Our first 100 years
In the late 1870s, the Methodist people in northeastern Cobb County determined a need for a local place of worship. In typical Christian fashion, the land, material and labor for Wesley Chapel were donated by its founding fathers. Lumber for the building came from the nearby forest, while members and friends of the church provided the labor. The original church was constructed in 1879 and in 1890 a one-room school was built adjacent to the church. On March 13, 1913 a "cyclone" completely destroyed the church building, with pieces scattered well into Cherokee County. The church was rebuilt at a cost of $633. Over the next several decades, Cobb County transitioned from a rural to a suburban area, but Wesley Chapel remained "the little country church." On Oct. 26, 1969 the Trustees broke ground on a new fellowship hall, educational facilities and sanctuary.
A morning not forgotten
Tragedy struck on Nov. 27, 1972 when vandals broke into the old sanctuary and new fellowship hall in the early morning hours. Whether accidentally or intentionally, a fire was set in the church building, which was completely destroyed before firefighters could bring the blaze under control.
Our current facilities
Construction on the current sanctuary began in 1975 and a new parsonage was built in 1979. Groundbreaking for Wesley Chapel's Family Life Center was in October 1989 and it was dedicated in November 1990, allowing for the removal of temporary mobile classrooms. The facility features classrooms, a large kitchen and a full-size basketball court that is home to our winter basketball league for children from kindergarten through 12th grade. Some of our current coaches were once players themselves!
