Wesley Memorial's History

Wesley Memorial Enters Fortieth Year in 2013

     This Year will mark Wesley Memorial's fortieth year in Chester.  The church was established in 1973, during the ministry of the Reverend Larry Jenkins.  The current church building was finished in 1977.

     Originally, Wesley Memorial was two churches. St. James and Eureka Methodist Church, each of which had a long history of ministry in Chester.  Facing the change of the neighborhoods around them and the prospect of declining membership, both voted to merge. The merger birthed Wesley Memorial.  Originally the church met in the old St. James building, until the building was sold, and then in the Old Eureka building, until construction of the new sanctuary was finished.

     After the Reverend Larry Jenkins, other ministers serving the Wesley Memorial/Bethlehem Charge included: Rev. Kenneth Bobo, Mr. Buster Scruggs, Rev. Dr. Bob Monson, Rev. John Bauknight, Rev. Olene Civils, Rev. Paul Cheezem, Rev. Bill Heustess, and Rev. Hilton Johnson.

     Serving the Wesley/Heath Charge included the Rev. Bob Dunn (2001-2006), Rev. Hope Avins (2006-2008) and Rev. Joanne Lockard-Hawkins (2008-2010).
       Former Pastors at Wesley (L to R) Joanne Lockard-Hawkins, Hope Avins, Bob Dunn, Bill Heustess, Paul Cheezem, Olene Civils
                                

   Our current pastor is The Reverend Arthur D. Vick, Jr., serving Wesley Memorial since July 2010.    

The Reverend Arthur D. Vick, Jr. -- I was born on October 18, 1950 in Rock Hill, S.C. and spent most of my life there until eighteen years of age at which time in my life I became A United Methodist. After graduation from high school, I entered the United States Air Force, serving four years with a tour of duty overseas. I also served twelve years in the United States Army Reserve. I am currently employed with the City of Rock Hill as a waste water operator and due to retire October 18 of this year. My mother, father, sister, and rest of the family reside in Rock Hill.

Margaret and I have five grown children, eleven grand-children, and three great-grand-children. Our lives revolve around church, friends, and family. Margaret has one brother who lives in Florida, a sister-in-law, three niece's and two nephew's. We also have triplet great nieces, two great niece's and four great nephew's.

God has blessed me in a lot of different ways, but his true blessing came to me when I was called to be a servant of his word at the age of fifty-three. Margaret and I are truly looking forward to being a part of Wesley Memorial UMC and all those who come there to worship. July fourth will be the beginning of a new journey for all of us.

God's Blessings,
Arthur and Margaret