Let’s pause here before Wesley Chapel Community Spiritual Church. This church stands as a testament to faith and community in Chicago. Wesley Chapel Community Spiritual Church is more than just a building. It is a landmark with a unique story.
Wesley Chapel Community Spiritual Church is located in Cook County. Its coordinates are N41.85309 W87.71783. It sits at an elevation of 593 feet above sea level. You can find it on the USGS 1:24K topographic map Englewood IL.
The story of Wesley Chapel is deeply rooted in faith. It reflects the dedication of its members. The church’s history is marked by perseverance. It started with early members meeting in a barn. They sought to form a church.
The nation was on the brink of civil war. Despite the turmoil, the community gathered. Regular sessions were held in the summer months. Sunday School continued consistently. Even a national struggle did not stop them.
October 9th 1858 marks a pivotal moment. M.B. Barringer and Allison Dry agreed to convey land. The land was for The Methodist Episcopal Church South. The price was five dollars. Trustees included Moses Dry and Eli Shaver. Ambrose Lents, Gorite Sell and Henry T. Lents also served. They were to build a house of worship. It was to be used by church members. This agreement is the first definite date in Wesley Chapel’s history. The land is now used as Wesley Chapel Cemetery.
Before the land agreement, members met in a barn. It was on the Dry farm southeast of the cemetery. They continued meeting there until a wooden structure was built. This first structure was torn down in the late 1930s.
A second small frame structure was used until 1890. In 1890 a larger church building was constructed. It stood near the center of Wesley Chapel Cemetery. Photos show the church with its steeple added in 1916.
In 1927 the expanding congregation moved the church. It was relocated across the road to newly acquired land. This structure served the congregation until the mid 1940s.
In 1942 Misenheimer Methodist Episcopal Church merged with Wesley Chapel. This merger strengthened the local church community. In August 1947 construction began on a two-story addition. The addition was completed in early March 1948. Bishop Clare Purcell dedicated it on June 6 1948. During the 1950s the sanctuary was remodeled. Stained-glass windows were added.
Disaster struck on February 19 1967. A fire destroyed the large white building. Only a few pieces of furniture and the pulpit Bible were saved. The congregation found themselves back where they started.
Pfeiffer College offered the use of its chapel. For over two years Wesley Chapel worshiped there. Rev. William H. Faggart guided the congregation. Community support enabled the construction of a new church building.
A groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 4 1968. Dr. Elwood Carroll presided. The first service in the new building was on August 3 1969. This structure continues to serve the Wesley Chapel congregation.
Wesley Chapel has evolved over time. It grew from a circuit preacher’s visit to supporting a full-time pastor. The congregation has always faced challenges with faith. The church provides for its family and the wider community. Wesley Chapel keeps Christ as its guide. It ensures future generations’ needs are met.