The Wesleyville United Methodist Church has been around for 213 years and remains very active today.  When your town is named after John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement around the world, you better believe that the local Methodist church has played an important role in the community.  Hosting a monthly food pantry is just one example of community service that the church has provided in its 213 year history.

"We're trying to support families and children and make sure people are taken care of and are free,” says Pastor Deb Rogosky.  

The Wesleyville United Methodist Church was founded in 1810.  The first church building is long gone, but a cemetery remains on that property just off Buffalo Road.  Another church was built in 1828.  It also is gone, but it left behind a lot of history. The church was a stop on the Underground Railroad.  Church members hid escaped slaves in the rafters.

"There was a story that the preacher was all fired-up and said, 'Do I hear an Amen?’ And they heard 'Amen' from the sky so to speak,” said Pastor Deb with a laugh.

The church had its own Carry Nation in the temperance days of the early 1900s.  It was the pastor's wife.  She led a group of women that attacked the local bar with axes and hatchets.   

Debbie Speice isn't that hard core.  She directs the Community Life Program which includes providing summer lunches to neighborhood kids.  All are welcome.

"It's just so exciting to see everyone working together and knowing each other. That they have a place to come where they're known and people are waiting to see them,” says Debbie.  

Most of the church programs take place in the 50-year old Wesley Center, across the street from the church. Emy Dougan has attended the Wesleyville U.M. Church all her life and organizes programs for seniors.

"This building is in use practically every single day and/or night of the week,” she says.
 
Another building, called the Wesley House, is being torn down after serving the church for many years.  In its place will be a beautiful green space that, you guessed it, the entire community can enjoy.

"This church is very exciting historically,” says Pastor Deb.  “And if it was exciting historically, can you imagine how the future can be?"

The church will soon be launching a fund raising campaign to raise money for current and future projects.  The goal is $70,000.