James E. Booher, Associate Comptroller of the Prudential Insurance Company, donated a tract of approximately three acres of land on State Route 202 between Needmore and Fishburg Road to the Dayton District Methodist Union in 1957. The donation was in memory of his father, Ernest Booher, who had been very active in the Ohmer Park Methodist Church in Dayton and had died in 1945.

On May 17, 1959, representatives of 11 interested families met with Rev. Robert B. Weaver, District Superintendent, to lay the groundwork for a new church. Rev. William C. Wright was appointed pastor on June 13, 1959 at the Ohio Annual Conference at Lakeside, Ohio. On June 21, 1959, the Huber Heights Methodist Church (later to be named Aldersgate) became a reality. Rev. Weaver officially constituted the new church at its formal worship service at Bath Presbyterian Church with 62 persons in attendance.

A milestone in the life of the church and the entire Wayne Township Community was the official opening service in the beautiful new Aldersgate Methodist Church on Old Troy Pike at Powell Road on August 5, 1962. Approximately 300 attended the opening service and cornerstone laying at 7:00 p.m.. As stated in the Community Times, the Huber Heights newspaper, "The modern features of the new church combine beauty, simplicity, and usefulness in breathtaking fusion."   Rev. Kenneth F. Clark, Jr., appointed in June 1960, conducted the service and with the congregation offered praise and thanksgiving to God and asked help "to accept the privilege and responsibility of the fellowship of faith."

In April, 1965, Rev. Darrel Loar was appointed to Aldersgate. Later that year, Aldersgate negotiated with Huber Homes to purchase a home adjacent to church property. On May 21, 1967 an Open House was held at that home, the new parsonage, located at 4536 Powell Road.

The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged in 1968. The May 12, 1968 bulletin used "United" Methodist Church for the first time. In October 1968, Rev. Ken Rebok, who had accepted the position of Youth Minister, assisted in the morning worship. October also saw the Charter Service for the United Methodist Women (formally called Women's Society of Christian Service). Rev. Warren R. Powell became Aldersgate's minister in June of 1969 and served until the appointment of Rev. Roy E. Wigal in June 1974.

On October 29, 1979 a Charge Conference was held. At that time, the people voted to move forward with new building plans. In order to reach everyone with the message of the church's financial needs, the "Pony Express" pledge campaign was off and running. Immediately following the worship service on August 17, 1980, a ground-breaking ceremony was held, followed by a potluck dinner. The United Methodist Women took on the job of equipping the new kitchen by selling "bricks". Upon completion of the addition, a Consecration Service was held on April 12, 1981. Bishop Dwight E. Loder of the West Ohio Conference was guest minister for the Consecration Service and Rev. Elwood Rose, Superintendent of the Dayton North District, was a guest. The new office complex, fellowship hall, kitchen, parlor and classroom were ready to use.

Rev. James A. Trainer came to Aldersgate in October 1983 followed by Rev. Carl V. Vorpe in 1985. Rev. Vorpe retired in June 1996 and Rev. Allen L. Puffenberger was appointed. Rev. David Stephens came in early 1998. Our current pastor, Rev. John Wagner joined us early in July 2004.

Aldersgate is a loving, caring, and friendly church. Its members are always willing to help... whether it's making church repairs, providing food for a needy family, supporting mission work, praying for people, or helping someone feel welcome at a worship service. Aldersgate United Methodist Church remains a viable force in the community, dedicated to the glory of God and the furtherance of His kingdom.

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