History of Wesley
Travel to 1743 to explore Wesley's growth and the people who have shaped its history.
1700’s
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John Wesley preached his first sermon in Chowdene.
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A preaching house was built in Low Fell, financed by William Bell.
It was the first Methodist Chapel in County Durham.
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Wesley Sunday School was formed.
1800’s
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We welcomed Rev. Samuel Luffman as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. C.B. Bryant as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. H.S. Eckersley as minister.
A new sanctuary was built on Durham Road, Low Fell.
The Southern Memorial Hall was built. Sunday School and Wesley Guild met here.
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The organ, by Nicholson, was installed in the church.
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We welcomed Rev. J.J. Ingram as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. John Edwards as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. W.H. Allen as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. H.G. Payne as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. T.W. Beck as minister.
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The stone from the old chapel was redressed and built into the Wesley Manse.
The Wesley Manse, on Church Road, is now a private residence.
1900’s
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We welcomed Rev. G.C. Clarke as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. T Ross as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. B. Nume as minister.
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The Southern Memorial Hall was extended, as fully as the land available would permit, as it was found that the premises were still inadequate.
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We welcomed Rev. J.H. Sanders as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. Joseph Manning as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. George H. Bamford as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. William Hardwick as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. Robert H. Gush as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. Robert Bewick as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. James Tunstall as minister.
The Scout Group was formed.
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We welcomed Rev. Eardsley B. Stringer as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. James Fielding as minister.
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The wooden Scout hut was erected behind the church.
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We welcomed Rev. J.H.W. Ingram as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. James W, Dinsdale as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. G. Elliott Lee as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. William Daw as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. Arthur G. Utton as minister.
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We welcomed Rev. Clarence O. Ward as minister.
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New floors were laid in the Main Hall and the Upper Hall.
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The store cupboard for the gymnasium equipment was converted into a kitchen, and the Miller Youth Centre was built.
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The Church Council agreed to embark on a major refit of the Church Hall Premises.
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VISION 2000 was launched
2000’s
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We welcomed Rev. Richard Bainbridge as our new minister.
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Completion of Church Hall refurbishments, providing accessible access for all.
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Fundraising began to refurbish the church interior.
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Completion of church interior refurbishments, including the entrance, pews, communion rostrum, upper choir stalls and organ.
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Wesley launched a new website and logo.
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Partial refurbishment of the upper gallery and pews.
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We said goodbye to Rev. Richard Bainbridge, and we welcomed Rev. Huw John Sperring.
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Wesley's website underwent a significant update, featuring a modern design and colour palette that enhances its mobile-friendliness.