The pulpit, painted to represent oak, is an irregular octagon, supported by four fluted columns, and covered with purple drapery, bordered with yellow fringe, instead of gold; below is the reading desk. The pulpit is so lofty, which renders it inconvenient for such of the congregation as occupy the body of the chapel to follow the movements of the officiating minister. The galleries run round all sides, and are supported by plain cast-iron pillars, bearing each its neat-looking lamp. The last gallery is exclusively appropriated to the use of the children of the Females’ Friend Society and the Sunday-school scholars; and here, also, is placed the seraphine belonging to the chapel, which serves to lead the vocal part of the service. Altogether, the chapel is an excellent building, superior to anything of the kind I have seen in the West Indies, and makes a good and commanding outward appearance, particularly when lighted up of an evening; but to my eye it looks more like reading rooms, or a philosophical institution, than a place of worship. Methodism was first established in Antigua in 1760, by the Honourable Nathaniel Gilbert, speaker of the house of assembly. In 1758, Mr. Gilbert visited England, carrying with him some of his negro servants; and during his stay there, he formed an acquaintance with the Rev. John Wesley, the venerable founder of Methodism, who baptized two of the negroes. Upon Mr. Gilbert’s return to Antigua, he signified to those individuals who resided near him, that he should feel happy in meeting them at his house on certain evenings, when he would expound the word of God to them, and endeavour to enlighten their minds upon religious subjects. This invitation was eagerly accepted by many of the negroes and coloured people, and Mr. Gilbert was led to increase his views, and form a regular organized society, which in a short time amounted to two hundred members. This proceeding of Mr. Gilbert produced the greatest astonishment among the inhabitants of Antigua. A man in his rank of life to herd with negro slaves, and their coloured offspring, who, although perhaps they might be free, bore about with them the marks of their despised race!—oh! wondrous! incomprehensible!—the man must be mad, thought they. But when he, unmindful of their censure, proceeded in his acts of love towards these poor outcasts from the pale of society, their wonder knew no bounds; their feelings took another turn, and what at first was surprise, gave way to reproach and contempt. Mr. Gilbert, however, was not to be moved by what mankind said of him; he knew the consequence before he commenced his labours; and reckless of scorn or reprehension, he steadily pursued the path he had chalked out, knowing full well in whom he trusted. Thus he proceeded, until death called him from this world, and summoned him to reap his reward in heaven; when, strong in faith, he left his infant society without a shepherd to watch over its welfare.