How it all started...
Wesley United Methodist Church has a long heritage spanning back to 1824, one year before Canton was even founded. Rev. Jesse Walker was the founding pastor, who's assignment extended to the missionary settlements between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers and Fort Clark (now Peoria). Previous to Rev. Walker's appointment, Jesse Williams (a local preacher) and his wife met, worshipped, and preached to the group at designated times and places. The first building was a 20x25 ft log cabin, which was used as a school and meeting house. Many circuit riders served the church, among them was Rev. Peter Cartwright.
In 1834, a larger 40x60 ft framed building was completed. It was the largest building in town at the time--used for public gatherings, political meetings, concerts, and lectures. In 1840, O. H. Browning and Stephen A. Douglas held joint debates there. The congregation continued to grow as the community expanded. In the spring of 1851, a brick building was started at the corner of Ave. B and Locust.
By 1895, the congregation had grown from a membership of 25-30 in 1824 to a membership of 700 and new building was constructed--which is still located at the corner of Ave. A and W. Chestnut; it was completed for a total cost of the land and building for $35,500. Since that time, an Education and Fellowship Building were completed in 1975 and the Wesley Ministry Building (at 60 N. Ave. A) was constructed in 2003.
In 1834, a larger 40x60 ft framed building was completed. It was the largest building in town at the time--used for public gatherings, political meetings, concerts, and lectures. In 1840, O. H. Browning and Stephen A. Douglas held joint debates there. The congregation continued to grow as the community expanded. In the spring of 1851, a brick building was started at the corner of Ave. B and Locust.
By 1895, the congregation had grown from a membership of 25-30 in 1824 to a membership of 700 and new building was constructed--which is still located at the corner of Ave. A and W. Chestnut; it was completed for a total cost of the land and building for $35,500. Since that time, an Education and Fellowship Building were completed in 1975 and the Wesley Ministry Building (at 60 N. Ave. A) was constructed in 2003.
Expanding the vision...
Wesley's Commitment to the Community continues with our 1895 location and Ministry Building. The 1895 site hosts AA, NA, and Alzheimer's Groups; the Ministry Building is home to our Lambs of God Childcare Ministry and is used for large group community gatherings. Also, we are in partnership with the Love In the Name of Christ Ministry in Fulton County--providing them space just north of our historic building.
Where we are headed...
Wesley has been working in the Canton community for 200 years--and we are positioned to continue to reach our community for many years to come. From one generation to the next, God has been at work in our hearts--and helping us reach the hearts of others for God's Kingdom. We pray that as we all continue to grow in our faith, God will be glorified and lives will be changed for eternity.
