How it all started...
On October 7th, 1906, the First Wesleyan Church of Bessemer City was organized by the Reverend M. T. Hartsoe with 7 members meeting in their homes for weekly services. Soon the church began meeting in a wood frame meeting on a small corner lot on Georgia Ave and 8th Street. In 1954, the church sanctuary was constructed and on November 14th of that year, the first service was held in the new church and a cornerstone was placed.
On October 29th, 1989, a fire extensively damaged the sanctuary but the church continued meeting and worshiping and serving. Whether a fire or a pandemic, God's Church is unstoppable!
On October 29th, 1989, a fire extensively damaged the sanctuary but the church continued meeting and worshiping and serving. Whether a fire or a pandemic, God's Church is unstoppable!
Expanding the vision...
In 1995, our Family Life Center (FLC) was dedicated and in 2003 our first contemporary worship service was held.
Our new offices and a new wing off of the FLC was completed in 2019 with a cafe, children's area, nursery,
and meeting rooms.
Over the last 115 years, the community has changed. The faces have changed. The facilities have changed. But God has not changed (Hebrews 13:8)!
Where we are headed...
First Wesleyan Church continues to be a lighthouse for the Gospel and a Kingdom outpost where the lost are found, the hurt are healed, and where God's people are continually transformed into the likeness of Christ. We firmly believe that we are partnering with God to bring about His Kingdom here and now as we set the table for our neighbors in Bessemer City to encounter the Risen Christ.
We are convinced that the best days are still ahead for First Wesleyan Church of Bessemer City, and would be honored for you to join us in our journeying with Jesus.
We are convinced that the best days are still ahead for First Wesleyan Church of Bessemer City, and would be honored for you to join us in our journeying with Jesus.
