By Staff
1829 – Circuit riders from Ohio began preaching in Niles, using the bar room of a local hotel.
1832 – The first class meeting was formed at the home of Elizabeth Comely. Rev. William Sprague had oversight for the class, which was eventually moved to the newly constructed school house located on the corner of Sycamore and Third Streets.
1837 – Construction of the first church began on the west side of Fourth Street, between Main and Sycamore.
1838 – The new church building was dedicated on Christmas Day with Rev. W.H. Sampson in charge.
1840 – A Sunday School was organized to teach reading and religion.
1862 – The old church was torn down on the cornerstone where the current sanctuary was laid.
1863 – The church building on the corner of Third and Cedar Streets was complete.
1892 – The "Chapel" was constructed, south of the church sanctuary.
1919 – Extensive alterations made included the building of the gallery and basement.
1951 – The original mansard-capped (West) tower was discovered to be unsafe and removed.
1959 – The entire church building with the exception of the sanctuary, was redecorated.
1968 – The name of the church was changed form Niles First Methodist Episcopal Church to Wesley United Methodist Church.
1972 – New improvements to the church included: A new main entrance; a stairway from the front door to the Fellowship Hall; a raised pulpit, new communion table and rails; a three manual organ; a seperate choir room; a new driveway and parking lot; and a new kitchen.
1999 – Most recent improvements took place, including a major project under the direction of the Board of Trustees chaired by Dr. Richard McCreedy. Some of the additions included new lighting, painting of the walls and ceilings, new floor coverings and air conditioning in the sanctuary.