The John Wesley Day service outside Wesley Cottage, Trewint, which was led by the Bishop of Truro, the Rt Rev Tim Thornton, pictured below

Every year the service marks the regular journeys made by Wesley to the far West of England.

Bishop Tim spoke at an open-air service at the door of the cottage in a service led by Rev Steve Wild, chairman of the Cornwall Methodist District.

After a tea at Altarnun Village Hall, community hymn singing was held at St Nonna Parish Church, Altarnun. This was followed by an evening service led by Rev Andrew Sowden, when Bishop Tim preached again.

Services are due to continue tomorrow as May 24 is a significant day for Methodists. It is the anniversary of when Wesley noted in his journal that his heart was "strangely warmed", sparking the religious renewal that swept across Britain in the 1700s.

Wesley Cottage is now part of a nationwide network of Methodist heritage sites. It will be open for the summer until August 21. Usual opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm, but it opens on Bank Holiday Mondays. A service will be held each Sunday (except July 31) at 3pm.