Sometime in 1829
Rev. George Lane conducted the first Methodist service in Bloomsburg. September 30, 1832 The First Methodist Episcopal class consisting of ten members was organized with H. Brittain as the leader.

March 4, 1837
The Methodist Episcopal congregation purchased a lot on the corner of Murray Avenue and Third Street for $100.

August 18, 1837
The first Methodist Episcopal Church, a single story structure, built at the cost of $540 was dedicated.

February 7, 1857
The second Methodist Episcopal Church, a two-story brick structure, built on the same site as the original church, costing $5,200, was dedicated.

September 11, 1882
The brick church reopened after four months for repairs and remodeling at a cost of $4,400.
May 24, 1892
The congregation purchased a lot for $4,000 located east of the original lot.

October 26, 1895
Groundbreaking began for the building of the third church building on the same site as the first two.

December 27, 1895
Trustees awarded the building contract to B.W. Jury for the construction of the church at a cost of $39, 850. The contract did not include the windows, seats, pulpits, light or heating fixtures---only the walls, frame, roof, floors, etc.

September 19, 1897
Dedication services were held for the third Methodist Episcopal Church. The entire cost, including furnishings, came to $55,000.

July 31, 1926
The congregation purchased another adjacent lot for $5,000.

November 5, 1923
Major renovation project completed at a cost of $24,239. This included improvements to the organ, redecorating the sanctuary, and installing a new roof.

September 19, 1927
The new addition for the Sunday School was dedicated. It cost $82,000.

March 22, 1942
The church reopened after another renovation and repair project.

January 18, 1953
The church's renovated sanctuary opened. Major changes included a new chancel area, new pipe organ, and redecorating at a cost of $106,651.

June 5, 1968
The Official Board by unanimous consent changed the name of the church from First Methodist Episcopal Church to Wesley United Methodist Church.

April 20, 1969
Yet another major renovation, including the creation of new Sunday School rooms, lounge, offices, and a new electrical heating system.

July 17, 1980
A bolt of lightning struck the church's bell tower and severely damaged the finial on the northeast corner.

September 13, 1981
Wesley United Methodist Church celebrates it's 150th anniversary.

May 27, 1986
The $100,000 organ restoration project began.

June-November, 1994
The old slate roof was removed and replaced with a new one at a cost of $275,000.

January 1995
The sanctuary was repainted at a cost of $14,000.

July 24, 1998
$950,000 renovation completed. Improvements included the addition of an elevator, new offices, new choir room, air conditioning installed in the church building, renovation of infant and toddler nurseries, social room, and multi-purpose room, and additional adult classrooms created. The congregation purchased a house on the corner of Murray and Anthony. The structure was torn down and a parking lot constructed on its space.

July 2000
Wesley launches their first major website.

July 1, 2000
Pastor Thomas Young arrives at Wesley.

December 9, 2001
A Celebration at the church for the Payoff of the Mortgage of $950,000 from 1998

September 10, 2006
Wesley United Methodist Church celebrates it's 175th anniversary.

2007-2008
Where will Wesley go.

- Return to Wesley History Page.