WESLEY
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.
Wesley's History
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First, we give credit to the "History of Wesley's 134 Years Planning Committee" lasting members, Sis. Ruby Stevens and Sis. Della Jackson. We acknowledge their resources (John Brown's book and other members of Wesley), and their hard work in uncovering our church's history.
In 1880, the Mississippi Conference showed a decline in membership. A probable result of the Negro exodus north. From 1879 to 1880 the membership declined 13%. In the midst of the decline a new congregation was started, Wesley United Methodist Church in Kosciusko. The first pastor was Rev. Marcus Nevils, 1880-1882. The congregation held together until a church was built in 1881. The site chosen was perhaps the highest hill in Kosciusko near the downtown area.
In 1957, the old church was torn down, and the present church building was constructed under the administration of Rev. Benjamin F. Harper, Sr.
Pastors Who Have Served
Wesley United Methodist Church
Anjohnette Gibbs-Walton 2019-
Roosevelt Gage 2017-2019
Clinton Gipson 2015-2017
A. J. Murray 2013-2015
Selber McShepard 2012-2013
David McCoy 2009-2012
A. L. Johnson 2006-2009
Shelby Singleton 2004-2006
Willie Young 2001-2004
Victoria S.T. Baldwin 1996-2001
Marjorie Walker 1995-1996
Leon Collier 1992-1995
Jerry Norris 1989-1992
Embra Jackson 1986-1989
S. J. Richards 1983-1986
Richmond E. Stoglin 1982
Dwight Prowell 1980-1981
Joe M. May 1978-1979
Rogers Walker 1973-1977
Roosevelt Young 1972
B. F. Harper, Sr. 1956-1971
E. I. Shannon 1953-1955
W. M. Bankhead 1951-1952
B. W. Shaw 1950
B. H. Ashford 1945-1949
D. T. Jackson 1942-1944
W. N. Redmond, Sr. 1937-1941
J. L. King 1933-1936
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J. P. Watson 1927-1932
C. V. Heffner 1924-1926
G. M. Chisom 1922-1923
W. H. H. Murrell 1920-1921
C. E. Moody 1918-1919
J. W. Winbush 1916-1917
L. F. White 1914-1915
F. J. Talbert 1912-1913
D. W. Crump 1911
T. W. Davis 1910
D. M. P. Hazley 1909
T. W. Davis 1908
D. W. Bragg 1907
M. C. McEwen 1905-1906
W. M. Campbell 1902-1904
B. S. Bowie 1900-1901
W. M. Roberts 1898-1899
A. W. Wright 1896-1897
D. Green 1893-1895
F. H. Bunton 1892
J. M. Nevils 1891
S. H. Nevils 1889-1890
G. A. Griffin 1887-1888
W. M. Parks 1885-1886
C. L. Crump 1883-1884
Marcus Nevils 1880-1882