THE HISTORY OF

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FOUNDED IN 1945

Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church was officially organized on December 23, 1945 under the leadership of Chaplain Allen L. Johnson, and with 10 original members. From humble beginnings of a shared sanctuary with Bethlehem Baptist Church on Adams and 14^th Streets where they met at 7:00 p.m. on Sundays, the church continued to grow. By February 1946 the congregation required larger quarters and moved into their first home. Their first anniversary (December 1946) was celebrated by moving into the remodeled building they had purchased. Two years later they broke ground for a new church home at 18^th and Washington Streets. In 1968 the Methodist Episcopal Churches united with the Evangelical United Brethren to be called United Methodist Churches, and we became Wesley United Methodist Church, as we are known today. The church relocated to its current home at 750 East Southern Avenue in October 1969, with a dedication service held on December 21, 1969. A church parsonage was also acquired at 334 East Monte Way. During these 65 years Wesley has been pastured by 15 Pastors:  Rev. Allen L. Johnson (founding pastor), Rev. T. R. Albert, Rev. William Stevens, Rev. Charles F. Harlins, Rev. Rollins Winslow, Rev. Ennis Whaley, Rev. Richard Joseph Parker, Rev. Joseph Johnson, Rev. Emory Taylor, Rev. Franklin Jamison, Rev. Dennis Hutson, Rev. Harold Palmer, Rev. Alexander Mason, Rev. Karl M. Clark and Rev. Dr. Jimelvia P. Martin. At our current location a church library was set-up, a Community Outreach Ministry Office was opened; a Child Development Center was established to serve the needs of the community continuing through 2008.  A Girl Scouting program was started that was a source of pride for the young Wesley participants.

Wesley is engaged in many outreach activities:  We feed the homeless at the UMOM Center monthly; we offer a “meal in a bag” ministry for unfortunate families; the Women’s Sewing Circle makes blankets and layettes in support of Church Women United projects.  Members continue to enjoy fellowship in the Ora Mae Lackey Reading Circle.  Wesley has enjoyed a partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the Mighty Methodist Coalition for many years.  We maintain a visitation program for sick and homebound members.  A new Christian Education Ministry has been formed and the United Methodist Men and Women groups continue to serve.

Wesley is located at 750 East Southern Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona.  We are excited about Wesley’s place in the community welcoming, serving and bringing souls to Christ.