Historically, Stratford and West Ham were county districts overwhelmed by the industrial expansion of London. Up to the 1850's it was deserted marshlands with scattered hamlets. with the coming of the railways and marshaling yards at Stratford, industrial complexes along the River Thames and the creation of heavily populated industrial areas along the River Lea (the population in West Ham grew rapidly from 20,000 in 1851 to 300,000 in 1901).

Since the 1880's inadequate housing, poverty, unemployment was a growing worry and the gospel was valued.

In the 20th century, church numbers went into decline, although the faithful continued to attend. There was a theological split in 1911, and another church was formed, otherwise known as Highway Church and situated on the Romford Road. To this day Stratford Methodist church still has historic links with the church.

The Conference Hall was taken over in 1934 by the newly united Methodist Church, but in 1944 the Church Conference Hall and YMCA was destroyed by fire from a bomb in the Blitz.

All that remained is what is now known as the Main Hall, with its plaque commemorating those who died in the First World War still in place. The hall is over 100 years old and the oldest part of the church building that is still standing.

The Hall itself has its own history, serving as a hospital in the First World War and as a church when the Conference Hall was destroyed by fire.

In 1964 the foundation stone to a new church was laid and the new church building with its ancillary building and hostel was completed. At the time the church was part of the Bow Mission. By the 1970's the church, small and poor often met in the small hall because it could not afford to heat the main church. Even so, the church was involved with community work and there was a history of work with children and young people in the form of Girl's/Boy's Brigades and youth clubs.

Wesley House History

Wesley House began in the winter of 1965/66. It was originally set up as a student hostel and was aimed at overseas students who were studying in this country. They all had to be Christians in those days, whether studying academic subjects or enrolled at the London Bible College.
Now it is single person accommodation at affordable rents, with no criteria to be Christians, and provides accommodation to people of a variety of Religions or none. However, the broad range of nationalities of residents remains, as Stratford itself has become one of the most multi-cultural environments in Britain.

Community Centre History

Alan Partridge had the idea for community work in E15 which became Project E15. It was first discussed at a Church Council in July 1977 and it was seen then as a joint venture between our church, Newtown (the other Methodist church in Stratford) and the Bow Mission. Bryant Street not only made extensive use of these premises for group activities i.e. Over 60s Club, Youth Club, Mother and Toddler group, etc. but also was a pioneer in the Night Shelter movement, providing accommodation and meals for the homeless.