Here we grow again! See our New Building project !
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Two Methodist ministers, W.J. Wardlaw and Miles Wesley Arnold, part of the Carrollton Circuit organized a new church in 1854 they named Wesley Chapel. The original deed to a two acre plat is signed by: sbury Coke Arnold, James R. Turner, Thomas Turner, Isaiah Tolbert, and L.H. Davis dated April 1854. Soon after the church was organized the first building was built and dedicated on the first Sunday in July 1854. This building was used until June 1890 when the present church building was completed. This building was built of heart pine and of very solid construction. The weather boarding is of unique design tongue and groove heart pine. The flooring is one inch thick and five inch wide heart pine. The brick was added in the late 1970s funded by the sale of biscuits, fish frys, and a few $300.00 loans from the local bank. Rev. Thomas Turner, a local pastor, was the first pastor at Wesley Chapel. While working on the building he made the remark I would rather be buried right here than any place I know. He took sick and died the first of July and he was the first funeral in the new building and the first grave in the new cemetery. The Communion table was build by Hugh Hanna Dorsey with two stands of yellow pine to match the pews. First Baptist Villa Rica donated the front doors and stained glass in the narthex. Mr. & Mrs. Hugh Dorsey donated the lighted cross on the back wall of the sanctuary. Mr. and Mrs. Larry Turner gave the church his mothers good piano. Later that year Mr. and Mrs. Jack Cole had their piano rebuilt and donated it to the church. Helen Matson's family donated the new cross, on the front wall of the sanctuary, in her memory. We were told she always wanted a wooden cross over the pulpit. Ms. Barbara Dannos donated the new organ. Many people over the years have given so much to maintain Gods ministry in this place. Rev. Harvie E. Bickers, who served here for 10 years, from 1962 to 1972, provided the only known history. We welcome you to a become part of the wonderful 150+ year history of Wesley Chapel, Villa Rica. We pray you enjoy worshiping Jesus with us.
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