Behinde Street

Hinde Street Methodist Church sounds like some provincial chapel or dreary mission room. It is actually the name of one of the denomination’s grandest premises near Marylebone where Charles Wesley's children worshipped. The current building dates to 1877 and was built at the height of the movement’s success. This is shown by the opulent building style and generous scale. It has a classical frontage and imposing spire, and looked particularly beautiful on the clear autumnal morning on which I beheld it.

Churches must always review and assess themselves by the standard of God's word. Paul tells the Colossians to be on their guard

‘…lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.’ (2:8)

Fashionable architecture can be beautiful and inspiring, but fashionable theology, radical heterodoxy and reinterpreted Biblical texts are usually at variance with Christ and the truth once delivered. Hinde Street has an impressive website, though readers will judge for themselves to what extent Paul’s warnings for Colossae may apply. Behind any gaudy masonry and cheerful avowals of welcome, one must measure authenticity by God's word, not God's world.