Wesley Chapel AME Church

Envision yourself transported back to a time when the air buzzed with determination. A small group, mostly women, gathered in the back of a rope factory at the corner of Milam and Congress streets in Houston. This humble beginning marked the birth of Wesley Chapel AME Church. Wesley Chapel AME Church has a history spanning well over a century. From its inception, it has strived to fulfill its mission: “To minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people.” The church’s journey began in that rope factory, a testament to the unwavering faith of its founders. Later, the congregation moved to Preston Street, where a small “box house” served as their sanctuary. In 1877, the church was officially dedicated as Wesley Chapel AME Church. The church’s location changed several times over the next two decades. Finally, in 1897, what was believed to be its permanent home was purchased at the corner of Texas Avenue and Chartres Streets. However, just nine years later, the Houston Belt and Terminal Co. filed a condemnation lawsuit. This forced the church to relocate once more. In November 1906, the present site at the corner of Dowling and Webster was purchased. A new building, known as “The Stone Church” or “The Rock Church,” was erected. This structure, too, was demolished in 1925 to make way for a new church on the same site. During construction, the congregation worshipped in “The Old Jones Barn.” This building, located at the corner of Dowling and Tuam, also served as a movie theater. The 1930s saw the continuation of the construction project. The congregation temporarily held services at the Jack Yates High School auditorium on Elgin and Live Oak. Interestingly, the front steps leading to the second floor remained unfinished for 27 years, from 1925 to 1952. Once completed, the second floor became the main sanctuary, which it remains to this day. Over the years, Wesley Chapel AME Church has benefited from the leadership of many dynamic pastors. Rev. Dr. E.E. Coates served for an impressive 37 years. In 2002, Rev. Dr. Leo Griffin became pastor. He implemented significant changes, including shortening the church’s name to Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Church. He also oversaw the acquisition of additional facilities and the installation of a state-of-the-art audio/video system. Rev. Dr. Griffin also initiated programs to address the social needs of the Third Ward community. These programs included feeding the homeless, providing weekend and summer food programs for youth, and offering cultural enrichment activities for seniors. Wesley Chapel AME Church stands not just as a building, but as a symbol of resilience, faith, and community.