Wesley History

Wesley Church has a long history in Washington, DC. It was organized under the auspices of Foundry Methodist Episcopal Church on December 24, 1828. On May 3, 1829, Wesley Chapel, a modest brick structure at Fifth and F Streets NW, was dedicated. In 1838, Wesley became a separate church and grew to become one of the great congregations of Washington. In December 1856, Wesley dedicated a new building, one of the largest in the city at that time. However, the downtown area changed; and in 1921, property on Connecticut Avenue in the Chevy Chase area was purchased. The last services in the first location were held on February 12, 1922.

Church services commenced at the present location on May 21, 1922, in a tent. When cool weather arrived, the tent was abandoned and a temporary wooden structure was erected called "The Shack" by those who worshipped there for nearly three years.

The building erected in 1924 and dedicated on October 25, 1925, now known as "Fellowship Hall," originally was intended to be the educational wing with the sanctuary to be built later. Seating was in folding chairs; however, with the delay in starting the additional building, regular pews were finally installed.

The cornerstone of the present Sanctuary wing was laid on April 14, 1957 and the new building was consecrated on December 15, 1957. Wesley Church not only served the community in which it was located, but in the early years was a missionary church. It established missions, Sunday Schools and churches in various parts of the city, which became strong independent organizations.

After three years of planning and a successful $450,000 capital funds campaign, an Atrium addition was constructed and later dedicated on April 13, 1997. The main feature of the Atrium is an elevator, which gave Wesley barrier-free access so that all may enter and all may worship. The Atrium also includes two bathrooms, and an additional entrance that now serves as the main doors for events held in Fellowship Hall.