Wesley Chapel 1938

Church History
1850 - 2022
Our church stands on what was Kickapoo Indian tribal land until 1819.  The land was originally purchased from the government by William McKee, who later sold it to J.G. Swinnerton for about $1.80 per acre.  So this piece of property became known as Swinnerton's Point or "The Point."  Mr. Swinnerton deeded a portion of this property to six men known as proprietors for $1.00.  Upon this land a log structure was built for a school and for preaching.  This was known in the community as the school at Swinnerton's Point and later simply as Point School.
In the mid 1800's the area was known as "Little Briton", as many families that settled here came from Yorkshire, England, and many of those family names continue on the church rolls today.  In 1832 John Richardson's family was one of those who came to "Little Briton" from England.  And it is believed that Mrs. Richardson and her family were responsible for the founding of the church.  In 1840 the farm surrounding the school and church became the property of the Richardsons.  A plot of ground was deeded in 1849 to the Wesley Society Methodist Episcopal Church at Swinnerton's Point at a cost of $5.00.  On this ground a building was constructed for church services at a cost of $720.00.  The building was dedicated as Wesley Chapel Methodist Church in 1850.  The purchase of candlesticks at a cost of $1.00 is mentioned.  Later a brick church was built, and oil lamps were bought at a cost of $11.80.  This new brick church building was dedicated in 1868, and Peter Akers was the first presiding elder. ​

Church and School as they appeared in the 1950's.

​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.

Our current Fellowship Hall as it looked in 1974 when it was the sanctuary.

​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.