In February, 1895, the Point schoolhouse burned, and the church was used for the remainder of the school year. A new school was built. Then the church trustees had a decision to make, either remodel the existing brick building or build a new one. Following their decision, the new church was built. Brick from the old church was used for the foundation of the new church building. This church was dedicated November 28, 1897, free of all debt. This is the location in which we worship today. When the schools were being consolidated into a central district, Point School was no longer needed as a school building. So when the schoolhouse became available for purchase, the trustees of the church bought it. For many years it was used for Sunday school classes and a church fellowship hall.
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The church continued to grow. By 1963 an addition was built onto the church and dedicated, free of debt, that same year on June 16. During the late 1960's the sanctuary was remodeled with new altar furniture, pews and carpeting. This sanctuary became our new Fellowship Hall with the completion of our current sanctuary, offices and Sunday school classrooms addition in 2002.
Wesley Chapel and Ebenezer United Methodist Churches became a two-church charge known as "West Circuit" using the same pastor. Through the years the two churches gave each other loving spiritual support. When the Ebenezer Church closed in 1994, Wesley Chapel welcomed its members to Wesley Chapel's congregation. The children have a special time in the worship service when they are invited to come to the altar steps for a story time. We continue to offer small group ministry through Bible study groups, choir, Sunday school for all ages, United Methodist Men, United Methodist Women, and Vacation Bible School. |
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church
1447 Merritt Rd. Jacksonville, IL 62650 Phone: 217-245-7312 Email: [email protected] Website: wesleychapeljax.com |
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