Our History
The name Wesleyan is in honor of John Wesley, a priest in the Church of England who became the inspiration behind the “Methodist Movement.” Through their disciplined routine of spiritual devotion and social work, Wesley and his followers earned the nickname “Methodists.”
In 1843, a group of pastors separated from the Methodist Episcopal Church because of their strong convictions to abolish slavery and their desire for a more democratic form of church government. This movement became known as the Wesleyan Methodist Connection.
An itinerant Preacher, G.W. Sibley was used by God in the summer of 1857 to begin a work that would span generations to come. Through his preaching the gospel here on what became known as “Ball Hill,” the family of Daniel S. Ball established a lasting faith in Jesus Christ. Committed to the work of God’s kingdom they organized the Forestville Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1859. He then returned in 1881 leading the congregation through the construction of the building, where we worship today.
Our Heritage has been forged by men and women who stood on the truth of God’s Word, trusted in the forgiveness of Jesus Christ and served with love and selflessness. May we be found faithful with this sacred trust, to carry the light of Jesus, to all who come behind us.
Learn more about our history from Wesleyan.org or from the Wesleyan archives.
In 1843, a group of pastors separated from the Methodist Episcopal Church because of their strong convictions to abolish slavery and their desire for a more democratic form of church government. This movement became known as the Wesleyan Methodist Connection.
An itinerant Preacher, G.W. Sibley was used by God in the summer of 1857 to begin a work that would span generations to come. Through his preaching the gospel here on what became known as “Ball Hill,” the family of Daniel S. Ball established a lasting faith in Jesus Christ. Committed to the work of God’s kingdom they organized the Forestville Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1859. He then returned in 1881 leading the congregation through the construction of the building, where we worship today.
Our Heritage has been forged by men and women who stood on the truth of God’s Word, trusted in the forgiveness of Jesus Christ and served with love and selflessness. May we be found faithful with this sacred trust, to carry the light of Jesus, to all who come behind us.
Learn more about our history from Wesleyan.org or from the Wesleyan archives.