Sometime after 1831 a Primitive Methodist itinerant preacher, Thomas Kington, was expelled over 'matters of principle'. By 1833 he had gathered a considerable number of followers, mostly from among the Primitive Methodists and organised along similar lines, with a quarterly preaching plan. Mostly they met in houses around Malvern, but did build one chapel at Gadfield Elm.

By 1840 the denomination consisted of about 600 members, known as the 'Frome Hill Circuit of the United Brethren'. On 4th March that year Wilford Woodruff, an American Latter-day Saint (i.e. Mormon) missionary, and William Benbow, a recent convert, arrived from the Potteries, staying with William's brother John, who was a member of the United Brethren. John was quickly converted to Mormonism, along with others, so that virtually the whole circuit became Mormons, including Thomas Kington the Superintendent, Though most converts were United Brethren, there were others including Baptists and Anglicans.

In June Kington signed over all the circuit's assets to the Latter-day Saints and Gadfield Elm became the first Mormon chapel in the world. In May 1841 Kington, together with 50 other converts, set sail for the USA, followed soon after by most of the others. Any remaining United Brethren presumably rejoined the Primitive Methodists.

Entry written by: GB
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