Brief History of Wesley United Methodist Church

(Adapted from an article written for the occasion of the consecration of the new sanctuary, February 1964; author unknown)

In 1884 two men, James Grandstaff and Sam Jewel, of the Quaker or Friends faith conducted an old fashioned revival service in a school house located at Kear Road and Shaffer Street, Van Wert, Ohio.  Sixty-two conversions was the result of the efforts of these two leaders and other men and women.  Services were held for two years and the congregation outgrew its quarters and a church building was desired and steps taken to erect such a building.  Joseph Bevo gave the land on the corner of Blaine and Center Streets to the Friends of west Van Wert as long as it was to be used for church purposes.  The Oil Well Supply Company donated the native timber for the frame work; other material and labor was donated by many other people and men began erecting the building in the spring of 1886.

The Methodist Episcopal Church came into possession of the church property in 1895.  The Rev. Frank Hook was the first pastor.

The Second M. E. Church was placed on the Van Wert Circuit during Annual Conference September 1932.  The circuit at this time consisted of Bethel, Whitfield, North Union and Second M. E.  The Rev. P. R. Fox, who served the circuit since January 1929, was returned as Pastor.  The Rev. Seth Painter and the Rev. C. C. Roth of Monroeville, Indiana assisted in a revival in March and April 1933.  The revival continued for seven weeks and 128 persons knelt at the altar in prayer.  In June 1933, 38 candidates were baptized by immersion in the St. Marys River.

During the autumn of 1933, a 24 ft. by 28 ft. addition was made to the north end of the church building.  The labor was donated.  Revival services were held from Nov. 16 to Dec. 24, 1933 with 114 persons seeking personal communion and fellowship with Christ.  The Christmas Eve service was impressive with 12 persons baptized and 19 received into church membership.

December 18, 1938, the building was remodeled with classrooms and basement added.  Service of Rededication was held with the following in attendance:  Dr. C. S. Grauser, District Superintendent; The Rev. H. Lester Smith, Resident Bishop; The Rev. Paul M. Niswander, Minister.

On March 2, 1941, by action of the Quarterly Conference, the name of the Second Methodist Church was officially changed to the Wesley Methodist Church by a ballot vote of the membership of the congregation.

Land for a Shelterhouse was given to Wesley Methodist Church by Mrs. D. R. Jerome.  Additional land was purchased in 1959 to extend the playground area.  The house next to the church was purchased for Sunday School rooms for children.  The property at 710 W. Main Street, Van Wert, was purchased in January 1956 for a parsonage.  The Pontius property was purchased in August 1960.  The Welch property was purchased in September 1962.  The Resor property was purchased in January 1963 for a parking lot.  An “Every Member Canvass” was made in January 1963 with $47,000 in pledges and cash on hand of $21,000.

Contracts were let for the new sanctuary and educational unit in June 1963:

Architects:  Bowman and Armstrong, Lima, Ohio

Builders:  Lima Contracting Co., Lima, Ohio

Plumbing, Heating and Air:  Boughan Brothers, Lima, Ohio

Electrical work:  Gorman Electric, Van Wert, Ohio

The expansion covered 8,700 square feet and included a new 43 x 76 ft. sanctuary, seating approximately 440 people; six 14 x 20 ft. classrooms; a 16 x 20 ft nursery; a furnace room and pastor’s study and office room.

A Ground Breaking Ceremony was held June 16, 1963 with the Rev. Albert L. Slack, District Superintendent of the Defiance District and the Rev. Dale W. Riggs, Pastor, presiding.

Wesley Methodist Church was incorporated on July 15, 1963, S. S. Beard and James W. Childs, attorneys.

The laying of the Cornerstone of our new building was October 13, 1963.  The Rev. Dr. Paul D. Chiles of First Methodist Church was the speaker.  The Honorable Mayor C. Dan Pennell gave greetings to the congregation.

The first service was held in the new sanctuary February 16, 1964, with the Rev. Dale W. Riggs presiding.