Welcome to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church

Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church has a rich history beyond mere words- for it has lived in the hearts of men and women for generations.

Former slaves and their children met on Sundays, sometimes during the week to glorify and give praise to God and their Redeemer, Jesus Christ. The meetings were sometimes held in the homes of different families.

These religious meetings were held in barns, pack houses, and in open fields or weeded areas. It was always a good time, especially when a brother or sister accepted Christ. It was out of such a religious environment that our beloved Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church emerged. During the 1870’s when Lake City was just a railroad crossing, wagon trails, a few buildings and wooded areas, a small band of Christians consisting of three men and three women would meet under a big, wide branched Oak tree that stood among pines.

They were Willie Dicks, Jesse Graham, Joe McCutcheon, Dianne Graham, Tempi Dicks and Caroline Dicks.

The Oak tree was located on what was known as South Carolina Street, between Short Street and the home of Mr. Harris Jones. Homemade benches were placed in a semi-circle and an altar made of pinewood was erected. This place was known for miles around as “Bush Top.” Alternately, Joe McCutcheon, Jesse Graham, and Willie Dicks would deliver the message. They agreed eventually that Joe McCutcheon would be the presiding local preacher.

Worship services were held at the Bush Top for many months, but they saw the need to construct a building because worship could not be held during bad weather. It was during this time that the small group obtained conference affiliation.

In 1885, L.D. Graham, Sr., Louis Jones, Carolina and Willie Dicks, Ellis Brayboy, Ishamel Brayboy and others mentioned previously, officially organized Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church. They built the first board structure on the site of the old Carter Flour Mill. Eventually, there was a need for a new and larger church. The members purchased one acre of land from Mrs. M.E. Cash for the sum of $100 and built the second board structure on the site of the old Sunday school building.

Wesley Chapel’s membership grew under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the leadership of Preacher Joe McCutcheon, the first pastor along with other dynamic ministers whose legacy lives on in the hearts of the congregation of Wesley Chapel.

The ministers are as follows: R.A. Bailey, John Thomas Cunningham, R.E. McDonald, Little Jones, J.T. Martin, A.S.J. Brown and Harold Williams. Other great visiting ministers were Ben Brown, N.L. Brown and others. For many years Hushman Graham served as the choir master.

In 1925, a building committee was established and charged with leading the process of building a new structure for generations to come. The committee consisted of the following: L.D. Graham, L.J. Jones, E.L. Brayboy, E.J. Jones, W.M. Brockington, W.O. Smith, Otis Fagins, Shelton Fagins, C.A. Scott, I.J. Brayboy, Andrew Eaddy, J.W. McFadden, M. Jefferson, Eugene Jordan, J.T. Bradley, Esther Williams and Mott McCutcheon.

Others instrumental to the rebuilding project were Mrs. Kate Graham, Mrs. Clanda McCutcheon, Mrs. Ming Graham, Mrs. Dianna McCutcheon, Mrs. Mattie Johnson, Mrs. Lula Wilson, Mr. Goodney Brockington and others.

The present-day structure was the outcome of their prayers, toils, and efforts.

It was under the administration of the Reverends Brown, Williams and Cooper the new structure was erected. Reverend H.H. Cooper was the minister under whom the structure was finally completed. He was the first pastor to serve in the new church.

Many great pastors followed such as the Reverends A.J. Curry, A. Pough, A.J. Summers, Joshua F. Pearson, Watson D. Primus, E.M. Washington, Harmon Frierson, I.V. Manning, C.C. Barr, Melvin Fludd, B.C. Rouse, Joseph A. Wilson, George A. McClenan, John Alsbrooks, Jr., Harrison D. Ervin, Terry J. Barrett, Anthony Whay, Jerry L. Gadsden, Reverend Dr. Sheila Elliot, and our current pastor, Reverend Amiri B. Hooker.

Wesley has produced ministers who have continued the legacy of Wesley, such as: J.W. Curry, W.C. Graham, L.J. McClam, Larry McCutcheon, Mack C. McClam, Ricky Harrison, Calvin Alston, Evelyn Fulmore, J. Derrick Cattenhead, and in 2013 Minister Paula Morris.

The following members of the church were some of the first Lay Speakers now called Lay Servants within the congregation: Mrs. Minerva Shaw, Mrs. Earline Harrison, Mrs. Pearl McNair, Mrs. Lela M. Austin, and Ms. Mary Graham. Wesley continues to produce a strong, dynamic legacy of Lay Servants.

Under the leadership of the Reverend Terry J. Barrett, Wesley Chapel obtained a piece of property from the owners of Carter Mill. Members prayed over the property as to what God would want them to place there. The decision was made to construct a building for the future ministries of the congregation.

On March 19, 2005, the Family Life Center was consecrated under the leadership of Reverend Anthony Whay and was paid off in 2017. The mortgage burning took place on January 29, 2017, and the service was led by former pastor Jerry Gadsden, along with the participation of Reverend John Hipp, District Superintendent. Ms. Mamie McClam was recognized posthumously for her spirited dedication to the termination of the mortgage on the Family Life Center.

Wesley continues to stand for Christ in the Deep River community as a witness of the past and to future generations as a testimony of what God can do and will do. We are embracing a new vision that is being fostered within us and we continue to build on a sure foundation as we enter our 137th year of serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.