History of Wesley

Travel to 1743 to explore Wesley's growth and the people who have shaped its history.

1700’s

  • John Wesley preached his first sermon in Chowdene.

  • A preaching house was built in Low Fell, financed by William Bell.

    It was the first Methodist Chapel in County Durham.

  • Wesley Sunday School was formed.

1800’s

  • We welcomed Rev. Samuel Luffman as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. C.B. Bryant as minister.

  • 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.

  • The organ, by Nicholson, was installed in the church.

  • We welcomed Rev. J.J. Ingram as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. John Edwards as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. W.H. Allen as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. H.G. Payne as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. T.W. Beck as minister.

  • 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

  • We welcomed Rev. G.C. Clarke as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. T Ross as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. B. Nume as minister.

  • The Southern Memorial Hall was extended, as fully as the land available would permit, as it was found that the premises were still inadequate.

  • We welcomed Rev. J.H. Sanders as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. Joseph Manning as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. George H. Bamford as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. William Hardwick as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. Robert H. Gush as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. Robert Bewick as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. James Tunstall as minister.

    The Scout Group was formed.

  • We welcomed Rev. Eardsley B. Stringer as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. James Fielding as minister.

  • The wooden Scout hut was erected behind the church.

  • We welcomed Rev. J.H.W. Ingram as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. James W, Dinsdale as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. G. Elliott Lee as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. William Daw as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. Arthur G. Utton as minister.

  • We welcomed Rev. Clarence O. Ward as minister.

  • New floors were laid in the Main Hall and the Upper Hall.

  • The store cupboard for the gymnasium equipment was converted into a kitchen, and the Miller Youth Centre was built.

  • The Church Council agreed to embark on a major refit of the Church Hall Premises.

  • VISION 2000 was launched

2000’s

  • We welcomed Rev. Richard Bainbridge as our new minister.

  • Completion of Church Hall refurbishments, providing accessible access for all.

  • Fundraising began to refurbish the church interior.

  • Completion of church interior refurbishments, including the entrance, pews, communion rostrum, upper choir stalls and organ.

  • Wesley launched a new website and logo.

  • Partial refurbishment of the upper gallery and pews.

  • We said goodbye to Rev. Richard Bainbridge, and we welcomed Rev. Huw John Sperring.

  • Wesley's website underwent a significant update, featuring a modern design and colour palette that enhances its mobile-friendliness.